Brooklyn Family June 2012 Features Columns 8 TTYL, Mom! 6 Mommy 101 When Should Your Kid Get a Cellphone? by Angelica Seradova by Risa C

Needs GuideJune 2012 Brooklyn SpecialFREE Family Where Every Child Matters Mobile mania Are they old enough for their own cell phone?

Brand new father Surviving the first weeks

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Brooklyn Family June 2012 Features columns 8 TTYL, Mom! 6 Mommy 101 When should your kid get a cellphone? By Angelica Seradova By Risa C. Doherty 18 Healthy Living 10 Planning a perfect play date by Danielle Sullivan Follow these rules to make sure you and your little one have a great time 34 Death by Children By Chris Garlington By Alexandra Espinall 12 By the book 38 Ask an Attorney The Ezra Jack Keats bookmaking competition By Alison Arden Besunder, Esq. encourages art and literacy in public schools 40 Good Sense Eating By Laura Varoscak-DeInnocentiis by Christine M. Palumbo, RD 14 Unraveling the mystery of colic 42 Divorce & Separation Researchers find link to migraine-suffering moms By Lee Chabin, Esq. By KiKi Bochi 46 Growing Up Online 16 Getting pregnant by Carolyn Jabs One woman’s five-year-long struggle to conceive By Sandra Gordon 48 Our Relationships 20 Heads up By Joan Emerson, PhD What you should know about brain injuries and 50 The Book Worm concussions By Terri Schlichenmeyer By KiKi Bochi 54 Family Journal 22 Less stress, but more effective By Robert Morton Book offers new treatment program to kids with ASD 56 Family Health BY Joanna DelBuono By Dr. Pramod Narula, MD 24 A time of transitions 58 Parents Helping Parents Helping your special-needs child prepare for the by Sharon C. Peters end of school By Rebecca McKee 60 Lions and Tigers and Teens By Myrna Beth Haskell 26 Summer’s golden opportunity How camps can support the social development 62 A Teen’s Take of kids with special needs By Aglaia Ho By Brian Faughnan 72 It Figures 32 Brand new dad By Cynthia Washam Surviving the first weeks of parenthood 74 New & Noteworthy By Tim Perrins The hottest new products 36 Learning on the job One mom’s helpful tips for teens seeking summer employment calendar of events By Allison Plitt 65 Going Places 44 Believing in miracles Take the family out and find out what’s Making a difference with the Miracle Project going on in your town By Aaron Feinstein 52 Batter up! special section The Bronx Museum of Art exhibit features history of baseball in the Bronx 28 Special Needs Directory By Tammy Scileppi and Susan Weiss

June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 3 Letter from the publisher Congrats to our grads!

know that during and with nostalgia, we is paramount and that our children their proof that they have completed this month many often conjure the vision need to “aim high.” another level on the steps to adult- I of you will have the of that baby we had, We must be there along the way, hood and its inherent responsibili- honor of attending the that little toddler, that to encourage, assist, tutor, and ad- ties. Snap your photos as we all do, graduation of perhaps youngster who first vise. There is little doubt that our but also take the time to really look your preschooler, your bawled, then crawled, job is ongoing, and that education at the ritual, to really look at your high school student, or then stood on its own begins at home, in the womb, in the child and at all his friends, also mov- maybe even your uni- two feet and took off, nursery, in the house, and that we ing up, who you also have watched versity daughter or son. away from us and to- are the first and foremost teachers grow to this point. Then, congrat- I know what you will wards the indepen- of our children. We set the tone, we ulate yourself as you congratulate be feeling. I have been there myself dence we knew was coming and had create the priorities. We either give them. It is your achievement as well many times, and each time, although trained it for. them confidence and direction or as theirs. It’s a huge job to be a good I think I am prepared emotionally, I There is truly nothing like it, noth- we don’t and they flounder. It is not parent. I know. am overwhelmed with waves of tear- ing at all that can match that feeling someone else’s job. It is ours. Our Have a great month. Thanks for ful joy and amazement. of pride and of completion, that in children will only succeed if they are reading. I am amazed at how quickly the spite of obstacles, the work has been encouraged from the beginning by time has passed and joyous at the done and your child has matricu- us, their parents, and informed from juncture and at the achievement of lated and is moving up. In this day the start that success in every way is my child. Proudly we watch as they of overwhelming competition and their destiny. graduate to yet another plateau, an- vocational uncertainty, there is little Congratulations to all of you who other level in their development and doubt that graduations are neces- in these weeks will sit and watch Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher journey in this life experience. Sadly sary; that continuing to be educated your children collect their diplomas, [email protected]

Staff contact information

Publisher / executive editor: advertising: Web or Print address Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG Publisher / business Manager: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor sales Manager / advertising: Brooklyn, NY 11201 Sharon Noble circulation (718) 260-8336 www.NYParenting.com sPecial adMinistrative assistant: [email protected] Tina Felicetti sales rePs: Lori Falco, Sharon Leverett, editorial Stephanie Stellaccio, Jay Pelc (718) 260-4554 art director: Leah Mitch [email protected] Production director: On Man Tse layout Manager: Yvonne Farley The acceptance of advertising by New York Join the conversation on Facebook. Parenting Media does not constitute an endorse- Web designer: Sylvan Migdal New York Parenting Media has been recognized ment of the products, services or information for editorial and design excellence by PPA. graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, being advertised. We do not knowingly present Charlotte Carter, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer any products or services that are fraudu lent or New York Parenting Media is published monthly misleading in nature. by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Editorial inquiries, calendar information, adver- Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli Parenting Media in whole or part without writ- tising rates and schedules and subscription re- ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. assistant editor: Courtney Donahue quests may be addressed to New York Parenting All rights reserved. Copyright©2012 Readership: th coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis Media, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Floor, 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. calendar editor: Joanna Del Buono New York Parenting Media can also be reached contributing Writers: by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing family@ Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, cnglocal.com or by visiting our website, Laura Varoscak, Mary Carroll Wininger NYParenting.com. 4 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Letter from the publisher Congrats to our grads! know that during and with nostalgia, we is paramount and that our children their proof that they have completed this month many often conjure the vision need to “aim high.” another level on the steps to adult- I of you will have the of that baby we had, We must be there along the way, hood and its inherent responsibili- honor of attending the that little toddler, that to encourage, assist, tutor, and ad- ties. Snap your photos as we all do, graduation of perhaps youngster who first vise. There is little doubt that our but also take the time to really look your preschooler, your bawled, then crawled, job is ongoing, and that education at the ritual, to really look at your high school student, or then stood on its own begins at home, in the womb, in the child and at all his friends, also mov- maybe even your uni- two feet and took off, nursery, in the house, and that we ing up, who you also have watched versity daughter or son. away from us and to- are the first and foremost teachers grow to this point. Then, congrat- I know what you will wards the indepen- of our children. We set the tone, we ulate yourself as you congratulate be feeling. I have been there myself dence we knew was coming and had create the priorities. We either give them. It is your achievement as well many times, and each time, although trained it for. them confidence and direction or as theirs. It’s a huge job to be a good I think I am prepared emotionally, I There is truly nothing like it, noth- we don’t and they flounder. It is not parent. I know. am overwhelmed with waves of tear- ing at all that can match that feeling someone else’s job. It is ours. Our Have a great month. Thanks for ful joy and amazement. of pride and of completion, that in children will only succeed if they are reading. I am amazed at how quickly the spite of obstacles, the work has been encouraged from the beginning by time has passed and joyous at the done and your child has matricu- us, their parents, and informed from juncture and at the achievement of lated and is moving up. In this day the start that success in every way is my child. Proudly we watch as they of overwhelming competition and their destiny. graduate to yet another plateau, an- vocational uncertainty, there is little Congratulations to all of you who other level in their development and doubt that graduations are neces- in these weeks will sit and watch Susan Weiss-Voskidis, Publisher journey in this life experience. Sadly sary; that continuing to be educated your children collect their diplomas, [email protected] Gan Inc. Summer Camp Staff contact information in 2 locations

Publisher / executive editor: advertising: Web or Print address Accepting Susan Weiss (718) 260-4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG ACD & HRA Ages 1- 6 Publisher / business Manager: [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North Vouchers Clifford Luster [email protected] 10th Floor •• LicensedLicensed TeachersTeachers sales Manager / advertising: Brooklyn, NY 11201 circulation •• IndividualIndividual AttentionAttention Sharon Noble AGES 5-14 (718) 260-8336 www.NYParenting.com •• KosherKosher MealsMeals sPecial adMinistrative assistant: • 9:00am - 4:15pm [email protected] •• OverOver 1414 YearsYears OfOf ExperienceExperience Tina Felicetti • Early Drop Off From 7:30am sales rePs: Lori Falco, Sharon Leverett, editorial •• Quality,Quality, Safety,Safety, EducationalEducational Stephanie Stellaccio, Jay Pelc (718) 260-4554 • Late Pick-Up Until 7:00pm •• ExtendedExtended HoursHours && art director: Leah Mitch [email protected] • Transportation Available TransportationTransportation AvailableAvailable Production director: On Man Tse • Fully Licensed & Insured •• OutdoorOutdoor PlaygroundPlayground layout Manager: Yvonne Farley The acceptance of advertising by New York Join the conversation on Facebook. •• IndoorIndoor GymnasiumGymnasium Parenting Media does not constitute an endorse- New York Parenting Media has been recognized •• VouchersVouchers AcceptedAccepted Web designer: Sylvan Migdal ment of the products, services or information for editorial and design excellence by PPA. •• FunFun ,, Music,Music, ArtsArts && CraftCraft graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, being advertised. We do not knowingly present JUNE 28, 2012 - AUGUST 17, 2012 New York Parenting Media is published monthly Charlotte Carter, Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer any products or services that are fraudu lent or Trips, Extended Days, Overnights, •• WaterWater PlayPlay misleading in nature. by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription INCLUDES: rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Swimming (off site), Lunch & Snack Daily, Editorial inquiries, calendar information, adver- Parenting Media in whole or part without writ- Still a few places available for Summer Camp 2012 Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli tising rates and schedules and subscription re- Arts & Crafts, Music, Dance, Karate, Baking, ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. Drama Club, Sports & More! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SCHOOL YEAR assistant editor: Courtney Donahue quests may be addressed to New York Parenting All rights reserved. Copyright©2012 Readership: Registration th coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis Media, One Metrotech Center North, 10 Floor, 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. 2012 - 2013 Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. Is Now calendar editor: Joanna Del Buono 9502 Seaview Ave. New York Parenting Media can also be reached OPEN!! Brooklyn College contributing Writers: by calling (718) 250-4554, emailing family@ 2901 CAMPUS ROAD 2901 Campus Rd., Brooklyn, NY 11210 Brooklyn, NY 11236 Risa Doherty, Allison Plitt, Candi Sparks, cnglocal.com or by visiting our website, 718-968-7575 Laura Varoscak, Mary Carroll Wininger NYParenting.com. 718-338-7575 June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 5 Parenting The social network Mom seeks balance between friends and family

omething crazy happens after It’s understood that once you be- were that obnoxious couple at the you have a child. Well, actually, come a parent, your priorities change. wedding asking everyone where the S a lot of craziness happens, but Yes, I get that. But even after I’ve pu- after-party was. I’m talking about what happens to reed my daughter’s baby food, done Don’t judge me. Before I had my your relationships. You remember, her laundry, played with her, chatted daughter, I never understood why mommy 101 your friends? with my husband, made dinner (oc- some of our friends always wanted angelica seradova When I was pre-baby, I had a casionally), I still want to make time to stay out so late. What’s wrong somewhat active social life; din- for my friends. It’s because of my new with them? Don’t they know when ner after work with friends, happy priorities that my rare friend time is to go home?! I now realize that they, hour on Fridays with co-workers, even more special. too, had children, and they were en- and date night with my husband, Let me tell you, I am the first joying their big night out. which usually included meeting up one to respond to any invite these I’m not eager to get away, because with other couples. I got invited to days. Girls night? I’m in. Brunch? I’m a stressed-out mom or because places and events. I got to pick and See you there. Recently, my husband I’m looking to escape my motherly choose where I wanted to go, how I and I attended a wedding. We had duties, but because I want to hold wanted to spend my time, and with a babysitter (thanks, Mom!) for the onto my identity as much as pos- whom. There was a healthy balance night and planned on staying out all sible. Going from child-free to new between me-time, friend-time, and night long (read: after midnight). I mom is a lot to take in. I understand family-time. visited the open bar often, and we that a lot of mothers (myself included) feel overwhelmed when they take a step back and see how everything has changed dramatically after having a baby. Happy moms make for happy babies, right? It’s because I’ve managed to hold onto a piece of my pre-baby self that I am, for the most part, a sane mother. It’s this same attitude that has made my transition back to work a lot easier than I expected. I had mentally prepared myself for the separation anxiety (mine, not hers) that would surely come once Olivia started daycare. But, rather asham- edly, I haven’t felt any guilt yet. When I’m at work, I’m engaged, and I look forward to going home to my baby. When I’m home, it’s all about her. Nowadays, the party invites aren’t coming in like they used to, although Olivia has some to attend soon. But, maybe my friends are busier with their priorities, too. That’s life. On the occasion that I am spending time with friends, I treasure that quality time, because the truth is, these moments are few and far between. I can’t get up and go anymore, and I have to think about somebody else before I accept an invitation to do anything. I’m struggling to hold onto my friendships so hard. Will it get worse if I decide to have more children? Will my children be my new BFFs? That wouldn’t be so terrible, of course. But it would be terrible if I didn’t even make time for my friends.

6 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 ¸

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 7 Technology TTYL, Mom! When should By Risa C. DoheRty t what age should a child your kid get a get a cellphone? Experts A say that because children mature at varying rates and han- cellphone? dle responsibility differently, there shouldn’t be a set age. Yet it is surprising there are some second and third graders getting Smart- phones, and, although it is not yet the norm, there is a definite trend of parents equipping their wee counterparts with the latest of everything. Child-rearing gurus we spoke with say that there are important steps a parent can take to make sure their child is ready to handle the responsibility of having a cellphone of their own. The trend “Parents are providing kids with more and more privileges and pos- sessions at younger and younger ages,” says clinical psychologist driving or went to college; my 21 book, “Generation Text — Raising Dr. Michael Osit. Most kids who year old got his at the end of eighth Well Adjusted Kids In An Age of are now in their late 20s received grade, and my 18-year-old daughter Instant Everything,” Osit addresses their cellphones when they started had one in sixth. A local PTA presi- concerns over immediate gratifica- dent tells me that now, “the last tion, which results in a failure to holdouts receive their phones by develop necessary coping mecha- Family cellphone contracts sixth grade.” nisms in adulthood. Osit calls it “social and acqui- Several parents I spoke with Here are some possible pro- ness to parent contact sition acceleration” and tells me were apprehensive that their chil- visions for your children if you • N o downloading from the “many kids are not ready for the dren would feel left out without a choose to make a family cell- web, dialing toll-free numbers, or privilege.” He is concerned that cellphone. Osit agrees with this phone contract: posting photos or videos without a child who receives a privilege concern over social marginaliza- • Compliance with school rules parental permission too early will be making increas- tion — within limits. He explains, or school-wide ban • N o t sending hurtful, harass- ingly grandiose demands as he gets “If you don’t provide your 15 year • U s a g e limited to specific ing, or threatening texts older. old with a texting plan, he will be hours (cellphone curfew) • Requirement to pay charges Early acquiescence to inappro- out of the loop when it comes to • Required prompt responsive- exceeding the monthly fee priate demands can set the tone maintaining peer relationships and for future entitlement issues. In his making plans to get together.”

8 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 When are they ready? ccording to the • H ow responsible is clinical psy- your child? not a right,” he says. New York Is there a need? A chologist Dr. • H ow mature is City banned cellphones in public Lori Hiller, a school social worker Michael Osit, au- he? schools in 2006. in Brooklyn, believes that kids thor of “Generation Top • D o e s he follow “Parents need to be specific should get cellphones when they Text — Raising Well the rules, particu- about what is appropriate and what start to travel alone, which can be Adjusted Kids in an Tips larly with other elec- is not,” says Osit. “Cellphones are as young as fourth grade, but that Age of Instant Every- tronics (computer, In- not needed during homework; they children who are constantly chap- thing,” parents should ternet, video games)? should be in the parents’ posses- eroned do not need them. She cau- ask themselves the follow- • H ow adept is your sion or turned off at that time.” tions that younger children do not ing questions to determine the child at social decision making? He also tells parents to take need BlackBerries or iPhones, but best age at which to get their • I s your child easily influenced away the phone for a few days if that parents might want their chil- kids a cellphone: by peer pressure? the rules are broken, and return it dren to have texting ability, since with the proviso that the rules will texts can often be easier to receive be adhered to in the future. than calls. with games and videos. Is it no reached, thereby forcing their chil- In my family, a cellphone had Cellphones are also a conve- wonder that kids want their own? dren to rely on their own resources been used for 3 am conversations nience for the parents, so they to make reasonable age-appropri- on school nights, and thereafter can call kids to come outside for Too close for ate decisions, without using their spent every night on the kitchen pick-up, stay connected with their comfort? parents as a crutch. table unused after a set hour. tweens elsewhere in the mall, or Despite her acceptance of cell- Some parents refuse to do that, In an effort to set down rules text kids behind closed doors phones for kids, as “a but I personally like being out of for their kids, some creative Long about dinner. (Yes, I do that.) normal part of ado- touch for a bit, as long as my Island parents drafted family cell- Lenore Skenazy, lescence,” Skenazy, kids know where I am in a true phone contracts based on forms a Queens mom and author of “Free emergency. Not only can the cell- found online. They require the syndicated colum- Range Kids,” has phone enable children to become child and the parents to comply nist, explained to me concerns, too. too attached, but one New Jersey with different sets of expectations, that her kids wanted many of which limit the child’s cellphones to arrange usage, but some of which require meetings with their “Cellphones are so embedded in the parent not to unnecessarily in- friends in the park. Lan- vade his child’s privacy. dlines are insufficient our culture that they are like a third Osit also believes that parents for most kids, because should tell their children that they they keep their friends’ appendage for kids. It is the only will occasionally check the child’s contact numbers in their text messages, mindful of the “trust cellphones. world they know.” issue,” yet more concerned with Most parents seem to safety and inappropriate behavior. feel that a cellphone is Parents can also purchase helpful, so they can keep “If they mother confided in me that her “starter phones,” or phones de- tabs on their children or be lose them, kids “have a longer leash with a signed especially for younger chil- reached in an emergency. they only neurotic mother,” as she has a con- dren, which come with navigation Others consider a cellphone have so stant need to be sure that they are systems for tracking and parental a safety device, because they much earning power to safe. controls, so the child cannot text know their children can deter pay you back,” she says. Teens have complained that par- or surf the Internet. In this way, the a possible abductor by taking a More importantly, Skenazy warns ents who shadow their every step child can stay connected with the photo. that a cellphone can become “the and constantly track them by navi- parent, without worrying about in- Still, “[kids] want it for the world’s longest umbilical cord,” im- gation systems are stalkerish. Par- appropriate use or loss of a pricey games,” one mother told me. And, peding a child’s growth toward in- ents need to be wary of the fine phone. cellphone society beckons to them dependence. Kids with cellphones line between monitoring for safety Cellphones are inanimate tools. constantly. often call parents to help them and demonstrating a total lack of In the hands of responsible tweens “Cellphones are so embedded make basic decisions, which they confidence in their children, and and teens, they can be a wonderful in our culture that they are like a should be making on their own. slowly permit their children more means of communication and con- third appendage for kids. It is the “It can create a sense of depen- autonomy. nection with parents, peers, and only world they know,” says Osit. dency and undermine a child’s self- the outside world. But, they can Well before they get their own confidence,” says East Hills Elemen- Set & enforce rules be instruments for cyber-bullying, phones, young children can recite tary School psychologist Christine Osit notes that the pervasive- cheating, or any number of dan- texting acronyms, mimicking their Flanagan. ness of cellphones in our lives can gerous and unsuitable behaviors. favorite TV characters. Skenazy agrees. cause adults to reach hasty conclu- Before we invite our children to Kids notice that adults are “cell “Kids need some self-determina- sions, as “parents tend to assume join us in this fast-paced global addicted,” as Skenazy says, and tion at some point,” she says. “By their child knows proper use of it.” electronic world, it is our responsi- they want to be part of the con- the time they are 10, for example, To the contrary, he has been privy bility to be sure they are prepared, versation, literally and figuratively. kids should know to eat if they are to “horror stories” of unacceptable well-mannered, and safe. Moreover, most of us have wit- hungry.” use by children and teens. Accord- Risa C. Doherty is a freelance writer nessed parents handing their own She even suggests that parents ingly, he encourages parents to es- and attorney with a cellphone family cellphones to their infants and tod- leave their cellphones home oc- tablish rules for phone use. plan. Read more at www.risadoherty. dlers in public, to distract them casionally, so that they cannot be “The cellphone is a privilege — com.

June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 9 Parenting Planning a perfect

day. You have a life to get back to. One hour for the first date is fine — as you get to know each other, you can slightly increase the time. Make sure the pick-up time is play date clear to the other parent. Some think this is a baby-sitting service By AlexAndrA espinAll if her child has any food allergies. and will leave you with their kid for Follow these You wouldn’t want to bring some hours — so having a phone number s my daughter, Ali, and I strawberries and have the other is a good idea. If the play date is at rules to make walked home from school, child watch as yours finishes them their house, make sure that you are A three weeks into first grade, alone. If the play date is at your on time for the pick-up. she said to me, “I made a new friend. home, have some coffee or tea for Keep in mind: play dates are not sure you and Her name is Hannah; she wants to the other parent and vice versa: if for parents. Unless you are invited have a play date.” you are invited, bring a snack. to stay, don’t. I once had a mom Play date. I had heard of them • S p e a k to your child about man- drop her daughter off then settle your little before, but since Ali is my oldest ners. Good afternoon, please, thank into my couch and ask for some- child, this was the first time I was you, etc. Explain to her that she is thing to eat. She stayed for three one have a actually asked to plan one. In my a guest in her friend’s home, and hours, and I had to entertain her day, I would just run down the block the entire time. (I now pretend I’m to my friend’s house, and my mom in a rush when I see her and have great time would whistle from the front porch never invited her child back to my when it was time to come back. I house again.) have planned two-day conferences • Kids and cars. I, personally, do at work, put together dinner par- not want my child in anyone else’s ties and hosted events, so how car. Some people don’t mind. Be- hard could a play date be? fore you decide to run errands with I called the child’s mom, extra little ones in tow, make sure and we decided to meet at the you have the other parent’s permis- park (which was a lot better than sion, and let her know how you feel having to clean my house, so they about your kids getting in her car. I wouldn’t see the mess). dropped my younger daughter off Believe it or not, there are actu- one time at her friend’s house and ally rules to follow to make sure when I picked her up two hours you and your little one have a great later, I found out she had been all play date — and save yourself from over town, running errands with being the family that people talk her friend and her mom — without about. her booster seat! They even went • Tr y and meet to Queens to pick up a fam- somewhere neu- ily member. Needless to tral for the first say, after speaking to time. A park, li- the other parent, I never brary story time, a she must behave. No running sent her there again. walk, or a kid-friendly or screaming inside, and when The most important thing café are great public the play date is over, she must help is that your child learns how to places to meet, so you can clean up. interact positively with other chil- get to know the other parent before • Sharing can sometimes become dren and play. After a while, you she comes into your home. an issue, especially with little ones, will get the hang of play dates, and • B e on time. I’m sure your child so be prepared. If there are some then you can start reading articles will be counting down the minutes toys that are very special to your to prepare yourself for when your in anticipation, and so will her new child, or expensive collectables that little angel begins to go on real friend, so don’t make the children, shouldn’t be played with, put them dates. and the other parent, suffer by being away. Be aware that you will even- Alexandra Espinal lives in East New tardy. (It’s also a good time to teach tually run into another parent who York, Brooklyn, where she is a mom to your child how to tell time.) hasn’t learned to share and doesn’t two girls, a dog named Chellita, a cat • Bring a snack. Always make sure think her child should, either. named Feathers, and a bearded dragon to ask the other parent beforehand • A play date should not last all named Sandy.

10 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Summer Day Camps Children of all Faiths & Ethnic Backgrounds are Welcome Register Now! Entering Kindergarten Entering 5th th th NEW THIS SUMMER: Through 4 Grade Through 9 Grade Dual Language Groups • Elementary Day Camp • Movin’ On Travel Camp (Hebrew/English) Full Day program. On-site Swimming, active outdoor Five days of trips. sports, arts & crafts, nature, gymnastics & music. Two overnights, mature, at Elementary Day Camp Trips in & around NYC. qualified staff. For Elementary, Keshet Groups & Travel Camp Call: Bobbie Finklestein at: 718-768-3814 x210 274 Garfield Place, Park Slope, Brooklyn • www.congregationbethelohim.org

June 2012 • BROOKLYN FaMiLY 11 around town

By the book By Laura Varoscak- 1963, he started the Ezra The Ezra DeInnocentIIs Jack Keats Foundation to support art and literacy Jack Keats zra Jack Keats is one in public schools and li- of our most beloved braries. bookmaking E and influential chil- After he died, he left the dren’s book authors and royalties of his books to illustrators. In 1962, his the foundation. Among its competition groundbreaking book, “The many programs, including Snowy Day,” introduced Minigrants and the Ezra encourages multiculturalism into main- Jack Keats Book Award, stream children’s literature the foundation (in part- and captured the hearts of nership with the city De- art and readers all over the world. partment of Education) Today, third- to 12th-grade Pages from the winning books: (clockwise from top left) sponsors the annual com- literacy in students are encouraged “Rebirth, New York,” “Tyler Learns How To Tie His Shoes,” petition. to write and illustrate their “Detour to 1938.” This year marks the public schools own stories through the competition’s 26th year. Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Com- Yet, Keats continued to draw and All third to 12th graders enrolled petition. paint, encouraged by his teach- in New York City public school pro- Born in Brooklyn in 1916, Keats ers and librarians. Keats was first grams are invited to participate. and his family lived in an East New recognized and honored for his Students are supervised by teach- York tenement for most of his child- artistic talent when he was a young ers or librarians, but are required hood. Exposed to poverty and anti- boy when his school presented to complete 100 percent of the work Semitism, he understood what it him with a small pewter medal, themselves. felt like to be an outsider, and this which he treasured until his death Deborah Pope, executive direc- social isolation became a common in 1983. tor of the Ezra Jack Keats Founda- theme in his work. The medal did not have signifi- tion, explains the value of book- Growing up, he used art as a cant monetary value, but it was making in schools. means of escape and learned that meaningful to Keats. It reminded “Creating books advances cur- his talent could help him overcome him that he and his work mattered. riculum, making it come alive for obstacles in life. Despite Keats’s Keats appreciated the early sup- the kids,” says Pope. “It becomes passion, his father discouraged port he received and wanted to something that lives and breathes him from pursuing a career in art, give back by providing all children and encourages young people to terrified that his son would starve. with opportunities to succeed. In read.”

12 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 One hundred twenty-five young They looked for excellence in was a feeling of pride after accom- writers and artists worked on their art and writing, a strong connec- plishing such rewarding work. books for three months before sub- tion between picture and text, and “If you work hard enough and mitting them to the jury for review. originality. long enough and give it all you got,” The judging panel, a group of local The four books chosen as the says seventh-grade winner Anne educators, librarians, artists, and city-wide winners on April 26 vary Wang. “You will achieve something scholars, enjoyed reading these in subject, style, genre, and art- great.” handmade books covering a wide istry, but they were all created in For info on how to make books with variety of subjects, ranging from Keats’s spirit — beautifully illus- your child, visit www.ezra-jack-keats. the adventures of macaroni-and- trated stories that speak to readers org/we-love-books/. For a complete list cheese superheroes to the ravages in clear, simple language with com- of winners, visit www.brooklynpublicli- of war. The judges collected books passion, humor, hope, and truth. brary.org/sites/default/files/files/pdf/ shaped like fans, folded into ori- All four city-wide winners were events/ejk/Ezra_Jack_Keats_Book- gami, and decorated with flip-ups awarded a $500 prize and a medal, making_Competition_Winners_with_ A page from “Arrows and the Butterfly” and pop-ups. but the greatest gift they received annotations%20and%20HM.pdf.

Detour to 1938 Tyler Learns How To by Shelley Polanco, fourth Tie His Shoes grade (winner in third-to- by Deidre Darius, 11th grade fifth grade category) (winner in the ninth-to-12th PS/IS 333, The Museum School in grade category) the Bronx LaGuardia High School in Including herself as the main char- Manhattan acter, Polanco created a fun, interac- Darius’s art teacher assigned tive literary experience that teaches a bookmaking project for her ad- a wide audience about an important vanced illustration class. When the hero in history. In a dream sequence, students brainstormed ideas, half she goes back in time and encounters joking, Darius proposed writing a a young Martin book on how to tie shoes, since her Luther King, Jr., laces always come undone. who wants to Her teacher acknowledged her grow up to be a open laces and famous jazz mu- showed her a sician instead few shoe-tying of a political leader a glimpse of major life-chang- tricks. can relate to. In it, a boy walks figure. With the ing events based on his work, in- Then, Dar- down the street and trips over his use of modern cluding an introduction to our first ius got busy shoelaces. technology, African-American president. In the with markers, The book offers step-by-step in- like the Inter- end, Polanco convinces the young pen and ink to structions to help the boy — and net and a tab- boy to listen to her advice and stay create a story the reader — learn to tie. Real let, she gives the future focused in his fight for civil rights. all readers shoelaces are included.

Rebirth, New York Arrows and the by Anne Wang, seventh Butterfly grade (winner in the sixth- by Dyanara Banana, 12th to-eighth grade category) grade (winner in the ninth- IS 259K, William McKinley in to-12th grade category) Brooklyn James Madison High School in The 10th anniversary of the Sept. Brooklyn 11 attacks inspired Wang’s book, Banana’s story stemmed from her which commemorates the events interest in the butterfly effect theory, with a story of rebirth and hope. and its relationship to time travel. She starts the book with dark col- Two strangers share a chance en- ors. Through the clouds on the first counter, which results in dramati- page, the reader looks down on dirt, cally different outcomes in their steel, and destruc- lives. The main characters struggle tion. As the story progresses, more vibrant colors begin to replace the darkness. the city, including an intricate, with feelings of low self-worth and Through the use handmade pop-up of the Freedom question their purpose in life. It of watercolors, Tower, and shows how the world is a thought-provoking book that acrylic paint, and becomes brighter when people raises many questions relevant to colored pencils, come together and work toward teenagers in an uncertain, often Wang rebuilds something positive. tumultuous, world.

June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 13 HealtH Unraveling the mystery of colic

By KiKi Bochi periodic syndromes, believed Researchers to be precursors to migraine he conventional wis- headaches later in life. find link to dom about colic — a Babies with colic may be T baby’s endless, incon- more sensitive to stimuli in solable crying that can drive their environment, just as mi- migraine- new parents to the edge of graine sufferers. They may have despair — is that it is caused more difficulty coping with the suffering by some kind of gastrointesti- onslaught of experiences after nal distress. But new research birth as they are thrust from suggests there may be a dif- the dark, warm, muffled life in- moms ferent cause for all that fuss- side the womb into a world that ing among otherwise healthy is bright, cold, noisy, and filled babies — offering new hope with touchy hands and bouncy and fresh ways for moms and knees, Gelfand theorizes. dads to cope with colic. Colic is defined as intense, For generations, distressed unexplained crying lasting parents have been told that more than three hours a day, colic is most likely connected more than three days a week, to tummy trouble. It seemed for more than three weeks. It is to make sense, since colicky often at its worst at around the babies have a tendency to same time each day, in many tighten their abdominal mus- cases in the early evening. cles and pull up their little Typically, it appears within the legs as they cry, making it cer- first month of life — when new tainly appear that they are having whether colic may be an early symp- parents are already feeling exhausted digestive difficulties. tom of migraines, and raises the pos- and overwhelmed — and often disap- But, despite more than 50 years sibility that reducing stimulation may pears rather suddenly by the time the of research, no definitive link has help, just as reducing light and noise baby is 3 to 4 months old. been proven between infant colic can alleviate migraine pain. If your baby is experiencing colic, and gastrointestinal problems. Stud- “We’ve known about colic for a re- take comfort that your mom is right: ies have shown that babies who are ally long time,” says Amy Gelfand, MD, this, too, shall pass. When your baby fed solely breast milk are as likely to a pediatric expert with the school’s is very young, cultivate a peaceful have colic as those fed formula, and Headache Center, who presented the environment, with less background giving colicky babies medication for findings at the American Academy of noise (yes, turn off the TV!) and gas does not help. Neurology’s Annual Meeting in April. minimal visitors. Seek advice from For some, it turns out, the prob- “But despite this fact, no one really your doctor. You can try some of the lem may not be in the baby’s gut, but knows why these babies are crying.” traditional techniques for soothing in an immature or oversensitive neu- In the study, mothers who suffered your baby — turning her over on rological system. Researchers are migraines were found to be 2.5 times your lap to rub her back, rocking her, exploring this premise at the Uni- more likely to have colicky babies. playing soothing background music, versity of California, San Francisco, Overall, 29 percent of infants whose or even putting her carrier on top of where a recent study showed that mothers had migraines had colic, com- a running clothes dryer. Just keep in mothers who suffer migraine head- pared to 11 percent of babies whose mind that for some babies, the best aches are significantly more likely to mothers did not have migraines. strategy may be none of these. Some have babies with colic than mothers Gelfand and her colleagues believe babies may actually need decreased without a history of migraines. colic may be an early manifestation stimulation and may do best swad- The work prompts the question of of conditions known as childhood dled in a darkened room.

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 15 HealtH

Getting pregnant

By Sandra Gordon had pegged us. “Forget about the through non-parenting magazines One woman’s wedding — get busy, you guys,” ev- in the reception area. We all had a he talk of having babies began eryone seemed to be saying by their common bond: we were all experts five-year-long as early as our wedding day. enthusiastic response, suppressed at giving blood. We all knew which T “Congratulations, Sandy grins, and elbow jabs. was our “good” arm. and Ron,” the best man said. “May The stories I heard: There was struggle to your lives be long, prosperous, and trying with no luck Judy, who had been trying for five filled with babies!” A year-and-a-half later, Ron and I years and was on her third attempt conceive All of our guests raised their felt jinxed. We were trying so hard at in vitro fertilization. Another, glasses and cheered. For the momen- to get pregnant — going on vaca- Maria, had a similar record, and tous event, Ron had shaved his whit- tion, timing intercourse with ovula- said she burst into tears any time ish beard, the only solid evidence of tion predictor kits and a stop watch she saw an infant in a restaurant. his age. (OK, kidding), trying to relax, pre- I was a newcomer, having just en- “I don’t want to look so old,” he tending we weren’t trying — but it dured one low-tech, assisted re- had said. He was 43 at the time. I was evident. Like about 10 percent productive procedure, but I could was 31. Having babies — and my of all couples around the globe, we still relate. The name of the game comparable youthfulness to pull it were infertile (the inability to con- is hyping up your hormones, then off — was very much a part of the ceive after one year of trying). tracking your menstrual cycle like deal. For some mysterious, innate Soon enough, I found myself a the stock market with blood and reason, we both looked forward to regular at the infertility special- ultrasound tests with one goal: to them — or even just one — sooner ist, along with the dozens of oth- nab the whereabouts of that all- rather than later. And our guests ers I met along the way, thumbing elusive egg.

16 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 For two weeks, I was lubed up ization: I’d never had a child, so with HCG and Clomid, infertility I didn’t really know what I was wonder drugs, and though I was wishing for. glad for the technology, I was re- Would I be patient and self- yoga sentful. less like my mother? Or would I “I just don’t feel right about be short-tempered and bothered this,” I said to Ron. Deep down, I by the minutia of it all, like my pilates elite knew we could do it on our own. father? I couldn’t even imagine fitness But, of course, isn’t that what what our child would look like. studio every woman who is trying to get Ron is a redhead and I’m blonde. rowing pregnant thinks in the beginning? Wouldn’t that make our baby … orange? And after listening to www.elitetrainingandfitness.com Left behind a weary stay-at-home dad of a cycling 111 Union Street (off Columbia) Meanwhile, our friends were 6-year-old admit, “Had I known Carroll Gardens/Brooklyn leaving us in the dust. One couple, it was going to be this hard, I Anna and Dan, were so perfect wouldn’t have become a parent,” childcare that their wedding photo was fea- I even had second thoughts. tured in a local magazine ad. But every so often, I got a hint At a neighborhood party, Anna of the good stuff. senior fitness Sign Up confided in me that she and Dan During the holidays, I picked were going to start trying. up my mother and grandmother in May “What about you?” she asked. from a bed-and-breakfast they pre/post natal “We’ve been trying for a year were staying at while in town, and Receive 3 and a half,” I revealed. and we all watched the owner’s Months Free Then, two months later, when 4-year-old granddaughter open presonal coaching the four of us were out to dinner, presents. She was showing her Anna announced she was preg- new tea set to my grandmother, nant. who was throwing her hands weight loss/nutrition My stomach lurched. After only back in exaggerated delight, just two months? Suddenly, I couldn’t like she did for me when I was see my salad as — for the first little. rehabilitation therapies time — I nearly came to tears, be- We were all so mesmerized by cause I had been trying to so hard this little girl that we forgot we to be optimistic. Luckily, I pulled barely knew these people, and holistic health counseling myself together as the conversa- tore ourselves away. tion turned to sonograms, baby heart beats, and not being able to Success! aerobic/functional exersice drink. Out of spite, I ordered an- The following September, after other glass of chardonnay just be- nearly three years, Ron and I fi- cause I could, since our attempt at nally got lucky. Two months after a children’s classes intrauterine insemination didn’t round of infertility surgery on both work. Later, as the guys talked, of our parts — to fix some “plumb- (fit play and tae kwon do) Anna turned to me. ing” issues — Ron and I tried on “It’s a relief to know you can,” our own and got two pink lines on she said, as in, to conceive. I the at-home pregnancy test. At the couldn’t believe she actually said ripe age of 35, I was finally going to that — to me. be a mom. “It must be,” I said, just to be Soon, my elastic pants were Call for info: nice. tight and my boobs were as heavy It’s not that I wanted a child so as grapefruits. Who knew preg- 718-596-0006 badly that I had to have one, like a nancy could feel this good? drink of water on a scorching day. After nine-and-a-half months, It was just that being pregnant my daughter, Rebecca, was born and raising a child was a life expe- by C-section, weighing in at nearly rience that I would rather not pass 9 pounds with a full head of — up. After a while, when you don’t surprise! — dark hair and long get pregnant like you thought you eyelashes. would, you start to get a little “She’s pretty,” Ron said, sniffling crazy. Strollers in shopping malls while we were in the operating pop out at you, especially those room. holding kids who match your or What can you say about finally your husband’s hair color. You giving birth after not knowing if feel like clobbering coworkers pregnancy was even possible? who calculate how long you’ve Nothing short of “this is the best been married and then say, “So, day of my life.” do you guys want kids?” Suffice it to say that Rebecca was much more than we had ever Second thoughts bargained for, and was definitely During this time, I had a real- worth the wait.

June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 17 HealtH Hormones in food and early puberty

ccording to berty early, and those HealtHy the journal considered obese have A Pediatrics, 15 an 80 percent chance percent of American of developing breasts living girls now enter pu- before their ninth birth- Danielle Sullivan berty by age 7. For Af- day. In this country, rican-American girls, nearly one third of chil- the percentage is 23 dren and teens are over- percent. Seven – it’s weight or obese. unbelievable, isn’t it? Yes, of course, par- Doctors say girls are ents need to monitor maturing faster than their children’s diet and ever for reasons even health. But what is the they don’t completely accountability of the understand. They farmers and corpora- are reaching puberty tions that are intention- younger than any gen- ally creating unhealthy eration in history. Per- food for the sake of haps we should look at profit? The almighty dol- our food supply. lar should never reign When most of us supreme over human were growing up, our health. food didn’t have the Some of us are for- amount of artificial tunate enough to be preservatives and able to buy organic milk chemicals in it that and meat from cows it does today. Meat, that have been raised in particular, wasn’t without antibiotics or pumped with loads of hormones, but this is hormones. Back when an extravagance many we were young, meat families cannot afford. was expensive and Others are vegetarians families bought it less who intentionally avoid than they do today. the hormones and anti- Now, meat has not on ly biotics found in meat. become more afford- While moms and able, it is everywhere. Typically, reading up on food and hormones, dads ultimately select their child’s the cheaper versions are pumped she will only buy organic meat. food and the accountability falls on with hormones, preservatives, and “I can’t even believe, knowing each individual parent, the Food and chemicals and are widely found in what I know now, that I would allow Drug Administration and the beef children’s food offerings. my kids to eat fast-food hamburg- and dairy farmers are also respon- Anyone who has seen Jamie Oli- ers and chicken nuggets, or even sible for choosing greed over qual- ver’s “Food Revolution,” in which that I bought any meat at the su- ity and money over health. At the he breaks down exactly how the permarket. I’m kind of horrified,” very least, food that is processed ground beef is made in school caf- she says. with hormones needs to be stud- eterias, would be alarmed. The Food in general (and the syn- ied significantly more, especially in meat, which is usually reserved for thetic material it is often made light of the growing number of boys dog food, is mixed with ammonia from) is also behind another theory and girls reaching puberty while still and chemically manufactured into about early puberty — the idea that young children. what passes for edible ground beef, girls are more overweight now than Danielle Sullivan, a Brooklyn-born or in other words, “pink slime.” ever and it is the extra body fat that mom of three, is a parenting and pet Carla Hastings, a mother of three stimulates the early puberty. The sta- writer at Babble.com. Visit her blog, Just from the West Village, says she is tistics are startling. Overweight girls Write Mom, or find her on Facebook or very concerned, and ever since are 50 percent more likely to enter pu- Twitter (@DanniSullWriter).

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 19 HealtH

soccer and basketball were repeat concussions. In fact, 16.8 percent Sometimes players and of high school athletes suffering a concussion had previously suf- parents wrongly believe fered a sport-related concussion, either that season or in a previous that it shows strength season. and courage to play Heads up De Lench, a former athlete herself and strong supporter of youth injured. But in doing so, By KiKi Bochi erative brain diseases, depression, kids playing harder sports programs, understands the What you and other mental ailments. At least than ever in today’s pressure for kids to return to play. young athletes risk their rooke de Lench was watch- 300 former football players are ultra-competitive world “Kids should not be pulled out of should know ing one of her sons play in a plaintiffs, claiming that the NFL of youth sports, it only sports. Sports are critical — critical! health, their future, and B high school football game, didn’t warn them of the long-term makes sense. — for some kids. Pulling them out is and what she saw worried her. He risks of repeated head injuries. Concussions are brain injuries not the remedy here,” she says. “We even their lives. about brain looked slow. Confused. Uncoordi- Well, the word is out — and it that occur when a blow to the head need to empower parents to make nated. has been for a while. The ques- or body causes the brain to move sure coaches are trained injuries and No one else seemed to notice, tion is whether parents and youth rapidly inside the skull. Concus- properly, to make sure concussion management guide- but she saw enough to set off alarm coaches are paying attention. sions can also be caused by a fall, kids get the right kind lines, old and new, agree that no bells. It wasn’t just that he was hav- Kids continue to suffer concus- or a collision between players or of physical train- athlete should be allowed to return concussions ing an off day. A visit to the doctor sions and return to play far sooner with an object, such as a goalpost. ing — such as to play while exhibiting post-con- later confirmed her fears — her than they should on sports fields Even a mild blow to the head — a neck-strength- cussion signs or symptoms. Some son was suffering from the residual all across the country. Sometimes ding or getting your bell rung — ening — and to call for at least one symptom-free effects of at least one concussion, players and parents wrongly be- can have serious consequences. make sure kids week before returning to practice and possibly more. lieve that it shows strength and Recent research has shown that are taught to or play. Because activities that re- “I was told to never let his head courage to play injured. Battling because of the way their brains self-report symp- quire concentration and attention be in a collision again,” says De pain is often glamorized. But in are growing, adolescents are more toms.” might exacerbate the symptoms Lench, the founder of MomsTeam. doing so, young athletes risk their sensitive to the effects of a sport- While some and delay recovery, children should com, a website whose mission is to health, their future, and even their related concussion than adults or school districts limit exertion and school-related empower parents of young athletes lives. children. around the country activities until symptom-free (e.g. through information and resources. “I think parents really need to “The frontal regions of the brain are requiring young no homework, no text messaging, While her son recovered, De Lench understand the ramifications,” says are more vulnerable to concus- athletes to undergo or videogames, and staying home has made a career of spreading the De Lench, who is also the author sions. These areas oversee execu- cognitive testing prior from school). word about the dangers of concus- of “Home Team Advantage: The tive functions responsible for plan- to participating, so they For young people ages 15 to 24, sions and other sports injuries. Critical Role of Mothers in Youth ning, organizing, and managing can have a “baseline” sports are second only to motor The spotlight was refocused on Sports.” information. During adolescence, to determine when a vehicle accidents as the leading concussions just before the Super Concussions can happen in any these functions are developing rap- player can safely return cause of brain injury, according to Bowl, when former professional sport, not just football. They occur idly, which makes them more frag- to play, such information the U.S. Centers for Disease Con- football players attempted to band in soccer, baseball, lacrosse, bas- ile to stress and trauma,” says Dave is only useful if students un- trol and Prevention. But even far together in federal court, claim- ketball, wrestling, hockey, cheer- Ellemberg, a neuropsychologist derstand the importance of younger children have suffered ing the concussions they suffered leading and volleyball, among other who oversaw the study published reporting symptoms, and if par- concussions on the field and on as players cause dementia, degen- sports. No activity is immune. With in the journal, Brain Injury. ents and coaches are vigilant about playgrounds. In addition to long-term damage, taking note of possible injuries. “The more parents know, the young athletes who have suffered a So what are the most important more they can make a difference,” Warning signs of a concussion concussion are at risk of second im- things a parent — and coach — De Lench says. “I always tell par- pact syndrome, a rare but usually should know about concussions? ents to think about the life-cycle of According to the Centers for • I s confused about assignment Symptoms reported fatal condition. If a child who has First, seek professional medical their child. Think about how that Disease Control and Prevention, or position by athlete not completely recovered from a attention if your young athlete child will feel when they are 30 or athletes who experience any of • Forgets an instruc- • Headache or a feeling of pres- concussion receives a second blow shows any sign of injury, such 40, and they have cognitive issues the signs and symptoms listed tion sure in head to the head, it can cause massive as appearing dazed, stunned, or pain from injuries. You, as a par- here after a bump, blow, or • I s unsure of • Nausea or vomiting swelling in the brain that can lead confused, or clumsy, or if he ex- ent, need to understand that you jolt to the head or body game, score, or • B a l a n c e problems or dizzi- to sudden death. hibits a loss of memory, mood are the guardian of your child and should be kept out of play Top opponent ness Various studies reveal some and behavior changes, or even their future.” until a health care profes- • M o v e s clum- • Double or blurry vision frightening numbers: Forty-one per- a brief loss of consciousness. Additional information on concus- sional experienced in eval- sily • Sensitivity to light cent of student athletes returned Some symptoms may not sions and youth sports, including an uating for concussion says Tips • Answers ques- • Sensitivity to noise to play too soon after a concus- show up for hours or days, so online training course for coaches, they are symptom-free and tions slowly • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, sion, according to guidelines of the parents need to be tuned in. can be found on the U.S. Centers that it’s OK to return to play. • L o s e s conscious- or groggy American Academy of Neurology. A young athlete with a di- for Disease Control and Prevention ness, even briefly • Concentration or memory The study found that a shocking 16 agnosed concussion should website at www.cdc.gov/concussion/ Signs observed by • S h ow s mood, behavior, or problems percent of high school football play- not be allowed to return to sports/index.html. For more, visit coaching staff or personality changes • Confusion ers who lost consciousness during play on the day of injury, www.MomsTeam.com. parents • C a n’ t recall events either • D o e s not “feel right” or is a concussion returned to the field regardless of the medical re- KiKi Bochi is the mother of two and • A p p e a r s dazed or stunned prior to hit or fall, or after “feeling down” the same day. More than 20 percent sources available or his level an award-winning writer and editor of concussions in boys’ and girls’ of athletic performance. All who specializes in family topics. 20 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 HealtH

BUUIF$PTNJD$PWF The ENCE Less stress, but CI S

CARMELO more effective F E L LO W BY JOANNA DELBUONO Barbara and has written Book more than 200 articles and ccording to the Center papers and published six offers new for Disease Control and books all on the treatment of A Prevention, the present autism spectrum disorder. rate of children born with au- Lynn Koegel, PhD, is also treatment tism spectrum disorder is one an expert in the field and is in 88 children. This number is the director of Clinical Ser- far higher than figures in 2006, vices at the Koegel Autism program to when the ratio was one in 110 Center and director of the t"GUFS4DIPPM$MBTTFT children diagnosed. What is ad- Eli and Edythe L. Broad Cen- ditionally troubling is that the ter for Asperger’s Research. t#JSUIEBZ1BSUJFT kids with rise took place only over a two- She has published books and year period. The CDC also re- papers regarding the devel- ASD ported that autism was more opment of first words, gram- t4DJFODF4VNNFS$BNQT prevalent in boys than girls, matical structures, and social with one in 54 boys compared conversations, along with field t5SJQT Parent’s to only one in 252 girls. manuals that are currently used Picks Although there are many in school districts throughout winner! t5PEEMFS$MBTTFT PARENT’S CONNECT theories about what causes the United States. COM autism, and experts disagree The guide explains what Piv- Best Party more often than not on any otal Response Treatment is and t4DJFODF1MBZHSPVQ Entertainer one particular cause, the one the importance of family involve- Best Day& Camp aspect that all agree on is ment and intervention in day-to- in Brooklyn! that early diagnosis and in- day living. It also explains how to PPhohotoo byby HeHeae theerWr Weesestonn tervention is key to success- focus on the core, keystone areas, ‘CarmeloCarmelo the Marshmallow’ Piazza fully integrating autistic chil- called pivotal areas, which pro- dren into mainstream education and There is as much duce widespread and rapid treat- a functional life. stress for parents in choosing a ther- ment gains. Each chapter outlines Children are born scientists; they investigate every facet of life. Autism was first recognized in the apy as there is in helping with the a specific area with specific options The Cosmic Cove takes a child’s curiosity and investigative nature and early 1900s when it was linked with children who are diagnosed. The lat- for children diagnosed at every level inspires their minds to explore all aspects of the world around them. other psychological conditions, but est installment, and what has proven of autism spectrum disorder. Piv- since the 1960s, doctors have had to be a very successful therapy is, otal Response Treatment motivates The Cosmic Cove a better understanding of how it Pivotal Response Treatment for au- children with natural reinforcers, re- By using a hands-on inquiry based approach to teaching science, I have affects children. Treatments in the tism spectrum disorder, as outlined duces disruptive behavior, encour- motivated thousands of children in the many disciplines of science. 300 Atlantic Ave early days ranged from medications in the “PRT Pocket Guide” by the ages communication and social ini- such as lysergic acid diethylamide team of Robert L. Koegel and Lynn tiations, assesses children meaning- Children learn in an atmosphere where they are allowed to laugh and Brooklyn, NY 11201 (LSD) to electric shock and behav- Kern Koegel. The book presents fully in natural environments, and learn. They work in collaborative groups, and are encouraged to ioral modification techniques, which real-life stories, cutting-edge therapy decreases parents’ stress. communicate and share their findings. relied on pain and punishment. methods, worksheets, and common- This is a must-read for every par- for more info: Thankfully, in the 1980s and ’90s, sense solutions to everyday prob- ent who has a child that has been experts focused treatment on behav- lems. diagnosed with autism spectrum dis- The Cosmic Cove is a place where children can call Carmelo the Science 718.722.0000 ioral therapy minus the pain. Robert Koegel, PhD, is an expert order. But with hundreds of authorities in the field, specializing in language “The PRT Pocket Guide: Pivotal Re- Fellow the big marshmallow because learning should be fun. 718.344.4631 writing a plethora of self-help guides intervention, family support, and sponse Treatment for Autism Spectrum providing so much information and school inclusion; he is also the direc- Disorders” by Robert L. Koegel and Lynn www.carmelothesciencefellow.com different therapies for treatment, tor of the Koegel Autism Center at Kern Koegel (Brookes Publishing Co., which one does a parent choose? the University of California in Santa $19.95, 216 pages). Web & Print services by lafadesign.com

22 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 BUUIF$PTNJD$PWF The NCE CIE S

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 23 Special needS A time of transitions By ReBecca McKee or other special personality, these school to gain a better grasp of the Helping your passages may be difficult to cope physical transitional changes that he school year is ending and with. Regardless of how minute or will occur within the classroom. special-needs summer is on its way. For any momentous changes are to us, to This would include: cleaning out T family, planning transitions others, it may be the antecedent to desks, taking home books, remov- from school to camp, home to vaca- emotional turmoil. While some may ing artwork from walls, and more. child prepare tion, vocational site to rec center, or say we should try our best to avoid Use this information to make a any other form of change is key for these moments of anguish and anxi- checklist at home for your special- for the end of accommodating schedules. For fam- ety that result from change, the needs child. Keep it on the refrig- ilies of children with special needs, truth is that life is full of variety, erator. As each task is completed, transitional planning is even more passages, and movement. he checks it off and moves on school important to ensure that the child Here are some ways you can plan mentally. Ask the school support will be comfortable with changes for transitions to help prevent the team to make a copy of the rein- in routine. breakdowns brought upon by fa- forcement system that worked well The definition of transition is the miliar routines ending and novel for your child. Keep this. The new passage or change from one posi- events beginning. team may have a fresh outlook of tion or state to another. For peo- ideas that work better for your ple with autism spectrum disorder, Make note of child after a summer of maturity, transitions but this will provide worthwhile Work with your child on changes background information. to his schedule by mapping them It is important to respect and out on the calendar. Highlight the consider the rules of each school. months of June, July, August, and However, having knowledge of the September (depending on your spe- future school year is most ben- cific school schedule) as summer eficial. This would involve who the months. Mark half-days of school teacher is, the main focus of the and specify where lunch will be curriculum, the exact location of eaten. the classroom, and maybe more. Mark the first official week of sum- Photographs speak volumes to mer break. Identify when your child’s people with limited preparation activities — such as camp, pool, free skills. With permission, take pic- time, and family vacations — begin. tures of the new classroom set- Locate major summer holidays and ting and create a scrapbook ti- jot down some possibilities of cel- tled, “My New School Year.” If your ebratory festivities. Star the end of child tends to display stressed-out the summer and first day of the new behaviors when the workload in school year. school is difficult, pre-teach some of the trickier curriculum in a fun, Take walk-throughs hands-on method. For example, if If your child is attending camp your child struggles with money this summer, you can help allevi- and that is a major focus in math ate nervous jitters by taking virtual for the upcoming year, sell lem- tours on websites, and following onade during the summer to raise up with actual one-on-one tours of money for charity. the grounds. As the camper tours, • • • have him take photographs. Look- The overall message behind ing through the pictures prior to the transition planning for a person first day of attendance will be most with special needs is to touch, beneficial. You can also physically taste, journey, and experience a de-sensitize a camper who is feeling future change in small doses be- uneasy by washing, drying, and fold- fore the actual passage takes place. ing the camp T-shirt. The goal is to have the person move from state to state and set- communicate with ting to setting, smoothly. Planning school a transition will not only help with The sooner you iron out details, the present passage, but will also the less hectic it is for all. Articulate help him understand the concept with the current support team at of change. 24 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012

EVERYONE Open Jul. 2 - Aug. 2, 2012 SELECTS 5 WINDMILL MONTESSORI SCHOOL Children 8-14 COURSES Accredited Preschool, Elementary, HOuses JHS & Academic Summer Camp • Ages Thursday, July 12 The Program enrolls boys and girls, ages 8–14. A P E A C E F U L P L A C E T O L E A R N S I N C E 1 9 4 1 Thursday, July 26 (No one younger than entering 3rd graders). Windmill’s environment encourages children to Thursday, Aug. 7 There are advanced classes for 11–14 year olds. • learn naturally at their own pace 9:00-10:30am • Hours • ﬁnd and develop their own interests, and 9am–4pm Monday–Friday • get the individual attention needed to thrive Earlybird 7:45am – 8:45am • Latebird 4pm–6pm • Transit CURRICULUM ADVANTAGES Located in Park Slope and easily reached by Montessori Method, French, Computer Skills, public transportation. Physical Education, Yoga, Music, Art Academic Montessori Summer Camp for • Professional Staff • Drama 3-6 year olds • Facilities and Lunch Dance• PLUS MORE Academic Montessori Creative Writing Camp for 6-9 and 9-12 year olds • Noontime Program Writing• Small Class Size, Outdoor Recreation, • Festival Day • Digital Arts A/C Classrooms, Curriculum-based Trips, Group Games « Weekly Themes « Dedicated Staff, Door-to-Door Bus Service, Age-appropriate Trips « Arts & Crafts « • Visual Arts • Athletics Carnival « Enclosed Wading Pool « • Music After School Program (3:40-5:45pm) and more.... Ceramics • Mosaics • Miniature Doll Houses CAMP 2012 Happy Learners and Happy Campers Monday, July 2nd to Friday, August 10 Horror Writing • Graphic Stories • Make-A-Movie Major and Mini Musicals • Digital Photography Runway Fashions • Rock Bands 718-375-7973 « 718-375-4277 Lego Robotics • Soul Train • Improv e -m a i l : w i n d m o n t @ w i n d m i l l m o n t e s s o r i s c h o o l . o r g Windmill is non-sectarian. Licensed by The New York City Department of Health 181 Lincoln Place, Brooklyn NY 11217 Affiliated with The American Montessori Society www.berkeleycarroll.org/summerprograms/creative-arts-program 1 3 1 7 A v e n u e T @ E a s t 1 4 t h S t r e e t B r o o k l y n, N Y 1 1 2 2 9

June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 25 special needs

Summer’s golden opportunity By Brian Faughnan not limited to social skills, but also graphic organizers depicting the dif- How camps improved mental health and career ferent purposes for using language, as oo often, out-of-school time readiness. One of the best times to well as key phrases to support those can support presents an underrated op- do this is during school breaks. purposes. T portunity for child develop- Children with a wide variety of spe- ment, especially for children with cial needs are often less able to natu- assess functioning the social special needs. When thinking about rally acquire social concepts as well and potential children with exceptionalities, we as their typically developing peers. When parents are deciding how development frequently identify their barriers to We can better support these children to best support their children’s so- success around intellectual difficul- by providing opportunities to practice cial development during the sum- ties. As a result of this notion and the and understand pragmatics of lan- mer months, they should focus on of kids with amount of time they spend in school guage. A foundational component of their child’s current level of social settings, many of the interventions this skill set would include an under- functioning and underlying poten- special needs we provide to those with develop- standing of the purpose of language. tial. There is no substitute for a par- mental disabilities are academic in For example, some children do not ent’s intuition. Some measures of nature. These supports often fail to naturally understand that language this are clear — including whether address underlying social deficits. can be used to introduce oneself to or not the child is willing to play Encouraging increased social pro- another, or appropriately request a with others — while other dimen- ficiency among children with disabil- want or a need. Children with a range sions are not directly observable, ities can improve overall outcomes of exceptionalities can benefit from but are important to understanding

26 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Finding effective When parents are programs JuNe 18 - July 12 Most children with special Pre K - Grade 5 deciding how to best needs benefit from a combination JUNE 18-JULY 19 JUNE 18-JULY 6 of both unstructured and struc- Young Campers Club ClassiC Day Camp support their children’s tured social learning opportuni- PRE K-K • 5 WEEKS GRADES 1-3 • 3 WEEKS ties. Effective summer recreational An enriched early Campers have a traditional social development programs will have the benefit of childhood program for day camp experience, the day camp’s youngest combined with field during the summer both. An eight-hour camp day may participants. Every group trips, special events and include 40 minutes devoted to ex- has a head counselor, an swimming in the Athletic plicit instruction around predeter- assistant counselor, & a Center Pool is an essential months, they should element of the program. mined areas of social interaction. counselor in training. Young Campers Music • Visual Arts focus on their child’s Program staff would then attempt participate in learning Afternoon Options to elicit these skills within the ac- activities that emphasize Physical Education current level of social tivities during the other parts of creativity and social skills. Swimming Specialist teachers in Trips & Special Events functioning and the day. This not only serves to art, music, and physical directly foster children’s develop- education/swimming give underlying potential. ment of these skills, but also serves the children an enriched to ensure that staff members are camping experience. watching for and cultivating the JUNE 18-JUNE 27 JUlY 9-JUlY 19 a child’s social potential. One such utilization of these skills. MINI CAMPS EXPLORATION CAMPS idea is that of Theory of Mind, When selecting your child’s pro- GRADES K-5 • 1 WEEK GRADES K-4 • 2 WEEKS In “Explorations” session, which is the notion that individ- gram, you should ask staff to iden- Programs described subject to change. children choose to uals will have different thoughts tify the range of developmental Grades listed are for specialize in 1 of 4 mini- than our own, and an awareness of disabilities that they are equipped Sept. 2012. camps. Outdoor recreation these thoughts should inform our to support, as well as the struc- time & swimming are part New this summer of the schedules. interactions with individuals. Obvi- tures built into their program Yogi Kids • Grades 2-3 ously, this is a concept not readily to support that range of needs. Berkeley Carroll Kitchen Hours All Sessions* articulated by most children, but it Programs should be able to de- Grades 3-4 Summer Math Mania 8:30am-3:30pm is a concept that underlies the abil- scribe their process for hiring and Earlybird 7:30am Grades 3-5 Latebird 6pm ity to be socially successful. training direct-care staff, as well Music Guild • Grades 3-5 Young Campers’ Full Parents should be comfortable as the expected benefits that par- 8:30am–3pm 712 and 701 Carroll St. • Brooklyn, NY 11215 • 718.534.6620 asking their children’s teachers ents should see from their spe- Young Campers’ Half www.berkeleycarroll.org/summerprograms 8:30am–1pm for a qualitative assessment of the cific program. It is not enough for child’s level of socialization. Given programs to be merely providing the work schedules of many par- respite for a child’s caretaker. Staff ents today, school teachers often should be able to articulate how have more of an opportunity to acquired social skills can be gen- Leif Ericson Day School observe the child in social settings eralized throughout their program, than parents. rather than taught and exhibited in SPiRituAL * Nursery - Grade 8* ACADEMiC Your child’s special-education mere isolation. The summer break FoRMAtioN EXCELLENCE teacher should be expected to give months or weeks can be quite for- specific examples of positive so- mative and should not be seen cial interactions he has witnessed as less developmentally important • Small Class Size the child having, as well as exam- than typical school time. ples of interactions that could have • Professional, Caring Staff been more successful. The teacher Scholarships and should also be comfortable enough financing to identify social skills that can be Enrollment in such programming • State Approved Curriculum developed to improve upon these can be expensive and represent a interactions. difficult burden for families in these • Music Performance Professionals with more clinical difficult economic times. Parents expertise — including your child’s should not hesitate to raise this speech-and-language pathologist, issue with program staff and inquire • Computer technology social worker, or psychologist — about scholarship opportunities should also be able to identify dis- from the providing agency, as well creet social tasks that can support as outside foundations. In addition Register for our the development of these potential to financial support from individual social skills. programs, some families are able Summer Appropriate activities to develop to receive support from charitable social skills during times when chil- foundations and other agencies. Creative Arts dren are not in school can include Parents should ask what their op- after-school or weekend programs, tions are and know that there are & Music Program and enrollment in summer camps many ways of financing what may supporting the social development seem daunting and unaffordable. June 25 - August 3, 2012 of children with special needs. Brian Faughnan is the Special nd Assessing the appropriateness of Needs Director at the JCC of Staten 1037 - 72 Street • 718-748-9023 each type of activity depends upon Island. Faughnan holds an Master of http://ledsny.org your child’s level of readiness. Science degree in Special Education.

JuneMonth 2012 2012 • BROOKLYN • XXXXX FaFamilymily 2731 THE DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN Special Needs SPEECH-LANGUAGE HEARING CLINIC Directory Block Institute Provides state-of-the-art evaluation A STATE-OF-THE-ART CLINICAL FACILITY 376 Bay 44th Street and treatment services seeing patients At 718-906-5400 or www. of all ages who present a wide blockinstitute.org range of communication disorders. LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY Providing special education and evalu- Specifically, children are referred to MAIN BUILDING - 2ND FLOOR ation service to children with special the clinic who have problems such as CORNER OF DEKALB AND FLATBUSH AVENUES need, ages 3-8. The staff consists of delayed development of speech and NYS- certified Special Education/ Early language, stuttering problems and Childhood teachers, a variety of thera- language-learning disabilities. Adult A FULL RANGE OF DIAGNOSTIC AND pist, and RN and LPN, and consulting THERAPEUTIC SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS clients include individuals who suffer OF ALL AGES: developmental pediatrician. Free half from communication problems related day Universal Pre-K program. Block to stroke, head trauma and voice •s3PEECH ,ANGUAGEAND Speech-Language and s"ILINGUAL3PANISH• Bilingual Spanish offers interim alternate bilingual place- disorders as well as those that stut- (EARING%VALUATIONSHearing Evaluations AND2USSIANand Russian ments, before and after school care for ter. Audiological services include both •s!UDITORY PROCESSINGEVALUATIONS Auditory-processing evaluationss3LIDINGFEESCALE• Sliding fee scale children ages 3-8, and nationally rec- hearing screenings in the community ognized nutrition programs. Approved •s/RAL MOTORTREATMENT Oral-motor treatment s(OURSFROMAMTOPM and complete hearing and auditory • Hours from 9:00 am to accept A.C.D funding for the day •s&LUENCY Fluency STUTTERING SPECIALIST (stuttering) specialist s#ONTEMPORARYTREATMENTFORto 8:00 pm processing assessments in our audio- care. Approved by the NYS and NYC logical suite. •s0OST STROKEREHABILITATION Post-stroke rehabilitation !UTISMDISORDERS• Contemporary treatments Department of Health.

Heaven’s Hands For More Information or to Schedule an Appointment Brooklyn Autism Center Please Contact: Community Services, Inc., Ray Cepeda, BCaBA 882 Third Avenue, 10th Floor, Jeri Weinstein Blum, Clinical Director Executive Director At Brooklyn 111 Remsen Street 718-788-5252 or www.hhcsny.org 718-488-3480 Phone: 718-554-1027 or Cell: 201- 841-1705 Heaven’s Hands Community Services, Email: rcepeda@brooklynautismcenter. Inc., established on October 6, 2000, is org or www.brooklynautismcenter.org a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation committed to providing habilitative Brooklyn Autism Center Academy and support services to persons with BloCk admits students of any race, color, development disabilities, living in New national origin, and ethnic origin to all York City. The organization supports InStItute the rights, privileges, programs and the life goals of each person as they activities generally accorded or made manage daily obstacles and challenges available to students at the school. It SChool associated with living with disability does not discriminate on the basis of in the home and in the community. Programs for Preschool and School Age Children race, admissions policies, scholarship Heaven’s Hands Community Services, with Disabilities 3-8 Years Old and loan programs, athletic and other Inc. takes special interest in individuals Full Day Classes school-administered programs. This residing alone or at home with their email message (including attachments) • Breakfast/Lunch • Transportation family and requires special assistance contains information which may be • Applied Behavior Analysis • Enriched Curriculum to live more independent and fulfill- confidential and/or legally privileged. (ABA) Program • Sensory Integration ing lives. Heaven’s Hands Community Unless you are the intended recipient, Services, Inc. serves individuals of all • Parent Workshops • Feeding Therapy you may not use, copy or disclose to ages with developmental disabilities • Indoor Gym & Heated • Computers anyone the message or any informa- and is devoted to assisting them and Swimming Pool • RN/LPN tion contained therein or from any their families in navigating the com- • All Therapies • Martial Arts attachments that were sent with this plexities of the developmental disabili- • Fully Funded Services • Drama email. Unauthorized disclosure and/ ties service system. Modern, Air Conditioned, Caring Learning Environment or use of information contained in this email may result in civil and criminal State of the Art liability. Rivendell School 277 3RD Avenue; Bet Carroll & Educational and Therapeutic Program President Street for Children with Special Needs The Downtown Brooklyn 718-499-5667, ext. 14 or www. Speech-Language-Hearing rivendellnyc.org Please Call for more information Clinic A Montessori pre-primary inclusion 718-906-5400 Located at Long Island University, school was founded in 1977 as The corner of Flatbush and DeKalb Children’s House of Park Slope and 376 Bay 44th Street avenues, Metcalf Building, Second (Belt Parkway-Exit 5 at Bay Parkway—on water’s side) Floor incorporated into Rivendell School in 718-488-3480 or www.brooklyn. 1998. Rivendell provides a respectful, liu.edu Continued on page 30 28 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Special Advertising Section BigAppleParent | QueensParent | BrooklynParent | NassauParent NYMETROPARENTS WestchesterParent | RocklandParent | Fairf ieldParent | SuffolkParent

A Special Educator Brooklyn Autism Center For All Age Groups “Helping each child reach their potential” A Tutoring Service A School for Children To Support & Assist with Autism, Serving Learning Disabilities all of New York City Drawing by Martha Perske © 2007 www.PerskePrints.com • Teaching Social & Communication Skills To Enhance Applied Behavior Analysis, Life And Academic Success 1:1 Ratio • Patient & Creative Teaching In A Customized And Non-Threatening Learning Environment The Brooklyn Autism Center Academy admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, Tutoring Is Conducted One-To-One Or In Groups programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. A Customized Learning Program Is Developed It does not discriminate on the basis of race, admissions policies, scholarship and loan pro- With Parents grams, athletic and other school-administered programs. • Social & Communication Skills • Academics

Families & Students Receive Continuous Progress Reports Each Session Lasts One Hour brooklynautismcenter.org (718) 554-1027 Mark Golubow - 718-622-3655 [email protected] Please visit - www.aspecialeducator.net

Heaven’s Hands Community Service, Inc. Dedicated to providing habilitative services and support to individuals, families and communities in need.

Please check this proof carefully for errors and omissions. Your approval constitutes acceptance of full responsibility for all errors, omissions, legal and ethical compliance in this document. NYMETROPARENTS will not accept liability for errors overlooked on proof. • Community HabilitationColors shown Servicesare representative and may• varyAfter in Schoolindividual Recreation copies of the magazine. AD IS NOT TO SCALE. We appreciate your prompt attention and approval. Created 10/18/2011 12:57 PM 01 • Day Habilitation Services • In Home Behavior Management • Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) • Bridges to Health Waiver Program (B2H) • Non-Medicated Service Coordination • Respite Service Supporting the Dreams, Aspirations and Lives of People with Developmental Disabilities. 882 Third Avenue, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Tel: 718-788-5252 www.hhcsny.org

Special Advertising Section June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 29 Special Needs NY’S SOURCE Directory

Continued from page 28 a week at a convenient time and day ON PARENTING inclusive community that helps children for the clients. feel powerful and confident as learners Currently, New York and as social and emotional beings. Toddler, half day and extended day Special Sprouts 453 6th Avenue, in Park Slope programs are available (two through Parenting Media is seeking 718-965-8573 or www. a highly motivated full-time six years). Rivendell School offers specialsprouts.com beautiful Montessori classrooms, an Has been helping children with devel- sales representative to sell excellent student/teacher ratio, and a opmental challenges from the ages of advertising in our magazines warm, cooperative atmosphere where three to five years for more than 15 children learn to work and play. Shelly years. They offer a therapeutic nursery and digital properties. Join Wolf Scott is the Admissions coordina- school with a small student-teacher tor. ratio, a full range of therapeutic ser- our dynamic team and vices, including speech therapy, occu- become a part of our family. Sensory Street Pediatric pational therapy, and physical therapy, Occupational Therapy P.C. as well as door-to-door transportation, 178 Flatbush Avenue all at no cost to parents. In addition, Requirements include: 718-398-8000 or 516-589-2721 they provide Special Education Itinerant Sensory Street is a specialized Teachers (SEIT) and related therapeutic • Prior sales experiences Occupational Therapy practice servic- services to children who attend general (print and digital ad ing young clients. It is the route where education settings. They service chil- your child will be appropriately chal- dren from throughout Brooklyn. sales a plus) lenged to developing the skills that are • Excellent written and essential for greater independence in Winston Preparatory life. Our Mission is to enhance the lives School verbal communication of young clients so they can be suc- 126 W. 17th Street, in Manhattan cessful in meeting their daily childhood 646-638-2705 ext 619 or ext 634 or skills occupations (self-care, play, socializa- www.winstonprep.edu • The ability to develop tion, school). Therapeutic Activities Winston Prep is a highly individualized and exercises geared to improve a vari- and responsive setting for high-poten- new business and grow ety of skills. For general information tial middle and high school students please call 718-398-8000. To contact with learning differences, such as existing business the OT and Appointment please call language-based learning difficulties, • Car and valid driver’s 516-589-2721. nonverbal learning difficulties as well as attention deficit and executive func- license required tioning difficulties. Winston’s program A Special Educator is designed to challenge each student’s Tutoring Service strengths while developing the essen- Mark Golubow tials of reading, writing, mathematics, Our oﬃ ce is located in 718-622-3655 or www. organization and study skills. Each apecialeducator.net downtown Brooklyn, but individualized educational program A Special Educator is a tutoring service is based upon a continuously modi- knowledge of the entire city that supports and assists individuals of fied understanding of each student’s all ages with learning disabilities, such is essential. dynamic learning profile that evolves as autism and ADD/ADHD, who have as the student progresses and matures. special social and academic needs. Small classes of 8-12 students help to Please submit your resume A Special Educator emphasizes teach- facilitate the individualization of course to [email protected]. ing social and communication skills for work. All students participate in a daily individuals with learning disabilities in one-to-one instructional period called order to enhance their personal, pro- Focus, designed to serve as the diag- fessional and academic lives. nostic, instructional, and mentoring We will work with parents and stu- centerpiece of their experience. Art, dent in improving the confidence music, gym and a variety of enrichment and independence of individuals with choices are offered within the school learning disabilities by building essen- day as well as after school. For infor- tial social and communicative skills mation on Open Houses, please visit through a customized, structured and our website, www.winstonprep.edu, or non – threatening learning environ- contact the admissions office 646-638- ment. Our staff is available seven days 2705 ext. 619 or ext. 634. 30 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Special Advertising Section

Winston Preparatory School Summer Program

Education for the Individual

 A unique individually designed program aimed to develop:

 Reading Comprehension  Decoding and Spelling

 Writing  Expressive Language

 Organizational Skills  Study Strategies Sensory Street is a specialized Occupational Therapy practice servicing  Math young clients. It is the route where your child will be appropriately challenged th to developing the skills that are essential for greater independence in life.  Small class sizes for students in 4 through Our Mission is to enhance the lives of young clients so they can be successful 12th grades in meeting their daily childhood occupations (self-care, play, socialization, school). THERAPEUTIC ACTIVTIES AND EXERCISES GEARED TO IMPROVE:  After-school activities include basketball, photography, art, acting, music, yoga, Coming Soon! Independence YOGA/ computing, and dance Registration for Sensory Summer MOVEMENT  One-on-one classes and independent study FUN Workshops Cognitive Skills CLASSES Handwriting Skills program available during July and August FOR KIDS We now offer Range of Motion Coordination Gross Motor Skills Sensory Birthday Attending Skills Fine Motor Skills Motor Planning Endurance Parties June 29 – July 27, 2012

Proceptual th Sensory Processing Muscle Strength Postural Control Motor Skills Body Awareness 126 West 17 Street New York, NY 10011 646-638-2705 ext. 688  [email protected] Beatrice C. Hector OTR/L • 178 Flatbush Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11217 General Info (718) 398-8000 • To contact the OT and Appointment (516) 589-2721 applications available online at www.winstonprep.edu

Special Sprouts Rivendell School provides a warm, Serving families of children creative environment where children from 2.5 through 5 years old. develop independence, respect for each other, and a lifelong love of learning. Center-based classrooms, SEIT and Related Services available. We provide: • Full Developmental Evaluations • Special Instruction • Speech/Language Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Counseling aLL EvaLuaTIOnS anD SErvICES arE PrOvIDED aT nO COST A Montessori inclusion school For more information, serving children two to six years old call Briseida or Eleanor at for more than thirty years. 718-965-8573 Located in the heart of Park Slope 277 3rd Avenue Since 1988 (bet. Carroll & President Streets) www.specialsprouts.com 718-499-5667

Special Advertising Section June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 31 Parenting

Brand new dad By Tim Perrins can read and prepare all you want, factors happens to be included in Surviving the but if you haven’t had a baby be- your customized delivery package. arenting will always bring fore, the part about actually having Just be aware that the particulars first weeks of challenges, but there’s a baby is as much as your excited, of delivery are like a sandwich from P something uniquely difficult anxious brain can handle. During a bad deli — whatever you planned about those earliest weeks with this stage, expect to have only for is not what you’re going to get. parenthood your first child. As a newly minted enough mental stamina to focus on Still, as long as you have your baby dad who’s just survived this gruel- two things: preparing for labor, and and everyone turns out OK, there’s ing period, I may be able to shed getting all the stuff. no sense in getting too hung up on some light on it. First of all, to re- At long last, and still too soon, the details. ally make sense of things, we need you’re in the thick of the birth As manic and magical as labor to look back a few trimesters. experience. Among other things, and delivery may be, it’s all over When you are a first-time ex- this period of time includes all the before you know it. And only now pecting parent, all of your energy stages of labor — early labor, ac- that you’ve crested the “summit becomes consumed with scaling tive labor, screaming labor — plus of pregnancy” can you see that it the “mountain of pregnancy.” You whatever combination of a la carte was just the first in a whole moun-

32 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 old infant on the cheek, she just These first weeks are flinches and turns her head away like you’re a stray dog licking her LAUREN’S PLACE meant to push you to face. All the while, she stares off your limit — they’re into space and moves her little A Montessori Home Day Care arms and legs according to some All materials provided follow the Montessori Curriculum priming you for the arcane ritual, as if she’s communi- cating with the alien mothership. Ages 3 Months to 5 Years years to come. For all you know, you’re just the silly earthling who is foolishly Open Mon.-Fri. 8am - 6pm providing sustenance to the de- manding creature that is engi- • Licensed By DOH neering the enslavement of your • After School entire world. Silly human! Silly, Program exhausted, distressed human, to • Breakfast/Lunch be exact. & Snacks It’s a little bit funny that you’ve turned your life completely up- • Field Trips side down for a person you know • Art almost nothing about, and who, • Music at some point in the next 16 years, • Computers tain range of challenges that lay is going to slam a door in your beyond. face and scream, “I HATE YOU!” • Playground Now, unless your name is Be- Even your baby’s few recogniz- • Open During yoncé and you’ve employed a pla- able traits could disappear. In the Summer toon of nannies to keep your new coming months, that brown hair baby from interfering too much may fall out and come back blond, with your life, pretty quickly and those blue eyes could turn you’re in the trenches of parent- green, or hazel, or who knows 658 St. Marks Avenue ing. Here, you find yourself franti- what. 2 blocks cally asking questions like: “What So, in short, becoming a parent does it want?” “How do I make it includes dealing with the fearful from Brooklyn Children’s Museum stop?” “It’s getting too big — what anxiety that your baby is an alien. 917-449-7271 comes after onesies? Twosies? Worse still, is that this leads to WHY DIDN’T WE PUT TWOSIES terrible guilt — at a time when ON OUR REGISTRY?!” you should be nothing but self- Even if you are reasonably pre- sacrificing, you find yourself won- pared for this, as the weeks wear dering, “Why did I do this? What’s on, you find that you’re being in it for me?” PAERDEGAT pushed nearly over the edge. It’s OK to have those thoughts Sleep deprivation and the nerve- — it just means you’re human. Infant & Toddler Center shattering scream of a tiny infant (And for the record, your baby Ages 6 Weeks to 24 Months are the main causes, but there’s is, too.) These first weeks are another, less tangible one that meant to push you to your limit Open Mon. - Fri. 7am - 7pm you may not have allowed your- — they’re priming you for the self to fully consider. years to come. Parenting will be • Developmental and You see, during pregnancy, wonderfully gratifying, but it’s es- Interactive Activities friends and family shower you sential to understand from the • Curriculum Based Program with wisdom about how your life start how desperately your little will forever change (“but in a one relies on you. There can’t be Including Baby, Toddler Gym good way!”), and about how you any confusion about whose needs • All Staff Fully Trained in will feel love like you have never come first. CPR/First Aid felt before. This creates a vision After the better part of two of unicorns drinking from a foun- months, when all of that has had • Licensed by NYC Dept. of Health tain while an enchanting harp time to sink in, your little one will plays and celestial light twinkles finally reward you with a sly look Coupon • Transition to School Program in the eyes of the cherub staring and a little grin. That, of course, for Toddlers up at you. But instead, after a few is one of the most beautiful sights $100 OFF weeks of running yourself ragged in the world, and no matter what Registration Fee • Parking Available for Easy attending to your tiny baby’s con- else happens in the next 16 years, Good Thru 6/30/126/1/12 Drop Off and Pick Up stant needs, you still can’t tell if you’ll always keep that with you. this odd little creature even real- Tim Perrins is a part-time stay- A.C.D, HRA, 1199 - Union Vouchers Accepted izes that you exist. at-home dad who lives with his wife From the moment your baby and their brand new tiny human in CALL NOW... Enrollment is Limited! was born, you instinctively felt Park Slope, Brooklyn. More of his Paerdegat Infant & Toddler Center like you would throw yourself thoughts about babies and other 1500 Paerdegat Ave. N. in front of an oncoming yellow things that confuse him can be found Canarise, Brooklyn taxi to protect her, and yet, when at www.RevoltOfTheImbeciles.blog- 718-531-1111 you kiss your cherished weeks- spot.com. June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 33 Parenting Home alone, dude Torment ensues when dad leaves son in charge

y wife and I had to go out probably eat his corpse.” to run the house, take care of pets, of town. We worried through a hideous pa- order Chinese. Really, truthfully, ex- M While engaging in the rade of catastrophes until the plane cept for bartending and finances, NASA-level logistics required by landed. I called him immediately. our work was done. He was fine. travel, our recently teened son vol- “ARE YOU OK?” So we did what any confident, Death by unteered to stay behind to watch the “Dad, I’m in the middle of a game. highly accomplished parents do. We house and menagerie, causing my When are you guys leaving?” forgot about him. ChilDren wife and I to swoon after realizing the This held us over through rent- Two days of micro-seminars and Chris GarlinGton money we’d save on pet sitters, house ing a car, but as soon as we were on macro-martinis later, I get a call. sitters and someone to maintain sur- the road, hellish visions of disaster “Dad, did you leave your office veillance on our Canadian neighbors. struck again. What if the pilot light light on?” I would like to report that at this goes out? What if a plane crashes on “No, I…” juncture, as professional parents, we our house? What if he gets a tattoo? “I think there’s a burglar.” sat down for a long talk with the kid We pulled over. “If there was a burglar, the dogs about responsibilities and curfews, “CHECK THE STOVE!” would be — wow, the dogs are really but all I remember is arriving breath- “Dad, seriously. I’m in an Orc cam- barking, aren’t they?” less and poorly packed at O’Hare. paign. People depend on me. You guys “I’m 99.9 percent sure it’s OK, but We were somewhere over Ohio when have to learn how to be on your own.” I’m going upstairs to check.” we looked at each other and realized He was right. We had spent 14 “What if there is a burglar!?” what we’d done. years turning him into the remark- “It’s OK — I have a knife.” “I bet he’s on fire right now.” ably responsible young man he had Abrupt signal loss. “The dogs are gonna starve.” become. He knew how As a parent, 800 miles away in the “It’s OK, they’ll middle of nowhere with a bad connection and overactive imagination, I can tell you I was jumpy. My kid’s shoe size is listed as Sasquatch. He ducks under doors. He can pick up a car. However, he is unduly skittish. His reaction to spiders, for instance, is insanely comical — like he’s doing yoga really fast. Plus, he’s clumsy. So my vision of him confronting a burglar with a knife ended with mul- tiple self-inflicted stab wounds and a note from the crook: “Dear parents, what is wrong with you people?” I shot out of the conference into the rain, fear tears streaming down my face, sealing contracts with various lesser deities, apologizing to the great wheel of karma for leaving my only son home alone, pointing my phone into the stratosphere for bars, when he called back, his voice tight with urgency. “DAD! DAD! OH MY GOD! DAD!” “OH SWEET JESUS, BOY WHAT IS IT!?” “There’s no more frozen pizza!” They say a sound was heard that night, in the far reaches of the North Carolina hills near a conference center, a snarling, depraved, nearly human wail, guttural, almost forming words. They say it might be proof that Sasquatch lives. I can assure you: not for long.

34 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 35 Parenting Learning on the One mom’s By Allison Plitt he warmer months always re- helpful tips mind me of my summers as a T teenager — entering into the rite of passage of finding and holding for teens a summer job. My real work history began at age 12 with a steady stream seeking of neighborhood babysitting gigs, but it was my summer jobs in high school that gave me my first exposure to summer the working world. None of these job jobs were exactly what I thought they would be, but each experience the customer with some milk and that one of the male instructors had employment taught me an invaluable lesson about sugar on the side. As I walked away a crush on me. I knew he was shy, so how to survive in the workplace. from his table, I noticed there was wax one evening, when we were about to on my hand. Slowly turning around, I leave work, I kissed him. Don’t be afraid to ask saw the customer bring the drink to Big mistake. He looked at me with When I was 14, there was a girl in his lips as the cup fell apart and the a dumbfounded expression, since he my class who I always looked up to. coffee dripped down his white shirt. had not anticipated the kiss at all. One day, she told me that she volun- The man jumped out of his seat Not only did I learn the next day that teered as a candy striper at the local and yelled that the scalding hot cof- he was not interested in me, but for hospital. When I asked her why she fee had burnt his chest and legs. I the rest of the camp session, every was volunteering, I was expecting an rushed to give him more napkins time I walked by him and the other altruistic response. Instead, she told and apologized for my cluelessness. male teacher, they would snicker at me that the experience would help Needless to say, he didn’t want to me. I kept imagining all the horrible, her get a better job in the future. hear my excuses, and walked out of humiliating things they were say- Since that sounded like a good the coffee shop and probably to the ing about me, which leads to lesson enough reason as any, I signed up to nearest doctor who could treat him number two: never do anything in work as a candy striper at the hospi- for his burns. Thus, I learned lesson the workplace that you may regret tal. I envisioned that my responsibili- number one: if you don’t know how the next day. ties would include walking around to do something, ask someone. Despite the social gaffes and em- and fluffing up patients’ pillows and barrassing experiences, I continued pouring them water. never do something to work at the camp. When the camp In reality, I ended up working as you’ll later regret session ended, I spent a month tak- a waitress in the hospital’s coffee When I turned 15, I got the oppor- ing classes to obtain my lifeguard shop. Since I was very shy and often tunity to earn my first real paycheck. certification. Once I became certi- nervous and klutzy around people, I I played a lot of tennis growing up and fied, I got a job as a lifeguard at feared every day when I went to work was offered a job teaching tennis at a local pools during the summer, and that I would drop a plate on the floor, summer day camp. The head of the worked an evening shift at the neigh- and the entire restaurant would be- camp was a tennis pro, and he hired borhood YMCA in the winter. come silent and stare at me. four teachers who were all enrolled During my summer as a candy in schools nearby. My friend and I, if there’s a problem, striper, I overcame my shyness and both students at an all-girls school, tell your boss never dropped a plate, glass, or uten- were the two female teachers, and During my evening shift at the Y, sil on the floor. My self-confidence two boys from the public high school there was a swimmer who would soared. The last week on the job, how- were the male instructors. never leave the pool at closing time. ever, a customer ordered an iced cof- At the beginning of the camp ses- I would end up waiting 15 minutes for fee. Since this was the 1980s — before sion, I had a great time playing tennis, him to finish his laps, which I felt was any semblance of a Starbucks had ap- working with the kids, and finally get- unfair since I could not put the extra peared in our neighborhood — I had ting a chance to flirt with boys. I had time on the time sheet. Whenever I never heard of an iced coffee before. absolutely no clue how to act around asked him to leave, he would hold up Instead of asking a fellow worker boys, since I was leading a monastic a finger (which I assumed was a silent how to make the drink, I pulled out a life attending an all-girls school. Of attempt to tell me to wait one more wax-coated paper cup, poured some course, the summer heat was con- minute) and then continue to swim. hot coffee into it, and then gave it to tributing to the delusion in my head One evening I had decided that

36 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 without enduring a couple of weeks of the silent treatment, which helped me understand lesson number four: always double-check your facts. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes After the rocky start, my friends and I had a good summer managing the pool. Since my friends and I were punctual and conscientious, none of the tenants who used the pool ever complained. Halfway through the summer, Re- becca became quiet and withdrawn. When Mia and I asked her what was wrong, she said her parents were separating and that her life at home had become emotionally unbearable. Despite Rebecca’s attempts to arrive at work each day looking happy and cheerful, Mia and I could tell she was in a lot of pain. One of the stipulations in our employment contracts was that if we worked until the end of the summer, we would receive bonuses. We were all looking forward to heading off to college with our bonuses, but the week before the pool was to close for the summer, Rebecca decided she couldn’t stand living at home another day and left for college early, thus, losing her chance to get her bonus. In hindsight, I wished I had been more sympathetic toward Rebecca’s situation — perhaps offering her a place to stay at my family’s home or hanging out with her in the evenings when we finished work. But I didn’t do that. Instead, I hugged her, told her I was sorry about what was going on with her family, and watched her leave. I still feel some remorse about what had happened that summer, which taught me the most significant lesson of all: always enough was enough, and I was going tempts to get the swimmer out of the ing from high school, I asked two put yourself in someone else’s shoes to show this swimmer that his time pool at closing hours. My boss then friends, Rebecca and Mia, if they to understand her feelings. was up. When the pool was sup- proceeded to tell me about lesson wanted to work as lifeguards at the My daughter is only 6 years old, posed to close, I detached the lane number three: if you don’t know how pool. I told them the hours, the good but I know that one day I will recount line, passed it over his head, turned to handle a situation, tell your boss. salary, the 40-hour work week, and these anecdotes to her in the hopes off the lights and left the swimmer the classes they had to take to get that she will make better decisions alone in the pool. Always double-check certified. My friends thought the sit- than the ones that I made. Never- The following week when I came in your facts uation sounded ideal and agreed to theless, no matter how much we as for my evening shift, my boss was sit- Thanks to all my experience as a take me up on my offer. parents try to prepare our children ting on the bleachers next to the pool. lifeguard, I eventually landed a sum- Two we ek s b e fore t he p o ol op e ne d, for the real world, kids will only learn That was not a good sign, since the mer job after graduating from high I realized that I had made a mistake life’s most important lessons from only time I had ever seen my boss was school — working as a pool manager — one of the lifeguards could only their own mistakes. when he interviewed me for my job. at an apartment complex. I was re- work 20 hours a week. When I told Allison Plitt is a contributing writer for My boss told me that I had jeopar- ally excited about this opportunity, Mia, who had less work experience, New York Parenting Media and a mother dized the man’s safety and created a because I got to hire two lifeguards that I had to cut her hours, she be- living in Queens with a 6-year-old daugh- potential lawsuit for the Y if anything and the hours of the pool were from came infuriated with me, and rightly ter. Share your ideas about topics for had happened to the swimmer. I apol- noon to 8 pm. so. I was essentially saved when she articles or resources for families at al- ogized and recounted my previous at- Two months before graduat- found another part-time job, but not [email protected]. June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 37 ADELPHI ACADEMY Advice Of Brooklyn

Effectively preparing young people for college, career and life, one day at a time. Looking out for pets ~ Celebrating 150 Years of Educational Excellence ~ I have a beloved puppy, as well as home to permit the care and feeding charitable organization (such as a a few cats and a parakeet. How do I of the pet during such periods. humane society or shelter) to care ensure my animals will be well taken A will can make provisions for the for or place your pet. care of if something happens to me? care of the pet, but the executor can- New York law also provides for not officially take action to carry out the creation of a trust for animals

omesticated animals and these provisions until the will has (sometimes called a pet trust). A pet pets have gained increas- been admitted to probate, and the trust cannot exceed 21 years, even if The Private, Independent, Continuing, Co-Educational, College ing prominence in our lives. executor has received the authority the life span of a particular animal is Preparatory Day School of Choice D Ask An Sometimes, pets assume as much to proceed by the issuance of let- longer. (Turtles can live 50 or more Attorney importance in our lives as children, ters testamentary. Since there can years; horses have a life expectancy ~ Pre-Kindergarten through Senior Year ~ even more so in the case of clients be a period of weeks, if not months, of 25 to 40 years, and some cocka- Established 1863 Alison Arden Besunder, without children. Many clients ask between death and the issuance of toos can live as much as 80 years!) esq. how they can ensure that their be- letters testamentary, plans should The trustee appointed in the trust he cornerstone of the Adelphi philosophy goes beyond academics. We rear young men and loved pets are properly cared for be made to ensure the care for the will be directed to the trust instru- T after death. This is far from an un- pet during this interim period. ment to use the funds to care for the women to become productive valuable members of society. We take what is especially unique in usual or uncommon question. For You can designate a suitable care- animal. each student and nurture their talents with encouragement and devotion. Our curriculum is many people, the care and well-being taker for your pet in your will. This It may also be advisable to include designed to broaden the scope of each student’s thinking and to instill an appreciation for of the pet is a very important consid- matter should be discussed in ad- a provision in a will that permits the eration in their estate planning. vance with the potential caretaker executor to use estate funds to care learning. Not just for the sake of learning, but for the purpose of growing both mind and spirit. When considering how to plan for to make sure the animal will be for the animal for the period before For 150 years Adelphi has passed the torch of learning that shines on the importance of self the care of a pet, a pet owner should cared for appropriately. It should be the animal goes to the new home you expression. Every student is given the confidence to feel that whatever they conceive by mind, not only consider what should occur noted that the person who receives designate. The will should state that they can achieve by action. in the event of his death, but also an animal as the result of a bequest the costs of food, veterinary care, what arrangement should be made in a will becomes the owner and, as transportation, and other expenses during the interim period between such, has all the rights and respon- incurred by the executor is to be 9 Small Class Sizes with an 8 to 1 Student -- Teacher Ratio his death and the admission of the sibilities of ownership (including the paid from the estate as an estate 9 100% College Placement Rate will to probate, as well as in the right to euthanize the animal). It is administration expense, whether or 9 New York State Regents Exempt Program event that he should be hospitalized prudent to name alternate caretak- not the expenses are deductible for or incapacitated? In other words, you ers in the will in case the first-named estate tax purposes. 9 Individualized Attention should arrange for access to your person is unable or unwilling to take A concerned pet owner might also 9 Intimate, Safe, Caring and Nurturing Environment the animal when the time consider keeping a short written 9 Member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools comes. Alternatively, the will note in his wallet containing emer- 9 Celebrating 150 years of Education Excellence can provide the executor with gency instructions in the event that the discretion to select an ap- he is injured or hospitalized and un- propriate caretaker. able to return home to care for his Award Winning Programs Include: Since you cannot leave any pet. The fire department also offers Special Needs ~ Tutoring and Independent Study ~ SAT Prep ~ College Guidance part of your estate outright stickers to place on the windows Before and After School Care ~ Extra Curricular Activities ~ Interscholastic Athletics ~ Fine to an animal, you may leave of your apartment or home to alert Arts ~ Community and School Service ~ Drivers Education ~ Online Summer School a sum of money to the per- them that animals are inside in the Summer Day Camp son designated to care for event of fire. the pet. You should leave a In short, the best way to assure reasonable amount of money proper care for a pet is to make both for the care of any pet, since short-term and long-term testamen- Open House: a large sum of money could tary arrangements for your animals th prompt relatives to challenge as part of your estate and crisis- june 13 , 2012, 6:00pm the will. If the bequest is con- planning process. ditioned upon the beneficia- Alison Arden Besunder is the found- pre-registration required!

ry’s proper care for the pet, ing attorney of the Law Offices of Alison the executor will be obligated Arden Besunder P.C., where she assists to ensure that the person re- new and not-so-new parents with their PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH THE BEST ceiving the bequest fulfills estate-planning needs. Her firm assists OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE, CAREER her commitment. clients in New York City, Nassau, and If there is no appropriate Suffolk Counties. You can find Besunder AND LIFE…. person to take the pet, you on Twitter @estatetrustplan and on her should consider naming a website at www.besunderlaw.com. Disclaimer: This column is provided by the Law Offices of Alison Arden Besunder P.C. and New York Parenting Media as a public service to inform readers of legal issues. It is not intended to advise. Since legal issues vary with an individual’s ....EXPERIENCE ADELPHI! situation and needs, one should consult with an attorney. It is impossible to cover all aspects of the law in an article. Please be advised that the laws are constantly changing. The content in this article reflects the current law. Nothing contained in this article is intended as advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the firm. Individual consultation with an attorney is required to determine the specific facts and circumstances of any particular situation. A written retainer agreement between you and the firm is required before any attorney-client relationship may be created. Circular 230 Disclosure Notice: To ensure compliance with Treasury Department rules governing tax practice, we inform you that any advice contained herein (including in any attachment) (1) was not written and is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalty that may be imposed on the taxpayer, and adelphi academy of brooklyn (2) may not be used in connection with promoting, marketing or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed herein. 8515 ridge boulevard, bay ridge, brooklyn, new york 11209 for more information please contact the office of academy admissions 718.238.3308 or 38 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 visit us on the web at adelphiacademy.org ADELPHI ACADEMY Of Brooklyn

Effectively preparing young people for college, career and life, one day at a time. ~ Celebrating 150 Years of Educational Excellence ~

The P I C C E nal, College

~ nior Y ~

The cornerstone of the Adelphi philosophy goes beyond academics. We rear young men and women to become productive valuable members of society. We take what is especially unique in each student and nurture their talents with encouragement and devotion. Our curriculum is designed to broaden the scope of each student’s thinking and to instill an appreciation for learning. Not just for the sake of learning, but for the purpose of growing both mind and spirit. For 150 years Adelphi has passed the torch of learning that shines on the importance of self expression. Every student is given the confidence to feel that whatever they conceive by mind, they can achieve by action.

9 Small Class Sizes with an 8 to 1 Student -- Teacher Ratio 9 100% College Placement Rate 9 New York State Regents Exempt Program 9 Individualized Attention 9 Intimate, Safe, Caring and Nurturing Environment 9 Member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools 9 Celebrating 150 years of Education Excellence

Award Winning Programs Include: Special Needs ~ Tutoring and Independent Study ~ SAT Prep ~ College Guidance Before and After School Care ~ Extra Curricular Activities ~ Interscholastic Athletics ~ Fine Arts ~ Community and School Service ~ Drivers Education ~ Online Summer School Summer Day Camp

Open House: j m pr ed!

PR ST

....EX RIRIENCE ADEL

BROOKLYN FaMiLY 39 HEALTHY EATING How to make your baby food at home fter the first feeding deci- children are older. ened; then blended sion a new mom makes — It’s environmen- it up in a blender or A mother’s milk or formula? tally-friendly, too. food processor (with GOOD SENSE — comes another one: homemade Making your own some liquid that it baby food or store bought? can be considered a was boiled in); let it EATING Nikolina Gubernat of suburban “green” alternative, cool down; poured CHRISTINE M. PALUMBO, RD Chicago decided early on. with very little pack- into little, two-ounce “My mom raised my siblings and aging to throw into plastic containers; me on homemade baby food, so I landfills or even to and froze everything,” wanted to do it, too,” she says. “Also, recycle. she says. I decided that it would be healthier “Making baby • Start with single for my baby since I knew exactly food from scratch ingredient foods. In- what I would be putting in the food.” does involve a lit- troduce them one at tle advance planning, a time to see if baby The benefits but the benefits far outweigh the has a reaction, such as an allergy or “When you make homemade food small time investment. Making food upset stomach. for your baby, you can decide exactly for baby in big batches, and then “We were once told that cere- what does — and doesn’t — go into freezing them in single servings, can als should be baby’s first food, but it,” explains Academy of Nutrition be a huge time saver,” according to now we know that babies can also and Dietetics spokesperson Karen Ansel, a mother of two and author of start with sweet fruits like apples or Ansel, MS, RD. “In addition to better “The Baby & Toddler Cookbook.” pears or mild vegetables like butter- nutrition, homemade baby food also nut squash,” explains Ansel. tastes better, and you can modify Money saver • It’s easy to set aside some of the the texture to suit every stage of “Because you’re not paying for ingredients and mash or puree them baby’s development.” packaging or other costs baby food for baby. You can experiment with more companies may incur, like advertis- • Does baby show a fondness for a interesting ingredients, helping to ing, making baby food from scratch certain fruit or vegetable? Gradually shape baby’s palate, so he will grow is far more economical,” Ansel says. combine it with other similar foods to be a more adventurous eater. Gubernat agrees. to create a new flavor favorite. For ex- Store-bought baby food is blander in “It came out to be a big money ample, if he enjoys peaches, combine taste, which will train baby to prefer saver not having to buy ready-made it with mangoes or strawberries. only bland food. baby food.” • Utilize your freezer. Cook and Often overlooked are the social puree fruits and vegetables and and emotional benefits to feeding ba- Easiest way to start? freeze portions in ice cube trays. bies the same foods you eat. When Gubernat, whose son is 1, uses the Once they are frozen, transfer them all family members eat the same batch-cooking method. into a quart-sized freezer bag that meals, often, the pattern of eating “I peeled any skin; chopped up the you label and date. When you’re together continues even when the produce; boiled it until it was soft- ready to serve, thaw carefully in the microwave or refrigerator. Use within six weeks of freezing. Baby’s guacamole cucumber Process to a smooth You can give your baby the best 1/4 teaspoon ground puree, or, depending on Avocados are high in folate and nutrition available and do it in less cumin baby’s age and chewing healthy fats, with a neutral flavor and time than you think. All in all, Guber- ability, you can leave the creamy consistency that make them DIRECTIONS: Cut the nat is satisfied with her decision to puree a little coarser. If an ideal choice as one of baby’s first avocado in half length- necessary, add enough make her own. foods. If you use organic English (hot- wise around the pit, water, breast milk, or “It really was very easy,” she says. house) cucumbers, which are unwaxed and twist the halves to separate. Remove and formula to thin the puree “And [it] made me feel good that I did and have small seeds, you can skip the this for my son.” step of peeling and seeding them. discard the pit. Using a spoon, scoop to a consistency your baby can handle. the flesh of the avocado halves into a Christine Palumbo is a nutritionist Makes about 3/4 cup (6 fl oz) of STORE IT: Refrigerate in an airtight food processor or blender, discarding container for up to one day. (Some dis- based in Naperville, Ill., who found it guacamole. the skins. Using the large holes of a coloration may occur during storage.) deliciously easy to create her own babies’ food at home. She can be reached INGREDIENTS box grater-shredder, shred the cucum- Reprinted with permission from “The Baby & Tod- 1 large ripe avocado ber, then add it to the food processor dler Cookbook” by Charity Ferreira and Karen Ansel. at [email protected]. Follow 1/2 cup (2½ oz) peeled and seeded or blender along with the cumin. Copyright 2010 by Weldon Owen Inc. her on Twitter @PalumboRD or on Face- book at Christine Palumbo Nutrition.

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN FaMiLY 41 Relationships Dollars and sense Understanding the intricacies of alimony “Hello Oscar boy, your alimony’s due and our own feelings and emotions. further agree that the husband will If you don’t pay up, I’ll sick the cops What is alimony? Alimony (also make alimony payments to the wife on you known as spousal maintenance) is so that both get their fair share. And you’ll spend Christmas in the clink a series of payments made by one Alimony can even be used — indi- With other bums like you.” spouse to the other under a divorce or rectly — to pay for child care. Divorce & separation agreement. The payments Rivers points out that divorce remember these words well. can also be made to a third party (for comes with tax implications, and Separation In an episode of the TV sitcom instance to a bank for a loan) on be- couples should look at all of their Lee Chabin, esq. I “The Odd Couple,” Blanche had half of the receiving spouse. assets, liabilities, cash inflows, and this message delivered (via singing Recently, I spoke with Diane Riv- outflows; alimony may not be neces- telegram!) to her ex-husband, Oscar ers, a New York City divorce coach, sary as part of their settlement. She Madison, who owed her an alimony neuro-linguistic programming mas- teaches her clients to be self-suffi- payment following their divorce. ter practitioner, and former tax law- cient, always encouraging them to Not surprisingly, the subject of yer and certified public accountant question advisers, such as tax plan- alimony doesn’t get a lot of laughs in with estate planning experience. We ners and accountants, about what- real life. It is a serious matter, compli- discussed alimony — how it can ever is not understood until they are cated by a lack of information about be used, the emotions spouses may comfortable with the answer and its potential uses and advantages, feel, and certain changes that have fully grasp it. taken place over the years. People can often be tripped up As the status of women has by their feelings or shortsighted- changed in the workplace and in ness about paying alimony. Perhaps society, so, too, have expectations you can afford alimony but, feeling surrounding alimony. With the large angry, refuse to pay. Perhaps you increase in the number of women could receive alimony, but don’t like receiving higher education and en- the idea of getting anything from tering the work force, a woman may your ex, or of paying taxes on the well be the payor today, rather than money. Such reactions, if they result the payee. Men can, and do, receive in your not making use of alimony, alimony. may cost you. Another difference in the way And imagine a payee who happily spousal maintenance is approached receives alimony, but fails to save for today concerns the type or nature of emergencies or for estimated taxes. the alimony agreed to or awarded. As April 15 or the final payment ap- “Lifetime” alimony has become less proaches, with no income to replace common, though it may still be ap- it, there can be feelings of panic and propriate, especially in long-term despair. marriages. If alimony is an option, get the Instead of lifetime alimony, what information and advice you need. can often be expected is rehabilita- Consider it carefully, and try not to tive alimony (or durational mainte- let your emotions get in the way. nance), which is financial support Efficient tax planning may keep you that is provided for a relatively short from leaving money on the table at a period of time, or even in a lump sum. time when every penny counts. It allows the receiving spouse time to New York City and Long Island-based adjust and hopefully become self- divorce mediator and collaborative di- supporting. Frequently, this money vorce lawyer Lee Chabin, Esq. helps is used to pay for the spouse’s job clients end their relationships respect- training, education, or therapy. fully and without going to court. Con- Alimony can also be employed to tact him at [email protected], balance a division of property. Let’s (718) 229-6149, or go to lc-mediate.com/ say the spouses agree that the hus- home. band will keep his business, which Reach Diane Rivers at Diane@Dian- the wife has a claim to. It is an asset eRivers.com or (212) 722-4084. of significantly greater value than Disclaimer: All material in this column is for informational the house, which the wife will keep, purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Discussing your particular case and circumstances with and which the husband has a claim a legal professional before making important decisions is to. As part of their deal, the parties strongly encouraged.

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 43 special needs Believing in miracles Making a By AAron Feinstein was a young, Los Angeles-based theater director discovering my difference I path in life when I met Elaine Hall. She was an acting coach for kids, a mom of a nonverbal child with the with autism, and was the person who encouraged me to become the director of the first Miracle Proj- Miracle ect team — a group that produces musical theater productions with kids who have autism. Totally baf- Project fled and excited by the possibility, we set off to create a play written and performed by the kids in the program. It was in those first days that the true power of the Miracle Project took shape. We were proud to build an organization that was fully committed to the idea of pure with the project in Los Angeles as Miracle Project New York, we inter- acceptance. the two-time Emmy Award-winning viewed all the teens this past Octo- Our first day, there were kids documentary “Autism the Musical,” ber and accepted everyone that we doing the things that autistic kids filmed our efforts, focusing on a few interviewed into the program. I re- sometimes do, like hiding under of the kids in our program. So, natu- member thinking that it was a truly tables and flapping their arms. Yet, rally, when I moved to New York five diverse group of kids with inter- rather than looking at the kids in years ago, I was determined to bring ests ranging from Japanese Manga our group as children with disabili- the Miracle Project to the east coast comics to Michael Jackson, and the ties, Hall taught me to see each with me. presidents of the United States. Yet, child as an individual with indi- This past year I had the pleasure I couldn’t help but worry how we vidual means of expression. Each of leading a Miracle Project group were going to respect each of their had a distinct way of looking at and of 12 teens at the 92nd Street Y in individual talents while maintaining experiencing the world! Manhattan for 20 weeks on Sunday the focus of the collaborative work Creating a play was a huge under- mornings. The Y has been a great that goes into building an ensemble taking but we found that the kids in New York partner for us — the performance. our program had an intense desire organization has a long history of We got to know each other by to express their individuality and doing great programs for kids with doing a lot of improvisation-based passions on stage. And because of autism and special needs. Melanie activities. Kids with autism com- this, our performance became a Mandel, the longtime director of mit to their own ideas in incred- way for these incredible kids to be- special needs programming at the ible ways, but it can be difficult for come part of something larger than 92nd Street Y, was directly involved kids on the spectrum to embrace themselves. I was hooked on The with the kids and helped oversee new ideas. Improvisation — built Miracle Project and wanted nothing the program. Hall flew out from LA on the idea of accepting your part- more than to learn about children to do a training series for my staff ner’s idea and then expanding upon with autism and to use my talents while I trained the teen and adult that idea as a team — is the Miracle in the arts as a vehicle to con- volunteers at the Y. Along with Ga- Project’s way to get kids on the nect with them. I continued working briel Lit, the musical director at spectrum to become involved in

44 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 their peers’ ideas. Acceptance is key on May 15 at the 92nd Y in Tribeca. together to create an entertaining, Improvisation is the and it is what allows improvisation The play was about a group of super heartfelt, funny, and enlightening to work. geniuses trying to figure out the piece of musical theater. It was as- Miracle Project’s way to We also had unexpected tan- most important things to resolve in tonishing and truly worthy of the get kids on the autism trums, outbursts, and other expres- the past if they could travel in time. standing ovation the kids received sions of individuality that we had to Throughout the course of the play at the end of their final performance. spectrum to become accept. We all have little moments each of the smarty-pants characters Autism was on stage, but so was an involved in their peers’ of fear, anxiety, and nervousness attempted to do something signifi- ensemble that was committed to — those moments for kids with cant in time that was important to singing the songs, saying the lines, ideas. autism can be challenging because each of the autistic teens. This in- and supporting their fellow perform- it is more difficult for them to ex- cluded saving Abraham Lincoln at ers in the show. I think Hall says it press their feelings in a typical way. the Ford Theater, watching Michael best: “It may take a village to raise That said, this group of teens was Jackson at his Bucharest concert, a child, but we say it takes one child extremely encouraging toward one and singing a song to eulogize Whit- with special needs to raise the con- another. They were also incredibly ney Houston. sciousness of the village.” patient and tolerant of each other’s What happened throughout the This production was performed “moments.” Our fantastic staff and rehearsal process was mirrored by a true ensemble raising con- our teen and adult volunteers kept in the stage performance. They sciousness for the community while the environment safe and fun, even worked together to explore each celebrating their abilities, talents, in the most difficult moments. We other’s interests and passions, but and unique interests that are not also had a group of supportive par- the teamwork was not without its limited to, or defined by, the autism ents who were willing to commit arguments and disagreements. Ev- diagnosis. and be excited about the process eryone had different ideas that de- Aaron Feinstein is the director of the through its various triumphs and fined and shaped their diverse per- Miracle Project New York, a musical tribulations. As a whole, this little sonalities. Every kid got the chance theater program for children of all abili- community was determined to cre- to express their passions and tal- ties, and executive director and founder ate a show that would delve into the ents on stage while becoming part of Actionplay, which provides training passions and interests of everyone of a true ensemble. and program development for museums during our Sunday sessions. Through the Miracle Project pro- and cultural centers to meet the needs of The result was “A Brief History cess, we saw these unique individu- children with autism and developmental of All Things,” a musical performed als come out of their shells and work disabilities.

June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 45 Technology Apps for summer Keep your child’s mind sharp with these tools few years ago, educators Apps are organized by grade level, up on fractions or some other sub- starting warning parents so you can pinpoint what works for ject that he didn’t quite master last A about “summer slump.” This preschoolers or fifth graders. And year (www.appsineducation.com). drop-off in academic skills during you can sign up for an e-mail that • Teaching Appz is another good summer vacation forces teachers to will alert you to new apps in particu- source for apps endorsed by teach- GrowinG Up spend the first weeks after Labor lar areas (www.mindleaptech.com). ers in Great Britain. The reviewers Day re-teaching things their students • C o m mo n Sense Media now re- are quite selective, so you don’t have online knew at Memorial Day. views apps in addition to movies, to wade through a long list to find Carolyn Jabs Of course, summer won’t feel video games, TV shows, websites, top-notch apps in various subjects. much like vacation if it’s crammed books and music. Run by a non-profit, Reviews also include tips about how with workbook exercises. Instead, this site uses an easy-to-understand to use each app to stimulate learning parents can keep young brains fresh rating system that helps parents zero (www.teachingappz.co.uk). by encouraging kids to imagine, ex- in on content that is developmentally • Several apps make each day a plore, and inquire about things that appropriate. Reviews also include a learning opportunity by delivering interest them. Whether it’s done with “learning rating,” which considers en- new content to your mobile device paper or pixels, reading continues to gagement, learning approach, feed- every 24 hours. Read Me Stories back, and support (www.com- provides a daily book ideal for chil- monsensemedia.org/mobile- dren who are just learning to read app-lists). (www.8interactive.com). Brain Pop • Digital-storytime reviews offers a mini-movie about a random picture books that have been topic likely to interest elementary-age adapted for the iPad. In addi- children (www.brainpop.com/app). tion to a candid assessment To be honest, kids from families of the book, each review in- who can afford Smartphones and cludes screen shots and vid- tablet computers are less likely to eos, so you know what you’re experience summer slump. getting before you buy. There “All children backslide in math,” are also some helpful top-10 says James Kim, a Harvard re- lists, many organized around searcher who has studied summer topics that appeal to the au- slump. “In literacy, the gap between thor’s young son, such as el- high and low socio-economic status ephants, pirates, and planets children widens. Low-income stu- (www.digital-storytime.com). dents, who may not have the same • International Children’s level of access to books and literacy Digital Library offers a free resources, tend to decline more than app that gives children ac- wealthier students.” cess to more than 4,000 books Parents can help close this gap be one of the best ways to nurture from around the world. Many of the by getting involved in local literacy young minds, followed closely by books have been translated, so kids projects. Sort through your family activities that motivate children to can listen to stories in more than one library and donate outgrown books, think their way through problems. language. The Digital Library also of- games, and educational toys to pro- Happily, both of these activi- fers an app that helps children write grams such as firstbook.org. Or, use ties are a prominent part of many and share their own stories (http:// the interactive map under “Volun- of the apps designed for children. en.childrenslibrary.org/). teer” at RIF.org to find and support The challenge for parents is to sort • Storia is another free app that a literacy initiative in your school through the thousands of apps being gives readers easy access to many district. You may find that the best produced to find the ones that will of the popular books available way to prevent summer slump is by actually intersect with a particular from Scholastic book clubs. You joining with other parents to be sure child’s age and enthusiasms. These can choose five free books when that all the kids in your community websites should help. All do inde- you download the app. After that, have loads of opportunities to learn pendent reviews, and most sort apps you’ll pay from $1.95 to $20 per book this summer. by age group and subject area. (www.scholastic.com/storia). Carolyn Jabs, MA, raised three com- • M i n d Leap Tech reviews edu- • A p p s in Education reviews 1,000 puter-savvy kids, including one with spe- cational apps with three things in apps each week to identify the ones cial needs. She has been writing Grow- mind: Does the app trigger genuine that are most likely to be useful to ing Up Online for 10 years. Visit www. learning? Do kids enjoy using it? Will teachers. This is a great place to look growing-up-online.com to read other they want to use it more than once? for apps that will help a child catch columns.

46 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 d Mon oo te w s d s i o r M i

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 47 Couples Knowing what to say

s the years pass in my cou- that when we’re going through these stonewalling during the talk; third is ples practice and in my own periods), we will follow certain rules when one of us just won’t let up, even A marriage, it becomes ever with each other, and that these rules though our partner is getting emotion- more clear that certain problems are will be sacrosanct. ally and even physically overwhelmed built in to the marriage relationship, The obvious first rule is the ab- and shutting down; and last, when no matter how evolved we try to be. solute prohibition against physical talk gets to such a high pitch that, if Even when there is love and good in- aggression, no matter how angry or we were in the doctor’s office, faster tentions on both sides, things do not hurt we are. We also must agree that heart beat, raised blood pressure, Our continuously run smoothly. we will not walk out of the house and and higher secretions of adrenaline Temperament plays a big part in disappear for periods of time, that would be measureable. relatiOnships the challenge of keeping things on we will not yell and scream, that we So, we know what doesn’t work Joan EmErson, PhD track. One partner wants more time will not act out in front of friends or and can figure out from there what together, deep talk, intimacy, and ac- family, and, especially when the kids would work better. Is this easy? No! tivity than the other, and unless he are there, that we will keep our busi- It’s a lifetime of self-awareness and is careful to take his partner’s style ness between us. This means that effort. But there’s no alternative if into account, he can be, and act, there will be periods of time when we’re committed to each other and overwhelming and controlling. If he we both have to be willing to con- want to keep the love alive. That’s is the more reserved temperament, tain our emotions, and perhaps go why we have to make sure we’re both he has to assure that his partner through the motions until we each willing to do this hard work: con- doesn’t see his need for time alone calm down and have a chance to talk taining our negative impulses when as a personal rejection. in a constructive way. problems occur and, instead, shar- Sometimes, one of us has mood When we finally do sit down, both ing with our partner the desire for a issues that the other has to be un- ready to talk about how we’re miss- helpful talk when the time is right. derstanding about — like anxiety, de- ing each other and wanting to figure If we do have this behavioral com- pression, or obsessiveness — traits out how to improve things, there are mitment and can actually see each that can lock us into our own world. guidelines to what works and what other trying, the rest of what we need Our history, of course, also shapes us backfires. Research has found four to do becomes much easier. A con- and makes us supersensitive to cer- communication styles that predicted fidence and assurance that we can tain needs or fears. All of these dif- divorce with 91 percent accuracy: trust our partner to handle emotion ferences go along with being human, first, the “harsh startup,” where con- appropriately creates the feeling of and nobody’s right or wrong. How- versations get started with anger, sar- safety that we need above all else. ever, even though we know all this casm, or accusations; second is when When good times return, we have rationally, these disconnections still one or both use criticism, contemp- to nurture those comforting, warm lead to hurt feelings and, in spite of tuous tones, defensive reactions, or feelings we’re re-experiencing by the love between us, some less- making sure we tell our partner of than-ideal coping behaviors. our love and appreciation. To say Since these disconnection and hear this makes it easier to get times are unavoidable, it seems even closer; it strengthens the foun- that the best we can do in a re- dation that helps get us through the lationship that we want to last hard times. for the long haul is to During these good times, we can agree together invite each other to sit down to share what’s going on in our lives — both emotionally and practically. This kind of talk would hopefully become an almost daily practice. It’s when we feel this safety that we can talk about ongoing issues and how to handle them better. When the talk is calm, there’s eye contact, both are able to express what the upset was about and what would help heal things. And we each feel thoughtfully listened to, because we’re using the right connection tools and are on the way back to the good times. Dr. Joan Emerson is a psychologist specializing in couples therapy. Visit her website at www.JoanEmerson.com or e- mail her at [email protected].

48 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Summer Dance Intensive 2012

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 49 BOOKS Streaking in his birthday suit oes your child act like he’s al- second his mama isn’t lergic to pants, shirts, and un- looking, off come the D derwear? A new book about trunks, and the frisky a little boy who likes being naked but 4-year-old is back in loves his father even more might help the ocean wearing change your tiny one’s tune. nothing but sand “Birthday Suit,” by Olive Senior (An- and water. Johnny’s THE BOOK nick Press), tells the story of Johnny, mother decides to a free-spirited kid who likes to run try other types of WORM around au naturel. Johnny enjoys clothing, like a pair TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER waking up early when the weather is of overalls. But they warm and running down to the beach, snap on too tight and make poking his toes in the salty water, and Johnny cry. Even the fish at the beach go-lucky toddlers, splashing around in the buff. He’s hate the overalls, so Johnn figures out knows the freedom of skipping been doing this since he was a little a way to wiggle out of them. through warm waves at the beach baby and the fish never seem to mind But then Johnny’s dad gets a great without his pants. what he does — or does not — wear. idea that makes overalls and swim This book is tasteful, cute, and But when Johnny turns 4, his mom trunks feel absolutely natural for a though it’s meant for 3-to-5-year- tells him that he’s now a big boy and growing boy to wear. old streakers, it’ll make adults smile, needs to start wearing clothes — Every toddler who’s ever peeled too. If your child needs to hold his like some fancy, red swim trunks she off his clothes and raced through britches, “Birthday Suit” will fit them has bought him that are just right the room will love this story. Senior’s like a tailored suit. for a boy like him to wear to the mischievous main character is love- “Birthday Suit,” by Olive Senior. [32 beach. Johnny puts them on, but the able, relatable, and like most happy- pages, 2012, $8.95]. A smart, fun read about friends s your teen upset about mov- where she’d left behind her two best are interesting diversions — but not ing? A new book about two girls friends, Katydid and Scooby. She nearly as fine as the guy Kassidy left I who leave their hometowns and especially misses Scooby, since she back in New York. make great friends in a new neigh- always had a crush on him and now Judging by its title, it’s easy to as- borhood might be just what will never know if he liked her the sume that “Boyfriend Season: Cali she needs. way she liked him. Boys” is, well, boy-crazy. Yet once In “Boyfriend Season: Jacobi’s one silver lining is Alissa, you’re a few pages in, it becomes evi- Cali Boys,” by Kelli London her new next-door neighbor, who’s dent that this book is so much more. (Dafina Teen), Jacobi Swan- her same age. Alissa has lived in the Sure, the main characters have their son, a teenage girl who neighborhood for most of her life sights set on romance but Jacobi loves following the stock and once the two girls meet, they and Kassidy both have well-rounded market and is looking for know they’re meant to be friends. lives, interests, and dreams that go creative inspiration when Kassidy Maddox is also new to beyond crushes and kisses. Like all her father gives her an town and hates it as well. The south- young adult novels by London, the awesome, new video ern California neighborhood she has teens in this book are spunky, smart, camera, is bummed. just moved to is nothing like her old and do fun things that attract quality She’s just moved to the home in New York City — a place boyfriends in the end. Plus there’s suburbs of Los Angeles where she truly belonged. Back in a parental bonus — zero profanity! and is stuck in a one- the Big Apple, Kassidy had a model- This book is recommended for 12- bathroom house with ing career and boyfriend. But her to 17-year-old girls and is so good two dorky brothers — mother decided to elope with some they’ll want to share it with all of Hunter, who’s a pain, guy from the City of Angels and now their friends — old and new. Really, and Diggs, who’s even Kassidy is living with a step-daddy- what’s not to love? worse. dearest and a nasty, overweight, and “Boyfriend Season: Cali Boys,” by She wants noth- overeating stepsister who doesn’t Kelli London [241 pages, 2012, $9.95]. ing more than to know a single thing about fashion. Terri Schlichenmeyer has been read- physically develop a At least Kassidy has a new friend, ing since she was 3 years old, and feminine, hourglass figure (she is, Faith, who knows how to make a big- she never goes anywhere without a after all, a 15-year-old woman!) and city girl like her feel at home by intro- book. She lives on a hill with two dogs move back to her old neighborhood ducing her to the Cali boys — who and 12,000 books.

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 51 Around town Photo by Charles O’Neal

The Installation “Baseball in the Bronx: Nine Innings of Bronx Baseball” at The Bronx Museum of the Arts brough out (above) Mrs. Elston Howard, widow of the Yankee legend. (Far right) A photo of the Corona Park Little League (1950s) was part of the exhibit. Photo by Bob Williams Batter up! By Tammy Scileppi and Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Red Ruff- “The exhibit examined the role of The Bronx SuSan WeiSS ing, Hank Bauer, Whitey Ford, Joe baseball in the Bronx from — imme- DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Bill Dickey. diately after — the Civil War through Museum of t’s baseball season and Little The exhibit included the Yankees’ the present day,” said curator Brian Leaguers across the city have logo from atop the home team’s dug- Richards, who is also museum cura- I begun to hit the diamond. The out, along with photographs, vintage tor at the new Yankee Stadium on Art exhibit boys and girls of summer are at it uniforms, memorabilia, and artifacts River Avenue, which replaced the again so it’s no wonder that in the from baseball’s bygone days. Visi- original in 2009. “It really mirrored features Bronx — where the national pastime tors got a chance to see home mov- the social history of the Bronx. Base- has united residents from diverse ies filmed by Elston Howard (the ball has shown the borough’s growth backgrounds since the Civil War — first African-American Yankee), and and evolution over the past century- history of recently celebrated the sport with a a brief history of Latino baseball in and-a-half.” The Bronx wouldn’t be terrific exhibit. The Bronx Museum “El Bronx.” the Bronx without the Yankees, and of the Arts’ “Baseball in the Bronx: But it wasn’t just about Major the team played a major part in put- baseball in Nine Innings of Bronx Baseball” was League Baseball. It featured mate- ting it together. recently on view in this lovely mu- rial about Bronx Little League teams The Yankees moved to the South the Bronx seum on the Grand Concourse. from Hunts Point, Crotona, River- Bronx in 1923 from Manhattan, Of course, the Bronx is synony- dale, and Van Nest; along with col- bringing national attention and real mous with the Yankees, and Yankee lege baseball at Fordham University excitement to the area: the team Stadium, the cathedral of the sport and New York University — paint- christened the Stadium with its first that was built in 1923, was the stage ing a vivid picture of how the sport World Series championship that Oc- for legends including Lou Gehrig, helped shaped the borough. tober, defeating the crosstown New

52 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Photo by Mel Rosenthal South Bronx circa. 1975 to 1983.

York Giants four games to two in sylvania’s Carl Stotz, organized the first “Subway Series.” baseball for pre-teen boys became Hundreds of exhibit visitors a reality in 1938. He called it “Little viewed DiMaggio’s bat, Howard’s League,” and baseball history was Golden Glove, and vintage pics of made on June 6, 1939, when Lundy the Negro League World Series at Lumber played Lycoming Dairy in Yankee Stadium in 1930. The “ninth the very first Little League game in inning” of the exhibit showcased Pennsylvania. digital projections of nearly 100 Little League’s popularity ex- baseball photos from the 1950s to ploded in the wake of World War II. the present that were submitted by The Crotona Park baseball team’s the public. photo from the 1950s that was dis- Private collections from Ford- played in the exhibit showed the ham University, the Bronx County excited faces of the young players Dentistry for Adults Historical Society, New York Uni- anticipating their next game. The versity, The Center for Puerto decades haven’t changed the ex- and Children Rican Studies at Hunter College, citement children experience be- and artifacts provided by Arlene fore, during, and after a well-played Tracey H. Joseph, D.D.S., PLLC Howard, widow of Elston, were on game — whether their team wins display. or loses. Gentle, Friendly and Nuturing Care for Your Family “There’s never been anything The Little League World Series is like this,” said Goodman. “The a baseball tournament for children Bronx is the mecca of baseball, ages 9, 10, 11, and 12. The road • School Forms • White Fillings and the exhibit celebrated all the to Williamsport begins every July • Extractions • Sealants different aspects of baseball: Little with hundreds of teams through- League, high school, college, the out the United States competing • Flexible Partials • Nightguards Negro Leagues that were here, and for regional titles and a chance • Dentures • Implants of course, the Yankees.” to play in the World Series. The Children and young adults have tournament has gained popular- played baseball in parks or on ity, throughout the United States, • Teeth Whitening (Zoom) empty sandlots since the game be- where games from the series and come popular in the 1800s. Organi- even from regional tournaments • Special Attention To Nervous And Apprehensive People zations that promote professional- are broadcast on ESPN in August. • 1 Hour Root Canal Treatment ism and fair play among sandlot There are youth, high school, athletes, such as the Greater New and college baseball programs New Ultramodern Facility Conveniently Located At York Sandlot Athletic Alliance, across the city, and the sport, 1655 Flatbush Avenue • Suite A 104 have formed and expanded over through the excitement of the time. The Public School Athletic game, continues to be an integral Flat (Philip Howard Apartments) Digital League, Police Athletic League, part of summer for both boys and Screen TV Xrays & 718-377-1319 Intraoral and the Catholic Youth Organiza- girls alike. & Patient Camera tion also sponsor leagues on local For more information about Little Headset www.brooklynfamilydds.com baseball fields throughout the city. League for your child please log onto High school baseball rivalries in- www.littleleague.org/east. For more We SPeak SPaniSH spire intense competition and team information about The Bronx Museum Most Major Insurances and Medicaid Accepted pride among competitors. of the Arts log onto www.bronxmu- Thanks to Williamsport, Penn- seum.org. June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 53 Advice Tips for coaching your kid’s ball team Dear Mr. Morton, you can create a constructive and ship for the game of baseball out- I volunteered to coach my son’s upbeat baseball season for your son shined the others. They also ended Little League baseball team with his and his classmates — one that they up liking not only their coaches Family fifth-grade classmates. I really want to will always remember. better but their teammates as well. have a positive impact on them. Any Researchers examined the impact Friendships were forged. Journal tips? — Anxious Dad of coaching behaviors on 152 boys And here’s the kicker: all 152 boys RobeRt MoRton (ages 10 to 12) participating in Little completed a measure of general self- Dear Anxious Dad, League baseball programs. They un- esteem before and after the baseball Thanks to parents like you, the covered major results with far-reach- season. Boys with low self-esteem number of kids participating in ing implications. playing under the trained coaches adult-organized sports programs is Half the coaches attended a showed dramatic rises in their feel- growing at an unbelievable rate: 28 Coaching Effectiveness Training Pro- ings of self-worth; boys with low self- million boys and girls between the gram two weeks before the season esteem playing under the untrained ages of 6 and 18 participate in com- began – the other half did not. The coaches did not. munity sports programs. As a coach, trained coaches learned ways to After reviewing the training pro- relate more effectively with gram and listening to the wishes of child athletes. parents who have had children in Throughout the season, summer baseball leagues, my idea the trained coaches read- of a great kid’s baseball coach is ily praised kids for their ef- one who: forts and good performances. • I s aware of the growing number The other coaches did not. of kids with low self-esteem and When a Little Leaguer made those who come from single-parent an error, the trained coaches and dysfunctional families, and who gave corrective instruction in believes his most important job is a supportive and encourag- to build confidence and feelings of ing way. The other coaches self-worth. did not. • Believes winning is important, The trained coaches no- but that kids always come first. Poor ticed kids being good and and skilled batters bat equally. rarely overlooked improving • Fo c u s e s on what went right, performances, using praises preaches maximum effort, and if the such as: “Johnny, I like your team loses, watches blooper videos stance while at bat.” of pro baseball teams. Kids with trained coaches • Builds team spirit and has par- heard encouraging words ents form a cheering section. All kids and reassurances when they are cheered for effort and no kid is made a mistake, such as: booed. “That’s OK, Tommy, you’ll get • Pa s s e s out sponge balls to par- it next time!” The other kids ents to throw at adults who yell dis- did not. couraging remarks from the bleach- Kids heard more criticiz- ers. ing remarks and punitive Here’s the bottom-line: the responses from untrained win-loss records between trained coaches when they made mis- coaches and those with a “take no takes on the baseball field, prisoners” approach to Little League such as: “How many times do baseball were identical. I have to tell you to use both Robert Morton, MED, EDS, is a re- hand, stupid!” tired school psychologist and former Preseason and postseason adjunct professor in the School of interviews with the 152 Lit- Leadership and Policy Studies at Bowl- tle League boys uncovered ing Green State University. Concerns major findings: the boys en- about family, parenting, educational, joyed playing for the trained or those of a personal matter? Contact coaches better and their wor- him at [email protected].

54 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 KID’S EAT FREE EVERY NIGHT!

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 55 HealtH How to help your teen fall asleep Family HealtH Dr. PramoD Narula, mD Chairman of Pediatrics New York methodist Hospital

My adolescent daughter has been she’s struggling with a particular tain stimulating activities, such as having problems falling asleep. How class or had a recent fight with a playing video games, 30 to 60 min- can I help her doze off? friend. If so, she might be worrying utes prior to her consistent bed- about this problem at night, which time. Regular exercise during the nsomnia is a prevalent sleep could prevent her from dozing off. day and avoiding caffeine (which disorder among adults, but it’s High caffeine intake or an upset is found in carbonated cola drinks) I also quite common for chil- stomach could also be causing the can help, as can encouraging her dren to experience difficulty fall- problem, so take a look at your to learn certain relaxation tech- ing asleep. Children generally need daughter’s diet as well. Asthma, niques, like meditation, which she between nine and 11 hours of sleep poor sleep habits — such as going can do before going to bed. If she a night. Continual sleeplessness to bed at different times each night has problems nodding off, make can result in your daughter feeling — certain types of medication, sure she gets out of bed and does exhausted, and can make it diffi- or even growing pains or muscle something relaxing, such as read- cult for her to concentrate on her cramps can keep a child up. ing, rather than tossing and turning schoolwork during the day. Con- After you determine what’s caus- under the covers. stant fatigue might also compro- ing the problem, get your daugh- If your daughter still can’t sleep, mise her immune system and make ter back on a healthy sleep cycle seeing a counselor or child psy- her susceptible to illness. by instilling good bedtime habits. chologist, as well as your pediatri- The good news is that once you Only allow her to use the bed to cian, could help. A licensed medical identify the source of your daugh- sleep; have her avoid doing her professional might be able to spot a ter’s insomnia, you’re well on your homework or watching television problem that you weren’t able to way to treating it. One possible in bed. Enforce a schedule where see, or even suggest certain types cause is stress. Talk to your daugh- she wakes up and goes to bed at of medications that your daughter ter and find out how she’s doing ac- the same time. may need in order to get her sleep ademically and socially — perhaps Also, make sure she avoids cer- schedule back on track.

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN FaMiLY 57 Parenting Is home-schooling right for my kids?

Parents helPing Parents Sharon C. PeterS, Ma

Dear Sharon, I have been home-schooling my two kids for the past three years. They are twins and are 8 years old. Friends and other family members have told me I’m crazy, and that I should let them go to school, because I am depriving them of learning social skills and interacting with a variety of people. What do you think? Is this harming them?

Dear home-schooling parent, lar basis. This gives young people position when explaining their par- I have known families who have the experience of sorting through enting decisions. This is especially educated their children at home, in the intricacies of peer relationships true when their opinions are differ- private or public settings, and by — an important part of life. ent than “mainstream” thought. doing a combination of all three. It can also be helpful to find I believe that parents know I believe there can be excellent classes or activities that children their children and should make de- reasons for parents to choose all can attend, giving them the oppor- cisions about the priorities they of these options and suggest that tunity to accomplish goals as part want to stress in their families. moms and dads review the inevita- of a group — another important As they do so, I also suggest that ble pros and cons of each for their part of childhood development. they look for places to receive hon- families. In New York, there are strong est and thoughtful feedback about I think that it is useful for parents networks of home-schooling par- their ideas from adults they trust. of homeschoolers to find ways for ents who have sorted through ways It can also be helpful to take their their children to be around people to provide a variety of options to children’s ideas into consideration their own age — who are not part of their children that include ongoing as well. (For example, many home- their immediate family — on a regu- contact with other home-schooled schooled children I know have children. New York City Home Edu- wanted to try attending a tradi- Sharon C. Peters is a mother and director of Parents helping Parents, cators Alliance is one organization tional school at some point during 669 President St., Brooklyn (718) 638-9444, www.PhPonline.org. that is an excellent source of sup- their education.) If you have a question about a challenge in your life (no issue is too big port and information. Best wishes as you sort through or too small) e-mail it to Dear Sharon at [email protected]. It is not unusual for parents to the details of a wonderful learning find themselves in a “defensive” environment for your young ones.

58 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 BAY RIDGE CARROLL GARDENS PARK SLOPE WINDSOR TERRACE

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 59 Parenting

with the pomp and circumstance, especially when comparisons run rampant in her peer world. Your Party for less teen can have an elegant and memorable celebration without break- ing the bank. Try some of these Planning a Sweet 16 party cost-saving ideas: • O p t for a church hall, community center, or local firehouse — res- that won’t bust your budget taurants can be pricey. • H i r e a teen DJ who is just start- was dreading it because of the set the tone. Is she a traditionalist? If ing in the business. Lions and stress of it all! My daughter had so, she might want a traditional party • S e a r c h for catering specials. I been talking about hosting a with the typical ceremonies (candle • Shop post-holiday for great dis- Sweet 16 party since she was 14. I ceremony, etc.). Perhaps a location counts on garland and other party- tigers and tried numerous ways to talk her out party is more her style (beach, ice appropriate items. of it. I suggested everything from a rink, etc.). What matters most is that • M a ke your own decorations and teens trip to New York City with her closest her celebration is a reflection of who centerpieces. Myrna Beth haskell friends to a day at the spa. But she she is. • I n lieu of a cake from an upscale was adamant: she wanted a dance Susan Kuczmarski, EdD, author of bakery, ask a creative relative to party with all of her friends there. It “The Sacred Flight of the Teenager: A bake. seemed nothing else would make her Parent’s Guide to Stepping Back and • S k ip the photographer — have a happy, so I took the plunge. Letting Go,” broaches a less stressful friend take photos. approach to celebrating. • Inexpensive favors: homemade it’s all about choices “Try a ‘blank canvas’ project. It chocolate lollipops, craft frames for There are numerous ways to cel- involves a group of teens painting to- a group photo, etc. ebrate this milestone, such as a spe- gether on a single canvas with each cial dinner out with close friends, member selecting a portion of it. For tips and tales various day trips, or a weekend away 20 teens, get a large canvas and mark “We had my daughter’s at a VFW at the beach. Your teen’s style should off 20 spaces with a ruler. Be sure to hall. I decorated myself, got a rea- have each person sign it, and don’t sonably priced DJ, and had the local forget to date it. Have your daughter pizza place cater the food. The VFW hang it in her room.” She also sug- provided soda.” gests an outdoor concert with a pic- —Tracy Critelli-MacQueen, nic planned — a great warm weather Glen Oaks, NY idea where dancing, food, and fun “We rented a bus and got reduced- are had by all! price tickets for Lake Compounce (a family amusement park in Con- reduce party stress necticut).” If a party is in the cards, there are Debbie St. Onge, Poughkeepsie, NY ways to ease the stress. “I planned a Hollywood-theme “Have a couple of talks, way in ad- party. We took pictures of the kids vance of the planning, to make sure on the red carpet as they entered. We the party is actually meaningful,” says printed out the pictures, put them April Masini, author of Ask April, a rein frames from the Dollar Store, and lationships advice column at www. handed them to the kids as favors.” AskApril.com. “The competition on — Liza Zarowitz, party consultant, the Sweet 16 circuit is cutthroat. If a Woodstock, NY party is not what she really wants, it can be a recipe for a disaster.” Want to share your Masini proposes pooling resources ideas? with a couple of friends who are turn- Upcoming topic: Is your teen typi- ing 16 around the same time. This cal? Is he impulsive, unpredictable, will cut down on the price tag, and and egocentric at times? Tips to deal you will have more help with the with the teen mindset. planning. Please send your full name, address, Be sure to delegate jobs to fam- and brief comments to myrnahaskell@ ily and friends. To avoid stress over gmail.com, or visit www.myrnahaskell. declined invites, talk to your daugh- com. ter about inviting friends she has Myrna Beth Haskell is a feature always counted on, instead of worry- writer, columnist and author of the newly ing about inviting the “right” people. released book, “Lions and Tigers and Teens: Expert advice and support for Cutting costs the conscientious parent just like you” It is easy to get carried away (Unlimited Publishing LLC).

60 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 61 teens I love national parks

iving in New York City, it is dif- by a range of hills — the park was a see the lava flow. It was completely ficult to appreciate nature in sanctuary from the weather. My first pitch black, and my parents and I L its pure form. City parks offer taste of a national park couldn’t have stumbled through the rocks with great weekend fun, but it’s hard to been sweeter. We walked through only one flashlight among us. Never- escape the hustle and bustle of the the trails and couldn’t stop taking theless, it was worth it. Not only was urban setting. It’s no surprise that pictures of the majestic mountain the lava flow like nothing I’ve ever most teenagers are more interested ranges wrapped in the fog. seen before, but we really bonded in their gadgets than the great out- Then, we headed to Olympic, while there. A Teen’s TAke doors. However, one great way to which was definitely a once-in-a-life- AglAiA Ho foster a passion for Mother Nature is time experience. Walking through Learn and discover to visit America’s national parks. the moss-covered forests was like National parks aren’t just fun va- During the past few summers, walking through a rainforest. The cation spots, they are educational, my parents and I have visited some drizzle barely fazed us. We drove too. You can learn so much by ex- of the beautiful and unique parks up to Hurricane Ridge to view the periencing wildlife in its natural en- around the country. It’s something mountains, but, on our way down, vironment. And park rangers are that we all enjoy, because we love it started to pour. It was a bumpy friendly and eager to share their the scenery and change of pace. Not ride down, but a memorable one all knowledge about the park’s history, the same. Best of all, we had the animals that live there, and the pleasant weather for the rest plant species. of our trip. Often, you get to meet naturalists Our third stop was Mount or environmentalists. While at Yel- Rainier, where the sun lit up lowstone, we met a couple who were the snow-capped mountains, documenting a nest of birds. They al- and little wildflowers dotted lowed us to look through their state- the green meadows. of-the-art binoculars and showed us the babies who had just hatched and explore and were learning to fly. It was like liv- experience ing in a nature documentary, and it There are so many activi- was rewarding when the birds finally ties for families, kids, and took flight. teens at these parks. My fond- est memory is when we went Appreciating nature canoeing at Jenny Lake at the Throughout my experiences, Grand Tetons. It was serene I’ve found that nature has so much and so much fun to paddle beauty and excitement to offer us. I through the pristine water on learned that there are no souvenirs a summer day. The city’s ar- or even photos that can match the chitecture is a far cry from the grandeur of an actual memory. For natural edifices of the parks. example, the towering trees at Se- to mention, we get to bond over ex- We also enjoy having a picnic quoia cannot be taken home with periencing something new together. lunch whenever we can. All national you. It is also impossible to capture It’s become a tradition to spend our parks have designated picnic areas, the immense scale on camera. I just summers hiking, canoeing, animal- many with breathtaking views. When had to take in the “Land of the Gi- watching, and exploring in national we visited Yosemite National Park, ants” and cherish the moment. parks. we had a relaxing picnic lunch by the • • • meandering river. It was absolutely National parks were founded in My first parks stunning. Many parks also offer a order to preserve some of America’s On our first trip, we visited three maze of hiking trails. Grab some most unique and beautiful regions national parks in Washington. Maybe water and your family, and explore for future generations. Nothing is it was just my awful luck, but the first the more intimate enclaves of the better than sharing these magnifi- few days were nothing but a drippy, park. When my family and I visited cent locations with your family. Plan rainy mess. Isn’t it supposed to be Joshua Tree National Park, we took a your next vacation at one of Ameri- sunny in the summertime? Despite long hike through the desert-like en- ca’s great national parks. There are the conditions, we proceeded on to vironment to see some ancient caves so many to choose from! North Cascade. with pictographs on them. Aglaia Ho is a 16-year-old student Known for its glaciers that melt Additionally, many offer special from Queens who enjoys writing. Her into magnificent waterfalls, North programs and activities for every- work has been published in Creative Cascade was surprisingly dry. Lo- one. On our trip to Hawaii, we visited Kids, Skipping Stones, Daily News-Chil- cated in the rain shadow — a region active volcanoes. The park hosted a dren’s Pressline, and The State of the sheltered from rain-bearing winds nighttime walk through the rocks to Wild.

62 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Like Us on Are you pregnant, but have no insurance? DON’T FEAR, MPP is Available At EAST NEW YORK DIAGNOSTIC to Win AND TREATMENT CENTER tickets or Medicaid prizes Prenatal Visit us at our Program NYParenting page and register to win 2094 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11207

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64 BROOKLYN FaMiLY • June 2012 Going Places

Long-running Winning books on exhibit: Brook- Submit a listing lyn Public Library’s Central branch, Flat- Going Places is dedicated to bush Ave. at Eastern Parkway in Grand bringing our readers the most Army Plaza; (718) 230-2100; www. comprehensive events calendar brooklynpubliclibrary.org/branch_li- in your area. But to do so, we brary_detail.jsp?branchpageid=265. need your help! Three students, Brooklyn students, All you have to do is send who were awarded top honors in the your listing request to calendar@ 26th Annual Extra Jack Keats Book- cnglocal.com — and we’ll take making Competition will be on exhibit care of the rest. Please e-mail from May 2 to 31 at the Brooklyn Public requests more than three weeks prior to the event to ensure we Library. have enough time to get it in. Movie night: The Moxie Spot, 81 And best of all, it’s FREE! Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. com; Fridays, 6:15, Free! Friday, May 25, 10:30 am; Tuesday, May Shorts and a full length family appro- 29, 10:30 am; Wednesday, May 30, priate movie. 10:30 am; Thursday, May 31, 10:30 am; Friday, June 1, 10:30 am; $10. Cartoon exhibit: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., at Avenue of Puppets and people — musical safety Science; (718) 699-0005 X353; www. adventure with Chicken Little, Goosey nyscience.org; Weekdays, 9:30 am–5 Lucy and Ducky Lucky. pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am–6 Storytime: The Moxie Spot, 81 At- pm, Now – Sun, Sept. 2; $11 $8 children lantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry 2-17, college students and seniors. streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. Featuring characters from the Car- com; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- toon Network, including larger than life days, Noon, $2.50. graphics, animation from concept to fin- Come hear a few stories with a simple ished product, storyboarding, character craft to go with it. design and drawing. Carousel: Prospect Park Children’s Fleet week: The USS Intrepid, 700 Corner, Enter at Flatbush Ave. and W. 46th St. at 12th Avenue; (212) Ocean Avenue; www.prospectpark.org/ 245–0072; www.intrepidmuseum.org; Nina’s free concerts calendar; Thursdays – Sundays, Noon–5 Wednesday, May 23, 10 am; Thursday, pm, Now – Sun, June 24; $2 per ride. May 24, 10 am; Friday, May 25, 10 am; ing along with Miss Nina on June 8 at 10 am. Festivities at two great locations this continue with arts and crafts be- The iconic ride is open for rides for the Saturday, May 26, 10 am; Sunday, May whole family. 27, 10 am; Monday, May 28, 10 am; S month. The swinging, sing- tween 3 and 6 pm for school chil- Tuesday, May 29, 10 am; $24 ($20 se- ing, strumming sensation sweep- dren. FAB Fridays is presented Reading is fun: Homecrest Public Li- niors, students; $19 youth 7-17; $17 vet- ing the nation brings her upbeat by the Fulton Area Business As- brary, 2525 Coney Island Ave. between erans; $12 children 3-6; Free for Active tunes played on her famous pink sociation. Gravesend Neck Road and Avenue V; Military and Retired US Military). guitar to Greenlight Bookstore on Both events are free. (718) 382-5924; www.brooklynpublicli- Celebrate the men and women in the brary.org; Tuesdays, 3:30 pm, Fridays, June 3 and to Putnam Triangle Miss Nina at Greenlight Bookstore US Armed Forces at the 25th annual 2:30 pm, Now – Thurs, June 28; Free. gala. Participants climb aboard the tall Plaza on June 8. [686 Fulton St. between S. Portland Teens read for free books. ships, watch movies, and live entertain- Miss Nina serenades the little Avenue and S. Elliott Place in Fort ment; check the museum’s fleet week ones, 3 and younger, with songs, Greene, (718) 246–0200, www.green- Reading is Fun: Sunset Park Public calendar for a complete listing of all stories, and interactive play at lightbookstore.com]. June 3 at 11 Library, 5108 Fourth Ave. at 51st Street; (718) 965-6533; www.brooklynpublicli- events. Baby Story Time at 11 am on am. FAB Friday at Putnam Triangle brary.org; Fridays, 3:30 pm, Now – Fri, “Little Miss Muffet’s Monster June 3. Plaza [22 Putnam Ave. between Ful- June 29; Free. Sitting Service”: The Swedish Cot- Then, she’ll energize the ton Street and Grand Avenue in Clin- Teens and tweens enjoy books, games tage Marionette Theatre, West Dr. at crowds at FAB Fridays at Put- ton Hill, www.fballiance.org]. June 8 and music. 79th Street Transverse; (212) 988-9093; nam Triangle Plaza in Clinton Hill from 10 to 11 am. cityparksfoundation.org/swedishcot- Teen time: Greenpoint Public Library, tage.html; Mondays, Tuesdays, Thurs- 107 Norman Ave. at Leonard Street; days and Fridays, 10:30 am and noon, Miss Muffet”, this version tells the story “Play it Safe”: PS 3 The Bedford Vil- (718) 349-8504; www.brooklynpublicli- Wednesdays, 10:30 am, noon and 2:30 of Molly Muffet, the descendent of the lage School, 50 Jefferson Ave. at Frank- brary.org; Fridays, 4 pm, Now – Fri, June pm, Now – Sun, Aug. 26; $8 ($5 chil- original Miss Muffet. Run time is approx- lin Avenue; (212) 724-0677; wwwshad- 29; Free. dren under 12). imately 50 minutes and is suitable for owboxtheatre.org; Wednesday, May 23, Get together with friends and read Based on the nursery rhyme, “Little children 3-9. 10:30 am; Thursday, May 24, 10:30 am; Continued on page 66 June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 65 Going Places

Continued from page 65 Sponsored by Town Square. books, play games and listen to music. Teen time: Ulmer Park Public Library, “A Comedy of Errors”: The Cran- 2602 Bath Ave. at 26th Avenue; (718) berry Street Theater Space, 55 Cran- 265-3443; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. berry St. between Henry and Hicks org; Mondays, 4 pm, Now – Mon, June streets; (718) 624-3614; theater2020. 25; Free. com; Thursday, May 24, 7 pm; Friday, Children 13 and up read books, play May 25, 8 pm; Saturday, May 26, 8 pm; games and listen to music. Sunday, May 27, 3 pm; Thursday, May Singalong: The Moxie Spot, 81 At- 31, 7 pm; Friday, June 1, 8 pm; Satur- lantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry day, June 2, 8 pm; $18. streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. Family friendly production of Shake- com; Tuesdays, 11:00, $2.50. speare’s play about mistaken identity, Come clap, dance, sing or just watch! love and marriage. Theater 2020 uses actors and puppets in this fast paced 90 Little Learners club: St. Anselm’s minute version of the classic. Church, 365 83rd St. between Third and Fourth avenues; (718) 745-7643; Conservatory garden tour: Cen- Tuesdays, 9:30 –10:45 am, Thursdays, tral Park’s Conservatory Garden, Fifth 9:30–10:45 am, Now – Thurs, June 28; Ave. at East 105th Street; (212) 860- $125 per month. 1370; www.centralparknyc.org; Satur- Story-time, playtime and arts and days, 11 am–12:30 pm, Now – Sat, May crafts for children 2 years old and their 26; Free. moms/caregivers. See tulips, daffodils, twin crabapple allees, and more. Reading RIF: Ft. Hamilton Public Li- brary, 9424 Fourth Ave. at 94th Street; “The Jungle Book”: Puppetworks, (718) 748-6919; www.brooklynpubli- 338 Sixth Ave. at Fourth Street; (718) clibrary.org; Tuesdays, 2:30 pm, Now – 965-3391; www.puppetworks.org; Wed, June 27; Free. Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 and 2:30 School age children earn free books pm, Now – Sun, Aug. 19; $8 ($7 for by reading. children; $6 group rates). Rudyard Kipling’s charming story, Story and play: Leonard Public Li- with Mowgli, Kikki and Tikki, and Shere Safety with the FBI brary, 81 Devoe St. between Manhat- Khan comes to life with puppets, songs, tan Avenue and Leonard Street; (718) beautiful scenes and costumes. Recom- o you have what it takes to bomb technicians do their impor- 486-3365; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. mended for children 4 years and older. be an FBI agent? Find out tant work. org; Tuesdays, 4 pm, Now – Tues, June when agents from the FBI, Safety with the FBI at The Jewish 26; Free. Arts and recreation: Prospect Park D Homeland Security, and the Secret Children’s Museum [792 Eastern Park- Infants to 5 years old hear stories and Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln listen to songs. Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287- Service visit the Jewish Children’s way, between Kingston and Albany 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audu- Museum on June 10 from noon to avenues in Crown Heights, (718) 907– Bereavement support group: St. bon; Saturdays and Sundays, 1–3 pm, 5 pm. 8805, www.jcm.museum]. June 10 Joseph’s High School for Girls, 80 Wil- Now – Sun, July 1; Free. The fun family event features from noon to 5 pm; free. The museum loughby St. at Bridge Street; (646) 739- Craft activities and fun nature games. fingerprinting, arts and crafts, and is open Mondays through Thursdays 1005; [email protected]; www.calvaryhospital.org; Tuesdays, Nature’s helpers: Prospect Park hands-on programs, along with a from 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays from 10 4:30–6 pm, Now – Tues, June 26; Free. Audubon Center, Enter park at Lincoln tour of a coast guard boat and am to 6 pm, and clsosed on Fridays For children 6-12 years old who are Road and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287- a mobile command post. Families and Saturdays. General admission is grieving the death of a loved one. Pre- 3400; www.prospectpark.org/audu- will also get the chance to meet $10 per person and free for children registration required. bon; Saturdays and Sundays, 2–3 pm, an FBI Swat Team, and see how under 2 years of age. Now – Sun, June 24; Free. Yak Packers: Rubin Museum of Art, Help keep the park and the water- 150 West 17 Street, between 6th and ways clean and enjoy the day. 7th avenues; (212) 620-5000 X 344. Theater, 248 W. 60th St. between Am- Sun, July 22; Free. www.rmanyc.org; Wednesdays and Race around the yard: Lefferts sterdam and West End avenues; (212) Come sing, clap, dance or just watch. Thursdays, 10:30 –11:30 am, $10 ($5 239-6200; www.telecharge.com; Sat- Historic Homestead, 452 Flatbush Ave. Discover tour: Prospect Park Audu- seniors and students; Free for children between Empire Boulevard and East- urdays, 4:30 pm, Now – Sat, June 30; under 12 and members). $29.50 ($49.50 VIP seating). bon Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road ern Parkway; (718) 789-2822; www. and Ocean Avenue; (718) 287-3400; Children 2 to 4 years old explore the The magic show with a mind of its prospectpark.org; Saturdays and Sun- www.prospectpark.org/audubon; Sun- exhibits and collections, play, listen to own. Magician Max Darwin makes ob- days, 2–3 pm, Now – Sun, June 24; days, 3 pm, Now – Sun, June 24; Free. stories, and crafts. Free. jects appear out of thin air. Take a walk with a naturalist and Toddler time: Gravesend Public Participate in potato sack races, spoon Family disco night: The Moxie Spot, watch for animals while investigating lit- Library, 303 Ave. X between W. First races, stilts, and other old-fashioned 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and tle known facts about the park. and W. Second streets; (718) 382- games. Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; themox- 5792; www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org; Chess club: Call for location; (917) Yoga: Greenpoint Public Library, 107 iespot.com; Saturdays, 6 pm, Now – Wednesdays, 11 am, Now – Wed, June 957-1714; [email protected]; Norman Ave. at Leonard Street; (718) Sat, July 14; Free! 27; Free. Sundays, 4 pm, Now – Sun, June 24; 349-8504; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. Eat, drink and shake your groove $100 (for whole six months). For children birth to 5 years. org; Saturdays, 3:45 pm, Now – Sat, thangs! June 30; Free. Club forming for children 6 to 10 to Story time: Ulmer Park Public Library, Sunday singalong: The Moxie Spot, meet and play. A coach will be on hand 2602 Bath Ave. at 26th Avenue; (718) For individuals 18 years and older. 81 Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and to help students hone their game skills. 265-3443; www.brooklynpubliclibrary. “The Amazing Max and the Box Henry streets; (718) 923-9710; themox- Admission fee provides for the coach, org; Wednesdays, Noon, Now – Wed, of Interesting Things”: The MMAC iespot.com; Sundays, 12:15 pm, Now – supplies and hopefully tournament costs. Continued on page 67 66 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Going Places

Continued from page 66 enue; (718) 622-3300 or email: rfrank@ June 27; Free. bqcm.org; www.bqcm.org; 7:30 pm; Children 3-5 years old enjoy classic $10 ($5 students and seniors). songs and books. Trio Tritticali, an eclectic string trio will perform jazz, classical, Arabic, Chinese Dance-around: The Moxie Spot, 81 and avant-garde selections; featuring Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry Helen Yee on violin, Leanne Darling on streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. viola, and Doren Dempster on cello. com; Thursdays, 11, $2.50. For children. Fri, June 1 Bereavement support group: St. Joseph’s High School for Girls, 80 Wil- Resource conference: Long Island loughby St. at Bridge Street; (646) 739- University, DeKalb and Flatbush ave- 1005; [email protected]; nues; (718) 998-3000; brooklynparent- www.calvaryhospital.org; Thursdays, center.eventbrite.com; 8:30 am–4 pm; 4:30–6 pm, Now – Thurs, June 28; Free. Free. For children 13-18 years old who are For parents, grandparents and care- grieving the death of a loved one. Pre- givers of children with disabilities. Pre- registration required. registration required. Stars of tomorrow: Hudson River Summer festival: PS 15, 71 Sullivan Park Pier 45, Christopher St. and the St. (718) 643-6790 X113; www.red- Hudson River; (212) 627-2121; www. hookfest.com; 6–9 pm; Free. hudsonriverpark.org; Tuesdays, 6:30– This year’s theme, “Women’s Work: 8:30 pm, Tues, June 5 – Tues, Aug. 21; A comedy of errors healing our communities.” The 19th an- Free. nual day features female led bands and Talented students from the New lapstick and comedy join is guaranteed to amuse every- dance companies, kayak rides, poetry School Jazz and Contemporary Music hands in “The Comedy of one. and story telling. and Mannes College The New School SErrors,” at the Cranberry “A Comedy of Errors” at The Choreography showcase: BAX – for Music perform Bach to Bebop. (Ac- Street Theater Space, now Cranberry Street Theater Space at Brooklyn Arts Exchange, 421 Fifth Ave. cept July 3.) through June 2. Our Lady of Assumption Church [55 (718) 832-0018; www.bax.org; 7:30 “The Adoration of the Magi”: Theater 2020 puts on Shake- Cranberry St. between Henry and pm; $5. Museum of Biblical Art, 1865 Broadway speare’s original rom-com — full Hicks streets in Brooklyn Heights, Students and director perform original between W. 61st and W. 62nd streets; of mistaken identities, plot twists, (718) 624–3614, www.theater2020. dance routines, as well as the works of young choreographers ages 9-14. (212) 408-1500; www.mobia.org; Tues- love, and marriage — using accom]. May 27 at 3 pm, May 31 at days – Sundays, 10 am–6 pm, Fri, June tors and puppets. This 90-min- 7 pm, and June 1 and 2, at 8 pm. 8 – Sun, Sept. 9; Free. ute version is family friendly and Tickets are $18, cash at the door. Sat, June 2 The beautiful early Italian Renaissance alterpiece by Bartolo di Fredi, (1330- Kinder Kritters: Central Park Zoo, 1410), will be displayed in its entirety. 830 Fifth Ave at E. 65th Street; (212) (Closed 7/4/12.) ditorium, 97th St. at Fourth Avenue; “My Fair Lady”: 8 pm. St. Patrick’s 439-6583; www.centralparkzoo.com/ (718) 482-3173; [email protected]; Auditorium. See Friday, May 25. programs; 10–11 am; $25 ($30 non- Amazing Water: New York Aquar- https://www.nyctheaterny.com; 8 pm; members). ium, 602 Surf Ave. between W. Eighth $20 ($15 seniors and students under Sun, May 27 Incredible insects — for 4- and 5-year- and W. Fifth streets; (718) 265-3448; 21). old children. Instructors lead the children www.nyaquarium.com; Daily, 10 am – 5 Memorial day weekend: 9 am–9 through songs, dances and games, as pm; Fri, June 8 – Sun, Sept. 9; Free with Production of the Lerner and Loewe classic about a flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, pm. Prospect Park Band Shell. See Sat- well as creative animal themed crafts. general admission. urday, May 26. It’s the newest feature at the aquar- who is transformed by Professor Henry “Morgan’s Big Biology Test”: ium, a 1,500-foot maze learning envi- Higgins into a lady. Performed by the Potato days: 1–4 pm. Lefferts His- Hatch Auditorium-Guggenheim Pavil- ronment, where participants learn all Narrows Community Theater troupe. toric Homestead. See Saturday, May 26. ion, 1468 Madison Ave. at 100th Street; about the environmental factors that www.mimplay.eventbrite.com; 10 am– “My Fair Lady”: 3 pm. St. Patrick’s threaten our waterways. Sat, May 26 noon; $35 ($25 students). Auditorium. See Friday, May 25. Interactive play that teaches young Wii and Ntendo: The Moxie Spot, 81 Memorial day weekend: Prospect people about healthy living and careers Atlantic Ave. between Hicks and Henry Park Band Shell, Prospect Park West and Mon, May 28 in the biomedical sciences. streets; (718) 923-9710; themoxiespot. Ninth Street; (718) 965-8900; www. Walk-A-Thon: Canarsie Park, Seaview com; Saturday, June 16, 6 pm; Saturday, prspectpark.org/calendar; 9 am–9 pm; Memorial day weekend: 9 am–9 Ave. at E. 93rd Street; (718) 251-0527; July 21, 6 pm; Free. Free. pm. Prospect Park Band Shell. See Sat- Prizes, games and food. urday, May 26. www.mytimeinc.org; 10:30 am; Free. The carousel is open, and all the Sponsored by My Time Inc., fundraiser plants are in bloom — enjoy a fun-filled creates awareness and understanding of Fri, May 25 day in the park. View the website for a Wed, May 30 parents of children with developmental “Response to Intervention”: complete listing of all events. Trio Tritticali: Brooklyn Conserva- delays and autism. Community Education Council District Potato days: Lefferts Historic Home- tory of Music, 58 Seventh Ave. between Animal Tales Extravaganza: Bronx 20, 415 89th St. at Fourth Avenue; (718) stead, 452 Flatbush Ave. between Em- Lincoln Place and Seventh Avenue; (718) Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd. at Boston 759-3921; [email protected]; 9 pire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway; 622-3300 or email: [email protected]; Road; (718) 220-5103; www.bronxzoo. am–3 pm; Free. (718) 789-2822; www.prospectpark. www.bqcm.org; 7:30 pm; $5-$10. com; 11 am–4 pm; $29.95 ($19.95 chil- Workshop for teachers and adminis- org; 1–4 pm; Free with zoo admission. Celebrate the official release of this dren 3-12 $24.96 seniors). trators, presented by Javier Muniz, prin- eclectic string trio’s debut CD, Issue #1. Help till the soil and plant potatoes Arts and crafts presented by Bright cipal at PS 200; Pre-registration required for this year’s harvest, then churn fresh Brooklyn Con- Horizons, Animal tales by Plum Organics, by May 23. Chamber concert: butter and enjoy a piece of homemade servatory of Music, 58 Seventh Ave. Ferdinand the Bull, Nat And Alex Wolf “My Fair Lady”: St. Patrick’s Au- cornbread. between Lincoln Place and Seventh Av- Continued on page 68 June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 67 Going Places

Continued from page 67 of Miss Nina and her pink guitar. with the Music Unites Youth Choir (Sat. Torah parade: Chabad Neshama of only), Maisy Mouse, Kristi Yamaguchi W. Brighton Beach, 311 Seabreeze Ave. reading It’s a Big World, Little Pig, and at W. Fifth Street; (718) 946–9833; the Rainforest Parade. It’s all family fun www.chabadneshama.com; 12:30 pm; all weekend long. Free. Arts festival: Old Stone House, Celebrate the completion of the Torah Fourth St. at Fifth Avenue; (718) 768- Scroll; the parade features, flags, clowns, 3703; www.puppetryarts.org; 11 acrobats music, dancing and food. am–5 pm; Free (rides, crafts and snacks Children’s books: PowerHouse separate). Arena, 37 Main St. at Water Street; Special guest Noel MacNeal, pup- (718) 666–3049; kids@powerhouse- peteer behind Bear of “Bear in the Big arena.com; www.powerhousearena. Blue House” and Lionel from “Between com; 4–5 pm; Free. the Lions” leads a workshop; hands- Author Ame Dyckman reads from on fun for puppet lovers of all ages “Boy and Bot” and author Diane Kre- and a 45-minute live fully orchestrated densor reads from “Ollie & Moon: Fuh- performance featuring selections from geddaboudit!.” RSVP requested. For “Anthropomorphic.” children 3-6. ‘N’ Awlins: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Broadway between Tues, June 5 W. 62nd And W 63rd streets; (347) 703-5207; milstrills.com; 11 am – 3 pm; Divorce seminar: Rehearsal Studios, Free. 853 Seventh Ave. between 54th and Mil’s Trills makes it to Lincoln Cen- 55th streets; lc-mediate.com; 7–9 pm; Fun in the jungle $25. ter and debuts “Million Trillion” Brass Marching Band. Parents learn helpful hints from Cheryl owgli’s tales of life tiger and other animals of the Lazarus, divorce and relationship coach Peter Brown: Greenlight Bookstore, with the animals in the jungle. and Lee Chabin, mediator and collabora- 686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place M jungles of India comes This production features an tive lawyer. RSVP requested. and S. Portland Avenue; (718) 246- alive with puppets at Puppet- original score, with scenery and 0200; greenlightbookstore.com; 11 am; works’ production of “The Jungle costumes based on motifs of Free. Thurs, June 7 Book” on Saturdays and Sundays, India and is suitable for children 4 The author does a reading and draw- Summer reading block party: ing at this fundraiser; raffles, prizes, and now through Aug. 19. and older, with two performances Brooklyn Public Library’s Central branch, baked goods. Adapted by Nicolas Coppola at 12:30 and 2:30 pm. Flatbush Ave. at Eastern Parkway in with Adam Kilgour, the book by “The Jungle Book” at Puppet- Grand Army Plaza; (718) 230-2100; Concerts in the park: Warren/ Rudyard Kipling tells the tale of works [338 Sixth Ave. at Fourth www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/branch_ St. Marks Garden, Warren St. be- the little boy Mowgli who is lost in Street in Park Slope, (718) 965–3391, library_detail.jsp?branchpageid=265; tween Fourth and Fifth avenues; www. 10:30 am–3:30 pm; Free. spokethehub.org; 11 am–noon; Free. the jungle and adopted by a pack www.puppetworks.org]. Saturdays of wolves. Mowgli learns the laws and Sundays through Aug. 19, 12:30 Join in the fun for the annual kick off Spoke the Hub and the Brooklyn Con- to the 8th annual summer reading pro- servatory of Music is hosting the 19th of the land by his teacher, Baloo, and 2:30 pm. $7 for children, $8 gram, Dream Big. annual Local Produce in the Gardens, the brown bear, and shares his adults, $6 each for groups of 20 or an all day event of music, theater and adventures with Shere Khan the more. No credit cards accepted. dance. Abigail Block, dance; children’s Fri, June 8 guitar workshop with Ezra Maoz; Funi- Children’s concert: Putnam Triangle kijam, and restorative yoga with Mina Plaza, 22 Putnam Ave. between Fulton Hamilton. Open House: Bay Ridge Sports and with PS 295 and Bob Goldberg; Caitlin Street and Grand Avenue; (718) 928- Theater Camp, 74th St. between Third Bailey, dance; Chia-Hui Cheng, dance; 3322; www.fballiance.org/news/fab- Summer festival: Louis J Valentino and Fourth avenues; (718) 745–7776; Kathleen Stansell, and Wildwood Sisters. Jr. Park & Pier, Coffey and Ferris streets; fri-arpil-20-2012; 10–11 am and 3 – 6 www.bayridgesportscamp.com; 1–4 pm; Free. (718) 643–6790 X113; www.redhook- pm; Free. Read with Wilbur: Grand Central fest.com; Noon–7 pm; Free. Library, 135 E. 46th St. between Lexing- Featuring Miss Nina; A musical per- Tour the premises and learn all about formance for kids with a pink guitar; fol- This year’s theme, “Women’s Work: ton and Third avenues; (212) 621-0670; the summer camp programs. lowed by arts and crafts events as part healing our communities.” The 19th an- www.nypl.org/locations/grand-central; of FAB Friday celebrations. nual day features female led bands and Open House: Dyker Heights-Benson- 2 pm. dance companies, kayak rides, poetry hurst Sports and Theater Camp, 65th St. Children ages 5-12 read with Wilbur, a and story telling. between 12th and 13th avenues; (718) specially trained therapy dog. This event Sat, June 9 745–7776; www.bayridgesportscamp. is first come, first serve, so sign up in Fitness expo: Boys and Girls HS, Concerts in the park: Garden of com; 1–4 pm; Free. advance. Union, Fourth Avenue at Union Street; 1700 Fulton St. (www.bodysculpt.org; Tour the premises and learn all about www.spokethehub.org; 12:30–1:30 pm; Choreography showcase: 7:30 10 am – 4 pm; Free. the summer camp programs. Free. pm. BAX – Brooklyn Arts Exchange. See The ninth annual event features Spoke the Hub and the Brooklyn Con- Concerts in the park: Greenspace Friday, June 1. healthy living tips and sport clinics, servatory of Music is hosting the 19th @ President Street, President St. at Fifth games, and cooking demos. Avenue; www.spokethehub.org; 2–3 annual Local Produce in the Gardens, Sun, June 3 Kids in Motion: Maria Hernandez pm; Free. an all day event of music, theater and Park, Knickerbocker Ave. and Suydam Miss Nina: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 dance. ASHA, dance; Beauty Shop Quar- Spoke the Hub and the Brooklyn Con- St. (718) 965–8935; www.nycgovparks. Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and tet, Brooklyn Conservatory musicians; servatory of Music is hosting the 19th org; 11 am–4pm; Free. Kaina Quenga, Polynesian dance; Lou- annual Local Produce in the Gardens, S. Portland Avenue; (718) 246–0200; Fun filled ay of fitness and sports. mingou Night, vocals, accordion and au- an all day event of music, theater and greenlightbookstore.com; 11 am; Free. toharp; STH Modern Dance students. dance. BCM Music partners, sing-along Children enjoy a story and the music Fama Jama Sing Song: YMCA 68 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 Going Places Grosvenor House, 176 W. 105th St. Pop culture fuses with high art with (212) 749–8500; www.ymcanyc.org/ contemporary dance performances. grosvenor; 2–3 pm; Free. Children’s concert performed by Wed, June 13 Feldiken and Friends. Keigwin & Company: 7:30 pm. The Camping: Marine Park, Gerritsen Ave. Joyce Theater. See Tuesday, June 12. at Gotham Avenue; (718) 421–2021; 6 pm; Free. “Kung Fu Panda 2”: Hudson Break out the s’mores and have a fun River Park Pier 46, Christopher St. filled sleep out under the stars. and the Hudson River; (212) 627– 2121; www.hudsonriverpark.org; Adoption workshop/meeting: 8:30 pm; Free. St. Francis College, 180 Remsen St., be- Rated PG, children enjoy the voice of tween Court and Clinton streets; (212) Jack Black in this sequel. 304–8479; https://www.sfc.edu; 7 pm; Free. Last meeting of the season; candle Thurs, June 14 lighting; information and support for Keigwin & Company: 8 pm. The potential adoptive parents. RSVP re- Joyce Theater. See Tuesday, June 12. quested. Sponsored by the Adoptive Par- ents Committee. Fri, June 15 “A Comedy of Errors”: Pier One at Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Main St. at Kids in Motion: McCarren Park, Furman Street; (718) 624–3614; the- N. 12th St. at Driggs Avenue; (718) ater2020.com; 7 pm; $18. 965–8935; www.nycgovparks.org; 3– 7 Family friendly production of Shake- pm; Free. speare’s play about mistaken identity, A Fun-filled day of fitness and sports. love and marriage. Theater 2020 uses Keigwin & Company: 8 pm. The actors and puppets in this fast paced 90 Joyce Theater. See Tuesday, June 12. minute version of the classic. Book and DVD sale: Clinton Hill Li- Sat, June 16 brary, 380 Washington Ave. at Lafayette Ave. (718) 398–8713; www.brooklyn- Family festival: PS 170, 7109 Sixth publiclibrary.org/branch_library_detail. Avenue at 71st Street; (347) 347–4548; jsp?branchpageid=265; 10 am–4 pm; [email protected]; 9 am–2 Free. pm; Free. Help the Friends of Clinton Hill raise Get to the know the staff, the pro- funds to benefit programs the library Discover the Magi grams and your community. branch. There will be family activities, Keigwin & Company: 8 pm. The books, DVD, VHS, and CDs on sale. he Magi comes to New tures in their original bindings to Joyce Theater. See Tuesday, June 12. York with The Museum of demonstrate the innovation and Sun, June 10 T Biblical Art’s exhibition of creativity of Gutenberg, the art Sun, June 17 the famed Renaissance altarpiece of book-making, and the printing Carousel: Prospect Park Children’s Craft day: Prospect Park Audubon Corner, Enter at Flatbush Ave. and “The Adoration of the Magi” by press. The museum offers many Center, Enter park at Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue; www.prospectpark.org/ Bartolo di Fredi from June 8 to family-friendly walk-in workshops Ocean Avenue; (718) 287–3400; www. calendar; Noon–5 pm; Free. Sept. 9. that coincide with the exhibits prospectpark.org/audubon; Noon–4 This beautiful work of art and are appropriate for children Celebrate the 100th birthday with pm; Free. free rides all day and fun at the Chil- painted during the golden age of all ages. Celebrate dads by making a card out dren’s Corner. of Sienese painting is now visit- “The Adoration of the Magi” at the of recycled materials and then take a dis- “The Wizard of Oz”: The Brook- ing the United States for the first Museum of Biblical Art [1855 Broad- cover tour in the park. lyn Friends School, 375 Pearl St. (917) time in almost 200 years, and to way, between W. 61st and W. 62nd Keigwin & Company: 2 and 7:30 753—3291; www.upbringdance.com; only two locations: the Museum streets in Central Park West, (212) Noon; $10. pm. The Joyce Theater. See Tuesday, of Biblical Art and the University 408–1500, www.mobia.org]. June 8 June 12. Presented by UpBring Musical The- of Virginia. To celebrate the occa- through Sept. 9. Museum hours are ater, featuring actors 6 to 10 years old. sion, the museum is offering free Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to Sing-a-long: Lefferts Historic Home- Safety first: Jewish Children’s Mu- admission to the general public. 6 pm, and Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm. stead, 452 Flatbush Ave. between Em- pire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway; seum, 792 Eastern Pkwy. (718) 907- Families can visit the muse- $7 for adults, $4 seniors, students, (718) 789–2822; www.prospectpark. 8805; www.jcm.museum; Noon–5 pm; um’s extensive collection of re- and active military personnel. Free Free. org; 3 pm; Free. ligious objects de art, as well as children 12 and under, and members. Celebrate dads with Rory Dineen and Do you have what it takes to be view a fantastic exhibit of scrip- Sunday free for everyone. an FBI agent? Find out when the FBI warble up traditional favorites and enjoy visit the museum for a day of fun and strawberries and cream. learning activities; fingerprinting; arts and crafts and plenty of hands-on Disney, a fun filled day of circus per- Tues, June 12 Sat, June 30 programs. formers, golf workshops, sports lessons Arts and crafts: Fort Greene Park and so much more. Keigwin & Company: The Joyce Brooklyn Day: Von King Park, Lafay- Visitor Center, Enter park at Myrtle ette AVe. at Tom;kins Ave. www.bind- “A Comedy of Errors”: 7 pm. Pier Theater, 175 Eighth Ave. at W. 19th Avenue and Washington Park; (718) lestiff.org; 4 pm; Free. One at Brooklyn Bridge Park. See Satur- Street; (212) 242–0800; www.joyce.org; 722–3218; 1 pm; Free. Presented by SummerStage Kids and day, June 9. 7:30 pm; $10-$49. Make eco-crafts with Ranger. June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 69 theMarketplace

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70 BROOKLYN FaMiLY • June 2012 Party Planners

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN FaMiLY 71 It figures By Cynthia Washam Fatherhood Facts

Number of children 84-year-old Kenyan polygamist Ancentus Akuku 15: 160: believes he fathered through his more than 100 marriages Percent of single parents Estimated number of fundamentalist Mormons practicing polyg- who are men 50,000:amy today, in spite of its condemnation by the Mormon church

Number of neckties sold each 100 million: year in the United States

Year Chinese emperor Shih Huang Ti 210 B.C.: was buried wearing what’s thought to be the world’s first necktie summer snippets

Percent of Percent of children who 27: children who 38:consider Disney World consider ice-cream their favorite amusement park shakes the best summer thirst quencher Cost per night to $1,845:stay in a three- Percent who bedroom grand villa at Walt Disney 26:prefer lemonade World’s new Bay Lake Tower

Percent of people 50: who would go ahead with an outdoor barbecue they planned even if it rained

Percent of 42:children who bring $3,995: watermelon to the Cost for a week at Princess beach for a snack Prep, a London-based camp to teach girls ages Percent 8–11 how to behave like 36: who bring royalty, airfare not included potato chips

Sources: Census.gov, Infoplease.com, Scholastic.com, Maclean’s, Notmuch.com, Ducksters.com, Disneyworld.disney.go.com

72 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012 www.NYParenting.com Where every family matters and where New York parents nd help, info and support. • Great Articles • Ticket Give-A-Ways: • A Happening Calendar Everyone’s a winner. • Informative Directories Log-in, enter & nd out.

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June 2012 • BROOKLYN Family 73 New & Noteworthy By Lisa J. Curtis Creature Mooning over ‘Girl’ A stunning combina- can enjoy the natural comforts tion of artistry and prose, world around her. Your little girl will keep her “Red Knit Cap Girl,” the Stoop uses plywood shoes on her feet this summer first picture book by Red as her canvas for the — if she has a pair of these Hook, Brooklyn author- adventures of the child magical seahorse san- illustrator Naoko Stoop, and her friend, White dals by Lemon Loves is certain to become an Bunny; the unexpected Lime. And they are instant classic. wood grain adds depth easy to put on Red Knit Cap Girl and whimsy to the illus- with their Velcro yearns to talk with the moon, and trations. And we’re not closures. (The enlists the help of several equally the only ones to have been charmed buckles are dec- adorable forest friends in pursuit — this book is the first of a series; we orative.) These of her dream. Ultimately the girl can’t wait to find out what the Red pretty pink-and- — and the 5-year-olds the book Knit Cap Girl will do next. silver sandals fea- will most appeal to — reaps the “Red Knit Cap Girl” by Naoko Stoop ture lined, cork foot- reward by taking a moment to turn (Little Brown and Company), $15.99. beds and non-slip rub- off the lights and noise, so that she www.lb-kids.com. ber soles, and they are em- bellished with just enough beads and sequins to catch the eye of the most discriminating mermaid. ‘Wilder’ wall designs Seahorse sandals by Lemon Loves Your kid will be say- tallic gold). The pattern Lime, $44. www.chasing-fireflies.com. ing “Domo arigato, Mr. is hand silk-screened Robot-o” when he sees onto clay-coated paper, Aimee Wilder’s new Big which can be gently Robots wallpaper in his wiped clean with a damp room, and he won’t think cloth. Wilder isn’t just twice before bidding a a talented artist, she’s grateful “sayonara” to his green, too! Her papers old nursery decor. Each are manufactured with robot measures about responsibly sourced 9-and-a-half-inches tall fiber. by about 5-inches wide. Big Robots Wallpaper The print is solid color, and it’s by Aimee Wilder, $150 per roll. http:// available in a choice of three: Tin aimeewilder.bigcartel.com/product/ (gray), Robin (blue) or Sphinx (me- robots-multi. Carnival of sound Kindie rock band Recess Mon- It includes a 32-page booklet that key has stuffed its latest album, tells a tale about a band tricked “In Tents,” with songs inspired by into joining the circus. the circus. The CD This is Recess Mon- ages six months and up. Impor- is recommended for key’s eighth studio Say cheese! tant note: Schultze advises that this kids ages 3–8, but the album, so it’s no sur- pacifier only be used while child is whole family will enjoy prise that the band — Artist Alicia Schultze has dedi- under adult supervision — in case these songs, some of Jack Forman, Daron cated her Etsy Shop, Creative Cute- the child manages to pull the stash which are reminiscent Henry, and Drew Hol- ness, to crafting the perfect acces- off and tries to eat it. But of course of the great ringmasters loway, joined on this sory for your infant: moustache paci- he’s going to be under adult super- of the pop arena (Elvis CD by Dean Jones — fiers! Here, Schultze has bedecked a vision! Your whole family is going Costello, Squeeze, The have perfected the art turquoise and lime-green orthodon- to be standing right there, taking Beatles, Bee Gees) and of clowning around. tic NUK with a dark brown mustache a million pictures of your future all are about perennial childhood “In Tents” CD by Recess Monkey that Burt Reynolds himself would be Ma g nu m, P. I . ! delights, like “Bouncy House,” (Monkey Mama), $14.99. Release proud to sport. Mustache Pacifier, $9. Creative Cute- “Human Cannonball,” and “Lem- date: June 19, 2012. www.recessmon- This latex pacifier is for babies ness shop on www.etsy.com. onade.” key.com. 74 BROOKLYN Family • June 2012