Bronx Family: November, 2014

stroller contestNovember winner! 2014

BRONX/RIVERDALE Meet ourFREE Family Where Every Child Matters

The struggles of Preemies

Taking charge of Stuttering

The spirit of Thanksgiving

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Features columns 6 The preemie experience 10 Healthy Living Part 1: A mom chronicles the struggles of by Danielle Sullivan premature birth By Tammy Scileppi 24 Good Sense Eating by Christine M. Palumbo, RD 8 An attitude of gratitude Celebrate Thanksgiving for what it’s really about 26 Growing Up Online By Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman by Carolyn Jabs 12 Detecting and dealing with a 34 The Book Worm stutter By Terri Schlichenmeyer By Dr. Heather Grossman calendar 14 How to help your kids cope with divorce 28 November Events Watch for these behaviors in your children By Nancy L. Weiss special sections 16 Nervous no more 23 Contest Winners Age-specific tips for taming kids’ anxieties By Malia Jacobson 33 Party Planners 18 Making adoption affordable Helpusadopt.org awards adoption grants to help build families 34 By Shnieka L. Johnson 20 Thankful giving Put gratitude in action with these inspired ideas By Dr. Heidi Smith Luedtke 22 Solar & savings More schools are using solar energy to save money and jobs By Shavana Abruzzo 24 A laugh-out-loud comedy Kid critic enjoys trials of ‘Alexander’

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 3 Letter from the publisher The spirit of the holiday

ovember is a A wonderful part introduce them to this wonderful kids, whether in person or on TV, lovely month of this holiday is the national holiday of Thanksgiving. is a parent’s gift. N to be in New spirit behind the day. There are great holiday shows Wishing all of you a very Happy York. So festive and Reaching out to oth- beginning throughout the five bor- Thanksgiving. Stay healthy, and so many happenings ers, helping someone oughs that you should definitely be let us all be grateful for the abun- throughout the five else to have a feeling taking your kids to — and why not dance we have and for the rela- boroughs as we lead of “family” who doesn’t be novel indeed and go to some- tive peace around us. Think of all into the Thanksgiving have one of their own thing in a borough outside your those around the world who are holiday. Our calendar nearby, is something own residence. struggling with basic survival and is full of terrific events that can make you and If you log on to our website, kiss your children and hold them to engage your family your kids feel more en- www.NYParenting.com, not only close. and most of them are free. gaged in this special spirit. In addi- will you find our expanded cal- Thanks for reading. It’s an important time to think tion, it begins life lessons for your endar, but also if you sign on to of others who may be alone, may children that are invaluable and get our newsletter you will receive be ill, or just in need of an invite to that reach out beyond the borders wonderful reminders every week whatever festivities your family is of your individual lives. and get the links to connect with planning. Try to reach out and see New York is filled with newcom- loads of activities. if there’s someone in your life with ers from all over the globe who are This is my favorite holiday. I nowhere to go who would be an ap- perhaps far away from their loved say it every year and it’s because Susan Weiss-Voskidis, preciative guest in your home, at ones and what a great feeling to I mean it. It’s also my favorite pa- Publisher/Excutive Editor your table. share your table with them and to rade and watching it with your [email protected]

Community News Group Contact Information ceo: Les Goodstein advertising: Web or Print address President & Publisher: Jennifer Goodstein (718) 260­4554 New York Parenting Media/CNG [email protected] or 1 Metrotech Center North New York Parenting [email protected] 10th Floor circulation Brooklyn, NY 11201 Publisher / executive editor: (718) 260­8336 Susan Weiss [email protected] Publisher / business Manager: www.NYParenting.com Clifford Luster editorial sales Manager / advertising: (718) 260­4554 Sharon Noble [email protected] oPerations associate: calendar Tina Felicetti (718) 260­2523 sales rePs: Alexis Benson, Shanika Stewart, Jackie Tarantino art director: Leah Mitch The acceptance of advertising by New York Parent- New York Parenting Media has been recognized layout Manager: Yvonne Farley ing Media does not constitute an endorsement of for editorial and design excellence by PMA. the products, services or information being adver­ Web designer: Sylvan Migdal New York Parenting Media is published monthly tised. We do not knowingly present any products or by New York Parenting Media/CNG. Subscription graPhic designers: Arthur Arutyunov, services that are fraudu lent or misleading in nature. rate is $35 annually. Reproduction of New York Mauro Deluca, Earl Ferrer, Cheryl Seligman Editorial inquiries, calendar information, advertising Parenting Media in whole or part without writ­ rates and schedules and subscription requests may be ten permission from the publisher is prohibited. addressed to New York Parenting Media, One Metro­ All rights reserved. Copyright©2014 Readership: Managing editor: Vince DiMiceli tech Center North, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201. 220,000. 2012 circulation audits by CAC & CVC. assistant editor: Courtney Donahue New York Parenting Media can also be reached by coPy editor: Lisa J. Curtis calling (718) 260­4554, emailing family@cnglocal. calendar editors: Joanna Del Buono, com or by visiting our website, NYParenting.com. Jesseca Stenson Join the conversation on Facebook.

4 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014

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November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 5 and epic challenges they must face. In honor of Prematurity Awareness Month, and the fourth annual World Prematurity Awareness Day on Nov. 17, organizations like the March of The preemie Dimes are hoping to educate all ex- pecting parents about the possibility of and potential risks associated with preterm births, which occur prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Extreme pre- term births of micro preemies occur experience prior to 34 weeks. Author and New York mom Jenni- fer Degl went through a heart-rend- By Tammy Scileppi ing experience after giving birth to Part 1: A mom her micro preemie daughter Joy, who hey call the first 24 hours after is now 2. Degl said she would love to chronicles the a premature birth the “honey- use this special day as an opportu- T moon.” It’s when the newborn nity to spread awareness of prematu- struggles of remains relatively stable, after just rity and hospital neonatal intensive being cradled — safe and protected care units. (You can read her touch- premature birth — in mama’s womb. Then things seem ing story, and find out about another to go haywire and suddenly, that tiny mom’s preemie experience in Part 2 preemie’s fate is in the hands of the of this article.) neonatal intensive care unit staff. After her miracle baby came Can you imagine that for weeks on home from 121 days in the neona- end, your only contact with the baby tal intensive care unit, Degl wrote a you just carried is through a plastic memoir called “From Hope to Joy: box? You can’t hold or even touch A Mother’s Determination and Her your little one through the ventilator Micro Preemie’s Struggle to Beat the opening because his skin is so ter- Odds” (www.fromhopetojoy.com). ribly delicate. The book chronicles her life-threat- This is a tribute to all the brave lit- ening pregnancy, and Joy’s struggle November is tle souls out there, born before their to survive (while Degl’s three young time — those tiny preemies fighting sons were at home). She says it was Prematurity to stay alive in their ventilator co- harder to live. quite a roller coaster! coons, covered with scary tubes and Did you know that more than one Joy was born at 23 weeks in 2012, Awareness machines. And let’s not forget about in 10 babies around the world (an es- at Westchester Medical Center in the teeny tiny ones — those other timated 15 million) are born too soon Valhalla, New York. Month little miracles — the amazing micro each year? And sadly, about one mil- “Due to modern medicine, prayers, preemies, who have to struggle even lion angels who don’t make it earn and the amazing doctors and nurses their wings because of preterm birth at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, complications. In the U.S., preterm she is doing great today,” said Degl, Reducing the risk Preventing birth affects nearly 500,000 babies whose early delivery was caused by of premature birth preterm birth — that’s one of every eight infants. 100 percent placenta previa, which Pregnant women can take im- The Centers for Disease Con- And it’s also a leading cause of long- turned into placenta accreta. Pla- portant steps to help reduce their trol’s Division of Reproductive term neurological and developmen- centa accreta is a serious pregnancy risk of premature birth and im- Health is engaged in research tal disabilities in children. Further, condition that occurs when blood prove their general health: and science to practice activi- it costs the U.S. healthcare system vessels and other parts of the pla- • Q u i t smoking. ties aimed at understanding and billions of dollars each year. centa grow too deeply into the uter- • Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs. reducing preterm births. Its sci- That’s why it’s so important to ine wall, according to MayoClinic. • G e t prenatal care as soon as entists are collaborating with help raise awareness about prema- org. Degl said she hemorrhaged at 17 you think you may be pregnant many partners, including state turity here in New York. weeks for the first of four times be- and throughout your pregnancy. health departments, university cause of this alarming condition. • S e e k medical attention for researchers, and other health- The preemie experience On the night Joy was born, the new any warning signs or symptoms care professionals to understand Kudos to all those courageous mom started a journal on a sheet of of preterm labor (contractions, why preterm births occur and moms and dads, who have to cope paper given to her by a nurse. Once bleeding, etc.). what can be done to help prevent with a devastating and almost sur- she was discharged from the hospi- • Ta ke vitamins, especially vi- them. real situation, as they watch, wait, tal, a little blue notebook — in which tamin D and folic acid (even be- www.cdc.gov/reproductive- and hope for any small sign of a she wrote everything — became her fore you become pregnant). health/MaternalInfantHealth/Preter- miracle. Many parents admit that constant companion. Five months • Avoid too much stress and mCDC-Activities.html the preemie experience takes a toll after the birth of her daughter, Degl get plenty of rest. The great news is that many on their marriages and causes pro- went to write in her notebook; in- • H av e a supportive partner or more micro preemies are surviv- found emotional and economic bur- stead, she sat down and read her someone you can depend upon. ing than ever before in history. dens for their families. But they all journal cover to cover. That’s when For more info: www.cdc.gov/ Families’ love, hope, strength, strongly agree that with love, hope, she knew she had to tell her story. reproductivehealth/MaternalInfan- and determination can lead to faith, and the help and expertise of As many new parents know, con- tHealth/PretermBirth.htm miracles! specialists, they feel better equipped sequences from extreme prematurity to deal with the overwhelming stress don’t end with release from the neo-

6 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 natal intensive care unit. There could therapists is to apply various modes be 100-plus doctor visits due to ill- of respiratory support, ranging from ness, along with numerous therapies, basic bubble continuous positive air- hearing or vision issues, or neurologi- way pressure, to oscillators, which cal problems. As a result, many moms can ventilate at over 800 breaths a have to deal with long-term depres- minute, which increases their chance sion and unfounded feelings of guilt. of survival,” explains Flemmig. Degl said her mission is to provide “After Joy was born, Jen [Degl] hope to women struggling with high- reached out to me with questions and risk pregnancies, encourage expect- concerns, knowing my background. ant mothers to educate themselves She tried to educate herself as a par- before electing cesarean deliveries, ent to increase Joy’s chances of sur- give families of premature babies a vival. She wanted to know what the realistic look at what lies ahead in treatment options were. their journey, and show that mira- “Jen had heard about bubble CPA P, cles can happen, and hope can turn which was pioneered at Columbia, into joy. [See her website: www.mi- and if I thought Joy would benefit cropreemie.net and watch videos of from that course of treatment. I ex- Joy’s miracle birth and life at: www. plained to her the benefits of that type youtube.com/fromhopetojoy] of therapy. The Degls were the 2014 March of “Jen also was concerned about the Dimes Ambassador Family for the negative effects of high oxygen re- March for Babies in White Plains. quirements on Joy. I explained that To help further this important the most important thing was that cause, Anne Geddes, who has pho- Joy gain weight and muscle tone. tographed babies for 30 years, is This is where mechanical ventilation teaming up with the March of Dimes plays an important role. Parents many to help raise awareness, and has do- The Degls, from left, Jack, Jennifer, Joy, John, Shane, and Sean, were the ambassador times want their intubated babies to nated a preemie image for this year’s family for March of Dimes 2014. be extubated but that forces the in- campaign. fant to breathe on their own, burning Did you know that worldwide, the heartwarming stories you’ll read to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which crucial calories and working harder more newborns die from premature in Part 2 of this article. They’re living can become life-threatening. than you want, not allowing them to birth than from any other cause? Sur- proof that miracles do happen. Respiratory syncytial virus is gain weight and strength. A process of prisingly, 75 percent of these deaths most prevalent from late fall to early intubation and extubation is common can be prevented, even without in- Preemie problems spring. practice which allows the lungs to rest tensive care. Medical advances have A developing baby goes through For helpful information about pre- and then develop muscle tone. been made but more research is important growth during the final maturity and respiratory syncytial “I explained Joy had a long road needed to develop life-saving treat- weeks and months of pregnancy. virus, including the signs and symp- ahead of her,” continued Flemmig. ments and preventions, and find the Many organ systems, including the toms parents should watch out for “Joy’s condition required substantial causes of premature birth. brain, lungs, and liver need the final and the importance of prevention, respiratory support, including high- There are several reasons that weeks of pregnancy to develop fully. go to: www.rsvfacts.com. rate ventilation. I explained to Jen may cause premature birth, and Some problems that preemies may there would be many trial periods nothing prepares parents for this face include: Music therapy of weaning and failure, which is un- strange and emotionally taxing ex- • Breathing problems On her blog, www.preemienews. fortunately part of the NICU preemie perience. In most cases, nature and • Feeding difficulties com, preemie parent Debra Kircher experience. You find yourself tak- the all-powerful uterus are to blame • Developmental delay talks about music therapy in neona- ing one step forward and two steps for fairly common factors, like uncon- • V i s i o n problems tal intensive care units; pacifier-acti- back. But ultimately, it is important trollable high blood pressure, severe • Hearing impairment vated lullabies, multimodal stimula- to remain positive and keep talking preeclampsia, or a bacterial infec- • C e r e b r a l palsy tion, and developmentally appropri- to your baby, building that connec- tion. Let’s face it: carrying a baby is a And a recent survey on prematu- ate music listening is being shown in tion between mother and child. I’m bit of a gamble. We hope for the best, rity awareness found that 79 percent hospitals to help reduce the length happy to say Joy had an exceptional but sadly, it doesn’t always turn out of preemie moms have a baby who of hospital stays, increase an infant’s outcome. From what I understand, to be a positive experience. was hospitalized due to a severe re- stimulation tolerance, and enhance she is thriving.” Gradually, those very first mile- spiratory infection. parent-infant bonding. To improve neonatal care in coun- stones help parents see the light at All preemies, especially micro pree- tries around the world, additional the end of the tunnel: such as the mies, are more susceptible to myriad Respiratory therapy funding is needed: from low-cost ste- first time their little guy drinks from respiratory problems. One virus in Dietrich Flemmig has been a re- roid shots to promote lung develop- a bottle, when they hear their baby particular that parents should know spiratory therapist for 22 years and ment, to wider adoption of “kanga- girl’s first cry after spending weeks about, is respiratory syncytial virus, has spent the last 12 years at New roo mother care” (the profoundly in the vent, and that first smile! which is contracted by nearly all kids York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley beneficial practice of skin-to-skin Along with a preemie’s size and by the age of 2 and often causes mild Children’s Hospital (Columbia Univer- contact between a mother and her weight, a combination of different to moderate cold-like symptoms. How- sity Medical Center in Manhattan) in newborn). factors will contribute to the final ever, preemies are at high risk for de- the neonatal intensive care unit, treat- “From Hope to Joy” is available on outcome. There are many obstacles veloping worse symptoms, including ing predominantly premature babies. Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites. to overcome, so that these babies a serious respiratory infection from He’s a family friend of the Degls, so In honor of World Prematurity Day, can survive and thrive. the virus, because they are born with he was able to help them understand donations can be made to a few or- And many do. They seem to defy underdeveloped lungs and a lesser what Joy and they would be facing ganizations supporting preemies and all odds, growing up strong and amount of vital antibodies needed those first few months. their families through Degl’s website at: healthy, like the micro preemies in to fight off infections. This can lead “Our role in the NICU as respiratory http://micropreemie.net/donations

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 7 An attitude of gratitude By Carolyn WaterBury- of-control children, marital discord, newest version smartphone, an ul- Celebrating tieman alcohol-related conflict or accidents, tra-wide screen television, and an and disastrous family gatherings. individual-serving coffee maker. Thanksgiving ave you ever noticed that H.U. Westermayer observed that Considering this shift, one might be Thanksgiving is the only the Pilgrims built seven times more inclined to conclude that we are H holiday that actually tells us coffins than cabins. He notes that, confused about what constitutes a for what it’s how it should be celebrated? Giving “No Americans have been more im- necessity, have lost perspective on thanks! Unfortunately, all too often, poverished than these who, never- what it means to be impoverished, the only thanks vocalized is, “Thank theless, set aside a day of thanksgiv- and forgotten what being thankful really about goodness it’s over!” ing.” Here, the word “impoverished” looks like. Through the years, Thanksgiving refers to the Pilgrim’s inability to sat- However, this need not be the has become an excuse for all manner isfy even their basic needs for food, case. We can do it differently. We can of overindulgence. Consequently, it clothing, and shelter. Currently, the choose to leave our children a legacy is not surprising to hear reports tendency is to consider ourselves of thankfulness by creating new tra- of a holiday characterized by out- impoverished if we do not have the ditions designed to create a feast for

8 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 the spirit rather than merely one ing a contribution. for the palate. We can rediscover Testify to the thanks. Let ev- this national holiday and reclaim eryone know ahead of time that it as the word of action that it actu- each person will be asked to share ally is — Thanksgiving! Here are at least one reason he is thankful few things to keep in mind this before partaking of Thanksgiving turkey day: dinner. Provide a list of suggested Set the stage. Spend the weeks themes — something in nature, leading up to this holiday refamil- something about family, something iarizing your family with the story he has learned, an ability he has, an of the first Thanksgiving. Maybe experience, or an activity he enjoys. the theatrical members of your These may be spoken or written on family would like to recreate the ex- slips of paper and read by one of perience for everyone on Thanks- the youngest readers. It might be giving Day. Spend time contemplat- fun to try to match the thanks with ing and discussing the meaning the person who wrote it. of the word “thanksgiving.” Invite Transform thanks into giving. everyone participating in your cel- Take some time during or after ebration to bring one interesting dinner to explore how the thanks fact about Thanksgiving to share. expressed could be taken beyond You might also encourage them to words and put into action. The come prepared to share a favorite person who is thankful he learned Thanksgiving memory. to read could volunteer to read to Embrace realistic expecta- patients in the children’s hospital. tions. Avoid the “Extreme Holiday The person who is thankful for the Makeover” syndrome. Unlike the flowers in her garden could collect hosts of these shows, most of us do seeds to share with neighbors. The not have 50 to 100 people to help person who is thankful she can us prepare Thanksgiving dinner. sing or play an instrument could Rather than attempting to replicate volunteer to perform at the local an entire magazine layout menu retirement community. The person for the perfect Thanksgiving, just who is thankful she can knit or cro- try one or two new dishes. Any chet could make caps to donate for recipe looks simple when some- cancer patients. The possibilities one else does all the preparation. are endless. Remember that it is not what you Fortunately, Thanksgiving is not have on your table, but who you exclusive to any particular group have around it that makes the dif- and does not have to be restricted ference. to a specific day. We may discover Plan ahead and generate the that the more thankful we become, giving. Make a list of everything the more we find to be thankful for. that goes into preparing for Thanks- As parents, it is our responsibility giving and let each family member, to help our children make the con- as well as invited guest, choose nection between thanks and giving. what they will be responsible for By adopting a grateful attitude, we providing. It could be preparing a acknowledge that it is not enough favorite dish, arranging and setting just to say we are thankful, we need the table, decorating the house, to live it. supplying holiday music, or super- Carolyn Waterbury-Tieman is a resi- vising the younger children in their dent of Lexington, Kentucky. She has tasks. degrees in child development, fam- Collect and have materials ready ily studies, and marriage and family for making holiday items. A cen- therapy. She spent 15 years in vari- terpiece may involve filling a bas- ous agencies and clinics as a family ket with colorful leaves, acorns, or therapist and parent educator. She has pinecones (real or cut from con- written extensively on the topic of par- struction paper). Older kids may enting. After six years as arts facilita- use wooden mallets to pound the tor for the School for the Creative and color from leaves onto pieces of Performing Arts, she chose to return muslin for a tablecloth, placemats, to her favorite place of employment or napkins. — home. Her son, Douglas, 24, is now Find ways for your kids to assist based in New York City when he is not in the preparation of Thanksgiv- on the road performing. He is an actor, ing dinner. Sure it may take longer, singer, musician, dancer, writer, and but remember you are not just visual artist. Joseph, 14, is a freshman cooking a meal, you are making theatre major at the School for the memories. Involve everyone in the Creative and Performing Arts who also giving. People of every age enjoy sings, dances, plays piano, and creates the feeling that comes from mak- visual art.

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 9 HealtH Facts about Ebola day doesn’t go by without Here are five facts you need to to person. Unlike other illnesses, hearing about another po- know about Ebola: such as the measles, chickenpox, A tential case of the Ebola or flu, that are transmitted through virus breaking out in our country. General public is safe the air, direct contact with secre- The virus, which can cause people “There is no risk to the general tions or body fluids (e.g. touching to bleed out of every orifice before public,” says Dr. Jennifer Lighter vomit, urine, blood, or other bodily dying is, of course, scary. When Fisher, clinical assistant professor, fluids) from a patient ill with Ebola news broke a few weeks ago that Department of Pediatrics, Division is required for transmission of the HealtHy a man infected with the virus died of Infectious Diseases at NYU Lan- disease.” in Dallas, and then his nurse con- gone Medical Center. “This virus is living tracted the disease, it sent a flood transmitted from people infected transmission takes time Danielle Sullivan of news sources to report non-stop and sick with Ebola by contact with Only individuals who are sick about the danger. blood or body fluids. Only individu- can transmit the virus. Then a doctor living in Manhattan als taking care of sick patients could “In illnesses like the measles or was diagnosed with the disease. be at risk if not wearing the personal chickenpox, infected individuals Naturally, parents were among protective gear. The general public can transmit the infection before the first to become terrified. Com- in the United States should not be they even know they are sick,” says ments on social media ranged from in fear of contracting this virus, as Dr. Posada. “In the case of Ebola, some simply releasing their ner- there is no risk to the public.” only sick individuals can transmit vousness to the online world to the virus, which allows health work- others stating they were consider- an epidemic in the ers to identify infected patients and ing homeschooling their children. US is unlikely place them in isolation.” While there is no need for hysteria, The risk of an Ebola virus epi- some parents just cannot bring demic occurring here in the United Wash those hands themselves to turn off the TV and States is very remote, says Dr. Ro- The best prevention against get the facts. The fact remains that berto Posada, Pediatric Infectious Ebola is practicing careful hygiene. the likelihood of any of us contract- Disease specialist at the Kravis It’s what we all learned in child- ing Ebola here in the New York City Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai. hood: wash your hands with soap area without having traveled to the “This particular virus is not very and water. Using an alcohol-based places in Africa where it has bro- contagious, or in other words, can- hand sanitizer also helps and of ken out remain exceedingly small. not be easily spread from person course, avoiding contact with blood and body fluids, which, hopefully, we are all doing on a regular basis anyway.

Know the symptoms Symptoms of Ebola include fever (greater than 101.5 degrees F), se- vere headache, muscle pain, weak- ness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdomi- nal pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising. Symptoms appear any- where from two to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average is eight to 10 days. But it’s a good idea to keep the facts of the risk in perspective. As Dr. Fisher says, “Going into the winter months will bring countless colds, flus, sniffles, and sneezes, and we can’t go about life living under the duress of catching Ebola.” Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, has worked as a writer and editor in the parenting world for more than 10 years. Sullivan also writes about pets and parenting for Disney’s Bab- ble.com. Find Sullivan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Some Puppy To Love.

10 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 Grades HealtH Special Incentive RD, TH ST. ANSELM SCHOOL 3 4 & 5TH Celebrating Excellence in Education since 1908

▼ Scholarship Facts about Ebola day doesn’t go by without Here are five facts you need to to person. Unlike other illnesses, It’s Free hearing about another po- know about Ebola: such as the measles, chickenpox, Universal Pre-Kindegarten A tential case of the Ebola or flu, that are transmitted through Program virus breaking out in our country. General public is safe the air, direct contact with secre- 1/2 The virus, which can cause people “There is no risk to the general tions or body fluids (e.g. touching Full day 6 hours of learning, to bleed out of every orifice before public,” says Dr. Jennifer Lighter vomit, urine, blood, or other bodily exploring, playing and growing dying is, of course, scary. When Fisher, clinical assistant professor, fluids) from a patient ill with Ebola First Steps to College news broke a few weeks ago that Department of Pediatrics, Division is required for transmission of the HealtHy a man infected with the virus died of Infectious Diseases at NYU Lan- disease.” living in Dallas, and then his nurse con- gone Medical Center. “This virus is St. Anselm School offers a safe and nurturing New York State Funded UPK tracted the disease, it sent a flood transmitted from people infected transmission takes time learning environment where students: provided by Saint Anselm School children first! Danielle Sullivan of news sources to report non-stop and sick with Ebola by contact with Only individuals who are sick * Achieve academic success • FREE Full Day Pre-K Program about the danger. blood or body fluids. Only individu- can transmit the virus. * Learn integrity and values in the Catholic tradition New always 1st! Then a doctor living in Manhattan als taking care of sick patients could “In illnesses like the measles or * Belong to a community that fosters self-confi dence (8:15am - 2:45pm) all faiths welcome! was diagnosed with the disease. be at risk if not wearing the personal chickenpox, infected individuals and school spirit • Children must be 4 years old by December 31 Naturally, parents were among protective gear. The general public can transmit the infection before • Full day Pre-K and Kindergarten the first to become terrified. Com- in the United States should not be they even know they are sick,” says 2014-2015 School Year ments on social media ranged from in fear of contracting this virus, as Dr. Posada. “In the case of Ebola, • Technology Program including SMART Boards, I-Pads, APPLY NOW some simply releasing their ner- there is no risk to the public.” only sick individuals can transmit Elmos, Laptops and Wi-Fi access Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 vousness to the online world to the virus, which allows health work- • Daily Extended Care Program until 6:00pm ▼ others stating they were consider- an epidemic in the ers to identify infected patients and • State-of-the-Art Library • Comprehensive Science Program After School Clubs: Theatre, Choir, Guitar, ing homeschooling their children. US is unlikely place them in isolation.” • Art and Music Programs • Physical Education Program Art, Band, Science and Basketball While there is no need for hysteria, The risk of an Ebola virus epi- • Math Mania Clubs • Guidance & Counseling Services some parents just cannot bring demic occurring here in the United Wash those hands themselves to turn off the TV and States is very remote, says Dr. Ro- The best prevention against For more information or to schedule a visit, please call the school offi ce. | 685 Tinton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10455 | 718-993-9464 | www.stanselmbx.org get the facts. The fact remains that berto Posada, Pediatric Infectious Ebola is practicing careful hygiene. the likelihood of any of us contract- Disease specialist at the Kravis It’s what we all learned in child- ing Ebola here in the New York City Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai. hood: wash your hands with soap area without having traveled to the “This particular virus is not very and water. Using an alcohol-based places in Africa where it has bro- contagious, or in other words, can- hand sanitizer also helps and of ken out remain exceedingly small. not be easily spread from person course, avoiding contact with blood and body fluids, which, hopefully, we are all doing on a regular basis anyway. Know the symptoms Enter to Win! Symptoms of Ebola include fever (greater than 101.5 degrees F), se- vere headache, muscle pain, weak- ness, diarrhea, vomiting, abdomi- nal pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising. Symptoms appear any- New York Parenting is giving away a where from two to 21 days after exposure to Ebola, but the average beautiful new BubbleBum infl atable is eight to 10 days. But it’s a good idea to keep the car booster seat. facts of the risk in perspective. As Dr. Fisher says, “Going into the winter months will bring countless colds, MUST LIVE IN THE FIVE BOROUGHS TO PARTICIPATE. flus, sniffles, and sneezes, and we can’t go about life living under the duress of catching Ebola.” Danielle Sullivan, a mom of three, has worked as a writer and editor in Log onto www.NYParenting.com/carseat for this contest. Fill out the the parenting world for more than form completely. It’s as simple as that. One lucky family will be chosen by 10 years. Sullivan also writes about pets and parenting for Disney’s Bab- December 1st and it will be delivered to your door. ble.com. Find Sullivan on her blogs, Just Write Mom and Some Puppy To Love.

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 11 away or avoiding talking in certain situations. Children with other speech, lan- guage, or developmental difficulties have a greater likelihood of co-oc- curring difficulties with speech flu- ency. For many children, speech flu- ency is also more vulnerable under periods of emotional distress, great excitement, and greater linguistic or intellectual demand. Left untreated, children who stut- ter commonly develop tense strug- gle behaviors when talking, negative feelings related to confidence and self-esteem, and come to avoid peo- ple, situations, and specific words for fear of stuttering. Children who stutter are often subjected to teasing by classmates, further contributing to negative self-concept. So it is im- portant for parents who are worried about their child’s speech fluency to find out whether the problem is actu- ally stuttering.

Why do some children stutter? The cause of stuttering remains a subject of debate, but research has confirmed that some children appear more likely to continue to stutter “predisposed” to stutter due to ge- than girls. netic factors. Other factors (genetic, environment, etc.) are thought to Detecting and Is stuttering a typical then serve as “triggers” for the stut- part of childhood tering. Stuttering may appear to de- development? velop rather suddenly, but for most Children typically have normal children the onset is gradual. Adding dealing with a periods of disfluency as they de- to the puzzling nature of stuttering velop speech and language skills. is its unpredictability. It may seem These fluency breaks may include to be severe one day, then seem to saying fillers such as “um, um,” or disappear just as suddenly, only to repeating words or phrases as in reappear in full force. We know that “Mommy, can I go- can I g- can I go parents are not the cause of stutter- outside?” ing, but luckily, there is much they Research indicates however that can do to help their child. stutter approximately five to eight percent Children with delays in other areas of young school-aged children show of speech and language development By Dr. HeatHer Grossman signs of true stuttering, and that or who have other developmental 20 to 25 percent of these children difficulties, such as Attention Defi- arents who are concerned will continue to stutter into adult- cit-Hyperactivity Disorder or autistic that their child may be stut- hood. Average age of onset of stut- spectrum disorder, show a greater P tering often first seek guid- tering is just under 3 years of age, likelihood of concomitant stuttering. ance from their pediatrician. Doc- corresponding to a period of rapid tors commonly tell parents the child growth in speech and language Do I need to have will outgrow the problem and to give skills. Unlike normal disfluency, a my child’s speech the issue no concern. This is true young child who is stuttering tends evaluated? in many cases; we do know that ap- to stretch or prolong sounds as in Because so many children do proximately 75 percent of children “Rrrrrrrrun,” produce repetitions of eventually grow out of speech dif- who show early signs of stuttering parts of words as in “W-w-w-want,” ficulties, pediatricians often under- will show spontaneous recovery. and may have speech “blocks,” estimate the need for professional However, certain risk factors — in- where he is trying to say a word but intervention for children who stut- cluding family history of stuttering, no sound is heard. Children who are ter. A speech-language evaluation the child having a sensitive tempera- showing typical disfluency show no should be completed for any child ment, and other weaknesses in the sign of tension or self-awareness, showing signs of physical struggle child’s articulation or language skills but young children who are stutter- or frustration when trying to speak. — increase the likelihood that the ing are more likely to show tension Parents should be aware of certain child will continue to stutter. In ad- in their voice or face, or have sec- behaviors that suggest the child is dition, boys are three to four times ondary reactions such as looking reacting negatively to her speech,

12 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 such as the child starting to act support for the family and will sug- shy, looking away while speaking, gest helpful strategies for the fam- speaking using only a few words, ily, such as maintaining good eye or avoiding certain words or situa- contact and encouraging all fam- tions altogether. She may begin to ily members to have their turn at exhibit secondary characteristics, speaking, without interruption. such as pressing the lips together For children with concomitant or have excessive tension in the speech-language or developmental voice, that indicates the child is issues, it is helpful to address their ST. JOHN SCHOOL IS PROUD TO OFFER UPK trying to force out words. Teachers stuttering along with their other FOR THE 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR! may notice that the child’s verbal goals to prevent negative stuttering Enroll your 4 year old NOW in our FREE 5 hour, daily UPK program! participation in class is reduced. behaviors and reactions from be- It is suggested that parents seek coming a more severe and habitual Provide your child with the academic advantage of a fully aligned help if they notice the problem per- pattern. Common Core educational experience while gaining Kindergarten priority sisting for three to six months, but acceptance for the 2015-2016 school year! it is never too late to receive help. You (and your child) Since not all speech therapists re- are not alone • Wraparound program is available until 2:30pm daily at an affordable price. ceive thorough training in stutter- Almost universal to parents of • Afterschool care is available until 6:00pm. ing, it is recommended that parents children who stutter are feelings In addition, special subject classes are offered for grades K through 8th in: work with a licensed speech-lan- of helplessness, fear, and isolation. guage pathologist who specializes But in the past decade, there’s been • Art • Physical • CYO DANCE AND in stuttering treatment. a meteoric rise in the strength of • Computers Education BASKETBALL COMING nationwide support groups and • Spanish • Additional THIS WINTER!!!! What does an self-help organizations for children • Music Teachers’ Aides/ • After Care until 6pm evaluation entail? and adults who stutter, and their • Library Pre-K & Kindergarten with Homework Help The therapist will assess the families. A tremendous amount of child’s language abilities, articula- information is online, but nothing CALL ST. JOHN SCHOOL tion, and fluency using both formal combats feelings of helplessness AT 718-548-0255 TO APPLY TODAY OR and informal measures, and will like the realization that there are STOP BY AT 3143 KINGSBRIDGE AVE. gather information about the par- many children and their families ents’ observations and concerns. In who are managing stuttering. And Conveniently located 2 blocks away from the addition to determining if there is a nothing’s better than for children BX1, 7, 9, 10 & 20 trains and close to the 1 Train need for professional intervention to meet other kids who stutter and at the 231st St. Station! for the child’s speech, during the for their parents to get together and evaluation parents are provided swap information and strategies. with vital information regarding pe- Tips for parents of children who diatric stuttering and what actions stutter: Attention: 5th Grade Parents they can take immediately to help • P r a c t i c e active, patient listen- their child. Parents are commonly ing skills, focusing on what the given suggestions to implement at child says rather than how fluently home that include modeling slower, he says it. simpler speech, and reducing over- • D o not suggest that the child all language demand and time pres- “slow down,” “think before speak- sure. Rather than tell the child to ing,” or “take a breath.” “slow down” and “take a breath,” • M o d e l good communication — parents are taught to be better this includes having normal eye listeners, and to speak openly and contact when talking, taking turns, You are invited to objectively about stuttering with- and speaking slowly enough and out calling negative attention to the loudly enough to be heard clearly. IN-TECH ACADEMY’S OPEN HOUSE disfluencies. • Remind the child that talking Saturday, November 15, 2014 can be very difficult, and that it is What is speech OK to stutter. Let him know you are 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. therapy like? there to be supportive. Our campus is located at: 2975 Tibbett Avenue A course of speech therapy will • E d u c a te teachers, babysitters, be recommended for children show- and other caregivers about stutter- Come visit our High-Tech state-of the-art facility and ing signs of true stuttering. Ther- ing and how the child who is stut- meet our staff and students. apy techniques in current practice tering should be treated. • Rigorous Curriculum • Advanced Technology show excellent results, especially • Wo r k on confidence, and keep Common Core Aligned • College Preparation when children are seen soon after them talking! • College Partnerships • Music Appreciation the onset of the problem. Depend- Dr. Heather Grossman is a specialist • Honors Program • Media Club ing on the child’s age, the therapist in stuttering treatment for children and • Gifted & Talented • After-school Clubs customizes a program that pro- adults, and is the director of the Ameri- Program • Sports motes confidence while communi- can Institute for Stuttering in New York • Mac and PC Labs • High Tech Environment cating, and provides an outlet for City. She is regularly called upon for • Robotics • Student Government journalistic coverage regarding stutter- the child to explore her feelings Light refreshments will be served. about speech. The child will also ing, and has been featured on numer- School Tours Every Tuesday By Apointment. practice ways of talking to reduce ous radio and television broadcasts, Call Alexandra Castro, Parent Coordinator, for information: stuttering tension and struggle. A including “Good Day New York” and (718) 432-4300 x 1551 • www.in-techacademy.org good therapist will also provide “Katie.”

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 13 How to help your kids cope with divorce

By NaNcy L. Weiss the fear of what the loss of your children might exhibit, and how Watch for these spouse will do to your children. you can best help your child: ivorce can be a shattering In this day and age, divorce is not behaviors in and painful event. Unless uncommon, as it was just 30 to 40 Young children D you’ve reached the “con- years ago, and children may have Young children especially scious uncoupling” stage that only peers to share their fears and anxi- might show regressive behav- your children one of Hollywood’s power couples eties with. There is no definite pre- ior to earlier stages of develop- has attained, you’ve probably gone diction that your divorce will cause ment, such as bedwetting, cling- through anxiety, guilt, anger, and future disaster for your children, ing, attempts to gain your ap- depression. Most importantly, after but here are some of the most com- proval, and separation anxiety the family has been split, you have mon behavioral signs that your when they are dropped off at 14 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 pre-school or a babysitter. out and teen pregnancy. Also, Remember that the younger remember to monitor computer the child, the less likely he is usage and sites to find indica- Spuyten Duyvil to be able to verbalize his feel- tions of threats of violence to ings and instead, will act them themselves or others. Preschool out. He might just feel a perva- Engage your older child in con- Serving Kingsbridge, Marble Hill & Riverdale sive anxiety, helplessness, and versation about her feelings. Let insecurity, and have a tendency the child take the initiative in P R E S C H O O L Neighborhoods Since 1928 to blame himself. Thinking that terms of what questions, fears, or the missing parent left because feelings she might have. Encour- HALF/FULL DAY NURSERY of their misbehavior, young chil- age her to share the anxieties, FOR CHILDREN BORN dren might think they are being anger, or resentment she is feel- IN 2012 punished. ing, rather than acting it out. The young child especially If your child is unable or un- FREE UNIVERSAL needs to feel acceptance from you willing to discuss the situation PRE-KINDERGARTEN and needs to feel he is important. with you, or is exhibiting any self- FOR CHILDREN Rock him, hold him, and most destructive behaviors, please, as BORN IN 2011 of all, let him know he is safe. If soon as possible, seek profes- your young child wants to sleep sional therapy. School psycholo- EARLY DROP-OFF in bed with you, let him. Help him gists, child and adolescent thera- AND LATE PICK-UP relax by giving him simple tasks pists are specifically trained to AVAILABLE 7:30-6PM and rewarding and nurturing his help your youngster process his attempts. fears, feelings of helplessness, Accepting Let the child be a child. Do not depression, confusion, and frag- Applications For deal too much with adult issues ile self-esteem. Many times, a of the divorce with him. Instead, very young child is encouraged September 2015 concentrate on his needs and go to draw pictures of — for ex- Check website for Open House dates overboard in rewarding with hugs, ample — a house, a tree, and a candy, and verbal nurturance that person. Then the therapist helps www.spuytenduyvilpreschool.org his world is still safe. the child resolve his issues based for more information Younger children may also act on the interpretation of such pic- out in anger by throwing tan- tures. 718-549-1525 trums, hitting you or their sib- In this day and age, remem- 3041 Kingsbridge Avenue, Bronx, New York (Between 230 & 231 Street) lings, and throwing food or toys. ber, you are not alone. There They might develop nervous tics are many divorce groups, profes- such as regularly picking at their sional therapists, extended fam- noses or eyes. Although they still ily members and friends who can stroller contestNovember winner! 2014 need you to set limits and consis- provide you with support and BRONX/RIVERDALE Meet ourFREE tent discipline for them, they are help you regain the strength that really seeking stability and love you will need to focus on your Family from you to enhance their fragile children. You might not think Where Every Child Matters self-concept. Reward the appro- so at this time, but you can gain priate behaviors and ignore or strength and meaning from going The struggles of time-out the negative behaviors. through this process. Preemies Provide your young ones with Life is precious, and in the fun things to do and assure them grand scheme of things, short. Taking charge of that the home is still a safe one You are human, and humans Stuttering for them. make mistakes. Remember this How to help your kids when providing emotional sup- Older children port and strength for your chil- The spirit of Older children may still feel dren. Try not to focus on your Thanksgiving that the divorce or separation guilt, because your older children is their fault, but they are more can feel this and will then try to Find us online at www.NYParenting.com able to verbalize their fears. Be- manipulate you for their own ben- haviors to look for in older chil- efit. Use resources to help reduce cope with divorce dren consist of withdrawal from your children’s stress and help If you like the magazine, you’ll love the site. you at home or from their friends them become the happy and suc- at school; impulsive behaviors cessful adults they can be even By NaNcy L. Weiss the fear of what the loss of your children might exhibit, and how such as overeating or hitting ob- after experiencing their parents’ Watch for these spouse will do to your children. you can best help your child: jects; self destructive behaviors divorce. Check us out! ivorce can be a shattering In this day and age, divorce is not such as not eating or physically Nancy L. Weiss has a masters in behaviors in and painful event. Unless uncommon, as it was just 30 to 40 Young children harming themselves; sleeping child psychology and was a school D you’ve reached the “con- years ago, and children may have Young children especially more than usual; bullying their psychologist for a number of years NYParenting.com scious uncoupling” stage that only peers to share their fears and anxi- might show regressive behav- peers or siblings; crying; drug working with children ages 3 to 17. your children one of Hollywood’s power couples eties with. There is no definite pre- ior to earlier stages of develop- abuse; and rebellion displayed in She never met a child she didn’t has attained, you’ve probably gone diction that your divorce will cause ment, such as bedwetting, cling- dress, change of friends, truancy love, relate to, and engage with. Where every family matters and where through anxiety, guilt, anger, and future disaster for your children, ing, attempts to gain your ap- from school, engaging in fights She herself was a child of a divorce depression. Most importantly, after but here are some of the most com- proval, and separation anxiety at school, a significant drop in many years ago when it was rare New York parents find help, info and support. the family has been split, you have mon behavioral signs that your when they are dropped off at school grades, or sexual acting and traumatizing. November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 15 Nervous no more By Malia JacoBson children has an anxiety disorder, children. They’re expected to do Age-specific according to the Anxiety and De- more with more independence.” ometimes, anxiety and pression Association of America, Family conflict can be espe- tips for taming childhood go hand-in-hand. but all children experience anxi- cially stressful for school-age chil- S Kids are constantly growing, ety from time to time. Whether dren, who are just beginning to un- and growth can mean new experi- your child feels nervous about a derstand relationship dynamics. kids’ anxieties ences, unfamiliar feelings, and con- family change, a new school, or Parental feuds and high-conflict fusing situations — it’s enough to a rocky friendship, you can help. divorces can fuel anxiety that neg- make anyone anxious. One in eight Read on for age-appropriate strat- atively impacts a child’s school- egies to soothe jangled nerves, work, social life, sleep, and overall halt racing thoughts, and alleviate well-being, says attorney Nadia A. overgrown worries, so kids can Margherio of Sodoma Law in Char- simply enjoy being kids. lotte, North Carolina. “Talking negatively about the Toddler and other parent can cause serious preschool years 2–5 anxiety, stress, and social prob- calm cues lems,” she says. First, know that some anxiety is Minimize social stress by main- a normal part of early childhood. taining open communication, and “It is quite typical for preschool- when conflicts arise, never bad- aged children to show some hesita- mouth the other party. tion, or anxiety, in new situations,” says Dr. Kim Painter, licensed psy- Teen years 13–18 chologist and family therapist in anxiety overload Summit, N.J. For teens, changing bodies and Whether the stressor is a new churning hormones aren’t the only teacher, a new preschool class, things upping the anxiety ante, or a new food, most children will says Painter. Increasing academic “warm up” over time. The time demands, peer pressure, and con- required varies widely from kid to cerns about fitting in socially can kid, says Painter. Some children all add up to extra angst. Anxiety need to be exposed to something is normal for teenagers, and expe- new only a couple of times for riencing some anxiousness from anxiety to fade, while others might time to time is part of growing up. need up to 10 experiences with Occasional anxiety over some- something or someone in order to thing like a poor grade or a rela- feel comfortable. tionship problem is called “typical Parents can soothe an anxious anxiety,” and it’s just that — typi- tot by remaining calm themselves. cal. But if your teen experiences Brief statements of encourage- intense, frequent bouts of worry ment are fine, but excessive reas- and nerves that affect schoolwork, surance only serves to “grow” the relationships, or work, it might be anxiety. It’s important to note that time to consult with a licensed you can’t save a child from experi- psychologist. encing some anxiety, says Painter. Anxiety-related mental illness “Don’t walk on eggshells to try often begins during the teen years; to prevent it. Instead, help a child Social Anxiety Disorder, which af- face it.” fects 15 million adults, typically appears around age 13. The good Elementary years 6–12 news: anxiety is treatable, notes social stress Painter. As children enter elementary and “With the appropriate help and middle school, their social world support, overly anxious teens can grows — and so can anxiety about get back to living a healthy life,” friendships, crushes, and family re- she says. lationships. 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Whether dren, who are just beginning to un- kids’ anxieties and growth can mean new experi- your child feels nervous about a derstand relationship dynamics. full-on fun! ences, unfamiliar feelings, and con- family change, a new school, or Parental feuds and high-conflict fusing situations — it’s enough to a rocky friendship, you can help. divorces can fuel anxiety that neg- 10 Weeks of Classes Starting at $275* | Nov. 3rd–Jan. 25th make anyone anxious. 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JohnSon stacles of adoption, so children can ing families’ thoughts and values Helpusadopt.org join loving and permanent homes to on child rearing, child develop- ach year in New York City, give them all that they deserve. ment, and interpersonal issues. awards adoption thousands of children are In New York State, only an autho- However, approved potential fam- E placed for adoption or re- rized agency can place children for ilies are then faced with an enor- grants to help moved from their homes and as- adoption. A social worker must fa- mous financial burden. Typical costs signed to foster care. Globally, there cilitate a home study and compile a can include the home study; social are more than 150 million children document. When the agency study worker visits; lawyers’ fees (for adop- build families who need parents. Help Us Adopt, is obtained, there is an increased tive parent(s) and birth mother); founded in 2007, is a nonprofit or- chance of receiving an agency re- birth mother’s monthly medical and ganization that helps hardworking ferral for the adoption. The agency counseling expenses; agency or or- families overcome the financial ob- study includes details of the adopt- phanage fees; airline tickets (often

18 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 last minute); hotel; car rental; etc. Statistics indicate that an average adoption costs upwards of $30,000. There are many qualified families Are you a mom that can offer a child a stable home environment, but are facing signifi- cant financial obstacles. who wants to I spoke with Becky Fawcett, co- founder (with her husband, Kipp Fawcett) of Help Us Adopt, about make money? her organization, the adoption process, and just what her organi- zation does to aid families. Shnieka Johnson: What led you to start the organization? Becky Fawcett: We were so g rateful to become pa rents through adoption and realized how lucky Photo by Amanda Picone Photography we were to have the means to do blocks in the process? so, so we wanted to give back to BF: The number one reason help others. The decision to cre- people don’t adopt or stop midway ate Helpusadopt.org came after is because of money. Adoption is much research and the realization expensive — an average adoption that we would be the only adop- costs $30,000-plus. tion grant organization that didn’t SJ: How does your organiza- define family, didn’t define reli- tion support adoptive families and gion, didn’t define adoption, didn’t their growth? charge our applicants to apply, BF: Not only are we an adoption and offered grants up to $15,000. grant program that helps people Helpusadopt.org’s doors are open build their families, but we also to all and we are extremely proud offer a shoulder to lean on dur- of that fact. ing the process. We also keep in SJ: How many families have you touch with all of our families after helped build thus far? they bring their children home and BF: To date, Helpusadopt.org have built quite a strong adoption has helped to build 107 families by community across the country. awarding $920,000 in grants. We SJ: What can others do to help? We want you to join our team. will be awarding another $100,000 BF: There are so many ways to in December, 2014. By the end help. We are always looking for vol- of 2014 Helpusadopt.org will have unteers, new committee members We are looking for a awarded over $1 million in adop- for our events in New York City, tion grants since we launched in Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, and motivated candidate. 2007. We are humbled by how board members. Obviously mon- quickly we have grown to this etary donations are wonderful, as number and so grateful for all of we can’t do the work that we do No sales experience necessary, the support we have received. without raising money. Two ways SJ: What is the process for ap- to help any non-profit organization but a car and liking people plying for adoption grants? that are free are: one, helping to BF: Our application is free and spread the word on social media is a must! posted on our website (www.hel- outlets, and two, introductions to pusadopt.org). There is a page of other people who might be inter- guidelines as well as an FAQ page ested in the work that we do. We Full benefits, salary and also on the site. are always looking to meet new SJ: How does a prospective people who care about building commission family find a trustworthy agency families through adoption. and attorney? If you’re interested in getting aid BF: Ask people you know for from helpusadopt.org, applications recommendations. Talk about their for February 2015 grants must be process with them (the good, the postmarked by Friday, Dec. 12, 2014. bad, and the ugly). Once you have a Applications for June 2015 grants by Email resumes to [email protected] short list of adoption professionals, Friday, April 17, 2015, and applica- then call them to set up informa- tions for Oct. 2015 grants by Friday, or call Tina at 718-260-8336 tional meetings. You’ll find some- Aug. 14, 2015. one you click with. Some of the Shnieka Johnson is an education bumps in the road are unavoidable consultant and freelance writer. She regardless of who your agency or is based in Manhattan where she attorney is, that’s just the nature of resides with her husband and son. the adoption process. Contact her via her website: www. SJ: What are some typical road- shniekajohnson.com.

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 19 rake it up. Grab a rake and a pack of paper leaf bags and head outside to haul in the harvest. Kids can scoop up neighbors’ leaves for free or ask for a small donation to pass on to a community garden or green space. When the work is done, take the leaves to your city’s drop-off site or to a garden center Thankful for composting. Then enjoy a cup of cocoa together. You’ve earned it. talk turkey. In the US and Can- ada, many food banks serve tra- ditional Thanksgiving dinners to people in need. Find a food bank near you using the search engine at FeedAmerica.com and volunteer to work at an upcoming turkey drive. giving There, you’ll have the privilege of saying thank you to the generous By Dr. HeiDi SmitH LueDtke and bake cinnamon-apple muffins people who bring in the birds, and Put gratitude together (try this five-star recipe all the side-dish fixings. on’t let this month’s focus from Robyn at Addapinch.com). Give express your good fortune. in action with on food — and football — the muffins to your child’s teacher Bake your own fortune cookies D overshadow the spirit of with a hand-written note that says, “I with personalized messages inside Thanksgiving. Show kids how to couldn’t have picked a better teacher! to remind your kids just how lucky these inspired express their thanks with these You are the apple of my eye.” you are to have them in your life. inspired ideas. Because actions re- Word up. Boost your brainpower Find simple recipes at AllRecipes. ideas ally do speak louder than words. by learning how people say thanks in com or order fancy custom cookies Apples for the teacher. Take the a load of other languages. You’ll find at KCFortuneCookieFactory.com. kids on an apple-picking expedition written words for “thank you” with Give the gift of time. Start a fam- at a nearby orchard or hit the farm- pronunciation tips at Factmonster. ily time bank to give kids a chance er’s market for fresh fruit. Then get com and a video presentation of 29 to help one another. Your teenager in the kitchen thankful expressions on Youtube. might spend an hour designing stu- com. Set a goal to say “thank you” dent council campaign posters for three times each day in a foreign lan- your middle school student who guage and soon these expressions pays it back by folding his big will feel familiar. brother’s share of the laundry pile. Picture it. Take a photo of Pitching in on family projects lets your child with something everyone experience the joys of (or someone) he’s grateful teamwork. Learn more about time for — like a loving grand- banking at timebank.org. parent or an awesome Launch an attack. Of apprecia- bus driver. Post it on tion, that is. Pen a heartfelt thank you Facebook for others note to hide in your husband’s wallet to see and chal- or brief case. Leave a lipstick kiss on lenge your friends his side of the bathroom mirror in the to catch your at- morning. Text thank-you messages to titude of grati- his cellphone throughout the day. tude and share Your goal: To remind him (and your- their own images self!) how grateful you are to have a of appreciation. sweet and supportive partner. Let’s make grati- Fill everybody’s bucket. Teach tude go viral. young kids the value of good deeds Pay it forward. with the book “Fill a Bucket” by You’ve undoubt- Carol McCloud and Katherine Mar- edly heard that tin. To reinforce its message, ask money talks. This kids to write down good deeds month, make it say on slips of paper and put them in “thanks!” by donat- small tin buckets labeled with fam- ing to charitable orga- ily members’ names. Pretty soon, nizations in your com- kids will be clambering to see who munity. Not sure where can fill up their bucket first. And to start? Donations to the everyone will be happier for it. Feeding America BackPack Heidi Smith Luedtke is a person- Program are used to give week- ality psychologist and mom who is end eats to 230,000 children who grateful for knock-knock jokes and get free lunch at school, but go bedtime stories. She is the author of hungry at home. “Detachment Parenting.”

20 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 HAC Family Services Inc.

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Richard H. Mangum Early For more information contact the central offi ce located at: Learning Center 880 River Avenue Bronx, NY 10452 2nd Floor 921 E. 162nd Street Bronx, New York 10451 Phone: (718) 992-1321 Fax: (718) 992-8539 (718) 590-0673 James W. Nathaniel, CEO HacFamilyServicesInc.org

2014-15 Private/Independent School Guide

The show or the family… only one can go on. A NEW PLAY BY DIRECTED BY LAURA LUDOVICA PEDERSEN VILLAR-HAUSER

NOW through DEC. 14th CHERRY LANE THEATRE 38 Commerce St. NYC cherrylanetheatre.org 212.352.3101 Check it out on NYParenting.com TheBrightnessOfHeaven.com

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 21 Photo by Associated Press / Scott Roberson Solar&savings By Shavana aBruzzo Today there are five times as reducing carbon emissions by More schools many solar schools than in 2008, 442,799 metric tons annually. olar energy is hardly new. The and fewer costs meaning more • T h e r e are 3,752 K-12 schools are using solar Ancient Greeks unlocked the cash for textbooks and teacher in the U.S. with solar installations, S secrets of turning the sun’s salaries, claims the study pre- meaning nearly 2.7 million students energy to save glints into mechanical power, using pared in conjunction with Solar attend schools with solar energy burning mirrors to light torches for Energy Industries Association and systems. their religious rites. Sunrooms on the U.S. Department of Energy. • M o r e than 3,000 of the 3,752 money and jobs houses and public buildings were Solarizing New York’s kindergar- systems were installed in the last so common around 600 BC that Byz- ten through 12th grade buildings six years. antine emperor Justinian initiated could also save the Big Apple up to • O f the 125,000 schools in the “sun rights” to ensure individual ac- $209 million more than 30 years, country, between 40,000 and 72,000 cess to the golden orb. while more than 70,000 additional can “go solar” cost-effectively. Solar schools are the new eco- schools would benefit similarly, An analysis performed for the nomic trailblazers, with savings in add the authors. report found that 35 other school the past decade equivalent to 50 “Solar is enabling many New districts across the state could each million gallons of gas a year or tak- York schools to save money, enrich save more than $1 million more ing nearly 100,000 cars off our high- learning and keep teachers in the than 30 years by installing solar ways, claims the country’s first re- classroom, all while providing local panels, stated the Solar Energy In- port on how sun power is empower- jobs and generating emissions-free dustries Association. ing America’s educational facilities. electricity,” said Andrea Luecke, “In fact, seven of those districts New York’s growing solar energy president and executive director — Yonkers, NYC Special Schools, industry, including 425 companies of the Solar Foundation. “It is clear Brentwood Union, New Rochelle, and 5,000 employees statewide, that the solar schools movement is Sachem Central, Mount Vernon, and has installed solar systems on 160 gaining momentum and providing Middle Country Central — could schools, generating 7,316 kilowatts kids with the greatest benefits.” each save between $2 million and of clean, reliable, and affordable Key findings include: $6 million,” said president and chief electricity, and ranking them in the • A m e r i c a’s K-12 schools have executive officer Rhone Resch. “In top 10 nationally in installed ca- shown “explosive growth” in their a time of tight budgets and rising pacity, reports “Brighter Future: A use of solar energy over the last costs, solar can be the difference Study on Solar in U.S. Schools ” by decade, soaring from 303 to 457,000 between hiring new teachers or lay- the Solar Foundation. kilowatts of installed capacity and ing them off.”

22 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 Contest winners!

Dear New York Parenting, Eric and I wanted to extend our most sincere thanks for choosing us as the winners of the Britax stroller. We are overwhelmed with joy and appreciation. We are first-time parents and recent college graduates. We are truly grateful for the stroller, and it will be of great use to us.

Sincerely, Zya Bethune-Lockhart Brooklyn, NY Photo by Associated Press / Scott Roberson Solar&savings By Shavana aBruzzo Today there are five times as reducing carbon emissions by More schools many solar schools than in 2008, 442,799 metric tons annually. olar energy is hardly new. The and fewer costs meaning more • T h e r e are 3,752 K-12 schools are using solar Ancient Greeks unlocked the cash for textbooks and teacher in the U.S. with solar installations, S secrets of turning the sun’s salaries, claims the study pre- meaning nearly 2.7 million students energy to save glints into mechanical power, using pared in conjunction with Solar attend schools with solar energy burning mirrors to light torches for Energy Industries Association and systems. their religious rites. Sunrooms on the U.S. Department of Energy. • M o r e than 3,000 of the 3,752 money and jobs houses and public buildings were Solarizing New York’s kindergar- systems were installed in the last so common around 600 BC that Byz- ten through 12th grade buildings six years. antine emperor Justinian initiated could also save the Big Apple up to • O f the 125,000 schools in the “sun rights” to ensure individual ac- $209 million more than 30 years, country, between 40,000 and 72,000 cess to the golden orb. while more than 70,000 additional can “go solar” cost-effectively. Solar schools are the new eco- schools would benefit similarly, An analysis performed for the nomic trailblazers, with savings in add the authors. report found that 35 other school the past decade equivalent to 50 “Solar is enabling many New districts across the state could each million gallons of gas a year or tak- York schools to save money, enrich save more than $1 million more ing nearly 100,000 cars off our high- learning and keep teachers in the than 30 years by installing solar Lil RainMakerz Learning Center ways, claims the country’s first re- classroom, all while providing local panels, stated the Solar Energy In- Creativity, Education and the Experience, port on how sun power is empower- jobs and generating emissions-free dustries Association. CEE for yourself! ing America’s educational facilities. electricity,” said Andrea Luecke, “In fact, seven of those districts New York’s growing solar energy president and executive director — Yonkers, NYC Special Schools, PREREGISTER FOR PRESCHOOL industry, including 425 companies of the Solar Foundation. “It is clear Brentwood Union, New Rochelle, REGISTER AGES 2 TO 4 YRS OLD and 5,000 employees statewide, that the solar schools movement is Sachem Central, Mount Vernon, and NOW Walk-in registration has installed solar systems on 160 gaining momentum and providing Middle Country Central — could AGES 4 TO 13 YRS OLD Tues. & Wed. schools, generating 7,316 kilowatts kids with the greatest benefits.” each save between $2 million and After school • Karate 10 am to 1 pm of clean, reliable, and affordable Key findings include: $6 million,” said president and chief Vacation School & By Appt. electricity, and ranking them in the • A m e r i c a’s K-12 schools have executive officer Rhone Resch. “In 6 pm to 7:30 pm top 10 nationally in installed ca- shown “explosive growth” in their a time of tight budgets and rising pacity, reports “Brighter Future: A use of solar energy over the last costs, solar can be the difference 4180 Hutchinson River Parkway E. • Bldg 32A, Ground Floor • Bronx, NY 10475 Study on Solar in U.S. Schools ” by decade, soaring from 303 to 457,000 between hiring new teachers or lay- (347) 977-1189 • www.lilrainmakerz.org the Solar Foundation. kilowatts of installed capacity and ing them off.”

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 23 HealtHy eating

Good sense eatinG Christine M. PaluMbo, rD Disappearing candy hree years ago, Kelli Worley candy okay. It was in a place they No more hidden candy wrappers. made a decision that scared could reach, but they always knew T her. She decided to allow her they had to ask me if they could have Unintended three daughters to eat as many pieces some,” she said. consequences? of candy as they desired. Why? She She allowed her girls, then ages This begs the questions: Should wanted to eliminate her middle daugh- 6, 5, and 4, to have just one piece at kids be allowed to eat candy at all, ter’s candy sneaking. And it worked. a time. and if so, how much is too much? But During this “most wonderful time “It seemed like a good idea. But what about once in a while? of the year,” with candy and treats I realized for the 5 year old, it felt Nutrition Today recently pub- galore, most parents put a limit on restrictive.” This child was sneaking lished a paper that proposes a defi- the amount of sweets your children candy on a regular basis. nition of candy in moderation. consume. But what if you discov- Eventually Worley decided to The publication explains that the ered candy wrappers under the bed allow all the girls to have as many association between restrictive eat- or stashed behind bookshelves like pieces as they wanted. ing and the tendency to overeat has Worley did? Then what? “I just relaxed about it, but it was been studied extensively in children. Worley, a registered dietitian nu- scary. It was like, ‘oh no, she’s going Parents may restrict certain foods in tritionist in Beaumont, Texas, didn’t to have 10 pieces.’ ” an effort to moderate a child’s intake want to raise her children to be At first, they all had a little more of calories. afraid of food. But this sneaking con- candy than usual. Then they cut Yet a review of child-feeding be- cerned her. back to about two pieces, including haviors found that highly restric- “I thought I was managing the the candy sneaker. The best part? tive eating practices are consistently associated with childhood obesity. Weight gain and a preoccupation with restricted foods are often unin- Cinnamon peach swirl tended consequences. serves 2 (3/4 cup per serving) slice the peaches. Place half of the As usual, there is no one right INGREDIENTS: peaches into two dessert glasses. top answer, and it depends on the child. each peach layer with the cottage Keep in mind foods rich in protein 1 cup daisy Brand Low Fat Cottage cheese mixture. top each glass with Cheese and healthy fats slow down the ef- remaining peaches and a sprinkle fect of sugar, so a child eating well ¼ tsp ground cinnamon of cinnamon. add a sprig of mint, if throughout the day may be less af- 1 tsp vanilla extract desired. fected by sugar. 1 peach (may substitute 2 canned NUTRITION FACTS: 122 calories, 12 Christine Palumbo is a Naperville- peach halves) grams carbohydrate (1 g fiber, 11 registered dietitian nutritionist who is a 2 sprigs fresh mint (optional) grams sugar), 15 grams protein, 3 new Fellow of the American Academy DIRECTIONS: Gently stir together grams fat (2 grams saturated), 360 of Nutrition and Dietetics. Follow her the cottage cheese, cinnamon, and mg sodium. on Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook at vanilla in a small bowl. Peel and Courtesy of Daisy Brand Cottage Cheese. Christine Palumbo Nutrition, or Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com.

24 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 A laugh-out-loud comedy Now open, “Alexander and the without worrying about violence, time, the directors have created a about this film is that the ending Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very profanity, or other unsavory behav- story so it doesn’t feel as if it’s just is not easily predictable. Also, the Bad Day,” based on the beloved chil- ior, says Kids First! critic Gerry O. one big joke. In my estimation, it is story is created in such a way that dren’s book by Judith Viorst and star- just perfect. the comedy is just a part ring Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner, hat a hilarious adven- This film has a bub- of the story. The creators and Ed Oxenbould as Alexander is a ture! Something I like ble of unique comedy managed to get a very im- wonderful family movie that can be W about this film is that that sends the audience portant message through enjoyed with your school-aged kids although it’s a comedy, at the same laughing out loud. And, to the audience. it has a sprinkle of ro- My favorite scene is mance packaged with it, when the sister is under- which makes it a unique the-weather with a com- story. mon cold, but has a play The film starts out that day. She decides to showing an 11- (soon to drink a whole bunch of be 12) year-old kid who cough medicine and gets always has bad days, while every- drunk during the play. This part one else in his entire family always is absolutely hilarious. The entire has perfect days. On the very early audience, including me, could not morning of his twelfth birthday he stop laughing during this scene. wishes that his family members “Alexander and the Terrible, Hor- would have a bad day. Well, they rible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is a do! And, phew, is it bad! young kid film, but not too young. This film has comedy that isn’t I would recommend for ages 9 to just little jokes or things that are 18 and I give it 5 out of 5 stars for commonly seen in lots of normal a great story, fantastic acting, and comedies, but, instead, unique and unbelievable comedy! creative comedy that is really funny. — Gerry O, age 12 The actors are all well-suited to See his video review at http:// their roles, and something I love youtu.be/r-lp-R_YhnM

STEPPINGSTONE DAY SCHOOL, INC. A Preschool Program for Children With and Without Disabilities Not for Profit — Established in 1983 Queens/Bronx Preschool Programs ‑ CPSE Evaluations Therapies ‑ Physical, Occupational, Speech/Language, Feeding Family Support Services • Preschool self‑contained and integrated classrooms • Nurturing, child‑friendly learning environments • Ongoing communication between parents and professionals • Meeting the needs of the families through concrete and social work services To find out more about SteppingStone Day School For the Queens Location, call Nancy Rybacki 718‑591‑9093 • For the Bronx location, call Sheri Bushansky 718‑554‑2025 SteppingStone Day School’s Preschool Program is Funded and Regulated By The New York State Department of Education, The New York City Department of Education and Licensed by The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Daycare

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 25 Technology

messages. Talk to your child about tuning out e-noise when she reads, if only because schoolwork will be Print & pixels finished more quickly. Parents may also be dismayed to find that children who were avid Make sure your child knows readers in elementary school seem to lose interest in books in middle how to read a book and an iPad school. Don’t give up. Look for books that connect with special interests earning to read well is so im- sponsive instead of passive, so kids and explore the social situations that portant that the American become accustomed to controlling are often so perplexing to pre-ado- L Academy of Pediatrics sug- what happens on the screen. lescents. GrowinG Up gests pediatricians “prescribe” read- Studies also show that there are ing aloud to parents of young chil- measurable benefits from sharing high school online dren. For many parents, the ques- traditional picture books with lit- Researchers are beginning to de- Carolyn Jabs tion is how kids should be reading. tle ones. In one study, 3- to 5-year- tect subtle differences in what people Is reading on a new-fangled screen olds understood more about a story comprehend when they read on de- better or worse than reading an old- when parents read from a paper vices and on paper. One study found fashioned book? Researchers don’t book rather than an e-book. Re- that people who read online were have answers, but it’s beginning searchers speculate that the kids — able to recall facts but had a harder to look as though reading in differ- and their parents — got distracted time writing an analysis of the mate- ent formats presents different chal- by the options presented by the rial. Encourage your high-school stu- lenges and rewards. Kids have an e-book, so they were less focused dent to make more deliberate choices advantage if they are comfortable on content. Also, when parents read about how he wants to read by asking with both print and pixels. paper books, they were more likely question about what works best. The sheer quantity of information to engage in what experts call “dia- Whenever possible, point out op- available online means children need logic reading,” adding questions and portunities for what Ralph Waldo Em- to learn how to browse, skim, and asides that connect the story to the erson called “creative reading,” which scan, zeroing in on key words and child’s experience. depends upon “labor and invention.” making use of links. At the same time, Be sure teens have access to physical children also benefit from what’s elementary school books they can annotate. Although being called “slow reading.” Total im- Before they are competent read- some e-readers now offer this option, mersion in a text is both a source ers, children enjoy playing interac- it can still be very satisfying to un- of pleasure and a way to cultivate tive games. Research suggests that derline passages and jot notes in the deeper attention and better thinking. the selective attention required by margin of a beloved book. Here are suggestions about how to games may actually teach kids to Introduce your child to the idea of encourage both skills at every age: screen out distraction, making it eas- keeping a reading journal to record ier for them to focus on other online private reflections as well as the pos- Before age 5 tasks, including reading. sibility of sharing thoughts on social Very young children are drawn to Even after they can read inde- media sites devoted to books such color and sound, so it’s no surprise pendently, children still benefit from as Riffle, Goodreads, and Shelfari. that they reach for tablets and cell- reading aloud with parents, so don’t At every age, children are more phones. Seek out apps that are re- give up prematurely on bedtime sto- likely to become proficient readers ries. Reading together gives parents if they are surrounded by opportuni- opportunities to ask questions that ties to read. Be sure your child has deepen a child’s connection to the a library card, so you can borrow text. Why did the character choose physical as well as e-books. Pick to do something? How did another up paperbacks at garage sales and character feel? This is also a good download free books from websites age to encourage reading as a habit. like the Gutenberg Project. Most of Whenever possible, set aside 30 min- all, don’t belittle one kind of read- utes a day for dedicated reading. ing at the expense of another. This is one case where the old song defi- Middle school nitely rings true: “Make new friends Online reading requires greater but keep the old. One is silver and self-control than a book, according the other’s gold!” to Julie Coiro, a researcher who has Carolyn Jabs raised three computer- studied digital reading comprehen- savvy kids, including one with special sion in middle-school students. Since needs. She has been writing Growing pre-adolescents are so easily dis- Up Online for 10 years and is working tracted, they may need help in struc- on a book about constructive responses turing online homework, so they to conflict. Visit www.growing-up-online. don’t bounce endlessly between web- com to read other columns. sites, games, social media, and text Copyright, 2014, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

26 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 “A delight for both kids and adults AMAZING!” Stage and Cinema “JAW DROPPING!” Time Out NY Kids “Move over Blue Man Group & Stomp, iLUMINATE is in the house!” Times Square Chronicles NOW LIVE in the heart of BROADWAY! Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 W 50th St.

November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 27 Calendarnovember

“Whoo” goes there? Find out on row one. Wear appopriate winter Nov. 23 at the Orchard Beach Na- clothing. Suitable for all ages. Watching the ture Center. Urban rangers guide Owl Birding on Nov. 23 at 1 pm. you to the best places to view the Free. watchers wildlife, from the barred owl to Orchard Beach Nature Center [Sec- falcons. Bring field guides and bin- tion 2 Orchard Beach, (718) 548–0912; oculars or ask the rangers to bor- www.nycgovpar​ks.org].

28 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar

Submit a listing This calendar is dedicated to bringing our readers the most comprehensive list of events in your area. But to do so, we need your help! Send your listing request to bronx­riverdalecalendar@ cnglocal. com — and we’ll take care of the rest. Please e-mail requests more than three weeks prior to the event to ensure we have enough time to get it in. And best of all, it’s FREE!

Fri, Oct. 31 In The Bronx Game Day: Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Ave.; (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Children 5 to 12 enjoy games. Nighttime adventure: New York Botanical Garden, 200th St. and Ka-

zimiroff Blvd.; (718) 817–8700; www. Photo by Ivo Vermeulen nybg.org; 6:30–8:30 pm; $20 ($15 members). Grab a flashlight and explore the A train of wonders at the garden pumpkin sculptures as you travel along the Trick or Treat Trail, listen for crit- All aboard! lights. 15 through Jan. 19, 2015. Tuesday ters, or sit in on a spooky story. Cap- The New York Botanical Garden The New York landmarks are to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets ture a skeleton and be on the look out presents its annual Holiday Train meticulously crafted of natural are $20 for adults, $8 for children for ghosts. Children also dig around Show from Nov. 15 through Jan. materials by designer Paul Busse 2 to 12 years old, and free for for decomposers and decorate a Hal- 19, 2015. and his team. Visitors will want to members and children under 2 loween pumpkin. Advance tickets The magic of New York City look for the original Yankee Sta- years old. recommended. during the holidays is conveyed dium, The Statue of Liberty, and New York Botanical Garden [Bronx Further Afield with G-scale model trains zoom- the John F. Kennedy Airport along River Parkway at Fordham Road in BAMboo!: BAM Peter Jay Sharp ing by miniaturized New York City the half-a-mile worth of tracks. Bronx Park, (718) 817–8700; www. Building, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn; landmarks decked out in twinkling Holiday Train Show from Nov. nybg.org]. (718) 636–4100; www.bam.org; 4–7 pm; Free. The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s raptors and listen to bird-boxer Ben too. www.mta.info/mta/museum; 2–4 pm; annual Halloween celebration with Mirin and his beat-boxing bird calling. Free with museum admission. treats, games, a costume contest, and Further Afield Read Aloud: Kingsbridge Library, Future conductors and motormen more. This year’s theme is Around the Pumpkin Chucking: New York Hall 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; take control of a train in the Computer World. of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens; www.nypl.org; 1 pm; Free. Lab and travel over virtual track miles (718) 699–0005 X 353; www.ny- learning the ins and outs of operat- Presented by the Rotary Club of Riv- Sat, Nov. 1 science.org; 1 and 3 pm; Free with ing a train. Suggested for children over erdale. For parents with children 5 to admission. 10 years old. Limited space, register in In The Bronx 12 years old. Watch New York Hall of Science’s advance. catapult, Chuck, toss pumpkins in the Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. Sherlock Holmes: Bronx Library Dead or Alive Bioluminescence: air. 249th Street and Independence Ave.; Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th (718) 549–3200; www.wavehill.org; Briggs Ave.; (718) 579–4244; www. Subway safety: New York St., Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; 10 am–1 pm; Free with admission to nypl.org; 2 pm; Free. Transit Museum, Boerum Place at www.nyscience.org; 3 – 6 pm; Free the grounds. Something is amiss and the brilliant Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; (718) with admission. Collect items from the grounds and Mr. Holmes along with Dr. Watson fol- 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- Join New York Hall of Science Day of then turn them into works of jewelry low clues and solve the mystery. For seum; 1:30 pm; Free with museum the Dead-inspired activities and learn with fabric, foil and other materials. children 4 years and older. admission. how and when different organisms Fall Forest Weekends: New York Arts Faculty Recital: The Ever wonder about the people that produce light. Botanical Garden, 200th St. and Bronx House, 990 Pelham Parkway work underground? Children learn Kazimiroff Blvd.; (718) 817–8700; South; (718) 792–1800; 3 pm; $5 how subway workers keep us safe on Sun, Nov. 2 www.nybg.org; 11 am–4 pm; Garden contribution. and off the trains. Admission. The annual event features a variety Train school: New York Transit Mu- In The Bronx Celebrate the fall and visit the gar- of music from classical to contempo- seum, Boerum Place at Schermerhorn Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. dens, plus go on a canoe trip. View rary along with diverse dance styles, Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; Continued on page 30 November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 29 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 29 Children 8 to 12 years old use iPads (Arts Media Lab), 1040 Grand Con- plore the gardens and woodlands and Wave Hill. See Saturday, Nov. 1. for book discussion group. Workshops course at E. 165th Street; (212) 226– search for the all the species of birds. are limited to 12 children. Pre-registra- 0130; [email protected]; 10 Night Sky: Pelham Bay Ranger Sta- Fall Forest Weekends: 11 am–4 tion required. am–3 pm; Free. pm. New York Botanical Garden. See tion, Pelham Bay Park, Bruckner Bou- Teens play Minecraft and inhabit Saturday, Nov. 1. “The Adventures of Elmo in levard and Wilkinson Avenue; (718) the world of “Hunger Games.” RSVP Grouchland”: Kingsbridge Library, 885–3467; www.nyc.gov/parks/rang- Family Workshops: The Cloisters, requested. 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; ers; 6 pm; Free. 99 Margaret Corbin Dr.; (212) 923– www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. 3700; www.metmuseum.org; 1–2 pm; Follow the rangers and view the Sesame Street flick for children 5 to 249th Street and Independence Ave.; beautiful night sky. Free with museum admission. 11 years old. (718) 549–3200; www.wavehill.org; Families with children ages 4 10 am–1 pm; Free with admission to Further Afield through 12 are invited for an hour- the grounds. Kids expo: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- long workshop covering different top- Thurs, Nov. 6 Examine structures that incorporate seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks ics each week. In The Bronx nature, including the ecology building Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; Further Afield Storytime: Bronx Library Center, with its green roof. Participants use www.brooklynkids.org; 11 am; Free 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Ave.; clay and recycled materials to create with museum admission. Live Bat Encounters: New York their own nature dependent dwelling. Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; 11 Giveaways, raffles, prizes, vendor Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; am; Free. Family time: Bronx Library Center, booths and a performer from the Big www.nyscience.org; 1 and 3 pm; $6 Preschoolers 3 to 5 years old enjoy 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Ave.; Apple Circus plus story time, hands-on adults, $5 children, students & seniors, picture books with the librarian. (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; 11 activities, face painting, spin art and plus admission. Toddler time: Bronx Library Cen- am; Free. more. Pre-register for a free goody Meet live bats and learn about the ter, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Families with children 3 to 6 years bag. old are invited to participate in read- benefits of bats, why we need to con- Ave.; (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; Subway Smarts: 1:30 pm. New serve them, and what you can do to Noon; Free. alouds and crafts. Pre-registration re- quired. Limited to 25 children. York Transit Museum. See Saturday, help them at this special show with Caregivers or parents and their tod- Nov. 8. Rob Mies from the Organization for dlers 18 to 36 months enjoy finger Fall Forest Weekends: 11 am–4 Bat Conservation. play, songs, stories and play time with pm. New York Botanical Garden. See Subway safety: 1:30 pm. New York other toddlers. Saturday, Nov. 1. Mon, Nov. 10 Transit Museum. See Saturday, Nov. 1. Art with Jeannette Ornstein: Further Afield In The Bronx Kingsbridge Library, 291 W. 231st Movie Matinees: BAM Kids, 30 Game Day: 4 pm. Bronx Library Street; (718) 548–5656; www.nypl. Subway Smarts: New York Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place, Center. See Monday, Nov. 3. org; 3 pm; Free. Transit Museum, Boerum Place at Brooklyn; (718) 636–4129; www.bam. For children 5 years and older. Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; (718) org; 2 pm; $7 children 12 and younger 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- Tues, Nov. 11 ($10 adults; $9 for BAM members). Book making: Bronx Library Center, seum; 1:30 pm; Free with Museum The BAM series offers the perfect 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Ave.; admission. Further Afield opportunity for families to introduce (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; 4 Children explore the job that “work Veterans Day: Brooklyn Children’s their children to the classics on the big pm; Free. trains” do — how they help to keep Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. screen, featuring “Creature from the Hands-on project using a variety of the tunnels and track in working order. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735– Black Lagoon.” skills. For children 7 to 12 years old. Nation Beat: BAM Cafe, 30 Lafay- 4400; www.brooklynkids.org; 11:30 Game On!: Kingsbridge Library, 291 ette Ave. between Ashland Place and am and 2:30 pm; Free with museum Mon, Nov. 3 W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; St. Felix Street, Brooklyn; www.bam. admission. www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. In The Bronx org/programs/bamcafe-live; 2 pm; $9. Children explore the importance of Children 12 to 18 years old play Scott Kettner, founder and director community helpers and soldiers, and Game On!: Kingsbridge Library, 291 Xbox and Kinect games. of this American-Brazilian collective, make a special hero medal to take W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; performs an original sound fused by home. www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Brazilian maracatu drumming and New Fri, Nov. 7 “On Ice Frozen”: Barclays Center, Children play games. Orleans second line rhythms. Children 620 Atlantic Ave. at Pacific Street, Game Day: Bronx Library Center, In The Bronx 5 to 8 yeas old enjoy this crowd-wow- Brooklyn; (917) 618–6100; www.bar- 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Ave.; Bronx Library Center, ing Carnival style concert. Game Day: clayscenter.com; 7 pm; $30–$180. (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; 4 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at Briggs Ave.; Train school: 2–4 pm. New York pm; Free. (718) 579–4244; www.nypl.org; 4 Disney presents its winter spectacu- Transit Museum. See Saturday, Nov. 1. lar featuring the songs from the ani- Children 7 to 12 play xbox, Wii and pm; Free. mated movie “Frozen.” PS 3. Pre-registration required. Children 5 to 12 enjoy games. Sun, Nov. 9 Teen Advisory Group: Kings- Wed, Nov. 5 bridge Library, 291 W. 231st Street; In The Bronx Wed, Nov. 12 (718) 548–5656; www.nypl.org; 4–5 In The Bronx Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. In The Bronx pm; Free. Wave Hill. See Saturday, Nov. 8. Storytime: Kingsbridge Library, Movie day: Kingsbridge Library, Let your voice be heard. Brainstorm 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; with other teens on how to improve Fall Forest Weekends: 11 am–4 www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. www.nypl.org; 11 am; Free. the library; help choose free programs pm. New York Botanical Garden. See Toddlers from 18 months to 3 years to be offered; review books, movies, Saturday, Nov. 1. An appropriate film for children 5 to 12 years old. old play with puppets, sing songs and and more; and earn an hour of service Family bird walk: Wave Hill, W. fingerplay. Must be accompanied by a credit for each session attended. 249th Street and Independence Ave.; E-book discussion: 4 pm. Bronx Li- parent or caregiver. (718) 549–3200; www.wavehill.org; brary Center. See Wednesday, Nov. 5. E-book discussion: Bronx Library Sat, Nov. 8 1 pm; Free with admission to the Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. at grounds. Further Afield Briggs Ave.; (718) 579–4244; www. In The Bronx Children 6 and older with an adult “On Ice Frozen”: 7 pm. Barclays nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Hungercraft: The Bronx Museum are welcome to take a walk and ex- Center. See Tuesday, Nov. 11. 30 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar Thurs, Nov. 13 Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place, Brooklyn; (718) 636–4129; www.bam. In The Bronx org; 2 pm; $7 children 12 and younger Storytime: 11 am. Bronx Library ($10 adults; $9 for BAM members0. Center. See Thursday, Nov. 6. The BAM series offers the perfect opportunity for families to introduce Toddler time: Noon. Bronx Library their children to the classics on the big Center. See Thursday, Nov. 6. screen, featuring “A Hard Day’s Night.” Computer technology: Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. Mon, Nov. 17 at Briggs Ave.; (718) 579–4244; www. nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. In The Bronx Children 7 to 12 years old learn the Game Day: 4 pm. Bronx Library basics. Pre-registration required. Center. See Monday, Nov. 3. Music makers: Kingsbridge Library, 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; Tues, Nov. 18

www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Pierre-Antoine Grisoni / Strates In The Bronx Bring your imagination and get creative. Listen to stories then make Special storytime: Barnes & Noble hands-on musical instruments. Pre- Silence takes shape Bay Plaza, 290 Baychester Ave.; (718) registration required. For children 5 to 862–3945; barnesandnoble.com; 11 12 years old. Mummenshanz has returned clay mask, and a white sheet to am; Free. to Skirball Center for the Perform- convey their messages. Through The adorable story of “Love Mon- Further Afield ing Arts, Nov. 20-30. careful actions and poignant ster and the Perfect Present” is on tap “On Ice Frozen”: 10:30 am and In a time of endless noise from movements, the troupe brings along with activities. 7 pm. Barclays Center. See Tuesday, phones, electronics, computers, creativity and imagination to the Crafting: Kingsbridge Library, 291 Nov. 11. and a world inundated with tech- stage. W. 231st Street; (718) 548–5656; nology, the enchanting Mummen- Mummenshanz, Nov. 20 www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Fri, Nov. 14 shanz returns to New York with through Nov. 30. Showtimes: Nov. Teens 12 to 18 years old make fun projects using bottle caps. Make a its universally loved show. 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, and 29 at 7 In The Bronx magnet, push pin, keychain and even Game Day: 4 pm. Bronx Library The internationally celebrated pm, and Nov. 22, 23, 28, 30, at 3 a pendant. troupe returns with “The Musi- pm. Tickets are $49–$85. Center. See Friday, Nov. 7. Music makers: 4 pm. Kingsbridge cians of Silence.” Without any Skirball Center for the Performing Library. See Thursday, Nov. 13. Further Afield words or music, performers in- Arts [566 LaGuardia Pl. at West Third “On Ice Frozen”: 7 pm. Barclays stead use magical objects in- Street in NOHO; (888) 611–8183; Center. See Tuesday, Nov. 11. cluding a cube, toilet paper, a www.mummenschanzny.com] Wed, Nov. 19 In The Bronx Sat, Nov. 15 Storytime: 11 am. Kingsbridge Li- In The Bronx Further Afield cover the language of red, yellow, and brary. See Wednesday, Nov. 5. green lights for trains. Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. Oran Etkin – Timbalooloo: BAM E-book discussion: 4 pm. Bronx Li- 249th Street and Independence Ave.; Cafe, 30 Lafayette Ave. between Train school: 2–4 pm. New York brary Center. See Wednesday, Nov. 5. Ashland Place and St. Felix Street, Transit Museum. See Saturday, Nov. 1. (718) 549–3200; www.wavehill.org; “The Adventures of Elmo in Brooklyn; www.bam.org/programs/ 10 am–1 pm; Free with admission to Grouchland”: 4 pm. Kingsbridge bamcafe-live; 10:30 am; $9. the grounds. Sun, Nov. 16 Library. See Wednesday, Nov. 5. Fashion a festive crown of fall leaves The Pied Piper of children rocks out and leaf rubbings, and make an artful with tunes from the award-winning In The Bronx arrangement of leaves to take home. CD Wake Up Clarinet. Clara Net and Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. Thurs, Nov. 20 her mother Big Mama Tuba come to Wave Hill. See Saturday, Nov. 15. In The Bronx Thanksgiving event: Barnes & life and teach children 2 to 6 years old Noble Bay Plaza, 290 Baychester Ave.; the joys of music. Wilderness Workshop: Pelham Storytime: 11 am. Bronx Library (718) 862–3945; barnesandnoble. Bay Ranger Station, Pelham Bay Park, Center. See Thursday, Nov. 6. com; 11 am; Free. “On Ice Frozen”: 11 am, 3 pm and Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Av- Come and join in for a special holi- 7 pm. Barclays Center. See Tuesday, enue; (718) 885–3467; www.nyc.gov/ Toddler time: Noon. Bronx Library day storytime featuring a reading of Nov. 11. parks/rangers; 1 pm; Free. Center. See Thursday, Nov. 6. “The Great Thanksgiving Escape,” a hi- Family Workshops: The Cloisters, Ever wonder what you would do if Picture frame making: Bronx Li- larious kid-friendly take on the family, 99 Margaret Corbin Dr.; (212) 923– you found yourself lost in the woods? brary Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge Rd. food and fun. Plus activities. 3700; www.metmuseum.org; 1 pm; Urban Rangers teach you the methods at Briggs Ave.; (718) 579–4244; www. Family Workshops: 1–2 pm. The Free with museum admission. to survive. Recommended for children nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. Cloisters. See Sunday, Nov. 2. Families with children ages 4 8 years and older. Wear appropriate Hands-on project using a variety of through 12 are invited for this hour- clothing for cold weather. skills. Children 7 to 12 years old. Tree lighting: New York Botani- long workshop. cal Garden, 200th St. and Kazimiroff Further Afield Game On!: 4 pm. Kingsbridge Li- Blvd.; (718) 817–8700; www.nybg. Subway Smarts: New York “On Ice Frozen”: 1 pm and 5 pm. brary. See Thursday, Nov. 6. org; 4–5:15 pm; $20 ($8 children, Free Transit Museum, Boerum Place at Barclays Center. See Tuesday, Nov. 11. for children under 2). Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; (718) Subway Smarts: 1:30 pm. New Fri, Nov. 21 Visitors are treated to the annual 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- York Transit Museum. See Saturday, event featuring a stunning conifer seum; 1:30 pm; Free with Museum In The Bronx Nov. 15. and sing-along with the Westchester admission. Game Day: 4 pm. Bronx Library Chordsmen. Become a signals expert and dis- Movie Matinees: BAM Kids, 30 Continued on page 32 November 2014 • Bronx/Riverdale Family 31 Calendar Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar

Continued from page 31 (718) 549–3200; www.wavehill.org; Center. See Friday, Nov. 7. 10 am–1 pm; Free with admission to the grounds. 4–5 pm. Teen Advisory Group: Gather leaves, cones, pods and seed Kingsbridge Library. See Friday, Nov. 7. heads, then weave them together for a fanciful wall hanging. Sat, Nov. 22 Further Afield In The Bronx Transportation inventions: 11:30 Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. New York 249th Street and Independence Ave.; Transit Museum. See Friday, Nov. 28. (718) 549–3200; www.wavehill.org; Train school: 2–4 pm. New York 10 am–1 pm; Free with admission to Transit Museum. See Saturday, Nov. 1. the grounds. Celebrate the harvest and make a corn husk doll. Don’t miss storytelling Sun, Nov. 30 at noon. In The Bronx Further Afield Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. Safe City 101: New York Tran- Wave Hill. See Saturday, Nov. 29. sit Museum, Boerum Place at Further Afield Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; (718) 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- Transportation inventions: seum; 1:30 pm; Free with museum 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. New admission. York Transit Museum. See Friday, Nov. 28. Interactive tour of the museum for parents and children. Movie Matinees: BAM Kids, 30 Photo by Don Pollard Train school: 2–4 pm. New York Lafayette Ave. at Ashland Place, Transit Museum. See Saturday, Nov. 1. Brooklyn; (718) 636–4129; www.bam. org; 2 pm; $7 children 12 and younger Little artists at the Met ($10 adults; $9 for BAM members). Sun, Nov. 23 Budding Picassos and Rem- focus is Text and Tablets: Assyr- The BAM series offers the perfect In The Bronx brandts are treated to a gallery ian Art. Art Trek is a great way for opportunity for families to introduce their children to the classics on the Family Art project: 10 am–1 pm. tour and art workshop during the families to take a voyage around big screen, featuring “The Sound of Wave Hill. See Saturday, Nov. 22. “Little Artists Trek to the Met” on the world and learn about famous Music.” Nov. 2 and 16. works of art. Birding – Owls: Orchard Beach Na- ture Center, Section 2 Orchard Beach; What better way for a child Trek to the Met on Nov. 2 and Long-running (718) 548–0912; www.nycgovparks. to learn about and appreciate 16, from 1 to 4 pm. Gallery tours org; 1 pm; Free. art masterpieces than by seeing at 2 pm. The program is free with In The Bronx Urban rangers guide you to the best the great works? Children 5 to 12 museum admission. Seasonal crafts: Poe Park Visitor places to view the abundant wildlife view the galleries and then go to Metropolitan Museum of Art [1000 Center, 2640 Grand Concourse; (718) from falcons to salamanders. For all the workshop and create a work Fifth Ave. at E. 82nd Street; (212) 365–5516; www.nycgovparks.org; Fri- ages. Bring field guides and binoculars of art of their own. This month’s 570–7710; www.metmuseum .org]. days, 2–3:30 pm,; Free. or ask a ranger to borrow one. Make holiday arts and crafts. Further Afield Story, arts and crafts: Poe Park STEM program: Kingsbridge Li- Visitor Center, 2640 Grand Concourse; Safe City 101: 1:30 pm. New York Fri, Nov. 28 (718) 365–5516; www.nycgovparks. brary, 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548– Transit Museum. See Saturday, Nov. org; Tuesdays, 10 am–10:45 am,; Free. 5656; www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. In The Bronx 22. Children 6 months to 4 years old Science, Technology, Engineering, Game Day: 4 pm. Bronx Library Center. See Friday, Nov. 7. enjoy a story followed by a craft and Mon, Nov. 24 and Math for children 5 to 12 years activity related to the reading. old. Further Afield In The Bronx Crochet workshop: Poe Park Visi- Transportation inventions: New tor Center, 2640 Grand Concourse; Game Day: 4 pm. Bronx Library E-book discussion: 4 pm. Bronx Li- brary Center. See Wednesday, Nov. 5. York Transit Museum, Boerum Place at (718) 365–5516; www.nycgovparks. Center. See Monday, Nov. 3. Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn; (718) org; Tuesdays, 2–3 pm, Now – Sat, 694–1600; www.mta.info/mta/mu- Jan. 31, 2015; Free. Tues, Nov. 25 Thurs, Nov. 27 seum; 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm; Novices and experienced crocheters Free with museum admission. will learn how to create a two-color, In The Bronx Further Afield Use your imagination and a little open mesh bag for the beach, or as a Arts and Crafts: Kingsbridge Li- Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Pa- inspiration to create a blueprint and carry tote and learn to read a pattern. brary, 291 W. 231st Street; (718) 548– rade: Kick off point, Central Park model of a vehicle that is strong, safe Materials required, 1 skein color A and 5656; www.nypl.org; 4 pm; Free. 1 skein color b, (100 percent cotton); West and 77th Street, Manhattan; 9 and smart for the 21st century. For Children make fun projects. children 6 years and older. One size J hook, and one Tapestry am; Free. needle. All levels. The 88th annual parade kicks off Wed, Nov. 26 Sat, Nov. 29 Paper Arts & Crafts: Poe Park Visi- at 77th Street and Central Park West tor Center, 2640 Grand Concourse; In The Bronx and makes it way down to Macy’s Her- In The Bronx (718) 365–5516; www.nycgovparks. Storytime: 11 am. Kingsbridge Li- ald Square, with floats, entertainment Family Art project: Wave Hill, W. org; Wednesdays, 1–3 pm,; Free. brary. See Wednesday, Nov. 5. and, of course, Santa. 249th Street and Independence Ave.; Children have fun creating collages 32 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 Our online calendar is updated daily at www.NYParenting.com/calendar Calendar using decoupage, origami, kirigami 878–0106; www.grandcentraltermi- health, robotics, and technology. Saturday, Nov. 15, 1:30 pm; Sunday, and more. nal.com; Monday – Friday, 8 am–8 “Galapagos – nature’s Wonder- Nov. 16, 1:30 pm; Saturday, Nov. 22, pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 recycle to art: Poe Park Visitor land in 3d”: New York Hall of Sci- 1:30 pm; Sunday, Nov. 23, 1:30 pm; Center, 2640 Grand Concourse; (718) am–6 pm. Free. ence, 47-01 111th St., Queens; (718) Saturday, Nov. 29, 1:30 pm; Sunday, 365–5516; www.nycgovparks.org; This exhibition celebrates the 50th 699–0005 X 353; www.nyscience. Nov. 30, 1:30 pm; Free with museum Wednesdays, 2–3:30 pm, Now – Wed, and 75th anniversaries of the 1939 and org; Weekdays, 11 am and 2 pm, Sat- admission. Dec. 31; Free. 1964 Fairs. With a variety of postcards, urdays and Sundays, 1 & 3 pm, Now – Children 4 years and older gather Have fun turning junk to treasure. photos, ephemera and souvenirs, the Sun, Dec. 21; $6 adults; $5 children. around to hear the tales and imagine Children under 10 must be accompa- exhibition shows how transportation In this 3D movie, travel to the Gala- life when Manhattan was Mannahatta. was a symbol for the future, its poten- nied by an adult. Wear appropriate pagos archipelago to meet giant half- Bug out!: Brooklyn Children’s Mu- tial effect on modern American life, clothing. ton tortoises and marine iguanas that seum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks and the technological advancements spit sea-salt from their noses, hunt Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) 735–4400; Story time: Barnes & Noble Bay in transportation that American corpo- fishes with the colorful blue-footed www.brooklynkids.org; Tuesdays and Plaza, 290 Baychester Ave.; (718) 862– rations claimed would make a better boobies, and swim with tiny penguins. Thursdays, 3:30 pm, Now – Thurs, 3945; barnesandnoble.com; Wednes- world possible. days, 6 pm, Wed, Nov. 5 – Wed, Jan. Touch tank: Brooklyn Children’s Dec. 18; Free with museum admission. 14, 2015; Free. Science Playground: New York Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at Feeling brave? Meet grasshoppers, Join in for a weekly sesion of fun Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) worms, stick bugs, and Madagascar reading and activities. Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; hissing cockroaches. www.nyscience.org; Weekdays, 9:30 Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, learn to draw: Poe Park Visitor ice skating school: Lefrak Center am–5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 11:30 am–12:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 Center, 2640 Grand Concourse; (718) in Prospect Park, Parkside and Ocean av- am–6 pm, Now – Wed, Dec. 31; $4, pm, Now – Sun, Jan. 11, 2015; Free 365–5516; www.nycgovparks.org; plus museum admission. enues, Brooklyn; (718) 594–7439; info@ with museum admission. brooklynice.org; www.brooklynice.org; Thursdays, 2–3:30 pm; Free. Children are encouraged to explore Children of all ages touch a starfish, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4–6:30 pm, Children 10 years and older learn science through slides, seesaws, climb- a horseshoe crab, or a sea snail. beginning Mon, Nov. 10; Free. the basics of still life pencil drawing, ing webs, a water play area, sand including volume, tone, value, and boxes, and more, weather permitting. native american art: Brooklyn Instructions, fitness, homework help sketching. Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. and lots more. Students in grades first rocket Park mini Golf: New at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) through eighth must live in Brooklyn or Holiday Train Show: New York York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; go to school in Brooklyn, and be eligi- Botanical Garden, 200th St. and Ka- St., Queens; (718) 699–0005 X 353; Saturday, Nov. 1, 12:30 pm; Sunday, ble for free or reduced lunch program. zimiroff Blvd.; (718) 817–8700; www. www.nyscience.org; Weekdays, 9:30 Nov. 2, 11:30 am; Saturday, Nov. 8, Preregistration required. nybg.org; Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 am–5 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 12:30 pm; Sunday, Nov. 9, 12:30 pm; am–6 pm, Sat, Nov. 15 – Mon, Jan. mummenshanz: Skirball Center for am–6 pm, Now – Wed, Dec. 31; $6 Saturday, Nov. 15, 12:30 pm; Sunday, 19, 2015; $20 ($8 children, Free for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuar- (adults,) $5 (children and seniors,) plus Nov. 16, 12:30 pm; Saturday, Nov. 22, children under 2). museum admission. dia Pl. at W. Third Street, Manhattan; 12:30 pm; Sunday, Nov. 23, 12:30 pm; (888) 611–8183; www.mummen- The annual tradition is open again. Golfers of all ages can learn about Saturday, Nov. 29, 12:30 pm; Sunday, schanzny.com; Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 Model trains are enlivened amid the key science concepts such as propul- Nov. 30, 12:30 pm; Free with museum pm; Friday, Nov. 21, 7 pm; Saturday, glow of twinkling lights in Victorian- sion, gravity, escape velocity, launch admission. style glasshouses featuring replicas of Nov. 22, 3 pm; Sunday, Nov. 23, 3 pm; window, gravitational assist, and more! Children 4 years and older are in- New York landmarks crafted of natu- Monday, Nov. 24, 7 pm; Tuesday, Nov. spired by traditional arts of Native ral materials by designer Paul Busse’s more than meets the “i”: Brook- 25, 7 pm; Friday, Nov. 28, 3 pm; Satur- communities from the Navajo weaving team. Closed Thanksgiving Day and lyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn day, Nov. 29, 3 pm; Sunday, Nov. 30, to Tingit totem poles. Then create their Christmas Day. Ave. at St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; 3 pm; $49-$85. (718) 735–4400; www.brooklynkids. own to take home. The internationally celebrated troupe FUrTHEr AFIELD org; Tuesdays – Sundays, 10 am–5 native Tales: Brooklyn Children’s returns with “The Musicians of Si- Traveling in the World of To- pm, Now – Mon, Jan. 19, 2015; $9 Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave. at lence.” Mummenschanz tells a story, morrow: The Future of Transporta- general admission (Children under age St. Marks Avenue, Brooklyn; (718) evokes universal emotions and strikes tion at New York’s World’s Fairs: New 1 free). 735–4400; www.brooklynkids.org; a common chord without the use of York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at The new exhibit at the museum Saturday, Nov. 1, 1:30 pm; Sunday, any words or music. Performers use Grand Central Terminal, 42nd Street provides young scientists the opportu- Nov. 2, 12:30 pm; Saturday, Nov. 8, magical objects including a cube, toilet and Park Avenue, Manhattan; (212) nity to explore innovations in biology, 1:30 pm; Sunday, Nov. 9, 1:30 pm; paper, a clay mask and a white sheet. Party Planners

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November 2014 • Bronx/riverdale Family 33 books ‘World’ of inspiring kids his year, your teachers say on electronic waste. Best of all, he you’ve changed a lot. and his friends refurbish comput- T They say you’re not a little ers and donate them to schools kid anymore, that you’re more ma- in Sri Lanka, Mexico, the Philip- ture. Your hair is different, or you pines, and Kenya. got new glasses, or you smile more. Qier Qiu from China urges You’ve changed, and that’s good. So people to eat with reusable find “Kids Who Are Changing the chopsticks, thereby saving World” by Anne Jankeliowitch, with trees. Thirteen-year-old Anya photographs by Yann Arthus-Ber- Suslova collected water sam- The book trand, to read about kids who have ples for scientists in Russia. different changes in mind. Laurie Wolff in Nevada persuaded worm Someday, the planet on which her school to use virtual dissection Terri Schlichenmeyer you’re standing will be yours. That in biology class. A girl in India asked stance, it’s impressive to see the means you probably want to take her school to compost with worms. variety of kids that author Jankelio- good care of it, and of the other peo- Ten-year-old Jahmali Bridgewater witch features: children — some still ple who’ll own it, too. No doubt, you’ve from Bermuda attended a confer- in grade school, some in non-tradi- got some awesome (and very unique) ence to exchange ideas with kids tional learning environments — who ideas on how to do that. And if not around the world. saw a need and acted upon it, prov- — well, why not learn from kids who Your project can be easy (many ing there is no age or ability limit to have done something for the Earth? children planted trees or created ed- make a difference. I was also glad to Twenty years after the first Earth ucational websites), or it can be very see such passion for the planet, and Summit in Rio de Janeiro, people are complicated (Annie Collins of British when you add in photography by still talking about the 12-year-old Ca- Columbia helped set up a fair trade Arthus-Bertrand, you’ve got a hope- nadian girl who “silenced the world.” program for her city). It can be big ful, optimistic winner to read. Severn Cullis-Suzuki gave a speech in (a California boy filed a lawsuit) or Not all kids will clamor for this front of United Nations delegates who small — just picking up litter helps! book, but ecology-minded 10-to-15- sat, quietly, and listened to the power- So what’s your next project? year-olds will surely be inspired by ful words she had to say. You can still, That’s a hard question when it. Hand them “Kids Who are Chang- in fact, see clips of her speech online. you’re a kid. Where do you start? ing the World” and see how they Alex Lin was upset at the lack of “Kids Who are Changing the change, too. recycling of electronic equipment, World” answers that by giving your “Kids Who are Changing the World,” so he changed the whole state of child plenty of ideas that will pro- by Anne Jankeliowitch 144 pages, 2014, Rhode Island by helping to pass laws voke thoughts for you, too. For in- $14.99]. Learn A-B-Cs with animals from A to Z here’s something very animals “A” to “Z” on the wall. ing: what could he paint on the wall important that you can’t But which ones? that starts with a “K”? T find, even though you’ve Kay Kay thought best when he was Based loosely on a true story of a searched everywhere. You moving, so he used his feet and his talented Kenyan taxi driver and the don’t know what to do. brain to go to the countryside. There, “very real” Star of Hope School, “Kay In “Kay Kay’s Alphabet Sa- he met Ant, but there’d be no chatting, Kay’s Alphabet Safari” is a cute A-B-C fari” by Dana Sullivan kids because Kay Kay was deep in thought. book based on animals. learn that what they’re look- A few feet down the path, Ba- Author-illustrator Sullivan adds a ing for might be right under boon and his friends wanted to nice surprise for slightly older kids, their nose! dance, but Kay Kay couldn’t take too: in the back of this book, you’ll find It was a beautiful, sunny even a minute for that. a behind-the-scenes story of how this day, and Kay Kay strolled Fox was having a tea party not far book came to be. If they’re up for more, past Bungoma’s new village away, but Kay Kay didn’t have time your kids can also learn to say a few school, where he heard for tea. There’d be no games with words and funny phrases in Swahili. the children call his name. Leopard, and absolutely no jokes or Find this book for 2-to-4-year- They were proud of their riddles with Porcupine. Snake could olds, share it with 5-to-6-year-olds, new classroom, and they daydream on his own and Warthog and you won’t be sorry. wanted him to see it. would have to run around with his “Kay Kay’s Alphabet Safari,” by Dana Kay Kay looked around friends by himself. This animal A to Z Sullivan [40 pages, 2014, $15.99]. the classroom and saw brand-new stuff was very, very hard! Terri Schlichenmeyer has been reading desks and plain white walls that prac- Suddenly, it hit him! The answer since she was 3 years old, and she never tically begged to be painted. Kay Kay was right in front of him! But, of goes anywhere without a book. She lives told the children that he would paint course, there was one animal miss- on a hill with two dogs and 12,000 books.

34 Bronx/Riverdale Family • November 2014 NEW YORK SPECIAL CHILD

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