Issuu

WE KNOW THE MOMENTS… The ones that define us and give meaning to our lives. The moments that make us breathe deeply and then take our breath away… the ones when having our health makes everything possible.

This is what we’re made of. At Fidelis Care, we provide quality, affordable health coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life.

Compassion. Commitment. Community. And a mission to always care for you and the ones you love – moment by moment.

Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission.

Estimate Costs:

It only takes a minute to view product choices and estimate costs with the Fidelis Affordable Care Advisor at fideliscare.org/enroll

Meet with a Representative:

Call 1-888-FIDELIS to meet with a Representative or visit fideliscare.org/offices to find a community office close to you

1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) TTY: 1-800-421-1220

fideliscare.org To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Caring for kids is what we do. Calm, comfortable dentistry for children and special needs patients.

Serving three generations of satisfied - and relaxed families on Long Island

for Voting Us Best Pediatric Dental Practice

Ehrenman & Khan P E D I AT R I C D E N T I ST RY

Board Certified • Kid Approved

959 Brush Hollow Road • Suite 101 • Westbury, NY 11590 516.333.3033 • www.KidsTeeth4LI.com LongIslandParent

NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

June 2017 ››

Features

17 Unexpected Summer Fun Unique, unusual, and off-the-beaten-path things to do in NYC

28 The Summertime Health Blues How to avoid—or beat—six childhood ailments that commonly strike during the warmer months 32 Grilling with Chef John Stage Tips for cooking on the barbecue from a grill master—just in time for a Father’s Day feast 52 It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Drug Abuse With changing laws and attitudes about recreational marijuana, it’s more important than ever for parents to talk to their kids about drug use.

Connections

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 12 NYMP Q&A: Diaper Dude’s Chris Pegula talks dads’ roles in parenthood. 30 Voices of the Next Generation: My family celebrates the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, which takes place in June this year— here’s why it’s so special to me 70 Voices: How we, a gay couple with two adopted sons, raised our kids during changing times

Family Activities CALENDAR ››

Original photo by PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)

Fun & Activities

14 Humor: Happy Father’s Day to the Fellas! 14 Last Chance to Enter the Cover Contest 34 Outing: Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey 37 Family Activities Calendar 50 Where-To Guide: Beaches 51 Where-To Guide: Amusement Parks

Directories 54 65 66 67 68 69

Camp #SnapShots Professional Services Party Central Open Houses Meet the Health Care Professional Advertisers’ Index

››

ON THE COVER ›› 14 Last Call for the 2017 Kids Cover Contest 17 Unexpected Ways to Have Fun This Summer facebook.com/nymetroparents

28 Sick in Summertime

@NYMetroParents

50 Beaches

51 Amusement Parks

Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

LongIslandParent

JUNE 2017 • Vol.9 • No.1

NYMetroParents Publications EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens

EDITOR’S NOTE

SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Emma Steven (Manhattan); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke

Hidden Gems, Happy Days D

ADVERTISING SALES

Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239 Jessica Leonhardt, Jeunesse Jackson, Linda Pierce

id you know you can see wild parakeets in Brooklyn? Visit a museum housed in an old freight elevator in Manhattan? Play on a former landfill on Staten Island? We at NYMetroParents pride ourselves on knowing all about how to have fun with kids around New York City, but to kick off summer, we decided to dig deeper. So Katelin Walling took on the challenging assignment of uncovering our region’s hidden gems—and found many exciting options we hadn’t known before. See her round-up of the best unexpected ways to have fun this summer (p. 17), and then get out and start exploring! Unfortunately, we all sometimes have to cancel fun plans to run our children to the doctor—their illnesses, ailments, and injuries certainly don’t take the summer off. That’s not unusual, as I learned from Stacey Pfeffer’s report on children’s summertime health issues (p. 28). From Coxsackie virus to athlete’s foot to lice, we offer advice on how to prevent summertime ailments, and failing that, how to treat them. June marks the end of our Kids Cover Contest, so make sure to enter your child before it’s too late! Submissions close June 9. Head to nymetroparents.com/cover and follow the directions there to upload a photo and enter the contest. Ten finalists will participate in a professional photo shoot, and any of them may appear on upcoming magazine covers. Two grand-prize winners will be guaranteed cover spots and will win awesome prizes—a family vacation at Kalahari water park or a Barbizon modeling scholarship. And once you’ve entered, don’t forget to get your friends and family to vote! The Fan Favorite—the child with the most votes—will be one of the 10 finalists (the others are chosen by our editors) and will win tickets to Sesame Place. There is so much to celebrate in June! Summer officially starts, graduations take place, and we’ll salute Dad on Father’s Day. If you’re planning a barbecue as part of your celebration, make sure to check out our tips—and recipes—for grilling meals everyone will love (p. 32). Plus, in our Voices column, dads Rod Howe and Mark Pedersen—who met and fell in love more than 30 years ago and are grandparents today—look back on parenting their sons during an era of changing attitudes about gay parents (p. 70). Muslims also are celebrating one of their biggest holidays of the year, Eid al-Fitr (which falls on different dates every year but in 2017 is in June); 12-year-old Farah Husain, a student at Manhattan’s Trinity School, shows us how she and her family celebrate this joyous festival (p. 30). If you have a unique personal story to tell about life as a parent, we want to hear from you: Submit essays (600800 words) to NYMPWriter@davlermedia.com. Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there, and wishing all the best to our region’s graduates! Michael Kress Editorial Director, NYMetroParents

Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Ellen Klein Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Ellen Klein, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager, Dani Pollack Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Ray C. Guédez, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Robert Reynolds DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: Sara Wentworth

ACCOUNTING

CONTROLLER: David Friedman

ADMINISTRATION

CREDIT MANAGER: Elizabeth Teagarden CREDIT ASSISTANTS: Rosa Meinhofer, Diedra Smith EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Barbara Byrd

Davler Media Group CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

nymetroparents.com davlermedia.com nybarbatmitzvah.com

Keep in Touch: nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

Patients will always see Dr. Elbaz to ensure consistency and build trust.

Dr. Rania Elbaz, DDS Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Columbia Dental School Graduate

The Personal Attention Your Child Needs and Deserves. Participating with most major insurance plans. Comprehensive Dental Care for Infants, Children, Adolescents and those with Special Needs.

Our office is a warm and kid-friendly environment that our patients look forward to visiting! • Evening and Saturday appointments available • 24-hour emergency coverage for our patients • Sedation available when needed

1756A Merrick Avenue • Merrick • 516-547-1997 www.MerrickPediatricDentistry.com

Conveniently Located less than a mile south of the Southern State Parkway

LongIslandParent

NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-np

Who: Tower Talent What’s New: Private lessons to help children ages 5 and older prepare for a big audition. The staff at Tower Talent will record a child’s audition and give feedback to capture the best audition possible. The video will then be sent to the child’s agent to be submitted to the casting director. “Our coaches are all industry working actors, models, and singers—they all have a master’s in fine arts,” says owner Megan Tower. Tower Talent also offers acting, modeling, and singing programs for children, beginners to professionals, as well as ongoing summer workshops. Want More Info: 535 Broadhollow Road, Suite A2A, Melville; 516-7652400; towertalent.com

Courtesy Tower Talent

Acting Development Center Offers Private Lessons

Tower Talent provides services for children ages 4 and older.

Who: @ Play Amusements What’s New: A video maker booth, a second bounce house, and bumper cars are coming to the family-friendly venue in Farmingdale within the next couple months. The fully remodeled facility is open year-round and offers a wide variety of attractions, including a carousel, roller coaster, and laser tag, as well as traditional and cutting-edge arcade games. Private party rooms are also available. The interactive video maker booth will allow families and friends to capture memorable moments with special effects and fun props. The facility’s second bounce house will be dedicated to jumpers ages 9 and younger. And the newly remodeled bumper cars hit the indoor tracks in June. Want More Info: 229 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale; 631-815-5355; info@playamusement.com; atplayamusement.com

Courtesy @ Play Amusements

Indoor Amusement Center Expands Attractions

Visitors must be at least 36 inches tall to ride select bumper cars at @ Play Amusements.

Who: BounceU of Farmingdale What’s New: Slide inflatables and an obstacle course, which helps keep the venue up-to-date and exciting for families. The slide inflatables with two lanes in each of the venue’s two bounce rooms provides more fun for children. The obstacle course in the second bounce room offers an engaging play environment. “We like to keep our equipment new and fresh to create a different experience for our loyal customers,” says Samantha Schatz, manager at BounceU of Farmingdale. “We try to replace at least one inflatable per year so that those who have their parties with us every year have something new to enjoy.” Want More Info: 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale; 631-777-5867; bounceu.com; farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy BounceU of Farmingdale

Indoor Bounce House in Farmingdale Adds New Equipment

BounceU of Farmingdale has added new play equipment to its bounce rooms.

at Barnes & Noble this Summer MUST-READS for YOUNG READERS

Favorite Paperbacks

BUY 2, GET THE 3RD FREE* Selection may vary. Ask a bookseller for details. Offer ends 9/4/17.

IN STORES Offer ends 9/4/17.

Keep Skills Sharp this Summer with

Award-Winning Summer Bridge ActivitiesÂ®

ONLY $10 EACH Originally priced $14.99. Offer ends 7/31/17.

Barnes & Noble Classics

POPULAR PICKS for SUMMER READING

YOUR CHOICE $5 EACH** Barnes & Noble Classics paperback editions only. Offer ends 9/4/17.

IN STORES

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program KIDS EARN A

Offer ends 9/4/17.

FREE BOOK Ask a bookseller for details. Offer ends 9/5/17.

All offers subject to availability, while supplies last. *Lowest-priced qualifying paperback in the transaction shall be free. **Excludes titles priced $4.95 or less. Excludes digital editions.

Visit your local store or shop BN.com for these savings and much more. LongIslandParent

UOTABLES I was watching Finding Nemo with Marlowe the other day, and there was an exchange between Dory and Nemo’s father that I hadn’t ever paid close attention to before. Nemo’s father tells Dory, anxiously, “But I told him I’d never let anything happen to him!” Dory replies, “But then nothing would ever happen to him.” And there it is. Letting go is hard, but wishing for a full, vibrant, messy, beautiful life for both of my children is a lot louder than my fear. I can guarantee I will never stop trying to fight for that. —Eva Amurri Martino, in a post entitled “Parenting a Rainbow Baby,” on her blog HappilyEvaAfter.com

in an instagram Nothing beats the big smiles of a few hours well spent in a playground. (Posted by @dadarocks, aka Adam Cohen, who blogs at dadarocks.com)

WRITE IT DOWN….TOGETHER

in an instagram I love this photo. It was taken right after a very serious conversation where I explained that it’s time to stop eating her boogers.....at least in public #loosingbattle She’s really struggling with this mandate. (Posted by @mochamommy_nyc, aka Nia Lawrence, who blogs at mochamommyinthecity.com)

“You also never know how much a kind glance or a few words can mean to a mom. Several years ago, we were in a restaurant and desperate to subdue Max, who was wailing loudly. Finally, we distracted him with a video. I felt drained and sad. A mom at another table caught my eye. “You OK?” she mouthed. And that was exactly the comfort I needed.” —Ellen Seidman, in a post entitled “Stop the Special Needs Mom Shaming,” on her blog LoveThatMax.com

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

“If you want to know what’s going on in your child’s head, you need to discuss things beyond, ‘How was school today?’ When you journal together, you can write about things like: ‘What is my biggest dream?’ and ‘What was my recent mistake and what have I learned from it?’ These are important conversational questions that are not typically asked at the dinner table.” —Stamford, CT, mom Alexandra Eidens in an article entitled “Why You Should Start Journaling With Your Child.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/journal.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: CELEBRATE DAD: Tips for making Father’s Day extra special (nymetroparents.com/fathers-day) DAY TRIP: Visit Hyde Park, home of President Franklin Roosevelt (nymetroparents.com/hyde-park). ACTIVITY QUIZ: Plan the perfect day for your family (nymetroparents.com/activity-quiz). FREE ADVICE: Download a helpful parenting guide at nymetroparents.com/freebies.

LIU Post

As Close to Sleep Away Camp as You Can Get! » Over 40 years of Combined Camp Experience «

• Ages 3-16 • 8:30 am - 5:30 pm • Extended hours available • Hot lunch option • • AC transportation available • Low staff/child ratios • Flexible enrollment • • Sports, games & outdoor adventure • Arts & crafts • Music & performing arts • • Horseback riding & boating • Hockey, computers & cooking • • Special events & theme days • Color war & carnivals • Red Cross Swim Instruction • Specialty programs include: Middle School Performing Arts Camp - July 31st - Aug. 18th, 2017 High School Performing Arts Camp - June 26 - July 14, 2017

Cheerleading Camp • Academic Enrichment • Post’s Got Talent • Gold Coast Sports Academy

800-317-1392 • www.oasischildren.com check out our other long island locations

@oasisdaycamps

and JOIN US FOR AN INFO SESSION:

LIU Post (720 Northern Blvd, Brookville, NY 11548) June 1st & June 7th at 6:30 pm in the Hillwood Commons Bldg Tully Park (1801 Evergreen Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040) June 8th at 7:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose/Concessions Rm Manorhaven Park (Manorhaven Blvd, Port Washington, NY 11050) June 6th at 6:30 pm in the Manorhaven Pool Bldg LongIslandParent 11

NYMP Q&A

Bring in your nearly new kid’s stuff, and we’ll pay you cash on the spot for all items accepted • Casual and Dress Shoes • Sleepwear

WE ACCEPT ALL SEASON CHILDREN’S APPAREL All equipment and toys must be less than 5 years old and not be recalled

Clothing

• Changing Tables & Dressers • Bassinets & Cradles • Glider Rockers, Book Cases, Toy Boxes

• Newborn to Size 14

(0-12 months must have tags)

• Play Clothes • Dresswear & Outerwear

Books and Toys

Equipment

• Children’s Books • Infant-Preschool Toys • Outdoor Toys • Puzzles

• High Chairs & Swings • Gates • Pack N Plays , Bouncy Seats, Walkers, Exersaucers

ZIP LINE & CLIMBING

FUN! KIDS • TEENS • ADULTS

Reserve Online:

ClimbLI.org

SAVE - Use Promo: LP7

AT LONG ISLAND

75 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights, NY (631) 983-3844 12

hris Pegula is the founder of Diaper Dude, a brand of diaper bags and accessories for dads. His second book, Diaper Dude: The Ultimate Dad’s Guide to Surviving the First Two Years was recently published.

Why did you want to write a book for dads about parenthood? I felt that if there was something geared toward men it would help them feel more secure and confident in wanting to be prepared. Both of my books were written about approaching parenthood from a more emotional point of view and preparing men emotionally for the journey ahead. I give tips on how to not lose your identity when you become a parent; you throw yourself into this parenting world but it’s still important to nurture yourself and your relationships. There are plenty of books that tell you how a baby or pregnancy is developing, but I didn’t feel there was something that addressed the emotional things that men go through or how to be there for their partner or how to feel secure enough as a father for the first time or how to put on that dad role and still maintain your individual role as the person that you were. How have dads’ roles evolved? They have changed dramatically, and I felt that when I became a parent myself. I thought, “Why wouldn’t more dads want to be more involved?” So many women have gone back into the workforce after having children and solidified their positions as more powerful and financially stable than their counterparts, so there are more stay-at-home dads today. It’s exciting and tremendous to see that shift happening. What was the most challenging thing for you in your children’s early years? I have so much love for my children that it was almost to a fault. The love can confuse and alter your decisions as a parent; you just want to do anything and everything for your children. But I feel like being able to be strong with your discipline and set boundaries and establish your role as a parent is important so that you can set an example for what you expect from your children. It was challenging for me because I was kind of a pushover. My wife would be the first to say, “You need to be more stringent as a dad.” What are some ways dads can feel more involved? Having something that gives you confidence is so important and a great way for dad to get more involved in parenting. That’s where the ideas of the diaper bags came from. It helped to establish the connection that dads belong. Pregnancy can be especially difficult to connect to your baby because, after all, it’s growing inside of your partner. She’s experiencing everything and everyone is falling over her and congratulating her, and until you actually hold that baby in your arms, it can be very difficult to feel connected. I think products for dad that get him involved absolutely give him the feeling that he has a purpose and that he can be involved early on.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

LIAP_LIParent_mag_3.55x4.7_ATM_2017-04-27B.indd 1

››

By Bethany Braun-Silva

Shoes and Accessories

Furniture

You Got It, Dude! C

4/27/17 3:17 PM

2017?

LongIslandParent 13

HUMOR

Happy Father’s Day to the Fellas! Alison Wong is the writer and illustrator of New Mom Comics: The First Year, which offers a humorous and relatable take on the wild journey of parenting. “Daddy’s first Father’s Day! Having a little one makes you love your husband in a whole new way and more!” Wong writes in her book. Anyone celebrating Father’s Day this June will appreciate Wong’s illustration on what makes dads so great.

Last Chance to Enter the Cover Contest

PhotoOp

Alison Wong is an illustrator, product designer, and innovation consultant. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and son. Visit newmomcomics.com for more.

››

undreds of local parents have already entered the 2017 Kids Cover Contest, hoping for a chance to see their child or teen on our magazine cover. Are you one of them? If not, what are you waiting for? The contest is open to kids ages 2-16 and closes June 9. This year, 10 finalists will participate in a professional photo shoot: Nine of them are chosen by our editors and the 10th is the Fan Favorite—the child with the most votes. So once you’ve entered, be sure to spread the word for your friends and families to vote! Our editors will choose two grand-prize winners from among the finalists, and both will be featured on upcoming covers of the magazine. One will also win a photo shoot from Barbizon and a one-year scholarship to Barbizon Modeling and Acting School, while the other will get a free two-night stay at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos, the largest indoor

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The finalists from last year’s Kids Cover Contest

water park in the U.S. The Fan Favorite will get four free tickets to Sesame Place, and all finalists have a chance to be on future covers. To enter, go to nymetroparents.com/cover. You’ll be asked to upload a photo of your child and you can add a caption, if you like. We’ll ask for your child’s name and age and for some information on how to contact you if your child is a finalist.

NYCB LIVE

11 DAYS OF SUMMER FUN! RACING PIGS

AT NASSAU COLISEUM

FREE ENTERTAINMENT DAILY WITH FAIR ADMISSION PETTING ZOO

ALL-AMERICAN THRILL SHOW

HYPNOTIST STEVE BAYNER

LIVE MUSIC

BARGAIN NIGHTS: PREVIEW NIGHT, JUNE 20 | CHEAP CHEAP NIGHT, JULY 25 | KIDS GO FREE, JULY 27

VISIT EMPIRESTATEFAIR.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION

S MM R RE DAILY FUN ACTIVITIES AND BRAIN BUILDING JEI CLASSES!

JEI’s Summer Programs are the best defense against summer learning loss. Reinforce key foundational skills or get a sneak peak at next year’s concepts in a fun, supportive environment. JEI Herricks-Williston Park

Herricks@jeilearning.com • 516.742.5534

THE JEI ADVANTAGE

✓ STATE ALIGNED CURRICULUM ✓ FOCUS ON CONCEPTS & CRITICAL THINKING ✓ PERSONALIZED LEARNING PROGRAMS

JEI Jericho-Hicksville

Jericho@jeilearning.com • 917.815.0977

JEI Merrick-Bellmore

Merrick@jeilearning.com • 516.308.4705

LongIslandParent 15

Days Filled With Fun & Excitement!

For Boys & Girls, 4-14 2-8 Week Programs Available Operated by Licensed Teachers & Administrators We Accept All Union Rates Weekly Field Trips Swimming, Sports with Instruction & Martial Arts Arts & Crafts

OPEN HOUSE

SAT., JUNE 3RD, 2017 • 11AM-2PM & SUN., JUNE 11TH, 2017 • 11AM-2PM OUR LADY OF MERCY SCHOOL 520 S Oyster Bay Road • Hicksville, NY 11801

CALL 516-650-1856 OR

1-800-DAYCAMP (329-2267)

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

37 things to do in New York City that are unique, unusual, and off the beaten path

Katelin Walling

D E T C E P UNEX Fu n r e m m Su By Katelin Walling

e live near (what is arguably) the greatest city in the United States, with its dozens of museums and cultural institutions, landmarks, and historical sites. Yet, sometimes it can feel like you visit those kid-friendly locations too often already, and the thought of schlepping the kids there for the nth time is draining. Let’s face it: You and your kids are bored—itching for a new adventure. Now what? We scoured the city and created a scavenger hunt of 37 unique, unusual, or off-the-beaten-path things to do, see, or explore with your kids. If you post photos of your adventures on Instagram, make sure you tag us @NYMetroParents, and let us know if you find anything we should add to our list! continued on next page ››

The Fearless Girl statue will remain facing the Charging Bull in the Financial District of Manhattan through February 2018.

Each year Randall’s Island Urban Farm purchases 10 chicks to raise in the garden.

Steve Baldwin

Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance

At Brooklyn Cat Café, run by Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition, families can play and hang out with adoptable cats.

Courtesy Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition Inc.

Giacomo Francia, courtesy the artists

Pinkie, a talking parrot from Pet Resources in the Bronx, is drawn by students at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, on March 8 as part of Lenka Clayton and Jon Rubin: ...circle through New York.

Several wild monk parakeets (aka Quaker Parrots) mob a bird feeder in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

Hang with Animals without Going to the Zoo Get a hug from a golden retriever. If you’re walking around Chelsea in Manhattan, and you see a dog giving hugs, go ahead; stop and see if you can get a hug, too. Louboutina, or as her fans call her Loubie, became a social media sensation earlier this year for clinging to the legs of passersby. As with all dogs, make sure you ask her owner if it’s okay to get some puppy lovin’.

Hang out with adoptable kitties. Love felines but can’t have one due to an allergy in the family or a strict landlord? Head to 1 of 3 cat cafés in New York City, where you can enjoy snacks, play with cats, or cuddle with the adoptable felines while you read a book: Koneko Cat Café and Meow Parlour, both located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, or Brooklyn Cat Café, located in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn. Reservations are not needed but strongly recommended to guarantee time with the kitties. Visit nymetroparents.com/cat-cafes for information about what you’ll find at each location.

Go on a safari in Midwood, Brooklyn.

See all the animals mentioned in the Torah.

A Wild Parrot Safari, that is. Wild monk parakeets live near the Brooklyn College campus, and multiple sources have confirmed that they either escaped or were released from JFK airport, likely in the late 1960s, according to Steve Baldwin, who leads the tours. Participants gather at Brooklyn College, at the intersection of Hillel Place and Campus Road, and will be led on a tour to see and learn about the parrots. Summer tours are scheduled for Saturdays, June 3, July 1, and Aug. 12. Visit brooklynparrots.com to learn more and to RSVP for a tour date.

You can see every beast, great and small, named in the Hebrew Bible in taxidermy form at Torah Animal World, located at 1601 41st St., Borough Park, Brooklyn (torahanimalworld.com). Exhibits include Animals of the Torah, Birds of the Torah, and Animals of the Tefillah (prayer).

Become one with a brood. Every year the folks at Randall’s Island Urban Farm purchase 10 chicks and raise them in the garden. You can hang out with the chickens during Urban Farm Exploration Days on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm, through Oct. 14. Visit randallsisland.org for more information.

Spot the red-eared sliders in Central Park. I used to think the lake at the Loeb Boathouse was Turtle Pond, until I took the time to wander around Central Park and found myself near Belvedere Castle. That’s where Turtle Pond, a smaller, more secluded pond, is located (mid-park, between 79th and 80th streets). The man-made pond is home to five species of turtles, the easiest of which to identify is the red-eared slider—it has small red spots near its ears. See how many you and your kids can find.

Courtesy @giworkingdogs

Enroll Now!

You can follow Max and Quinn’s adventures on Instagram @giworkingdogs.

Talk to a parrot. Pinkie, a salmon-crested cockatoo from Pet Resources in the Bronx, will spend June at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, July at St. Philips Church in Harlem, Manhattan, and will return home in August, as part of …circle through New York, a unique project of circulating things commissioned as part of Guggenheim Social Practice. For more information about the project, and what Pinkie will be doing at each location, visit circlethroughnewyork.com.

S uc ce s s f ul F r ie n d s h i p s a re Po s s i ble !

•••••••••• •••••• We ca n h elp you r ch ild su cc ee d one st ep at a ti m

Say “Hi” to Max on Governors Island. Governors Island (govisland.com) used to have a problem with too many goose droppings on the lawns—until Max, a border collie, was hired in 2015. Max’s job on the island, apart from being an official greeter, is to herd and discourage geese from hanging out to ensure the enjoyment and safety of guests. Jim Reed, the director of park and public space for Governors Island, adopted Max from the Mid Atlantic Border Collie Rescue Program in Maryland. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures, and are allowed to say hi if Max, and his new friend Quinn (who joined the goose-patrol team May 18), are not actively herding. continued on next page ››

S2S

STEPS TO

SOCIALIZATION

516.767.0266 www.s2sny.com LongIslandParent 19

Nina LoSchiavo

NYC Parks

Originally built in the mid-19th century as part of the Croton Aqueduct system, High Bridge opened in 2015 as a pedestrian walkway.

Activities for the Adventurous Explore the Gowanus Canal. Join the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club (gowanuscanal.org) for a self-guided canoe trip of the Gowanus Canal during walkup canoeing. The canoe trips aim to raise awareness of harbor issues, and you may even see such wildlife as ducks, herons, horseshoe crabs, fiddler crabs, and jellyfish. Walk-up canoeing is held Wednesdays, 6-8pm, MaySeptember, and Saturdays, 1-5pm, JuneOctober. Canoeing and equipment use is free, though donations are accepted, and no reservation is needed. Meet the club at the 2nd Street Launch Site: 165 2nd St., Gowanus, Brooklyn.

Let your kids play in a junkyard. No, not an actual junkyard! This summer, Governors Island (govisland.com) will again be home to play:groundNYC, a junkyard playground that gives young adventurers the opportunity to work with tools and building materials to explore physical, social, and emotional problem solving. Don’t

Children participating in canoeing with the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club must have a waiver signed by a parent.

Courtesy the Trust for Governors Island

Located at 61 Hester St., Lower East Side, Manhattan, this mural was painted by Jessica Blowers as part of the 100 Gates Project.

The junkyard area of play:groundNYC on Governors Island, for kids only, is filled with materials and tools such as nails, hammers, saws, wood, tires, and fabric for children to create and play.

worry, though, trained staff provides support to help children construct and create. Play:groundNYC is free and open to the public through Oct. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm.

Bike, scoot, or walk across NYC’s oldest bridge. Built in the mid-19th century as a part of the Croton Aqueduct system, which carried water from the Croton River in Westchester to Manhattan, High Bridge is now a pedestrian walkway that connects Washington Heights in Manhattan and Highbridge in the Bronx. It’s accessible in Manhattan via a staircase in Highbridge Park (West 172nd Street and Amsterdam Avenue) or a ramp at 167th Street and Edgecombe Avenue; and in the Bronx at University Avenue and 170th Street, or a ramp north of there.

Whisper secrets to each other in Central Park. While most of us know about the Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Station, a lesser-known place to whisper

to each other is at the Charles B. Stover Bench—colloquially known as the “Whisper Bench” because if you whisper into one corner, your voice travels to the other side—in the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park (located on the west side between 79th and 80th streets).

Go on an art walk. In an effort to deter graffiti artists and beautify the Lower East Side, the 100 Gates Project—started by local artist and pro skateboarder Billy Rohan in 2014—connects local artists with businesses to collaborate on original murals that are painted on the roll-down security gates of those businesses. Over two years the project installed 100 gates throughout the Lower East Side of Manhattan, and currently has plans to expand to Harlem and Staten Island. Visit 100gates.nyc for more information and to find a map of the participating businesses.

Get your fortune told. A 1907 Cleveland Grandma, who sits in a wooden booth at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn,

DESTINATION MARKETPLACE

GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Courtesy Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park

July 13, 14, 15, 16, 2017

SUNDAY, JULY 16 at 12 PM Huge KidZone Tent & Stage Pirate Camp • Arts & Crafts Educational Children’s Performers

Rolie Polie Guacamole • Lucy Kalantari Jason Didner & the Jungle Gym Jam • Miss Nina Erin Lee & The Up Past Bedtime Band • Songs by Lena Cheryl The One Women Circus • I Love Reading & Magic Didi Maxx Dance Party • Dagger DogVinci • Ye Pyrate Brotherhood Wonder what your future holds? Ask Grandma, located at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

ALL DAY SATURDAY & SUNDAY

4 Days • Over 65 Performers • 4 Stages also appearing

has been predicting fortunes for almost 100 years. When her booth first opened, predictions were 1 cent, but due to inflation, they now cost a whopping 50 cents. Visit wonderwheel.com for more information about Deno’s.

Zip through the air in Glendale, Queens. Families can zipline, rock climb, or air jump at Zip Jump Climb, stationed at The Shops at Atlas Park (8000 Cooper Ave., Glendalel, Queens), for just $10 each, but only through July 9. Visit zipjumpclimb.com to reserve your adventure. continued on next page ››

TAKING BACK SUNDAY POCO • EDDIE MONEY GOV’T MULE • 311 NEW FOUND GLORY Check the website for full schedule

Food Court • Craft Beer & Wine Artisans & Craftspeople Shorefront Park, on the beautiful Great South Bay in Patchogue

www.GreatSouthBayMusicFestival.com LongIslandParent 21

Courtesy Black Tap

Katelin Walling

Hippo Ballerina will leave Manhattan’s Lincoln Center July 31

Katelin Walling

Black Tap milkshakes are piled high with goodies; pictured are Sweet N’ Salty, Cotton Candy, and The Cookie Shake.

Susan Gardner has been affixing items to her brownstone since just after 9/11 to create this amazing mural in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Do It for the ’Gram

Stand with Fearless Girl

Snap a photo of the sunset.

The Fearless Girl statue appeared suddenly in Manhattan’s Financial District for International Women’s Day and immediately became a symbol of female strength and confidence. Snap a pic of your own fierce females posing with Fearless Girl this summer, if you haven’t already. While there has been controversy surrounding Fearless Girl (because of a plaque that used to be at her feet, and backlash from the artist of the Charging Bull), she is sticking around through February 2018, according to NY Daily News.

#DanceWithHippoBallerina

Indulge in over-the-top milkshakes.

But not just any sunset. Unique to Manhattan, Manhattanhenge— when the sunset is perfectly aligned with the grid of the streets in Manhattan—will occur twice this summer. If you miss the May 30 (8:12pm) sunset, mark your calendars for July 12 at 8:20pm. The best streets to get breath-taking photos are 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th, according to famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D. Just make sure to be as far east as possible, while having a clear sightline west, and be in position 30 minutes before the above times. The installation of artist Bjorn Skaarup’s bronze statue has been dancing outside Lincoln Center since February, and will remain until July 31. Jeté over to Dante Park (at 64th Street and Broadway) on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to ’gram your tiny dancers before she disappears.

Milkshakes have taken over Instagram. No, not your classic milkshakes—we’re talking indulgent, over-the-top, work-of-art milkshakes from Buns Bar, located in Chelsea, Manhattan, and Black Tap, located in Soho, Manhattan. We won’t try to describe these treats with words—we’ll let the pictures do the talking.

Katelin Walling

Eat cereal out of a shoebox.

Enjoy a bowl of the traditional breakfast meal for lunch at KITH Treats, a cereal “bar” at which you can order up a combination of your favorite cereals (there are 23 different cereals to choose from) with choice toppings, or choose one of the specials. Plus, you choose how you eat it: in a commuter cup, a shoebox, or as a custom ice cream flavor or milkshake. KITH Treats is located within KITH Brooklyn (233 Flatbush Ave., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn), a clothing store founded by Queens native Ronnie Fieg.

Revel in the beauty of the mosaic house.

The Flat White, Cinnamon Toast Crunch with toffee crunch and almond milk, served in a shoebox at KITH Treats in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

Katelin Walling

Stop by and see what treasures you can find affixed to the façade of a Brooklyn Brownstone. Susan Gardner, creator and inhabitant of the mosaic house, began affixing items to her brownstone after 9/11 because she didn’t want to be alone in her studio, she says in a Moonshot Productions New Yorkers video. The house is located at 108 Wyckoff St., Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Visit a locksmith.

Even if you don’t need keys made, you’ll want to stop by Greenwich Locksmiths to see an amazing key mosaic on the shop’s façade. Owner Philip Mortillaro, who started locksmithing in 1964 and opened this location in 1980, says he had always wanted to make a chair out of keys, and when that was accomplished, he started on his door and then moved onto the building itself. Greenwich Locksmiths is located at 56 Seventh Ave. S., West Village, Manhattan.

Courtesy Buns Bar

Philip Mortillaro, owner of Greenwich Locksmiths welded the key mosaic on the façade of his shop, as well as the chair sitting out front, and the inside of the door.

Call on the Ghostbusters!

Buns Bar adds artistic flair to its milkshakes by decorating the mug with frosting, cookies, cereals, and candies.

Well, actually, the firehouse that was used as the Ghostbusters’ home base in the 1984 movie. Hook and Ladder No. 8, located at 14 N. Moore St., Tribeca, Manhattan, was used for the exterior shots of Ghostbusters HQ, and the logo sign used in the movies still hangs in the station today. This is a working firehouse, so be prepared to move quickly if the firefighters are called into action. continued on next page ››

Courtesy Randall’s Island Park Alliance NYC Parks

Families can learn about agriculture during Urban Farm Exploration Days on Randall’s Island.

Explore Nature Explore the Urban Farm on Randall’s Island.

Courtesy Maria Viljoen

Families can ride their bikes around Freshkills Park on Staten Island during Discovery Day on June 4.

Home to Icahn Stadium and the site of Governor’s Ball music festival, Randall’s Island (randallsisland.org) is also home to an urban farm. Families can experience and learn about agriculture at the 40,000-square-foot environmentally sustainable garden and outdoor classroom during Urban Farm Exploration Days on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-5pm, through Oct. 14.

Get a taste of the Adirondack Mountains in Manhattan.

Explore the North Woods of Central Park—one of the most secluded areas of the park—where the landscape isn’t manicured (located on the west side, between 101st and 110th streets). The highlight of the 90-acre section of the park is the man-made waterfalls— contrary to TLC’s advice, these are ones you definitely should chase.

Get your green thumb a little dirty.

A young forager on one of Marie Viljoen’s walks picked some dandelions, which are good for digestion, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Bushwick City Farm is a community farm that relies on donations and help from volunteers of all ages to run. So if you want to work in a garden but don’t have the space for your own, you can stop by on Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30pm to dusk, to help with and learn about composting, animal care,

transplanting, weeding, garden cleanup, spreading wood chips, and other garden tasks. There are also opportunities to donate items and time in other ways. Bushwick City Farm is located at Lewis Avenue and Stockton Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn. Visit bushwickcityfarm. wordpress.com for more information.

Go on a foraging walk.

Did you know you can find edible plants in NYC’s parks? “Wildman” Steve Brill and Marie Viljoen offer foraging walks in various parks in the city to point out which plants—most of which are often thought of as weeds and destroyed—can be used in everyday cooking. Visit wildmanstevebrill.com or 66squarefeet. blogspot.com for more information and to sign up for a walk.

Play on an old landfill on Staten Island.

Freshkills Park is a new park being built over NYC’s former primary landfill on Staten Island. Opening in phases from the outside in, the park currently offers programs and events to learn about and explore currently closed sections of the landfill-to-park project. Events include Discovery Day on June 4, a bike tour on June 10, and kayak tours for ages 16 and older on June 18 and July 16 and 30. Visit freshkillspark.org for more information.

Courtesy Bushwick City Farms

Advanced Therapies to Treat

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Promote a Healthy Brain... So The Body Works Better All Under One Roof!

An Arsenal of Integrative Treatments To Stimulate the Brain and Body Neurology

Bushwick City Farm’s motto is “Give what you can, take what you need,” and all produce at the farm is free for community members.

Visit the largest rooftop soil farm in the city.

Brooklyn Grange’s Flagship farm hosts open houses on Saturdays (through Oct. 21, 11am-4pm), but families should be sure to visit June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, or Sept. 16 for Family Farm Day, when City Growers, an educational nonprofit that connects urban communities with agriculture, food, and environment, hosts free family-friendly workshops and children’s activities geared toward children ages 2 and older at Brooklyn Grange. Family Farm Day activities vary, and are typically announced via City Growers’ social media—Instagram and Twitter: CityGrowersNYC; Facebook: City Growers. The flagship farm is located on the roof of 37-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City, Queens. Visit brooklyngrangefarm.com to learn more.

Integrative Medicine

Nutritional Counseling Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Speech & Language Therapy

Functional Neurological Therapy Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Chiropractic Care IV Therapy

Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy

Sensory Integration Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Neuro Therapy Feedback Therapy

Right off LIE an Northern Sta d te

The Center For Integrative & Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center)

Central Park Conservancy

131 Sunnyside Boulevard, Suite 100, Plainview, N.Y. 11803 Phone: 516-243-8660 • Toll Free: 844-313-7117 www.theciitcenter.com • Follow us on

Get a taste of the Adirondack Mountains in the North Woods of Central Park in Manhattan.

Immerse,Inspire & Make

robomindtech@gmail.com www.robomindtech.com 575 Jericho Turnpike Jericho, NY 11753 718-264-7626 516-597-5252

Award Winning STEM Center

©Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm

> LEGO Science & Robotics Programs (Age 5-14) > Technology Programs (Coding/3D Printing) > Robotics Training & Team Development > STEM workshops for school/groups

Registration Now Open!!!

Open House Free Trial Class

(Please email or call to RSVP Time)

6/4 Sunday 11-12pm 6/25 Sunday 4-6pm

The Long Island City location of Brooklyn Grange hosts Family Farm Day, run by City Growers, the third Saturday of each growing-season month.

continued on next page ››

LongIslandParent 25

Katelin Walling

Jonathan Blanc/The New York Public Library

The original stuffed animals that inspired the stories of Winnie-the-Pooh are housed at the New York Public Library in Midtown, Manhattan

Courtesy Paul Klein

Courtesy Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery is the oldest knishery in the U.S.

The City Island Land Ferry is free on the first Friday of the month, April-December.

Catch a ride to City Island in the Bronx. See real gold bricks at Federal Reserve Bank of New York (cropped)

Uniquely New York Check out one of Manhattan’s smallest museums.

Housed in a former freight elevator, Mmuseumm’s exhibitions aim to engage, educate, and inform the public in a unique cultural approach to looking at the current world. The tiny museum is located at 4 Cortlandt Alley in Chinatown, Manhattan, and the 2017 season opened May 11.

See a lot of gold.

Tour the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, located in Lower Manhattan, where you’ll learn about the role of the New York Fed and the Federal Reserve System through displays and interactive exhibits, as well as the U.S. economy and how money is made. Plus, you’ll descend into the Fed’s Gold Vault to see the gold bricks housed there. Unfortunately visitors can’t take pictures. Visit newyorkfed.org to reserve a free tour; children must be 16 and older.

Ride the subway through an abandoned stop.

There are two ways you can see the restored City Hall station on the 6 subway line in Manhattan: be a member of the New York Transit Museum and sign up for tour tickets quickly, or stay on the downtown 6 train as it turns around through City Hall station to head uptown. Look out the windows on the right side of the train as you’re facing the direction the train is moving (and make sure you double check with the subway attendant that it’s okay with them for you to stay on the train).

Adventure to City Island, which is reminiscent of a small fishing village, via the City Island Land Ferry. Ride the 6 train to the Pelham Bay Park station, and on the first Friday of the month (April-December) from 5:30-9:30pm, you can hitch a ride on the shuttle for free. While there, you can play at the Ambrosini Field playground, enjoy dinner, stop by Lickety Split Ice Cream for dessert, and watch the sun set before taking the land ferry back to Pelham Bay Park station.

See the stuffed animals that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. The original stuffed animals of Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, and T-I-double Guh-Errr are housed in the New York Public Library’s Children’s Center at 42nd Street (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown, Manhattan). While you’re there with your little book lovers, check out a few books or participate in a story time.

Watch a giant chess match.

A larger-than-life chessboard is affixed to the north wall of 212 E. 48th St., Midtown East, Manhattan. Each Wednesday at 12pm, one piece is moved using a cherry picker, in a recreation of some of history’s greatest matches. You can learn more about the current match by visiting the concierge in the building’s lobby.

Enjoy a knish.

And not just any knish. Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Bakery, established in 1910 and located at 137 E. Houston St., Lower East Side, Manhattan, is the oldest knish bakery in the United States. And, man, are they delish!

Learn how pianos are made.

Participate in a Steinway & Sons Factory Tour and learn what goes into making a piano by going through the working factory in Astoria, Queens. Tours are free, and children younger than 16 are not allowed on the tours. Tours are offered Tuesdays, 9:30am12pm, September-June. While tours are completely booked through December 2017, you can email tours@steinway.com to be placed on a waiting list for this year’s tours.

Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation

The Big Duck in Flanders popularized the term “duck architecture,” roadside buildings designed to promote what is sold inside.

Personalized Attention. Proven Results.

DO YOU NEED TO GET YOUR CHILD BACK ON TRACK? Our program offers: Free consultation Comprehensive academic evaluation Personalized tutoring

Flock to the Big Duck.

Waddle down Flanders Road in Flanders, and you’ll eventually spot a gigantic duck nesting on the horizon. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Big Duck was designed by Broadway set designers and built by locals in 1931. It is now the home of the Long Island Duck Farming Exhibit & Museum. Visit bigduck.org for more information.

Reading and Phonics - Writing - Math Study Skills - Algebra - Geometry Trigonometry - Calculus - Biology Chemistry - ADHD support - More

Test prep

Highly qualified teachers Flexible payment options for all budgets

ACT - SAT - PSAT/NMSQT - AP - Regents High School Entrance Exams

“It’s the best decision we could have made. Our son is now at his grade level, his test scores have increased dramatically and he’s more confident. This experience was priceless!” -Kay T. BALDWIN

EAST NORTHPORT

MANHASSET

PLAINVIEW

BAY SHORE 631-968-5100

FLUSHING

718-358-7900

MASSAPEQUA PARK

SMITHTOWN

CARLE PLACE

LYNBROOK

PATCHOGUE

516-867-4041

Close to Home

Tutoring

516-747-5600

631-462-8900

516-568-1900

516-365-4455 516-799-9500

516-681-0400 631-360-0422

631-289-4900

1.800.CAN.LEARN www.HuntingtonHelps.com ©2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program.*Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. HLC3237LI

Learn to square dance.

Head out to Wildwood State Park (parks.ny.gov) in Wading River on a summer Friday night, and you and the family can learn country western and line dancing with caller Primo Fiore (July 7-Aug. 4; all ages and abilities welcome). Trust us, y’all will have a blast.

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy

See wild monk parakeets.

You don’t have to schlep into Brooklyn to see wild monk parakeets, as some live along the South Shore, and have been spotted in Freeport, West Islip, Merrick, and Seaford. Though on Long Island, you won’t find an informational tour.

Ride a miniature train.

Walk around Southaven County Park in Brookhaven, and you’ll likely come across a mini train yard—home to the Long Island Live Steamers (lilivesteam.org), a club of steam model enthusiasts. During Public Run Days, held May-October, visitors can ride the mini trains around the tracks. This summer’s Public Run Days are June 11 and 25, July 9 and 30, and Aug. 13 and 27. All aboard!

Go on a foraging walk.

You can find edible foods right in your local parks! Though his home base is in the city, Wildman Steve Brill regularly hosts foraging walks in Kings Park and North Babylon. You’ll learn about renewable, wild edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms that many destroy as weeds, and how to utilize them every day. Visit wildmanstevebrill.com for more information and tour dates.

718-640-6767 • 516-216-1791 www.LISpeechandMyo.com

Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment and Correction of: • Language Disorders • Memory & Auditory Processing Difficulties • Fluency • • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders • Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust • • Feeding & Swalling Problems /Aversions • Thumb Sucking • Articulation Disorders • Oral Facial Muscle Weakness •

Specialized Therapy Approaches Including Including: PROMPT Therapy • Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

“FEES”...Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Participating with most Major Health Insurance Companies

Jericho

500 North Broadway Suite 141

Lake Success 444 Lakeville Road Suite 202

Wantagh

3375 Park Avenue Suite 4010

LongIslandParent 27

The Summertime Health Blues ›› How to avoid—or beat—childhood ailments that commonly strike during the summer months By Stacey Pfeffer

ike most parents, I am overjoyed when winter is over. This winter my house was a revolving door of germs with flu, strep, and pneumonia running rampant and causing my kids to miss way too many school days. When the warm weather approaches, I look forward to fewer trips to the pediatrician and hope my kids will have a fun-filled and illness-free summer. Yet there are some common childhood ailments that are actually more prevalent during the summer months. I spoke with area health experts to learn about the most common health problems for kids during the summer and what you can do to prevent them, or failing that, treat them effectively.

Coxsackie Virus

Dubbed the “summer flu,” Coxsackie virus is an enterovirus that lives in the gastrointestinal tract and can be spread through swimming pools. It is most common in young children and is highly contagious. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, crankiness, and a rash that occurs on the hands, feet, and mouth. The virus is spread through nose and mouth secretions or from contact with the feces of an infected child, so thorough hand washing after diaper changes is key. All shared toys or objects should be cleaned since the virus can live on surfaces. Jay Berger, M.D., a Long Island pediatrician and the associate chairman of pediatrics of ProHEALTH Care, has seen his fair share of summertime Coxsackie cases. The virus often “masquerades as strep,” he says. “Unfortunately Coxsackie usually gets worse before it gets better,” Dr. Berger adds. “The patient might have higher temperatures or more blisters may appear before they start to feel better.” Sometimes young children with Coxsackie avoid solid food because it is too painful to eat, so it’s essential to ensure your child remains well hydrated with cold drinks. Avoid acidic or 28

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

tangy foods, which can aggravate mouth sores. Dr. Berger prefers Motrin for Coxsackie because it is anti-inflammatory, helping with pain and discomfort. He also suggests parents make a concoction of equal parts Maalox and Benadryl for their older children who can swish it around in their mouths and then spit it out. “This can really help heal the lesions in the mouth and alleviate discomfort,” Dr. Berger says. The rash and blisters can remain visible for several days, so parents often are confused about when the virus is no longer contagious. A good rule of thumb is when your child is fever free and has no visibly oozing blisters, she can return to camp or other summer activities.

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Rash

Searing temperatures during the dog days of summer can take a toll on young children who play outdoors for hours. Children are more prone than adults to heat exhaustion because a child’s body surface area makes up a much greater proportion of his overall weight than an adult’s. “Babies are also more likely to get heat exhaustion because they can’t self-regulate like older children. They are depending on adults to give them drinks or remove them from a sunny spot,” Dr. Berger says. Heat exhaustion occurs when children become dehydrated. Early signs can include lack of energy, fatigue, thirst, and dry lips and/or tongue. We’ve all heard that children should drink regularly before they get thirsty to avoid dehydration, but kids don’t really get thirsty until they’ve lost 2 percent of their body weight as sweat—so be sure to be giving them water regularly. If you suspect your child is suffering from heat exhaustion, get her into the shade or air conditioning. Make sure he is drinking water and eating salty pretzels or bananas to help replenish electrolytes.

Heat rash looks like tiny red dots or pimples on the skin. It tends to happen in hot, humid weather, and babies are most likely to get it. “Heat rash is actually a blockage of sweat glands,” Dr. Berger says. It can cause itching and discomfort in children. Most cases of heat rash go away after three or four days. Try to keep your child’s skin cool and dry and avoid overdressing her. Hydrocortisone cream can help alleviate the symptoms. If the heat rash is accompanied by a fever, contact your doctor.

Lice

Ask any lice removal specialist about his busiest week in business, and chances are he will say it is the week when kids return from sleepaway camp. In fact, many parents make a beeline to lice removal specialists for screening before their kids even step foot in their house. “I think that camps are a breeding ground for head lice and I think the reason is the close proximity of kids to each other, less supervision, sharing of towels, brushes, etc.,” says Anna Krosche, founder and owner of The Lice Lady of Westchester. “It really only takes one kid to have lice and then before you know it the whole bunk has it.” Children should be reminded not to share brushes, towels, or hair ties. Girls should keep their hair up and in a braid or tight bun to minimize exposure. Krosche suggests daily use of a lice-repellant spray with lemongrass, peppermint, lavender, or rosemary oils, which are lice-resistant. Krosche also recommends using an enzyme shampoo, which works well because the bugs themselves are made out of enzymes, so they can’t develop a resistance to it. “Some lice have actually become resistant to OTC [over-the-counter] shampoos such as Rid or Nix,” she says. When Krosche and her team treat a client, they will use a conditioner and combing solution, and she suggests combing the hair out in all four directions with a special nit-picking comb. “Nits are only on one side of an individual’s hair, so that’s why it’s important to comb it in all four directions.” Krosche and her team then blow dry the hair and do another lice check. “Parents should follow up with a comb-out each day for a week and then come back for a re-check after seven days. It is important to do daily comb-outs because if the lice lay eggs, it takes about three days for it to grow big enough to be removed with a comb-out,” she says.

Plantar Warts & Athlete’s Foot

Most kids love running barefoot in the summer, but this carefree attitude puts them at higher risk for plantar warts and athlete’s foot. “A wart is a virus, and a viral particle is tiny. The body is generally wellequipped to prevent warts, but the second there’s an opening through small cuts is when you can have trouble,” says Ari Rubinstein, M.D., a podiatrist at Lower Westchester Foot and Ankle. Dr. Rubinstein sees a large influx of kids with plantar warts during the summer. Warts are treated through several methods, including strong acid medicines, freezing (cyrotherapy), or laser treatments. Most cases can be treated with an excision and applying salicylic acid. “Several treatments might be needed though to fully eliminate the warts,” Dr. Rubinstein says. Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that causes itching, redness, and burning between the toes. The infection thrives in moist, warm environments such as communal locker rooms and public showers. “Although there are several OTC products for it, a prescription product might be more effective and help speed up the healing process with a difficult case,” Dr. Rubinstein says. It’s also great to remind kids that flip-flops are their friends and can help prevent warts and athlete’s foot.

Sunburn

Parents need to be vigilant with sunscreen application and look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that offers both UVA and UVB protection, advises Julie Karen, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan and an assistant clinical professor at NYU Langone Medical Center. UVA and UVB refer to two kinds of harmful rays, ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B. “Both types of rays contribute to skin cancer, but a broad-spectrum sunscreen has to protect proportionately against both UVA and UVB rays,” she says. In fact, if a child has five or more sunburns in his lifetime, the risk for melanoma is doubled. With so many sunscreen options available, it can be difficult for parents to choose one. Dr. Karen prefers sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because, she says, “the benefits are manifold. They are not just physical blockers but they are also better tolerated for children with sensitive skin.” If your child is going to the pool or beach, opt for a water-resistant formula that is less susceptible to degradation from water exposure. Other helpful tips are to apply the sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and then reapply every two hours, or sooner if your child is excessively perspiring or swimming. Keep the sunscreen in a temperate environment and check the expiration date on the bottle. “No one uses nearly enough sunscreen,” Dr. Karen says. “Always use more than you think you could possibly need and spend time rubbing it in.” She recommends complete sun avoidance for infants 6 months and younger. Children younger than 1 have particularly sensitive skin and should avoid the sun during peak hours (10am–4pm). Besides seeking shade and limiting sun exposure, children should also wear a broad-brimmed hat and clothing such as rash guards with ultraviolet protection factor. “Parents need to understand that sunscreens aren’t perfect,” Dr. Karen says. “They are not intended for you to wear and stay all day out in the sun. They are meant for the necessary exposure to the sun that comes with living a healthy, active lifestyle.” If your child still gets sunburned, a cool bath can help lower the skin’s temperature and then a gentle moisturizer should be applied to hydrate the skin. If your child has a high fever with the sunburn or your infant gets sunburned, call your pediatrician.

Swimmer’s Ear

Children are susceptible to swimmer’s ear because their small ear canals can easily trap moisture. “Moisture is a key ingredient for swimmer’s ear, so parents need to keep their children’s ears dry after swimming,” says Joey Bernstein, M.D., chief of the division of pediatric otolaryngology at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in Manhattan. Chlorinated pools are actually less of a risk factor for swimmer’s ear than swimming in lakes or rivers where bacteria counts are higher. Dabbing your ears with a towel is a good first step in keeping your child’s ears dry. Blow dryers on a low setting about a foot away from the ear can also help keep moisture out. “If simple things like this don’t work, some kids may need to wear ear plugs, but that’s rarely necessary,” Dr. Bernstein says. If you suspect your child has swimmer’s ear, it is important to treat it early, before the infection escalates and the pain becomes severe. Minor discomfort and itching are early signs of an infection. At-home treatments can help acidify the ear canal—meaning, make it a more acidic environment—which helps prevent bacteria from growing, while also helping dry the ear as much as possible. A 1-to-1 solution of white vinegar, an acidifier, and rubbing alcohol, a drying solution, can help. If this doesn’t work, pay a visit to your doctor, who can prescribe antibiotic eardrops. Stacey Pfeffer is a writer based in Chappaqua.

LongIslandParent 29

Courtesy Sahar Husain

VOICES of the Next Generation

The Magic of Eid ››

My family celebrates the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr, which takes place in June this year—here’s why it’s so special to me By Farah Husain

he sound of laughter echoed through the house as people bustled about, and the faint, delicate twinkling of glass bangles filled the apartment. This day was special, and the weather happened to be absolutely gorgeous. It was warm and the sun was beaming down onto New York City with a few wisps of pink-tinged clouds drifting lazily across the horizon. A couple of birds let out a few clear, sweet notes as if to announce that it was Eid. My parents, brother, grandfather, and some visiting cousins all sat around the table, cheerfully chatting as they ate the feast my mom had prepared. I noticed a few family members were missing, but they soon joined the merriment not too long after I did. I seated myself in between my younger brother and my cousin, Zoha. We all ate our fill. Once my mom was satisfied everyone was full, she started shooing us away to get ready. I put on a white kameez with gold embroidery and small, white, pearly beads over cotton straight pants with silvery-gold trimming. I had styled my long dark hair into loose, silky curls. Zoha sat next to me with her knees crossed wearing a dark green and light pink kameez over black leggings and natural makeup. The male members of my family were dressed in plain shalwar kameez in various shades of blue and black. My aunt and mom emerged from their rooms in outfits similar to Zoha’s and mine. Theirs finished with a necklace and high heels. Then everyone left for the Eid prayer except for the two older women, who stayed back to prepare the food for later. As our cab neared the mosque, I could see a throng of people surging through the big gates while calling out Eid greetings and hugging each other. On our way in, we stopped by the donation boxes and my dad paid fitr, which is money the mosque passes on to the poor. Fitr is mandatory because it helps us remember those who have less than us. The head of the family (in my case, my dad) has to give the appropriate amount for all family members, including our caregiver; Eid prayer is not accepted unless you pay fitr before praying.

Farah (in red clothes and glasses) is joined by her brother and cousins for a family photo on Eid.

After dropping the cash into the box, the women separated from the men as we all headed to our allocated sections. I could barely hold on to Zoha as we squeezed through the crowd to get to the prayer area. Women sporting their own cultural clothing in all sorts of colors were talking to each other while young children either clung to their mother’s clothes or happily played with one another. While we waited, we compared the intricate henna designs on our hands until the imam’s voice filled the room through giant speakers. He started off with the call to prayer, the adhan, and then started the actual prayer. Everyone stood up, shoulder to shoulder, all different skin colors, all different ages, but all equal in the eyes of God. Prayer ended with great scrambling as everyone tried to reach their shoes and get out of the way before they got swept up into the tide of people. When we returned home, we were met by the delicious smells of the food my aunt and mom had made in honor of Eid. After sampling some of these delicious dishes, we visited a few friends and stuffed ourselves with many more yummy treats. We exchanged gifts and greetings as we chatted about what we planned to do with the money we had received from elders throughout the day, and we snapped some pictures to preserve the memory of this Eid. We finally headed back home to unwind after a long day of visiting and fun. Zoha and I decided to finish a movie we had started watching the previous night and before long the rest of the cousins had joined us too. I sat on the bed sandwiched between Zoha and another one of my cousins, Areeb, with everyone else sprawled on the floor. Looking around, I smiled. To me, this is the magic of Eid: a time to share my joy and excitement with family and friends; a time to celebrate with others, no matter where they’re from or how old they are; a time to bring people together and spread happiness. Happy Eid!

Farah Husain, 12, attends the Trinity School in Manhattan. She enjoys horseback riding, tennis, and soccer, and plays the violin. She also volunteers with the organization Muslim Volunteers for NY.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

TAKE YOUR CONFIDENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL THIS SUMMER Avoid the dreaded summer brain drain and complement your child’s summer activites with stimulating assignments. Eye Level’s math and English programs guide students to develop confidence and strong problem-solving skills for the classroom and beyond. CALL FOR FREE • Individual Instruction • Low Student to Instructor Ratio • Basic Thinking & Critical Thinking Math • Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary • Writing Program

CONSULTATIONS

SPECIAL OFFER Eye Level Learning Center of Williston Park 61 Hillside Avenue Williston Park, NY 11596 T. (516) 747-7700 www.eyelevelwillistonpark.com

$50 OFF

*On registration fee only

• Valid only at Eye Level of Williston Park • New students only • Must present one coupon per student • Cannot be combined with other offers • Valid until 8/15/17

LongIslandParent 31

Courtesy Chef John Stage

FOOD & NUTRITION

Grilling with Chef

John Stage

››

Tips for cooking on the barbecue from a grill master—just in time for a Father’s Day feast By Katelin Walling; recipes by Chef John Stage

Chef John Stage, owner of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and, most recently, Flip Bird, Egg @ The Bird, and Apizza Regionale (and oversees Bar Granger), located in Gotham Market at The Ashland in Fort Greene, Brooklyn

arm weather brings grilling season, and what better time to grill a feast than Father’s Day? But before you crank up the heat and throw some meat on the fire, you’ll want to check out these do’s and don’ts from Chef John Stage, the man behind Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, with nine locations, including Brooklyn and Manhattan, and three new restaurants located in Gotham Market at The Ashland in Brooklyn: Apizza Regionale, serving pizza made from locally sourced ingredients; Flip Bird, serving rotisserie and fried freerange, antibiotic- and growth hormone-free chicken; and Egg @ The Bird, a coffee and breakfast counter (he also oversees Bar Granger). So grab your tongs and wire brush, fire up the grill, and cook a feast fit for the king of your castle—maybe one of Stage’s recipes (right)?

Grilling Do’s

Clean your grill before and after cooking. Food releases more easily from a clean grill, so “while the grill is still warm, at the end of your grilling, take a wire brush to it and hit it pretty good. You don’t want all the build up from the grilling,” Stage says. “And do it again before you start [next time].” Master the fire. Every grill has hot and low spots, Stage says, and you’ll want to know where they are. “There are some meats that you want to grill low and some you want to grill high. With any type of barbecue you want to go low, and you tend to go high on any type of grilled meat like steaks or burgers or chops,” Stage says. “Then you want be able to get that food from high to low to get it in a resting spot.” Season your meat before grilling. Especially with a burger or steak, give it a good salt and then get a sear on it. “You want to get that crust. It’s a matter of putting the meat on the grill, getting that good crust, and leaving it on one side before flipping it so you do get that good sear. Then once you get that good sear, the meat will release from the grill,” Stage says. 32

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Try fruits and veggies on the grill. Stage says any fruit or vegetable that won’t fall through the grate on the grill will work, but this time of year he especially enjoys grilled asparagus, and corn on the cob a little later in the season.

Grilling Don’ts

Manhandle the meat. Try to avoid poking the meat and flipping it too early. “If it doesn’t want to be flipped, it lets you know. If it’s sticking to the grill just leave it alone, don’t flip it. It will release on its own when it’s ready to flip,” Stage says. Buy just any meat. “I like to look for marbling,” Stage says. “I’m looking for a decent fat content.” You want to see the white flecks of fat throughout the meat, he says, which will self-baste the meat while cooking, and fat is the flavor of the meat. Lose your patience. This goes hand in hand with not manhandling the meat. Cooking on the grill takes patience, Stage says, and that’s when people flip the meat too early. “That’s the wrong approach,” he says. Use expensive cuts, especially if it’s your first time cooking on a grill. “Keep it simple,” Stage says. “Do a burger. That way if you screw it up, you’re not out a lot of money. That will give you a good understanding of how the fire and grill works.” Keeping all these do’s and don’ts in mind, as with anything, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at it. “Whether it’s a gas or charcoal grill, once you understand the nuance of it and understand the fire, get a good piece of meat, and have a little patience,” Stage says. “That’s how you get good at it.”

Serves 4 Ingredients For the steak: • 4 8oz. skirt steaks, trimmed • ¼ cup red rub (recipe below) • ¼ cup olive oil For the Salsa: • 1½ lbs. plum tomatoes • 2 Tbsp. olive oil • ¼ cup diced red onion • ½ tsp. minced garlic • 2 tsp. minced jalapeno • ½ cup avocado, diced • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro • 2 tsp. lime juice • 1 tsp. kosher salt • 1 tsp. sugar • ¼ tsp. Tabasco sauce • 2 tsp. barbecue sauce For the Rub: • ¼ cup smoked paprika • ¼ cup Kosher salt • ¼ cup sugar in the raw • 2 Tbsp. dark chili powder • 1 Tbsp. granulated garlic • 1 Tbsp. granulated onion • 1½ Tbsp. black pepper • 1 tsp. cumin • 1 tsp. celery salt • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Directions 1. Make the salsa: Fire up the

grill to medium heat. Core and split tomatoes in half lengthwise, place them in a bowl, and toss them with the oil. Grill them on both sides until charred, transfer them to a cutting board, and chop to a chunky texture. Add them back to the bowl and gently stir in the rest of the ingredients until combined. 2. Make the steaks: Mix rub ingredients together. Combine ¼ cup of rub and the olive oil in a bowl to form a paste and rub it on both sides of the steak. Preheat grill to high. Remove the steaks from the marinade and pat them dry. Grill steaks to desired temperature, let rest, and slice across the grain. 3. Serve with the Charred Tomato and Avocado Salsa.

Flip Bird’s Spatchcock: Chicken with Harissa spices

Courtesy Chef John Stage

Red Rub Skirt Steak with Charred Tomato and Avocado Salsa

Cooked on a gas grill Chicken

Ingredients • 1 Whole Chicken, approximately 3½ lb. • 3-4 Tbsp. Harissa spices (recipe below) • 2 Tbsp. Olive oil Directions 1. To Spatchcock Chicken: Using poultry shears or a sharp knife, cut down on each side of backbone/spine and remove completely. Turn chicken over and press down, flattening chicken as much as possible. 2. Coat chicken with olive oil and spices, completely cover, and let sit in refrigerator for a couple of hours. 3. For gas grill, turn on two burners to medium high and leave off one burner. This will create indirect heat. You want the internal temperature of grill to be approximitely 350-375º. Adjust burners as necessary. 4. Place chicken skin side up on the side of grill with the burner off. Close lid and cook for 50 minutes, until the thickest part of thigh reads 165º.

5. Lower heat on burners to medium-low and flip chicken skin side down onto direct heat for 5-8 minutes to crispen and tender skin. Don’t let it burn. Remove from grill, let rest, light season, and serve. Harissa spices

Ingredients • ¼ cup smoked paprika • 2 Tbsp. fine sea salt • 2 Tbsp. Sugar • 1½ Tbsp. turmeric • 1½ Tbsp. cumin seed • 1½ Tbsp. fennel seed • 1½ Tbsp. granulated garlic • 1½ Tbsp. sumac • 1½ Tbsp. cinnamon • 1½ Tbsp. ground ginger • 1½ Tbsp. black pepper • 1½ Tbsp. Szechuan peppercorns Directions 1. Toast and grind cumin and fennel seed. 2. Blend all spices evenly.

Chef John Stage is the owner of Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has nine locations including Harlem and Brooklyn, and three newly opened restaurants in Gotham Market at The Ashland in Fort Greene: Flip Bird, a rotisserie and friend chicken establishment; Apizza Regionale, which uses only locally sourced ingredients; and Egg @ the Bird, a breakfast and coffee counter (he also oversees Bar Granger).

MUSIC INSTITUTE OF LONG ISLAND Voted # 1 Best Music School on the North Shore 2016

SUMMER SESSION BEGINS June 27th - All Instruments

CHAMBER MUSIC SUMMER 2 Weeks - July 11th - 22nd

Gala Concert

June 17th at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center Directors: Carol & Geri Kushner

90 Plandome Road, Manhasset, NY 11030 www.MiliMusic.com • 516-627-7052

Weekend appointments available

PSYCHOLOGICAL

Many insurances accepted

TESTING SERVICES ADHD Evaluations

Hablamos español

Giftedness Examinations

Louis E. Mora, PhD, Psychologist, PC 70 Glen Cove Rd., Ste. 201, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577

By Appointment (347) 740-5690 www.lmoraphd.com LongIslandParent 33

OUTINGS: Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey

nymetroparents.com/outings

Where Education and Inspiration Take Flight 1

See real-life aircraft, learn about aerospace pioneers, and enjoy interactive exhibits in Teterboro, NJ. ›› By Caitlin Berens

1 Popular among younger visitors but appealing to all, guests can sit in an ejection seat from a B-52 bomber. 2 Visitors can board the cabin of an authentic Martin 202 airliner from the 1950s in the museum’s courtyard—it’s said to be the last one left in the world. 3 “Little Cut Up” is an airplane assembled from actual “cut-up” airplane parts. Children are encouraged to sit in the cockpit and make the control surfaces move on the wings and tail. 4 Learn more about the astronauts, aviators, and more who made an impact on New Jersey’s aerospace industry inside the Aviation Hall of Fame. 5 The Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey has 10 aircraft on display inside and outdoors.

ave you ever wanted to climb into the cockpit of an airplane? At the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey you can do just that—and more. Founded in 1976, the Teterboro, NJ-based aviation museum offers a wealth of history, artifacts, artwork, and aircraft spanning “from early balloons to the space age,” says Shea Oakley, the executive director of the museum. The museum’s collections focus on the historic events and technological advances by New Jersey’s air and space pioneers over more than 200 years. The two-level museum has 10 aircraft on display (inside and outdoors), thousands of artifacts to view, more than 400 aircraft models, and interactive exhibits.

Think Like a Pilot

The museum offers a host of interactive exhibits, including a hot-air balloon basket that guests can carefully climb into and an ejection seat from a B-52 bomber that guests can sit in. A favorite among young visitors is “Little Cut Up,” an airplane assembled from actual “cut-up” aircraft parts. Kids are encouraged to sit in the cockpit of the aircraft and make the control surfaces move on the wings and 34

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

tail, just like a pilot would. The museum’s custom-built Fundamentals of Flight interactive aerodynamics exhibit provides hands-on opportunities for guests to experience the principles of flight.

exclusively for Scout troops—to the public in the future (for groups of 15 or more). It also hosts tours for school groups.

Get In the Cockpit

Though you can board two of the museum’s aircraft year-round (“Little Cut Up” and The Aviation Hall of Fame contains bronze an authentic Martin 202 airliner outside), plaques and information about the aerospace Open Cockpit Weekend is worth marking on the calendar. Held six weekends pioneers inducted from 1973 to present throughout the year, including June 17-18, who have made an impact on the New it allows guests to sit in the cockpit of most Jersey aerospace industry. Inductees include of the aircrafts on display at the museum. former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin as well as identical twins Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly, The annual Wings and Wheels Expo, Sept. 23-24 at Essex County Airport in Fairfield, both retired NASA astronauts and the only NJ, will have several aircraft, vintage military twins who have ever traveled to space (All vehicles, and show cars on display. three were born in The Garden State!).

Honoring Aerospace Pioneers

Inspiring the Next Generation

In addition to preserving the history of New Jersey aviation, the museum is also dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of aerospace pioneers. Through the Dare to Fly Program kids learn about aerodynamics by designing, building, and flying balsa wood gliders. The museum hopes to open its Night at the Museum program—currently offered

Want to Go?

Address: 400 Fred Wehran Road, Teterboro, NJ Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Garden City Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm Admission: $8; $6 seniors and kids. Groups of 10 or more: $7; $5 seniors and kids. Open Cockpit Day: $10; $8 seniors and kids. For more information: 201-288-6344 or njahof.org

Make your next birthday party come to life by hostine it at Bounce U! • Private Party Experience • Giant Inﬂatable Rides • Dedicated Party Pros • Easy to Do • We Clean Up!

$3 OFF

One Admission to Open Bounce!

Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at the

Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center

Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offer or discounts. No Cash value. One Coupon per visit per family. Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events. Expires 6/30/17.

Literacy Instruction programs, for children and youth, offer: • Individual or small-group classes, in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere

$25 OFF

• Classes taught by New York state-certified teachers

Plus 3 FREE Additional Kids with a Premier or a Spec-Tac-U-Lar Party.

about how to support their child’s literacy growth • Literacy Instruction that builds on each learner’s strengths to build

confidence and improve reading and writing proficiency.

Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. One Coupon per visit per party. Expires 6/30/17.

SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS MONDAY, JULY 3, 2017.

BounceU of Farmingdale (631) 777-JUMP (5867) • BounceU.com/farmingdale 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735

If you think something is wrong with this picture, you should see what’s being served up in stores.

• Personalized consultations that offer parents straightforward advice

For more information, including registration and summer program options, visit hofstra.edu/RWLClinic or call 516-463-5805.

Ad SaltzmanRW_Summer2017_NassauParent_QtrPg.indd 1

4/5/17 3:32 PM

Tobacco companies spend billions on colorful signs, special discounts and promotions in stores where kids can see them. And the more kids see tobacco, the more likely they are to start smoking. It’s time for tobacco marketing to hit the road.

Tobacco companies place most of their advertising in stores where

% OF

TEENS

shop at least once per week

Take action now at SeenEnoughTobacco.org facebook.com/TobaccoFreeNYS

@TobaccoFreeNYS

LongIslandParent 35

Your Child Could Be on Our Cover Plus Win Prizes

NYMetroParents OCTOBER 2016

M NYMETROPARENTS.CO

Scheduling esn Wocommo

How to solve as birthday party dilemm

Time for a Cellphone? Knowing when kids are ready for independence

PUMP KINS WHER E TO PICK

2016 Finalist Angelina, Westchester

BigAppleParent AUGUST 2016

unted Fun Ha near you Find Halloween events

•

BEST JOBS FOR TEENS

NYMETROPAR PAREN ENTS ENTS.C TS.COM OM

EASY STEPS TO ENTER:

Making Melodies

All you need to know about kids’ music lesson s

PLUS: Find the best after-school activities

1. "Like" at www.facebook.com/nymetroparents Behind the Thrills How water parks keep everyone safe

2. Select 1 favorite photo of your child (ages 2-16) 3. Upload the photo (jpg or png) to Facebook

Olympic Conversations Using 7(%2 % 4/ 0)#+

"%22) %3 s 4

the Summer Games to spark family discussions

(% 0/ 7%2 / & 02%

(Every entry will be automatically reviewed by Barbizon talent scouts)

4. Share with friends and vote daily!

3#(/ /,

PRIZES: • Family Vacation at Kalahari Resorts* ($1,500 Value) • Barbizon Scholarship & Photo Shoot ($2,400 Value) • Tickets to Sesame Place ($260 Value)

For a complete list of rules: http://nymetroparents.com/CoverContestRules Promotion period 4/24/17 - 6/9/17 *Blackout dates apply.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on Daddy & Me Rockets! (No. 5 on our list).

JUNE

y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U

nyme

com/c

ents. ropar

CALENDAR 38 Editor’s Hot Tickets 40 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Smarty Pants

WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

44 Crafty Kids, Special Needs 45 Once Upon a Time

41 Fun Fairs & Festivals, Must-Sees in NYC

46 Little Foodies, The Great Outdoors

42 Mini Musicians, Show Time!

47 Movers & Shakers

43 Animal Lovers

48 Holiday Fun, On Screen

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!

Baking Days

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 11am-3pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration Fairgrounds, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Children will make cake, French toast, pickles, and lemonade, along with other fun hands-on activities. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy food great-grandma used to make! WANT TO GO? $45. 516-572-8401. nassaucountyny.gov.

Nassau County Strawberry Festival FREE

WHEN: June 1-4, Thursday, 6-10pm; Friday, 6-11pm; Saturday, 12-11pm; Sunday, 12-6pm WHERE: Bellmore BOCES School Grounds, 2351 Jerusalem Ave., North Bellmore AGES: All WHAT: All of your favorite strawberry products on sale such as strawberry shortcake, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries, and non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiris. There will be live entertainment, and carnival rides and games will be provided by Blue Sky Amusements. Pay-one-price bracelets will be available. WHY WE LOVE IT: Strawberry season is our favorite season! WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nassaucountystrawberryfest.com.

Woodstock Revival Concert

3 38

WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 12-7pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHAT: Join in this tie-dyed celebration in the spirit of Woodstock featuring several bands, dozens of art and sculpture exhibits, live painting, food and beverage, vending, kids’ activities, yoga, and Hula-Hooping. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s pure nostalgia, but the little ones are entertained, too! WANT TO GO? $34; $10 children ages 6-15; free for children 5 and younger. 516-572-8401. limusicfestivals.com.

Long Island Nets Fan Fest FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 1-4pm WHERE: NYCB Live, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Join the Nets for a day of fun with activities including inflatables, face painting, music, a balloon artist, basketball, food court, and tours of NYCB Live. WHY WE LOVE IT: We can’t wait to see the Nets and tour the new Coliseum! WANT TO GO? 516-231-4848. linets.leagueapps.com.

Daddy & Me Rockets!

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 10am-1pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching and Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Celebrate Father’s Day by building a rocket and launching it with your child. Staff is available to assist in fabrication questions and to help you blast off. Bring a camera. WHY WE LOVE IT: Dads and their children can have an up, up, and away bonding experience. WANT TO GO? $40. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 7:30pm WHERE: NYCB Live, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez teams up with New York’s own Mariachi Tapatio de Alvaro Paulino and two rising high school mariachi talents: Sebastien De La Cruz and Alexa Posas. WHY WE LOVE IT: Bet you can’t keep your body from moving to the beat! WANT TO GO? $44.50 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Planning an Activity or Event for Children or Families?

’80s Arcade and Karaoke Night

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 7-11pm WHERE: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Are you ready to get your ’80s on? Relive the glory days of the 1980s while playing classic arcade games like PacMan and Donkey Kong and singing your hearts out to ’80s karaoke. WHY WE LOVE IT: No quarters needed for the arcade games—it’s free to play! WANT TO GO? $15; $10 in advance. 516-572-4111. cradleofaviation.org.

Get FREE Exposure on

Bug Bonanza

WHEN: Sunday, June 25, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Learn about bug anatomy and fascinating insects that help make up three-quarters of all animals on Earth. Create fun insect crafts, participate in activity challenges, and even enjoy a tasty treat made with edible insects. WHY WE LOVE IT: Did someone say treats made from insects? Looking forward to bug juice! WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516224-5828. licm.org.

Historic Old Time Baseball Matches: 1864 Rules

WHEN: June 4-25, Sundays, 11am-3pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Watch as teams from the 1864 League play base ball (as it was spelled then) following the rules and customs of the 19th century in vintage uniforms and old style bats and balls. WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s a fascinating experience. We can say without apology, “Back in the day, this was baseball!” WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors and children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8401. nymutuals.com.

Pattern Wizardry

WHEN: June 6-Sept. 3, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5 and older WHAT: This bilingual (English-Spanish) exhibit introduces the fundamentals of patterns as the building blocks of our natural and man-made world and as a critical developmental tool for children. WHY WE LOVE IT: Children get the opportunity to investigate how we use symmetry to organize patterns. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org. ››

NYMetroParents.com

017

ies 2 t i v i t c A mily

d Wednes

y Thurssda

Frida

se u o H Open JCC at

18 27 26 25

Submit your entries online to

NYMetroParents.com/submitevent All entries subject to editor’s review and acceptance.

Announce it to more than 100,000 parents who are visiting NYMetroParents.com every month. Be featured on the largest family activities Calendar in the metropolitan New York area. LongIslandParent 39

SMARTY PANTS Green Teens: How Does Your Garden Grow?

WHEN: Sunday, June 11, 11am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Come learn about soil, seeds, and sun. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5828. licm.org.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Shabbat Hallelu FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 6:30pm WHERE: Temple Sinai of Roslyn, 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights AGES: All WHAT: Accompanied by the Hallelu band, the sanctuary comes alive as Cantor Sergei Schwartz leads the group in song, dance, praise, and worship. WANT TO GO? 516-621-6800. mysinai.org.

Kids Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids learn to build or create a useful, fun product. WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.

Open House and Ballet Class FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, call for times WHERE: Integral Ballet, 1842 Merrick Road, Merrick AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Be sure to come out for this open house and ballet class. Reservations required with your name, phone number, and child’s name. WANT TO GO? 516-442-1590. integralballet.org.

Nutcracker Auditions FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 9:30am and 10:15am WHERE: Integral Ballet, 1842 Merrick Road, Merrick AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Call to reserve your spot for an audition and for additional information. The first session is for children ages 5-9 and second session is for children 10 and older. WANT TO GO? 516-442-1590. integralballet.org.

Women in Contrast Exhibition FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 18: Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm; SaturdaySunday, 12-4pm WHERE: Hofstra University Museum, 112 Hofstra University, Hempstead AGES: All WHAT: This original exhibition features iconic imagery captured by a selection of innovative modernist and contemporary female photographers, including Berenice Abbott, Diane Arbus, Marilyn Bridges, Nancy Burson, Imogen Cunningham, Donna Ferrato, Toni Frissell, Mary Ellen Mark, and Dorothy Norman. WANT TO GO? 516-463-5672. hofstra.edu/museum. 40

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Brown Bag Lectures

WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Bring a sandwich and enjoy lunch with friends as museum docent Riva Ettus presents an informative talk on the art and artists included in the current exhibition. Afterward, join the 2pm public exhibition tour. WANT TO GO? $10; $8 seniors; $4 children. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Poetry Workshop with Dr. Opyr FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 4pm WHERE: Elmont Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Participants in this workshop will have the opportunity to write poetry and share what they’ve written. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

Camp Open House FREE

WHEN: June 3-17, Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Summer Camp, 25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Visit this open house on June 3, 11, or 17, or call to set up a tour. WANT TO GO? 516-626-9268. oldwestburysummercamp.org.

NYS Path Thru History: New York’s Geological History

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 11am-4pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: Join in for rock and mineral identification, an erosion table demo, geology walk, New York and Long Island geology, and make a geology craft. Feel free to bring in any items for identification. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children ages 5-12. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Lego Club FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 11am WHERE: Elmont Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Come out and play with Legos. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

Revolutionary War Encampment

WHEN: Sunday, June 25, 10am-4pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Military re-enactments are a regular attraction at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The Huntington Militia will do several

CityBound

N Y C Merritt Birnbaum/”Summertime” by Gary Dolan

Must-Sees in

Astronomy for Everyone: Size & Scale of the Universe FREE

WHEN: Monday, June 26, 7pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Look up to the stars with Kevin Manning, one of America’s favorite astronomers, author, and well-known speaker. Share a sense of curiosity, wonder, and awe in learning of the very small to the very large aspects of the universe. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Fireworks Lab FREE

WHEN: Monday, June 26, 4pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Anthony Abbate, the Science Wizard, will help kids learn about the science of explosions, investigate how sparklers work, and discover how fireworks experts create color for their displays. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Brixology: Lego Building Classes FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 30, 4pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-17 WHAT: Professor Soda-Pop from Mad Science will show you how to build towers with working elevators with Legos. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Island Park Street Fair FREE

WHEN: June 3-4, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Island Park, 149 Long Beach Road, Island Park AGES: All WHAT: Looking for the perfect gift that’s reasonably priced? Bring your family and friends to this fair. WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nassaucountycraftshows.com.

Eisenhower Park Fair

WHEN: June 17-18, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Eisenhower Park, Field 8, Merrick and Stewart avenues, East Meadow AGES: All WHAT: Fun games, crafts, gifts, activities, and great food. It’s the perfect combination for families to have a great time at the fair. WANT TO GO? 516-442-6000. nassaucountycraftshows.com.

Summer Family Fun Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 25, 2-4pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: All WHAT: Join in for a special afternoon filled with carnival games, prizes galore, cotton candy, GameTruck, and more. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org. ››

Head to Governors Island for mini-golf art fun

Art Ahoy! A trip to Governors Island is a summer must-do. One of the best weekends to visit is in early June when the arts festival FIGMENT NYC arrives. Get your hands dirty with art making such as painting and sculpture, and enjoy some performance art and music. There’s something for all ages, and while it isn’t a festival just for families, both kids and adults will love it. A particular highlight for little ones is the artistdesigned miniature golf course, where you can putt your ball on, in, up, down, or around unique art! Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and check out Slide Hill. June 3-4, 10am-5pm. Age: All. The event is free. The ferry is $2-$2.75, some routes are free before 11:30am, ferries leave from various pick-ups in Brooklyn and Manhattan, see website for details including new routes for 2017. Governors Island. govisland.com.

Lower East Side Melting Pot

Kate Milford/Eldridge Street Synagogue

demonstrations including marching, manual of arms, musket firing, and camp life. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 seniors and children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8401. nassaucountyny.gov.

The Egg Rolls, Egg Creams, and Empanadas Festival is a celebration of the different cultures of the neighborhoods surrounding the Eldridge Street Synagogue. This annual block party celebrates Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican culture and draws thousands every year. Wander around the busy stalls and experience traditional art and music, dance, crafts, and delicious traditional foods. There will be klezmer, cantorial, Chinese opera is just one of the Chinese opera, Puerto performances going on at this celebration of the immigrant culture of Rican folk music, Hebrew the Lower East Side. and Chinese scribal arts, yarmulke making, Puerto Rican mask and lace making, mah jongg, and more! Don’t leave without trying the kosher egg rolls, egg creams, and empanadas that have made the festival famous. June 18, 12-4pm. Age: All. Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org. LongIslandParent 41

Music and Movement

WHEN: Wednesday, June 21, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Midsummer Jazz

MINI

MUSICIANS Jazz at the Museum FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 7:30-9pm WHERE: The African American Museum, 110 N. Franklin St., Hempstead AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy an evening of jazz in a range of styles. Musician Chuck Fowler and other artists perform. WANT TO GO? $20; $30 for two people. 516-572-0730. theaamuseum.org.

Concert in the Park: Southern Voice Band FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 6pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The group plays a wide variety of country covers by artists including Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Blake Shelton. Featuring talented male and female vocalists backed up by a rhythm section. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert: Sbongiseni Duma

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 2-3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: When singer, songwriter, dancer, and choreographer Sbongiseni Duma takes the stage, he transports audience members to South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. “Bongi” is joined by an ensemble that features African djembe drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, and bass for a family-friendly performance that explores the unique features of South African music. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors and children ages 2-17; free with registration. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Summer Concert: The Bailsmen FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 9, 7pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy jazz, blues, and swing music under the stars in the historic cloister garden of this Gold Coast mansion. All concerts are rain or shine and will take place indoors if there is inclement weather. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Suzuki on the Island

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 3pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: The annual outdoor concert featuring students from all classes. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org. 42

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, June 23, 7:30-9:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Stroll the Walled Garden and listen to the cool sounds of live jazz. WANT TO GO? $30. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Family Fun Night: Strummin’ and Drummin’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: A great event for the entire family. Bring a chair, blanket, and an outdoor picnic, and listen to music. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

SHOW TIME! The Illusionists: Live from Broadway

WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 7:30pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: This show dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Antique and Collectible Auto Show

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 9am-3pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: The most elegant antique auto show on Long Island, sponsored by Greater New York Region Antique Automobile Club of America. WANT TO GO? $12 museum admission. 516-488-1880. oldwestburygardens.org.

‘My Fair Lady’ Luncheon Theatre

WHEN: Wednesday, June 7, 12pm lunch; 1:15pm performance WHERE: Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Based on the book Pygmalion, this musical classic filled with wit and wisdom includes the songs “Get Me to the Church on Time” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” WANT TO GO? $46. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

Sammie & Tudie Comedy: Summer Spectacular FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 4pm WHERE: Elmont Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: Join us as we kick off our Summer Spectacular with an evening of laughs featuring comedy duo Sammie & Tudie. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

‘Cinderella’

WHEN: June 16-17, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 11:30am and 2pm WHERE: The Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: A zany Fairy Godmother, a trip to the Royal Ball, and a glass slipper have made Cinderella a perennial favorite for audiences everywhere. WANT TO GO? $12 with museum admission: $13; free for children younger than 1. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

The Circus Guy FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, June 27, 2pm WHERE: Elmont Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: The Circus Guy is a kid-friendly variety show including magic, juggling, unicycling, balancing stunts, and humor. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

Pat Darienzo: Comedy and Magic Show FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, June 28, 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: With a showman’s flair, a comedian’s wit, and the powers of a bona fide mentalist or thought-reader, Pat Darienzo entertains and stuns audiences with demonstrations of unexplainable psychic powers and abilities. WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Summer Theater in the Park: ‘Madagascar’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 30, 6pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, Hay Barn, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: See this musical in the park. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

ANIMAL LOVERS Reading to Dogs FREE

WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 4pm WHERE: Rockville Centre Library, 221 Village Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids build confidence by reading aloud to specially trained dogs, who quietly listen and are non-judgmental partners. WANT TO GO? 516-766-6257. rvclibrary.org.

If There’s A Will, There’s A Wave! FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 16, 3:30pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: Come learn how you can save the ocean a little bit each day, and then get the chance to play with some small sea creatures in a live touch tank. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Bug Day

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 12-4pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about and handle a variety of bugs, and if you’re craving something more adventurous, eat some bugs at the Bug Café, where you can taste different bug-based products and learn about entomophagy, the practice of eating insects. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 children ages 2-17. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

Build a Better Animal World: Summer Reading Kickoff Event FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, June 27, 4pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: Children will pet and touch live tree frogs, hedgehogs, bunnies, guinea pigs, baby reptiles, and dance with a fuzzy chicken with Jason Reilly of Green Meadows Farms. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Faces From the Southern Ocean

WHEN: June 3-Sept. 3, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: View photographs by J.J. L’Heureux featuring some of the world’s most amazing creatures. The portraits feature the faces of unique birds and mammals from Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, and its islands. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors and children ages 2-17. 718-6990005. nysci.org. ›› LongIslandParent 43

Messy Afternoons

WHEN: June 17-July 2, Saturday-Sunday, 3:30-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Kids will be up to their elbows in goop, guts, shaving cream and playdough. The afternoon will offer a variety of sensory activities for children. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Summer Fun Wednesdays

CRAFTY KIDS Craft Buddies: Flag Day Surprise FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, June 7, 4:15pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make a craft with our Teen Buddy volunteers. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Busy Bug Garden Hats

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Buzz into the museum this month to color and decorate your own buddy garden hat to wear home. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-2245828. licm.org.

Made with Love FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, June 21, 11am WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Create hats, scarves, blankets, and other items for hospitals, shelters, and the military in a friendly atmosphere. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Crafts For Kids FREE

WHEN: Through June 25: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts they can use or display. Every craft is educational and fun. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

Maker Space Friday FREE

WHEN: June 2-30, Fridays, 2:30-5pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Familes can explore different materials, concepts, and ideas while making and tinkering together. Activities cover a wide range of topics including simple circuits, wind-powered racers, hand sewing, and more. WANT TO GO? 718-699-0005. nysci.org. 44

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: June 28-Aug. 2, Wednesdays, 1-3pm WHERE: A.C. Moore, 157 Glen Cove Road, Carle Place AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate a long, rigorous school year ending by creating innovative, family-friendly crafts. From tie-dying and wood crafts to painting and more, there’s something to spark everyone’s interest with a different project each week. WANT TO GO? $2. 516-294-8401. acmoore.com.

Summer Mommy & Me Class

WHEN: June 29-Aug. 10, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10:15am and 10:30-11:45am WHERE: Portledge Summer Adventures, 355 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley AGES: 3-5 WHAT: The class offers toddlers and caregivers a safe, nurturing environment that will inspire imagination, self-expression, social interaction, and physical development through a variety of shared activities, such as music, games, and crafts. WANT TO GO? $25 per class. 516-750-3104. portledge.org/summeradventures.

SPECIAL NEEDS ‘Journey to Oz’ Sensory Friendly Performance

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Sensory Friendly Performances allow for individuals on the autism spectrum to attend theater performances in a more comfortable setting that include lighting and sound adjustments. WANT TO GO? $12 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5828. licm.org.

Creative Expeditions

WHEN: Through June 6: Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families will engage in fun interactive gallery experiences that provide opportunities for everyone to look at and talk about art in a group setting, followed by hands-on art making activities that encourage experimentation with new materials, processes, and creative play. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Summer Beach Party Teen & Young Adult Dance

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 6:30-8:30pm WHERE: The Family Center for Autism, 1517 Franklin Ave., Garden City AGES: 13 and older WHAT: We’ll be rocking it out, beach party style. We will provide snacks, drinks, and music, as long as you provide the dance moves! WANT TO GO? $10. 516-355-9400. familycenterforautism.org.

Teen Compass: Autism and the Arts

WHEN: Through June 13: Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Students with autism will have the opportunity to apply their artistic skills and functional academic learning in a real world setting, while preparing to transition to after-school life. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Sensational Kids Open Play Time: Autism Specific

WHEN: Monday, June 19, 5-7pm WHERE: Bounce Trampoline Sports, 310 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: All WHAT: While regular Open Bounce sessions can attract large crowds and feature bright lights and loud music, these evenings are tailored to create a more secure environment for individuals with autism. WANT TO GO? $12 per hour. 516-762-1300. bouncesyosset.com.

Family Movie Night: ‘Lego Batman’

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 6pm WHERE: The Family Center for Autism, 1517 Franklin Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Seating will be available but feel free to bring a blanket and pillow if you want to get comfy on the floor. Snacks and drinks will also be provided. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-355-9400. familycenterforautism.org.

Sensory Garden Sundays

WHEN: Through June 25: Sundays, 9am-5pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, Coe Hall, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: Exciting new programming for families during which children will have the opportunity to see, taste, touch, smell, and listen to the wonders of the Sensory Garden. WANT TO GO? $8 per car. 516-922-8668. plantingfields.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME Listen Up! Storybook Stroll: ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ by Lewis Carroll

WHEN: Saturday, June 3, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Open your ears to classic and modern tales as we stroll the gardens and, later, create a unique take-home craft. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors, $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Family Preschool Hour FREE

WHEN: Monday, June 12, 11am WHERE: Floral Park Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Enjoy an hour of singing, dancing, storytelling, and a craft with our friends from A Time for Kids Inc. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Jonathan Kruk’s Storytelling: ‘The Sporting Life & Tales’

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 12pm and 2pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Jonathan Kruk will enchant children of all ages with stories and tales. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 12. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Find a Flower Fairy

WHEN: June 22-23, Thursday-Friday, 4-6:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Young children are invited to follow clues to discover the fairy world that magically appears in the gardens at Midsummer. The event also features music and storytelling with Johnny Cuomo. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

stART (Story + Art)

WHEN: June 6-July 27, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join in each week as children listen to the reading of childhood classics and new favorites; followed by literature-inspired activities and crafts. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org. ›› LongIslandParent 45

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Smell the Wild Roses Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, June 4, 10am-12pm WHERE: Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown Lane, East Norwich AGES: All WHAT: Ah! There’s nothing like seeing miles of beautiful wild roses and smelling their fragrance. This is one of the most beautiful places for a nature walk. WANT TO GO? $5 donation. 516-571-8500. nassaucountyny.gov.

Plein Air Through the Seasons: The Rose Garden FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 10am-3pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Annie Shaver-Crandell is a visual artist based in Manhattan whose fondness for fresh air and magnificent colors has brought her repeatedly to Planting Fields to paint outdoors. Bring some form of drop cloth, any oil, acrylic, or dry pastels. WANT TO GO? $8 parking. 516-922-8688. plantingfields.org.

LITTLE FOODIES Spring or Summer Never Tasted So Good with Simply Creative Chef Rob Scott

WHEN: Thursday, June 1, 6pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Join us for a delicious cookery demonstration and tasting of roasted chicken tacos with gorgonzola slaw; corn, tomato, and fresh mozzarella salad; and banana macaroon chiller. WANT TO GO? $7. 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

What’s Cookin’: Honey

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Discover tasty delights growing in our garden beds. Concoct and sample a simple recipe full of delicious seasonal flavors. WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Afternoon Tea & Tour

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 1pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Make your visit to Westbury House extra special and enjoy a tour of the decorated house, and a full afternoon tea. WANT TO GO? $40. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Kids in the Kitchen

WHEN: June 2-30, Fridays, 11:30am-12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Little chefs use real cooking tools (with some help from adults) as we make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks from start to finish. WANT TO GO? $5 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org. 46

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Volunteer Mile-A-Minute Clean-Up Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 10am-2pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Help remove non-native, invasive vine Mile-A-Minute from our nature preserve. Light refreshments will be served for volunteers. WANT TO GO? 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Twilight Tour

WHEN: Friday, June 16, 7pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: Adult WHAT: Meet at Coe Hall and enjoy wine and cheese before venturing out for a twilight tour of the grounds. WANT TO GO? $20. 516-922-9200. plantingfields.org.

Make Up! Maker Projects: Painted Impressions

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 12pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Join a guided garden walk to unearth your inner artist. Gather natural inspiration to form a seasonally inspired craft to take home. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; free for children younger than 6. 516333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Oyster Bay Walking Tours

WHEN: June 10-24, Saturdays, 2pm WHERE: Oyster Bay Historical Society, 20 Summit St., Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: A foot tour of Oyster Bay, featuring the historical sites along East and West Main Street, Audrey Avenue, and South Street in the heart of the hamlet. Call to register. WANT TO GO? $20; $5 children ages 12-17. 516-922-5032. oysterbayhistorical.org.

Woods, Hills, and Meadows Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, June 25, 10-11am WHERE: Muttontown Preserve, Muttontown Lane, East Norwich AGES: All

WHAT: The preserve includes miles of nature trails with woods, hills, and meadows. WANT TO GO? $5 donation. 516-571-8500. nassaucountyny.gov.

Summertime Stargazers

WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 8:30pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island, a group of amateur astronomers and telescope makers, for skywatching. WANT TO GO? $8; $6 seniors; $3 children ages 7-17. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Mill Neck Manor House Tour

WHEN: Through Nov. 5: Sundays, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Mill Neck Manor House, 40 Frost Mill Road, Mill Neck AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Step back in time to experience and savor the mansion’s exquisite appointments and its 86-acre scenic estate overlooking the Long Island Sound. Learn about its history, the life of Lillian Sefton Dodge, and the Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors; $15 students; $5 for children 12 and younger. 516-628-4243. millneckmanorhouse.org.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Open Jump

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 10am-2pm WHERE: Pump It Up, 225 Community Drive, Suite 250, Great Neck AGES: All WHAT: Open play time during which your children can play and let their imaginations run wild. WANT TO GO? $14.95. 516-466-7867. pumpitupparty.com.

Galactic Jump

WHEN: Friday, June 9, 8pm WHERE: Bounce Trampoline Sports, 310 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Bouncing takes on a whole new meaning with Galactic Jump. It’s an out-of-this world experience that kids and teens will love. WANT TO GO? $12 per hour. 516-762-1300. bouncesyosset.com.

PlayHooray Kids FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 16, 12pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Sing, dance, and Play Hooray with our friend Molly Mouse. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Mounted Cowboy Shooting Match

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 11:30am-1:30pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration Fairgrounds, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: The show is based on the historical reenactment of shooting events held at Wild West Shows during the 19th century. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-572-8400. islandlongriders.com.

Tai Chi in the Garden: Rock Hall

WHEN: Tuesday, June 20, 8:30am WHERE: Rock Hall Museum, 199 Broadway, Lawrence

AGES: All WHAT: Tai Chi Chuan is an internal healing art as well as an external martial art that promotes good health. The benefits of practice are mindfulness, full posture development, and improvement of balancing skills. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $15. 516-239-1157. friendsofrockhall.org.

Summer Solstice Celebration: Family Yoga & Sunset BYO Picnic WHEN: Wednesday, June 21, 6pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point AGES: All WHAT: Yoga practice aligns naturally with children’s imaginations as they create the shapes of animals and plants using their bodies. They stretch, bend, reach, and balance to become trees, turtles, and more. Bring a mat for each person and wear comfortable clothing. WANT TO GO? $20. 516-571-7901. thesandspointpreserve.org.

Tai Chi in the Gardens

WHEN: June 4-29, Wednesdays and Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Tai Chi is a unique form of “moving meditation” that calms the mind, relaxes the body, and strengthens the spirit. WANT TO GO? $18. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Yoga in the Gardens

WHEN: June 1-29, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:15am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Professional Kripalu Yoga instructor, Lorili Henry, will lead students through a dynamic, yet gentle, continuous flow of postures and conscious breathing. WANT TO GO? $18. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Toddler Time Bounce

WHEN: Thursday, June 29, 10am WHERE: Bounce Trampoline Sports, 310 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Little kids will have a great time having fun, bouncing, and meeting new friends in this safe and nurturing environment. WANT TO GO? $12 per hour. 516-762-1300. bouncesyosset.com.

Polo at Bethpage State Park

WHEN: June 4-Aug. 20, Sundays, 3pm WHERE: Bethpage State Park, 99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale AGES: All WHAT: Polo is a great competive sport. Come and enjoy an afternoon of excellent polo games at Bethpage State Park. A treat for the whole family. WANT TO GO? $5; $8 vehicle fee. 631-669-1000. bethpagepolo.com. ››

LongIslandParent 47

Cool Pop Father’s Day Treat

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 2-4pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Paint a popsicle shape in bright fun colors to make “treat” stationery for your cool pop. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 516224-5828. licm.org.

Mets vs. Nationals

HOLIDAY FUN Treats for Father’s Day FREE

WHEN: Friday, June 2, 4-5pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens will have fun making four yummy cookie and brownie hamburgers and French fries for Dad. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Mommy and Me Father’s Day Fun FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, June 6, 1pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Place, Floral Park AGES: 3-5, Adult WHAT: Dotty Talmadge will be here to facilitate a Mommy and Me craft for Father’s Day. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Father’s Day Keepsake Box

WHEN: Saturday, June 10, 10am-3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Make and decorate a keepsake box for dad, grandpa, uncle, or any awesome father figure in your life. WANT TO GO? $5 with museum admission: $4; $2 children ages 5-12. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Father’s Day Craft FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 4pm WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., Queens Village, Queens AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids can show off their creativity and honor dad on his special day when they create Father’s Day crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org.

Dads and Donuts FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 11am WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Bring your little one down for stories, a craft, and some doughnuts. Grandpas, uncles, or any father figures are welcome to attend this event. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Father’s Day Concert in the Park: The Hambones FREE

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The Hambones play a merry mix of pop, blues, country, and rockabilly from the Classic American Songbook. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org. 48

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 1:10pm WHERE: Citi Field, 126-01 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy America’s pastime and celebrate Dad on his special day when the Amazin’s take on their NL rivals. The first 15,000 fans in attendance receive a Mets Father’s Day cap. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 718-507-8499. mets.com.

Father’s Day: David Houston Performs ‘The Sporting Life & Tales’ WHEN: Sunday, June 18, 2-3pm WHERE: Coe Hall-Planting Fields, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A reading in the style of a radio drama, written and directed by David Houston. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 12. 516-922-8678. plantingfields.org.

Crafts For Kids: Father’s Day FREE

WHEN: June 3-24, Saturdays, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2070 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts they can use or display. Every craft is educational and fun. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

ON SCREEN

Cinema on the Bay: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ FREE WHEN: Saturday, June 17, 8pm WHERE: Sunset Park, Lower Main Street, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Today’s presentation is Star Wars: The Force Awakens. WANT TO GO? 516-708-5819. northhempsteadny.gov.

Lincoln Center Local Screening: ‘The American Revolution’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2:30pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-08 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: All WHAT: This cheeky troupe from Chicago brings our country’s epic origin story to life using their bodies, voices, and pantomimed cannons. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

‘Journey to Space’ 3-D Movie

WHEN: Through June 30: Monday-Friday, 12pm and 3pm; SaturdaySunday, 1pm and 4pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, Queens AGES: All WHAT: Moviegoers will learn about the important role of the International Space Station, uncover what NASA and the space community are working on, and discover the challenges they face to carry out bold missions such as capturing asteroids and landing astronauts on Mars. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $15; $12 children, students, and seniors. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.

SUMMER IS THE BEST TIME TO ADVANCE IN MATH

The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning, afterschool math enrichment program for K-12 students. We help children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Summer School July 5th - August 15th

We also offer year-round enrollment Call to schedule a free math evaluation or visit www.summermath.info

Children’s Nature Film Festival

RSM-Port Washington (516) 551-6428 portwashington @russianschool.com

Long Island’s Premier Lice Treatment Centers

866-561-0492

WHEN: June 24-July 1, Tuesday-Saturday, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: 5-12 WHAT: In celebration of National Pollinator Week, enjoy an engaging and educational film each day geared toward children. WANT TO GO? $4; $2 children ages 5-12. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

Oceanside

2463 S. Long Beach Rd.

Coming up next month: JULY 11-12: Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show at Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City STARTING JULY 8: Young Frankenstein at BroadHollow at Elmont, Elmont JULY 15: Animaniacs Live at Tilles Center, Brookville

Deer Park

$10 OFF One HeadCheck OR 10% OFF One Treatment

1755 Deer Park Ave.

Glen Head

679 Glen Cove Ave.

www.FairyLiceMothers.com

May Be Covered Under Insurance * Covered under FLEX Health Spending We Accept Competitor’s Coupons—One coupon per visit

BAKSHI LAW Get Healthy with ChiroMom this SUMMER! · Innovative Chiropractic Care for the Whole Family

· Prenatal & Pediatric Care · Prenatal, Infant, Child And Adult Therapeutic Massage · Nutrition & Weight Management · Specializing in treating children with ADD/ADHD 2874 Merrick Road· Bellmore, NY · 516-221-1212 (In Lakeview Plaza across from Mill Pond)

www.mychiromom.com

C. Lara Bakshi

Special Needs Attorney & Special Education Specialist Providing a clear road map of the law and zealously advocating for you and your child.

WINNING Record against DOE & Districts Winning record at due process hearings including failure to provide FAPE and tuition reimbursement.

SPECIALIZING in disciplinary matters for both special needs and general education students. Suspensions • Expulsions • Manifestation • Determination Hearings

CALL 917-244-6133 to set up a consultation

305 Broadway, 14th Fl., NY, NY 10007 Sliding Scale Depending on Income

lara.bakshi@gmail.com • www.lawbakshi.com Servicing Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties), NYC Boroughs, Westchester, Rockland and Upstate NY

LongIslandParent 49

WHERE-TO GUIDE

Beaches

nymetroparents.com/where-to

››

Research by Karen Lo

It’s time to feel the sand between your toes! Pack up an umbrella, some chairs, a picnic, and a good book, and hit the beach with the kids. We’ve got all of your local sandy spots to enjoy a sunny day this summer, so why hesitate? There’s an entire ocean out there waiting for you to splash around. Want some time to relax? Have the kids compete in a sandcastle contest so you can focus on “me time” until you have to pick a winner. Note that dates and prices are projected; call ahead or check your local beach’s website to confirm all details.

Courtesy NY State Parks & Historic Sites

swimming until June 24). Lifeguards on duty starting June 24, daily, 10am-6pm. Cost: $10 to Atlantic Beach residents only and their guests. Ocean beach community featuring a boardwalk overlooking the ocean

Jones Beach in Wantagh is open year-round and has a performing arts theater, museum, and marina.

Nassau County North Shore Beaches City of Glen Cove Beaches Crescent Beach, Morgan Memorial Park Beach and Pryibil Beach, Glen Cove 516-676-3766; glencove-li.com Hours: opens May 27: daily, 9am-6pm (or dusk) Cost: FREE; Glen Cove residents only. Morgan Memorial Park Beach: Glen Cove and Locust Valley residents only. Overlooks the Long Island Sound. Morgan Memorial Park Beach offers a picnic area, food concession, and hiking trails. North Hempstead Beach Park Port Washington 516-869-6311; northhempsteadny.gov Hours: May 29-Sept. 4: daily, 9am-5pm Cost: Parking: $15 Nassau County residents; $20 non-residents. $50 season parking pass available to residents. Long Island Sound beach with basketball and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, picnic areas, shelter pavilions, and a playground.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The Town of Oyster Bay (North Shore) Beaches Centre Island Beach, Bayville: 516-624-6123 Charles E. Ransom Beach, Bayville 516-624-6160 516-797-4128 oysterbaytown.com Hours: June 24-Sept. 4, daily, 8am-6pm (lifeguards 9am-5pm). Centre Island open weekends and holidays only May 27-June 18) Cost: $20 Oyster Bay residents; $50 nonresidents on weekdays. $60 seasonal pass available to residents. Centre Island overlooks Oyster Bay Harbor and Long Island Sound and offers a food stand, turf field, outdoor showers, and basketball court. Charles E. Ransom Beach also overlooks the Sound and offers a playground (no swimming).

Nassau County South Shore Beaches Village of Atlantic Beach 516-371-4600; vofab.org Hours: Memorial Day Weekend and each weekend thereafter, 10am-6pm (no

Town of Hempstead Beaches Hewlett Point Park, Bay Park 516-599-4064 Lido Beach Town Park: 516-431-6650 Lido West Town Park: 516-432-0940 Town Park at Point Lookout: 516-431-3900 Town Park at Sands, Lido Beach: 516-431-6910 toh.li Hours: Ocean beaches: May 27-Sept. 4; lifeguards on duty weekends and holidays until June 18 and daily, June 19 through Labor Day, 10am-6pm. Special park district beaches open June 17 through Labor Day. Pool hours vary, open through Labor Day. Cost: $10 beach parking for residents, $25 non-residents ($20 for non-residents at Lido Beach Town Park). Hewlett Point Park overlooks Hewlett Bay; the rest are ocean beaches. Many offer sports facilities including basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, as well as picnic areas. Jones Beach State Park Wantagh 516-785-1600 jonesbeach.com nysparks.state.ny.us/parks Hours: Open year-round. Check website for swimming hours. Cost: $10 parking Ocean beach, showers, recreation programs, pool, playground, picnic tables, performing arts theater, museum and visitor center, marina, golf, gift shop, food, and fishing. No pets allowed.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/beaches

WHERE-TO GUIDE

nymetroparents.com/where-to

Amusement Parks

››

Research by Sabrina Sooknanan

Courtesy Adventureland

Zoom down twisty roller coasters, splash around on a water slide, and don’t forget to collect a big prize at the arcade. This summer, take your family to a local amusement park, or get out of town for a weekend of big play. Every place on our list has kid-friendly rides and attractions, and something for the grown-ups, too. Call ahead or visit the website before your day out at the amusement park, as hours, ticket prices, and attractions are subject to change.

Twirl and spin on the Turbulence Coaster at Adventureland in Farmingdale

Adventureland 2245 Route 110, Farmingdale 631-694-6868 adventureland.us Hours: Vary; see schedule on the website Price: $1.50 per ticket (rides cost 3-5 tickets). Pay-oneprice bracelet: $31.99. Free admission and parking. Open since 1962, Adventureland has roller coasters and thrill rides; family, kiddie, and water rides; and games. Season passes, gift cards, birthday party packages, and group rates available. New this year: a Helicopter Kiddie Ride, rechargeable player cards for the arcade, two new midway games, Bottle Flip and Top Spin, and a new Guest Relations Center.

Boomers! Family Fun Center 655 Long Island Ave., Medford 631-475-1771 boomerslongisland.com Hours: Vary by season; call or check the website Price: $1 for three 4-game tokens; $8 go-kart and bumper boat driver tickets ($3 for passengers); $8 mini-golf per game (free for children younger than 5); $2 for 25 pitches in the batting cages. Pay-one-price bracelet: $24.99. A cartoon-themed park, Boomers has an indoor carousel and outdoor kids’ rides, more than 70 video games, a minigolf course, bumper boats, batting cages, and go-karts. Splish Splash 2549 Splish Splash Drive, Calverton

631-727-3600; splishsplash.com Hours: May 27-Sept. 4. Hours vary; check the website; weekends only until June 18. Price: Weekdays: $42.99; $32.99 children shorter than 48 inches and seniors; free for children 2 and younger. Check website for weekend passes and season passes. Features 96 exciting acres of rides and water slides for all ages, ranging from the Lazy River to the Cliff Diver, where you can drop eight stories in three seconds, and Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror, a water ride with a 40-foot drop and many spins and slides against a backdrop of total darkness.

New York City Adventurer’s Park 1824 Shore Parkway, Bensonhurst 718-975-2748 adventurerspark.com Hours: May 26-Sept. 4, check the website for hours. Price: Single ticket: $3.75; 10 tickets: $31; 30 tickets: $80; GoKarts: $8 ($12 with a passenger). Calling all adventurers! With family rides, water boats, and mini golf, this amusement park opens daily for the summer May 29. Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel 111th Street and 55th Avenue, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens 718-788-2676 fantasyforestnyc.com Hours: Through Oct. 11: daily, hours vary; check the website. Price: Single ticket: $3.50; 3 tickets: $10; 10 tickets: $30; 20 tickets: $55; 40 tickets: $100. Weekly unlimited ride wristband: $25 (valid until 4pm). One roller coaster, family rides and games, and a carousel are right in the heart of Queens. Don’t miss tons of great family-friendly performances throughout the summer as well, every weekend. The carousel was brought to Coney Island in 1964 for the World’s Fair and is the only ride left from the World’s Fair in Queens. Don’t miss the chance to ride this historical gem. Check website for a complete schedule.

Find the full guide at ›› nymetroparents.com/amusementparks

Introducing tweens to new to hobbies such as hiking as a healthy way to cope with stress is one way to help prevent them from turning to drugs.

It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Drug Abuse ›› With changing laws and attitudes about recreational marijuana, it’s more important than ever for parents to talk to their kids about drug use. By Dana Klosner-Wehner

opular opinion on the legalization of recreational marijuana has changed dramatically in the last decade. Today, 57 percent of U.S. adults say the use of marijuana should be made legal, while 37 percent say it should be illegal. A decade ago, opinion on legalizing marijuana was nearly the reverse: 32 percent favored legalization, while 60 percent were opposed, according to a 2016 Pew Research Poll. While marijuana is still illegal federally, recreational and medical use is permitted in eight states, and medical use is allowed in more than half the country, including New York and New Jersey. “With legalization [for recreational use] comes increased availability and a decrease in the perception of harm among children and adolescents,” says Amy Goldstein, communications director of the National Family Partnership. But studies from the World Health Organization and The National Academy of Sciences show just the opposite: Marijuana can be addictive and harmful. Chances of becoming dependent on marijuana can be up to 50 percent for some users, according to Smart Approaches to Marijuana, an alliance dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy, and regular use is dangerous to the adolescent brain—in some cases linked to permanent reductions in IQ, respiratory problems, injury, psychosis, and suicide. “When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may reduce thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions. Marijuana’s effect on these abilities may last a long time or even be permanent,” Goldstein says. But with these new state laws, kids are being inundated with messages 52

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

that the drug is harmless—and it’s more important today than ever that parents understand the risks of marijuana when used recreationally. “There are new television commercials coming after kids and young adults,” says Sue Rusche, president and CEO of National Families in Action. She refers to the T-Mobile Super Bowl commercial featuring Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg having a potluck supper with thinly veiled references to pot. “There were purple cushions, marijuana vines, and other pot references,” she says. “That kind of stuff comes after kids. It’s the new tobacco industry, only worse.” Medical marijuana—which has been approved for treating symptoms of a number of diseases including cancer, HIV infection or AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy—is a different story: Though it remains controversial and the American Academy of Pediatrics disapproves of its use in children, it is a topic that parents should discuss with their doctor if their child suffers from one of these diseases. In states where marijuana is fully legal, there are billboards advertising where to get it. Nationally, there are websites such as weedmaps. com that tell you where you can buy pot and even have it delivered. Paraphernalia is not the only way to indulge anymore. Legalization has spurred a boom in pot “edibles.” THC concentrate is mixed into almost any type of food or drink, including candies, soda, and baked goods. Today, these edibles comprise at least half of Colorado’s marijuana market, according to a report by SAM. There are even edible recipes on the Internet. “These foods are being left around,” Rusche says. “Babies and toddlers are eating them. They are rushed to the ICU.” “Marijuana is more potent today than it was in the 1960s and ’70s

even through the ’90s,” Rusche continues. “In those days the THC levels were 1, 2, 3, 4 percent. As marijuana growers begin cross breeding the average level of THC is now 12-15 percent.” But all is not lost. “Parents have the power to help our children grow up to be healthy and drug free,” Goldstein says. And it is never too early to start.

Ages 3-6

Model a healthy relationship to drugs and alcohol. “In very young children parents want to model behaviors,” says Susan Newman, Ph.D., a social psychologist who specializes in parenting issues. “Always use drugs and alcohol moderately. You think kids aren’t watching but they are.” Take advantage of teachable moments. “There are teachable moments,” says Peggy Sapp, executive director of the National Family Partnership. “You can use gummy vitamins. You can say, ‘These taste like candy but they’re not, they’re medicine and you can only have one a day.’” Eat dinner as a family. Even at this young age getting together for meals has a positive impact on kids, Newman says. You can model listening and sharing events of your day. “There are several studies that show the more dinners you have with children, the less likely they are to try dangerous substances,” she says. “They feel supported, they get heard, and it’s a great opportunity to talk about all this.”

Elementary School

Express clear disapproval for drug use. “Marijuana use was much less prevalent among youths who perceived strong parental disapproval for trying marijuana once or twice than for those who did not,” according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. What happens when you see commercials and billboards? “Help [kids] become media literate by asking questions about what they think the commercial or message are trying to tell them and why. It’s a good opportunity to ask questions about what they think they know about marijuana, what they’ve heard from their friends, who they perceive to be using it—and responding to those questions with facts, calmly and clearly,” Goldstein says. Tell your kids that even in states where marijuana is legal, it is only legal for adults of a certain age, and regulated by law the way alcohol is, until age 21. It is still considered illegal and harmful for teens and the developing teen brain, which is not fully matured until age 25, according to Josie Feliz, director of communications for the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Talk about family values. “Discuss incidents with friends in general about anti-social behavior,” Newman says. “If some child in the neighborhood throws rocks at someone’s dog, you need to discuss values and what’s important. For example you can say, ‘In this family we value respect and not following negative examples.” Address negative behaviors. According to Joseph Lee, M.D., American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry member and expert specializing in substance abuse, there can be telltale signs and many years of behavior before a child turns to substance abuse. “A child might have behavior problems in school,” he says. “He could be telling white lies and have trouble with remorse or empathy. These issues should be addressed.”

Middle School

Know your kids’ friends. Studies show younger teens, those 13 and

older, are much more influenced by their peers. “Be aware of where your kids are and who they are with,” Newman says. “Being vigilant can pay off.” “Ask them how their friends are using and why they are,” adds Susan Weiss, Ph.D., director of the Division of Extramural Research at The National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Tell them, ‘Your friends may be taking risks with things you may not want to do.’” Team up with other adults in your kids’ lives. “Know who the parents are,” Goldstein says. “Work together with the parents of your children’s friends to set common boundaries and monitor behavior. There’s strength in numbers. By getting to know your children’s friends’ parents and joining forces, you are essentially building a safety net for your children. Plus, supporting each other during times when you feel worn out can empower you to stay focused on helping your kids grow up healthy and drug free.” Model and introduce healthy coping mechanisms and hobbies. Middle school can be a time of high stress, Goldstein says. Children go through puberty while experiencing pressure to fit in and gaining more independence. It’s important for children to be exposed to healthy ways of coping with stress, whether it’s through daily exercise, getting out in nature, yoga, meditation, or playing their favorite sport.

Teens and Young Adults

Be available. Parents should be honest about the risk to kids, Weiss says. “But if your child is using it find out why—some are depressed, some are anxious. They are using it to solve problems. Tell them this is not a good way and there are better ways of coping.” Discuss family history and what they see in the news. Talk about family members with addictions and family members with mental illness, Weiss says. “When a celebrity or local person in the news is in trouble for marijuana or other substances, it is an opportunity for parents to take advantage of the situation and discuss it in detail,” Newman says. “You want to say something like this happened to this person and these are the dangers of using marijuana and other drugs.” Make them aware that not everyone is doing it. According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, only 7 percent (1 out of 14) of 12- to 17-year-olds have reported using marijuana in the last month. “Sadly the misconception that everyone is doing it, which is common for teens, leads to increased use,” Goldstein says. “Many prevention organizations are aware of this and are investing in marketing campaigns, which help to reduce alcohol and drug use by educating teens about the actual use by their peers, based on surveys done in a school or community.” “You can show them a site like weedmaps.com and say, ‘Look how many sites are exploiting kids and breaking federal laws. These folks don’t care about your health, they only care about making money’,” Rusche says. Cultivate a positive family culture. It’s important that you spend quality time with your kids and have a good relationship, Goldstein says. Your kids need to know that they can trust and talk to you. “You don’t know what outside influences are going to do to your teenager,” Newman says. “The only way to combat this is by how you as a parent behave.” Dana Klosner-Wehner is a Long Islander who enjoys writing about parenting issues. Her topics are quelled from her own experiences in raising two kids.

LongIslandParent 53

SPECIA

#SnapShot

It’s not too late to register for camps and summer programs! See our sponsored Instagram posts showing what your child can experience.

nymetroparents Gold Medal Gymnastics ›

nymetroparents

•••

Destination Science ›

nymetroparents Climb up into summer at @goldmedal_gyms! Gold Medal Gymnastics Huntington, Centereach, Rocky Point, Smithtown, Garden City, and Levittown 631-366-GOLD (4653)

nymetroparents Science camp R O C K S at @destinationscience! Destination Science | Multiple locations in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties | 888-909-2822

nymetroparents LIU Center for Gifted Youth ›

•••

nymetroparents Camp Italia ›

•••

nymetroparents Spend your summer becoming immersed in Italian culture right here in New York at #CampItalia! Camp Italia Garden City 855-CAMP-IT-1 (226-7481)

nymetroparents Sharpen their minds this summer at the #LIUCenterforGiftedYouth. LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth | LIU Post, Brookville | 516-299-2160

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

nymetroparents Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center ›

•••

nymetroparents

•••

Russian School of Mathematics ›

nymetroparents If you are looking for outdoor fun with wildlife this summer, look no further than @longislandaquarium’s Adventure Days Summer Camp!

nymetroparents Raise your hands if you can’t wait to learn this summer at @russianmath!

Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center 431 E. Main St., Riverhead | 631-208-9200 xH20 (426)

Russian School of Mathematics 322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington | 516-551-6428

nymetroparents Oasis Day Camps ›

•••

Village East Gifted ›

•••

Countryside Montessori School ›

nymetroparents Who’s ready to spend the summer playing at #CountrysideMontessoriSchool? Countryside Montessori School 354 Lakeville Road, lower level, Great Neck | 516-466-8422

nymetroparents Get ready for a fun summer at @oasisdaycamps Oasis Day Camps LIU Post, Brookville; Tully Park, New Hyde Park; and Manorhaven Park, Port Washington | 646-519-5059

nymetroparents

•••

nymetroparents LI Voyager’s Day Camp ›

•••

nymetroparents Make a splash this summer at @livoyagersdaycamp! Kids will go swimming, paddle boating, go on fun excursions to places like @splishsplashwp and Atlantis Aquarium, and more! LI Voyager’s Day Camp Wantagh Pool and Park 516-238-4586

nymetroparents Ready for an intellectual challenge this summer? Register for one of @villageeastgifted’s Camp ThinkTank workshops to learn about STEAM, electrical engineering, literature, art, and more! Village East Gifted | Huntington Station and Roslyn Heights | 631-549-2313

LongIslandParent 55

nymetroparents DNA Learning Center ›

•••

nymetroparents

•••

Port Washington Skating Center ›

nymetroparents Use sophisticated laboratory and computer equipment to perform experiments this summer at @dna_learning_center!

nymetroparents What better way to beat the summer heat than by enrolling in skating or hockey camp at #PortWashingtonSkatingCenter?

DNA Learning Center Cold Spring Harbor and Lake Success | 516-367-5170

Port Washington Skating Center 70 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington | 516-484-6800

nymetroparents Camps ‘R’ Us ›

•••

nymetroparents

•••

The Green Vale School ›

nymetroparents Hold on to your hats, it’s going to be a fun summer at @campsrus!

nymetroparents Spend this summer with your friends at one of @greenvaleschools many summer camps!

Camps ‘R’ Us | Baldwin, Bellmore, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Syosset, Valley Stream, and West Islip | 516-935-CAMP (2267)

The Green Vale School 250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville | 516-621-2420

nymetroparents Art League of Long Island ›

•••

nymetroparents Future Stars Summer Camp ›

•••

nymetroparents Become a sports this summer at @futurestarssummercamps! Future Stars Summer Camp Old Westbury, Farmingdale, and Patchogue 516-876-3490

nymetroparents Tap into your artistic side this summer at @artleagueli! Art League of Long Island | 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills | 631-462-5400

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

nymetroparents Sacred Heart Academy Camp›

•••

nymetroparents Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium ›

•••

nymetroparents Play lacrosse, soccer, basketball, and more this summer at @shahempsteadny!

nymetroparents Spend the summer surrounded by nature and outdoor exploration at @cshfishhatchery!

Sacred Heart Academy Camp 47 Cathedral Ave., Hempstead | 516-483-7383 x430

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor | 516-692-6768

nymetroparents Kenwal Day Camp ›

•••

nymetroparents Spend the summer playing tug of war, mini golf, go karts, and more at @campkenwal! Kenwal Day Camp | 100 Drexel Ave., Melville | 631-694-3399

nymetroparents Empire State Fair ›

•••

nymetroparents

•••

Old Westbury Summer Camp ›

nymetroparents Raise your hand if you’re excited for camp at @oldwestburysummerprogram! Old Westbury Summer Camp 250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville | 516-621-2420

nymetroparents Tower Talent ›

•••

nymetroparents Is your child a rising ? Enroll him now for summer classes at @towertalentlongisland! Tower Talent 535 Broadhollow Road, Suite A2A, Melville 516-765-2400

nymetroparents Summer means it’s state fair season! Don’t miss out on 11 days of fun at @empirestatefair in Uniondale this July! Empire State Fair | 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale | 516-408-1500

LongIslandParent 57

nymetroparents SPORTIME Roslyn ›

•••

nymetroparents High five if you’re ready for tennis and sports camp at @sportime_roslyn! SPORTIME Roslyn | 1 Landing Road, Roslyn | 516-484-9222

nymetroparents SPORTIME Lynbrook ›

•••

nymetroparents SPORTIME Bethpage ›

nymetroparents Tennis camp at @sportime_bethpage? Sign us up! SPORTIME Bethpage | 101 Norcross Ave., Bethpage | 516-933-8500

nymetroparents SPORTIME Syosset ›

nymetroparents Pro tip: registration is now underway for tennis and multi-sport camp at @sportime_lynbrook!

nymetroparents Who’s excited for tennis and sports camp at @sportimesyosset?

SPORTIME Lynbrook | 175 Merrick Road, Lynbrook | 516-887-1330

SPORTIME Syosset | 75 Haskett Drive, Syosset | 516-364-2727

nymetroparents The Fashion Class ›

•••

nymetroparents New York City ›

nymetroparents Kids will have “sew” much fun sewing this summer at @thefashionclass!

nymnetroparents See the Statue of Liberty and the 49 other things your child should experience in New York City!

The Fashion Class | 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick | 516-246-2000

nymetroparents.com/bucketlist

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

•••

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Flexible Schedule s

Affordable Payment Plans

WORK AT CAMP!

NOW HIRING! Vi sit campsrus.org/st aff

Celebrating 25 Summers!

ET •VALLEY LE • SYOSS E • HICKSVIL AL D G IN M R • FA BELLMORE BALDWIN •

R! E V E R E M M U S #BEST ages 3 and up, enjoy

h Campers, ummers wit fun-ﬁlled s ies, including ctivit incredible a Crafts, Swimming, & Sports, Arts GaGa, Go Karts, , g in Gam ecial ld Trips, Sp Bowling, Fie uch more. Our m Events and ies, top-notch ilit c fa r ie r m pre abilty nique afford staff, and u s the reputation du have earne e best summer th f o e n as o nd! n Long Isla o s p m ca

EST ISLIP STREAM • W

Summer Camps at Green Vale

Single Sport ● Mull-Sport ● Community Service ● Arts ● Outdoor Fun

greenvaleschool.org/camps Now oﬀering Yankees Baseball, Nike Lacrosse, & NFL Football

LongIslandParent 59

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Enroll in a DNA camp and get up close and personal with the stuff that makes life tick!

SCIENCE www.dnalc.org (516) 367-5170

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center is offering exciting 5-day summer day camps for students entering 6th–12th grades. Budding scientists are immersed in hands-on activities and experiments that deepen DNA science understanding. Camp Locations: (See website for directions) Dolan DNA Learning Center Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center West Lake Success Harlem DNA Lab East Harlem

C O L L E G E AT O L D W E S T B U R Y F A R M I N G D A L E S TAT E C O L L E G E S T. J O E ’ S C O L L E G E P AT C H O G U E S O U T H A M P T O N AT N O R T H S E A P A R K

20+camps

WEEKLY SESSIONS

516.876.3490 or 631.609.0438

SPORTS, STEAM & SPECIALTY CAMP PROGRAMS

Want to know the best

activities for families? Subscribe to our family activity

email newsletter

NYMETROPARENTS.COM/REGISTER 60

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

replica at the DNALC!

CAMP MARKETPLACE

LongIslandParent 61

CAMP MARKETPLACE

SPORTIME SUMMER CAMPS

is the place to get them started!

Visit us o find an O nline to pen Ho near you use !

Visit us online to find the perfect camp for you!

www.SportimeCamps.com | 888-698-3664 Camp programs vary at each SPORTIME location. 3950NF

On Camera Scene Study TV Commercials Audition Runway With TOP NYC CASTING Fashion Print AGENTS Improv & Comedy Voice Overs & Many More! To apply for a FREE live on-camera audition Call 516-765-2400 or visit www.TowerTalent.com

CAMP

Make us YOUR Family's Skating Center!

Have the most fun ever at the Port Washington Skating Center Summer Camps. It's friends, ﬁtness, and fun for all to enjoy!

Full or half day, Hockey or Skating...we're the place to be for a great summer experience.

Port Washington Skating Center 70 Seaview Blvd Port Washington NY 11050 516-484-6800 | pwskating.com 62

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

CAMP MARKETPLACE

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

HE'S A ROCK STAR!

SUMMER 2017 MONDAY - FRIDAY PROGRAM July 3-28, 2017 | 9:00am to 3:30pm Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

CATCH HIS ACT IN OUR DAILY SEA LION SHOWS!

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual summer program for gifted children. The summer program runs on Monday to Friday from July 3-28. The program is open to gifted children entering grades 2-8 in September 2017. The program expands students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

Don’t miss the show! Watch him clap, roar and soar through the air as his caretakers explain why teaching him husbandry behaviors are so important!

431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 631.208.9200, ext. 426 Visit LongIslandAquarium.com! Closed Christmas & Thanksgiving. *Admission must be used within 7 days of your birthday. No exceptions and no refunds for previously purchased tickets. Valid ID is required. No ID no admittance. Birthday offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Good for 2017.

5/18/17 10:41 AM Dorothy P. Flint Nassau County 4-H Camp Summer 2017

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Now find us on Facebook

INQUIRE ABOUT TRANSPORTATION!

Admission Admi miissio sio i n iis h highly ighly s selective and enrollment is limited.

LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

Sea Lion NYMetro 3.55x4.7 June 2017.indd 1

Ropes Course Horseback Riding Waterfront Archery Farm Animals & Gardening Arts and Crafts Sports & Recreation And Much More!

Co-Ed Sleep-Away Camp for Ages 8 - 16 1-8 Week Sessions, “Mini-Camp” For First Time Campers and CIT Program Located At: 3186 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901

2017 Come Visit an Open House!

10:30AM - 12:30PM

Jun 3, Jun 11 & Jun 17 Or call to schedule a tour (516) 626-9268 Enjoy 14 Acres of Fun & Sun, Swim Lessons Every Day, Professional Tennis Lessons, Door-To-Door Busing Available (Select your AM and PM locations), Before & After Care Available, Daily Lunch Included

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

oldwestburysummercamp.org

25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 LongIslandParent 63

CAMP MARKETPLACE

Art Adventure

Come to...

Art League of Long Island offers ... A Summer of Fun, Dynamic Art Enrichment Sessions for Kids & Teens

Art League SAA program held at

Chestnut Hill Elementary School, Dix Hills

Early Childhood (age 5-6) & Young Artist (age 7-10)

Gold Medal Gymnastics!

PARTNER PROGRAM with Park Shore Country Day Camp of Dix Hills ... Kids age 5-9 can join SAA in the mornings and spend afternoons at Park Shore!

July 10 - August 11

Mature Artist (age 11-14) Two 10-day Sessions:

July 10-21 & July 24-Aug. 4

Summer Studio Intensives held at the Art League (Teens 14-18)

July 10- July 27 (Mon-Thurs) Architecture & Spatial Design or Fashion Fundamentals July 10- August 18 (Mon-Fri) Pre-College Portfolio Development

Two 3-week sessions ... choose one or both!

107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills, NY

info@ARTLEAGUELI.org www.ARTLEAGUELI.org

631.462.5400

www.GMGC.com

631-366-GOLD

or (4653) Huntington, Garden City, Smithtown, Centereach, Rocky Point and Levittown

An Education Where Children Thrive Under the Guidance of Great Teacher in an Environment that Stimulates Creativity and Individual Potential!

• A proven system celebrating over 100 years of practice, research and worldwide recognition • Our fully equipped spacious classrooms offer the most enriched curriculum available for 18 months - 6 years. • Fully affiliated with the American Montessori Society since 1998. • Early drop-off and extended day available. REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 354 Lakeville Road • Great Neck, NY • 516-466-8422 Visit our website: www.CMSGN.com

Destination Science The fun science day camp for curious kids 5-11!

͜Ǧ͟

Roller Coasters! Chemistry! Space! Fort Building! Robots! Science Detective! 12 Long Island Locations destinationscience.org 888-909-2822 64

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

͠Ǧ͙͙

͠͝͝Ǧ Ǧ Ǧ͙ ȋ͠͝͝Ǧ͚͚͞Ǧ͙͟͜͠Ȍ ̻ Ǥ

Ǥ Ǥ Ǥ Ȁ

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals. CHEFS & CATERING NEED A CHEF Serving all Long Island areas 631-578-0798 needachef.com grillhampton@gmail.com Need A Chef can provide you with the right kind of chef for any kind of event! Packages include: personal menu, food, shopping, chef service, setup, and cleanup! CLEANING & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPARKLE GRILL CLEANING OF LONG ISLAND Serving all Long Island areas 631-209-5688 sparklegrill.com peter@sparklegrill.com Sparkle’s two-man crews will arrive complete with the tools of the trade to restore your barbecue grill’s appearance or with the parts to make it fire up again! DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for volunteer opportunities related to their field of college interest.

LEGAL SERVICES

engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children.

SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYMENT

BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE, and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale.

STRATEGIC STAFFING WORKS Brooklyn and Long Island locations 631-649-6573 strategicstaffingworks.com strategicstaffingworks@gmail.com Offers workshops designed to help parents, family, and friends aid people with diverse abilities in their search for employment and life-fulfilling volunteer opportunities.

LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com; ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost.

LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500; Hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured that they will feel confident.

LOUIS E. MORA, PH.D., PSYCHOLOGIST P.C. 70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690; lmoraphd.com Dr. Mora specializes in psychological testing. This includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders.

LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 1772 E. Jericho Turnpike, Suite 2, Huntington 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. SPECIAL NEEDS BAKSHI LAW Offices in the Financial District, Long Island, and Westchester 917-244-6133 lawbakshi.com lara.bakshi@gmail.com Bakshi Law specializes in special education law, representing parents and children with disabilities, attending suspension hearings, CSE, and resolution meetings. Our attorneys offer assistance on a sliding scale. DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island Locations 347-668-3676; etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to

LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS

DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island Locations 347-668-3676; etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. TUTORS & TEST PREP JEI LEARNING CENTERS (NASSAU) Herricks-Williston Park: 516-742-5534 Hicksville-Jericho: 917-815-0977 Merrick-Bellmore: 516-308-4705; jei.com JEI Learning Centers offer a variety of academic enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K through ninth grade, including math, problem solving, English, reading, and writing. VILLAGE EAST GIFTED: ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center. LongIslandParent 65

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT CLOWNS.COM Proudly Serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. GAMETRUCK LONG ISLAND 917-327-8700 gametruck.com david.schwartz@gametruck.com Video Game Party, laser tag arena, inflatables, or bubble soccer—GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true! MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com Mad Science hands-on, high-energy A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy. ROYAL EVENTS PRINCESS PARTIES INC. 516-729-4970 royaleventsli.com royal.events@aol.com Thank you for considering Royal Events! We are a family-owned company that provides princess performers for birthday parties, hospital visits, and all your special events! PARTY PLACES ART BUZZ KIDS 35 Jackson Ave., Syosset 516-802-4954 syosset@wineanddesign.com 21 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre wineanddesign.com

Spark your child’s creativity and imagination! Art Buzz Kids offers family-friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages. Our birthday party themes are designed to inspire and excite all children. @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 30,000 square feet of fun including 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, and laser tag! BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere. CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including cookie baking and decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen. com for more information on parties. COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the Hatchery & Aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an upclose animal encounter.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

FABULOSITY AT THE TODDLEWOOD STUDIOS 818 Merrick Road, Baldwin 646-596-4227 toddlewoodparties.com parties@toddlewood.com Welcome to Toddlewood! This high-end fashion photo studio has a large hair and makeup station, nail station, arts and crafts, dancing, music, and the best professional photography session for your next top model birthday girl and her friends.

LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead 631-208-9200 xH20 (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the Aquarium, receive preferential treatment at our Submarine Simulator and Discovery Tower rides, and special seating at our Sea Lion Show!

THE FASHION CLASS 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick 516-246-2000 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 3000-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show!

M.A.T.S.S. KID’S GYM & EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION CENTER A RAINBOW OF PROGRAMS UNDER ONE ROOF! 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore 516-221-1330 171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-496-7765 matsskidsgym.com corporate@matsskidsgym.com M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym offers a rainbow of themes and activities that will make your child’s next birthday party the ultimate celebration of their special day!

THE FASHION DESIGN LAB 235 N. Robbins Lane, Syosset 516-778-7240 1500 Old Northern Blvd., #3, Roslyn 497 N. Broadway, Jericho 1163 Old Country Road, Plainview 6333 Jericho Turnpike, Commack thefashiondesignlab.com info@thefashiondesignlab.com We offer Fabulous Fashion Parties for kids! Choose from our multiple creative design project options, our sewing parties, or our Project Runway party. Pick your project and we will do the rest! KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, we have a birthday party package to fit all budgets. The guest of honor picks the theme, and we provide the instruction so each guest leaves with a masterpiece! THE LITTLE LADIES CLUB 246 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-939-CLUB (2582) thelittleladiesclub.com party@thelittleladiesclub.com The Little Ladies Club has been providing glamorous makeover parties for girls since 1998! Her Majesty will be sure to receive the royal treatment!

MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) 128 W Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation mgym.com/stonybrook My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities with theme options including Superheroes, Princesses, Mickey Mouse—any theme you want. NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjust art.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard.

LOOKING FOR

GREAT DEALS? SLOTS-A-LOT RACEWAY AND PARTY PLACE 1100 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square 516-616-7075 slotsalotraceway.com info@slotsalotraceway.com Partygoers race 6-inch scale model cars around three 150-foot, professionally built slot-car tracks, in a safe, clean, brightly lit, and colorful venue. All will enjoy “going fast, having fun.” UNLIMITED SPORTS ACTION 30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675 unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our parties offer 1 hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room.

THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends including an art project of your choice. WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!

Saving money on a New York City family day is easy!

Cityguideny.com has coupons and discounts for NYC sightseeing attractions, restaurants, stores and more. Great New York deals, savings, special offers and deep discounts—for you and your family—are yours with just a click of the mouse.

OPENHOUSES2017

Art League of Long Island Summer Art Adventures 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills 631-462-5400 artleagueli.org info@artleague.org Learn about the Art League of Long Island’s programs for kids and teens at their Fine Art and Craft Fair at Huntington’s Heckscher Park June 3-4.

JEI Learning Centers

Herricks-Williston Park 516-742-5534 Hicksville-Jericho 917-815-0977 Merrick-Bellmore 516-308-4705 jei.com Visit JEI and learn about our brain building programs, summer camps, and meet our director. Saturdays; call for details.

Kenwal Day Camp

100 Drexel Ave., Melville 631-694-3399 kenwaldaycamp.com Visit Kenwal and meet with our directors. They will answer your questions, and take you and your campers around the beautiful 20-acre camp grounds. Through June: Sundays, 12-3pm.

Long Island Voyager’s Day Camp

516-238-4586 livoyagersdaycamp.com livoyagersdaycamp@gmail.com Come to LI Voyager’s Day Camp June open house. Meet with the director to learn about our exciting programs for campers ages 4-14 and receive new camper discounts.

Oasis at LIU Post

720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 646-519-5066 oasischildren.com liupost@oasischildren.com

Join us for an open house June 1 and 7 at 6:30pm at the Hillwood Commons Building (Theater).

Oasis at Tully Park

Jason Miradoli, camp director Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com tullypark@oasischildren.com Join us for an information session June 8 from 7:30-8:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room and Concessions Room.

Oasis On the Sound

Mike Caramanico, camp director Port Washington Senior Center 80 Manorhaven Blvd., Manorhaven 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com onthesound@oasischildren.com Join us for an information session June 6 at 6:30pm at Manorhaven Pool Building.

Old Westbury Summer Camp A camp for every child ages 2-16!

25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-626-9268 oldwestburysummercamp.org Come visit our 14-acre campus at an open house June 3, 11, or 17 from 10:30am-12:30pm, or call 516-626-9268 to set up a tour at your convenience.

Premier Education Center: RoboMindTech

575 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho 718-264-7626; 516-418-6102 robomindtech.com robomindtech@gmail.com Join us for a RoboMindTech open house and free trial class. Sundays, June 4 from 11am12pm, and June 25 from 4-6pm. Please email or call to RSVP.

LongIslandParent 67

Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL To be in this section, call 516-883-4543 or email nympads@davlermedia.com

ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com

Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore, as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.

Louis E. Mora, Ph.D., Psychologist P.C. 70 Glen Cove Road, Suite 201, Roslyn Heights 347-740-5690 lmoraphd.com

Dr. Mora works with children and adults. He specializes in psychological testing, which helps improve diagnosing and treatment planning. Such testing includes neuropsychological testing, giftedness examinations, and evaluating for the presence of psychological disorders. This includes evaluating for ADHD and possible consequences of head injury. He has years of experience doing such testing with various populations. He earned his doctorate in clinical psychology and postdoctoral education in forensic psychology from St. John’s University. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology at St. Francis College.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767

Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES—Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry 959 Brush Hollow Road, Suite #101, Westbury 516-333-3033 kidsteeth4li.com kidds@optonline.net

Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry 164 Main St., Port Washington 516-888-9789 tinysparkles.com

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660 theciitcenter.com

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry 1756A Merrick Ave., Merrick 516-547-1997 merrickpediatricdentistry.com

Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry cares for all of your child’s oral health needs in a fun, kid-friendly environment that includes iPads and chairside TV monitors. Drs. Ehrenman and Khan are dedicated and trained to ease dental anxieties for young children as well as patients with special needs. Their years of advanced training include hospital and sedation dentistry. Please visit kidsteeth4li.com to learn more about what Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry has to offer!

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Dr. Angie Chin welcomes everyone to her new office in Port Washington. The office is modern and child-friendly with themed treatment rooms, iPads and games in the waiting room, movies and cartoons available during treatment, and digital animal X-rays. Dr. Chin’s practice philosophy is centered on promoting preventive care and helping parents and children develop a healthy and happy dental home. With her light-hearted approach and welcoming demeanor, kids of all ages have grown to truly love going to the dentist!

Dr. Rania Elbaz is a board-certified pediatric dentist. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University. She then completed her pediatric dental training at UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School. Dr. Elbaz loves working with children and strives to create a warm and fun environment that children look forward to visiting. Dr. Elbaz sees every patient in order to ensure consistency that is so important to young children. The office welcomes and gives extra time and attention to patients with special needs. The office also participates with most major insurance plans.

Allied Physicians Group - Neighborhood Pediatrics 1 Expressway Plaza, Suite 115, Roslyn Heights 516-759-1131 neighborhoodpediatricsny.com

Lisa A. Cavanaugh, M.D., opened her solo practice in 1997, specializing in pediatrics and adolescent medicine. She is passionate about working with children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. She is a doctor who still makes house calls when it’s deemed necessary. Dr. Cavanaugh is affiliated with Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center, Northwell Health North Shore University Hospital Manhasset, and Winthrop University Hospital. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

AD INDEX

Kidds on Park Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Jodi Guttenberg 111 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre 516-678-7422 drjodiguttenberg.com info@kiddsonpark.com

Dr. Jodi Guttenberg and her board-certified associates have been treating the dental needs of children since 1995. Their training and experience allow them to provide the highest quality of care for children. The office is “full service” offering routine dentistry along with orthodontics, cosmetic procedures, laser surgery, and even sedation when necessary. The environment is welcoming for both children and their parents. They provide stressfree treatment for children of all ages and are experts in special needs care.

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY Metropolitan area!

ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS Gold Medal Gymnastics Center..............64 BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES @ Play Amusement................................31 BounceU - Farmingdale.........................35 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery..........64 Fashion Class (The)...............................60 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center.................................63 Port Washington Skating Center............62 CAMPS Art League of Long Island......................64 Camp Italia.............................................64 Camps ‘R’ Us..........................................59 Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery..........64 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: DNA Learnig........................60 Countryside Montessori School..............64 Destination Science................................64 Dorothy P Flint 4-H Camp......................63 Fashion Class (The)...............................60 Future Stars - Old Westbury...................60 Gold Medal Gymnastics Center..............64 Green Vale School..................................59 Kenwal Day Camp..................................13 LI Voyagers Day Camp...........................61 LIU Center for Gifted Youth....................63 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center.................................63 Mathnasium ............................................5 Oasis Children Services......................... 11 Old Westbury Summer Camp.................63 Port Washington Skating Center............62 RoboMindTech........................................25 Russian School of Mathematics.............49 Sacred Heart Academy ..........................61 Sportime.................................................62 Tower Talent - Melville............................62 Village East Gifted..................................62 Young Peoples Day Camp - LI...............16

CLASSES Art League of Long Island......................64 Eye Level Learning Center.....................31 Fashion Class (The)...............................60 Gold Medal Gymnastics Center..............64 Hofstra University / Saltzman Center.....35 LIU Center for Gifted Youth....................63 Music Institute of Long Island.................33 RoboMindTech........................................25 Sportime.................................................62 Steps To Socialization............................19 Tower Talent - Melville............................62 Village East Gifted..................................62 DEVELOPMENTAL Allied Physicians Group..........................69 C.I.I.T. Center...................................25, 68 Huntington Learning Center...................27 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech............................27, 68 Louis Mora, Ph.D..............................33, 68 Steps To Socialization............................19 EDUCATION Bakshi Law.............................................49 Barnes and Noble.....................................9 Camp Italia.............................................64 Countryside Montessori School..............64 Diocese of RVC......................................72 Eye Level Learning Center.....................31 Green Vale School..................................59 Huntington Learning Center...................27 JEI Learning Center - Nassau................15 LIU Center for Gifted Youth....................63 Mathnasium ............................................5 Music Institute of Long Island.................33 RoboMindTech........................................25 Russian School of Mathematics.............49 Sacred Heart Academy ..........................61 Village East Gifted..................................62

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT /

RELIGIOUS

EVENTS / OUTINGS @ Play Amusement................................31 Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures ...............................12 BounceU - Farmingdale.........................35 Empire State Fair....................................15 Great South Bay Music Fest...................21 Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center.................................63 Port Washington Skating Center............62

Diocese of RVC......................................72

FAMILY TRAVEL Adventure Parks of Outdoor Adventures ...............................12

RETAIL Barnes and Noble.....................................9 Once Upon a Child.................................12 SPECIAL EVENTS Barnes and Noble.....................................9 Empire State Fair....................................15 Great South Bay Music Fest...................21 SPECIAL NEEDS Allied Physicians Group..........................69

HEALTH Allied Physicians Group..........................69 C.I.I.T. Center...................................25, 68 ChiroMom.........................................49, 68 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry..............................3, 68 Fairy LiceMothers...................................49 Fidelis Care New York..............................2 Kidds on Park, Jodi Guttenberg, D.D.S....69 Louis Mora, Ph.D..............................33, 68 Merrick Pediatric Dentistry..................7, 68 Steps To Socialization............................19 Tiny Sparkles Pediatric Dentistry............68 Tobacco Action Coalition of LI................71 Tobacco Free NY....................................35 LEGAL SERVICES Bakshi Law.............................................49

Bakshi Law.............................................49 C.I.I.T. Center...................................25, 68 ChiroMom.........................................49, 68 Ehrenman & Khan Pediatric Dentistry..............................3, 68 Huntington Learning Center...................27 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech............................27, 68 Kidds on Park, Jodi Guttenberg, D.D.S..........................69 Louis Mora, Ph.D..............................33, 68 SPORTS Future Stars - Old Westbury...................60 Kenwal Day Camp..................................13 Sportime.................................................62

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING Tower Talent - Melville............................62 PLAY SPACES @ Play Amusement................................31 BounceU - Farmingdale.........................35

TUTORS Eye Level Learning Center.....................31 Hofstra University / Saltzman Center.....35 JEI Learning Center - Nassau................15

LongIslandParent 69

Rod Howe and Mark Pedersen

VOICES Three Decades and Counting ››

How we, a gay couple with two adopted sons, raised our kids during changing times By Rod Howe and Mark Pedersen

e met in Boston in 1986 and quickly cut to the chase. One of us indicated that he planned to adopt a child, since he had known he wanted to be a parent since the age of 12. The other shared he was HIV positive and had never thought about the possibility of parenthood. Fast forward through a brief romance, moving in together, marching in front of then-governor Michael Dukakis’ home to oppose an intolerant foster care policy, and then turning to foreign adoption options. It is now 31 years later; we have raised our two adopted sons from Cambodia and now are enjoying being grandfathers to two granddaughters. The journey in many ways is very different than the one we had envisioned, but it is ours, and we are in equal measures humbled, proud, a bit bruised, and ultimately contented. As far as we are concerned, whoever coined the phrase “Practice makes perfect” clearly was not a parent. We have made our share of mistakes—as did our parents and their parents and so on throughout history—but we haven’t been terrible parents. Sometimes it was the thing we swore we would never say to our child that we did say in the heat of the moment. Sometimes it was something of our own creation that was equally hurtful or certainly not very helpful. Sometimes it seemed like we didn’t have better options. Now that our sons are adults (ages 19 and 30) the challenges they present are vastly different from when they were younger (not surprisingly), and we are sometimes at a total loss for how to react or what to say. We try to remember the maxim that if you openly disagree with something your child is doing he will tend to cling all the more tightly to that behavior. And as parents of children from another culture, we have always had to consider whether our perspective is objectively “right” or only makes sense from the standpoint of the lens with which we see the world. Biological parents sometimes say their children are so different from themselves that they swear the child must have been switched at birth. We held no expectations that our children would look like us or act like us, and they haven’t disappointed. The world certainly has changed since we were in our 20s, especially in terms of how alternative families are perceived and

The authors’ sons when they were children, circa 2001

received. Not too long ago our teenage son introduced us to one of his friends, and she shrieked, “You have two gay dads! That’s awesome!” We were surprised that she—and everyone else in the school—didn’t already know, and we wondered if our son was somehow ashamed of our family constellation. (Weren’t we all ashamed of our parents for one reason or another at some point in our lives?) On the other hand, maybe he just did not see any need to mention it. In his last year of high school, this same young man came out to us as bisexual in the midst of a play in which he was acting. He had blocked us from a number of Facebook posts in which he had been questioning who he was, but some family members and friends had reported back to us already. Prior to this we had always been forbidden from setting foot anywhere near where he might be street dancing or acting in a play, so we knew something was up when he invited us to this performance. I’m afraid that the shock value wasn’t present on our faces as he made his announcement during the talk-back after the play. Both of our sons have felt free to experiment with who they are and are very accepting of others whose way of being in the world may not be considered the norm. They are very empathetic to those who are bullied or are somehow labeled and treated as different or other. Perhaps we haven’t done such a bad job after all.

Rod Howe is the product of a large, ever-expanding, and inclusive family from upstate New York, where he and Mark Pedersen have resided for the past 27 years. He is now the executive director of a history center after retiring from Cornell University. Pedersen, originally from the Boston area, now works for a local Unitarian Universalist congregation. Their two sons and grandchildren all live within 10 miles of each other.

June 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Why are drugstores and pharmacies still selling

T TOBACCO p products? Itâ€™s time to end this practice. Show your support. #TobaccoFreePharmacies

LongIslandParent 71

LI Parent RESULTS full pg Jun 2017:Layout 1 5/1/17 10:17 AM Page 1

What’s different about a Catholic education?

We educate the whole person—mind, body and spirit. While most schools increasingly deﬁne themselves

by test scores, we believe that developing self-worth, grit and determination has a greater positive eﬀect on a child’s life. The result? Our students outperform most of their public school counterparts. Most of our elementary school students choose a quality Catholic high school. 99% of our high school students go on to college. And twice as many of our high school graduates earn the college degree they set out to achieve. If you aren’t seeing the results you’d like from your children’s education, call 516-678-5800 x 258 or visit us online at www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org