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LongIslandParent SUFFOLK EDITION

AUGUST 2017

NYMETROPARENTS.COM

Organize

Your Home • 8 Hacks for Taming the Mess • What to Do With Kids’ Artwork

How to Turn After-School Activities Into College Scholarships!

Reasons to

Relax

Why Me Time Is Good for Your Health

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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Celebrate o

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6 0 th A n n ive rsa ry E a r l y B i rd R ate s for 2018

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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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NYMetroParents Helping Parents Make Better Decisions

Contents

August 2017 ››

43

Features

12 Battling Burnout How me time benefits your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships 16 Easy Home Organization Hacks for Families One mom offers tips for taming the mess and getting your home in order.

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20 Hang, Store—or Toss?

Ideas for organizing and displaying kids’ artwork 22 DIY Your Home Three projects to make your decor uniquely you, plus an easy way to clean crayon and pencil marks off your walls 38 From Extracurricular to Extra Cash How to turn your kids’ after-school passion into a college scholarship 43 The Dangers of Dry & Secondary Drowning What to watch out for even after children leave the pool

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44 Bring Shake Shack to Your Kitchen Rather than wait on line for what feels like hours, you can make the NYC chain’s customer favorites at home.

Connections

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Family Activities CALENDAR ››

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 Quotables 11 NYMP Q&A: Lyss Stern, founder of Divalysscious Moms, talks reclaiming your identity after giving birth.

19 Spotlight on Stony Brook to Riverhead 50 Voices: What Potty Training Taught Me

Fun & Activities

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26 Outing: Wild West City 27 Family Activities Calendar 36 Where-To Guide: Pick Your Own Berries

Directories 46 47 48 49

Professional Services Party Central Meet the Health Care Professional Advertisers’ Index

ON THE COVER ›› Organize Your Home: 16 8 Hacks for Taming the Mess 20 What to Do With Kids’ Artwork 12 Reasons to Relax 38 How to Turn After-School Activities Into College Scholarships facebook.com/nymetroparents

@NYMetroParents

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

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AUGUST 2017 • Vol.9 • No.3

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Michael Kress MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling

EDITOR’S NOTE

DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf

Hack Your Home Organization

P

erhaps you’re one of those people whose home seems immaculate and clutterfree every moment of every day, even as the kids run around being, well, kids.

I, most decidedly, am not. Despite our efforts to keep some semblance of order and to teach our kids to clean up after themselves and put stuff away when they’re done with it, our house seems consistently overrun with toys large and small, notes home from camp or school, books strewn about, and of course, artwork everywhere. If your house is anything like mine, read on as we bring you our first-ever Home Issue.

In these pages, find easy-to-do hacks for home organization (p. 16), tips for what to do with all that kids’ artwork (p. 20), and DIY projects to make your home feel more uniquely your own (p. 22).

I’ve always found late August to be a good time for home projects. Summer is winding down, and my mind is on my kids’ school year ahead—a time to take stock, literally and figuratively, and get organized. It’s also a time for figuring out the kids’ after-school activities and classes. In recent years, mine have participated in a mix of gymnastics, drama, academic enrichment, and chess programs. For younger kids like mine, these are fun activities that build skills and character. For older kids, though, they can be even more rewarding and lucrative, even life-changing, as high school seniors seek scholarships to help with college costs. If your August to-do list includes gearing up for college applications—and figuring out how to pay for it all—check out Samantha Neudorf ’s report on how to turn your child’s extracurricular activities into scholarship money (p. 38).

In the meantime, though, there’s plenty of time left to enjoy summer—safely, of course. I love swimming with my kids, but I must admit to feeling a bit of relief when it’s time to pack up and head home; there are so many potential dangers at the pool that I sometimes find it hard to relax. Recent headlines have reminded me, however, that the danger is not over just because a child is no longer in the water. Dry drowning and secondary drowning (related but different syndromes) happen in the hours or even days after a child has gulped water accidentally, and they can potentially be fatal. Learn more about these conditions, including how to prevent them, recognize the signs, and react if you suspect your child has them (p. 43).

For fun beyond the pool, find the best activities in the region with our calendar (p. 27), or check out our report on Wild West City in Stanhope, NJ (p. 26). And finally, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Katelin Walling explores the importance of me time to your health and well-being (p. 12)—so if you need an excuse to take a run or relax in a coffeeshop, now you have it!

Michael Kress Editorial Director

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NEW PLACES, NEW PROGRAMS

nymetroparents.com/np-sp

Who: YMCA of Long Island What’s New: A swim lessons program with an emphasis on safety, swim basics, and drowning prevention, which is scheduled to start Sept. 10 at all six locations.

The lessons, for children and adults, will focus on different swim stages, such as swim starters, swim basics, and swim strokes. Lessons will cover safety skills, endurance, and stroke development.

“A big key in our new program is safety and being able to be water conscious and have the basic swimming skills,” says Tracie Busch, aquatics director at the Patchogue Family YMCA. Registration begins Aug. 20.

Want More Info: See website for locations; 855-2YMCALI (296-2254); ymcali.org

Courtesy YMCA of Long Island

YMCA of Long Island Launches New Swim Program

The new aquatics program at YMCA of Long Island is focused on safety, swim basics, and drowning prevention.

Who: Grace Music School What’s New: Music FunTime classes for children ages 18 months to 7 years, which are scheduled to start at the Melville location in the fall.

Music FunTime classes aim to teach children basic music concepts in a fun and educational way through a variety of means including singing and using instruments.

Grace Music School offers individual lessons to people of all ages and skill levels in a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, voice, percussion, strings, and woodwinds.

Music FunTime classes are currently offered at the Fort Salonga location.

Want More Info: 505 Walt Whitman Road, Melville; 631-470-9705; and 10-10 Fort Salonga Road, Fort Salonga; 631-239-6169; gracemusicschool.com

Courtesy Grace Music School

Music School Adds Classes to Melville Location

Through Grace Music School’s Music FunTime classes, children will have the opportunity to learn how to read music and play instruments.

Who: TJE Dance Force What’s New: More classes for dancers with special needs at the Holbrook and Saint James studio locations as of October 2016, due to high demand.

TJE Dance Force offers a variety of classes for dancers of all ages with special needs, including classes for dancers with autism and Down syndrome as well as classes for dancers who use wheelchairs.

Students in the special needs classes dance in the recital with the other dancers and occasionally participate in dance competitions.

TJE dance teachers lead the classes with assistance from volunteer dancers ages 8-19 from other TJE classes.

Want More Info: 310 Main St., Holbrook; 631-585-6900; and 556 N. Country Road/25A, Saint James; 631-584-6888; info@tjedance.com; tjedance.com

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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy TJE Dance Force

Dance Studio Expands Class Offerings for Dancers with Special Needs

TJE Dance Force has been offering classes for dancers with special needs since 1998 and recently added more due to high demand.

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UOTABLES Be easy on yourself postpartum. Ask for help. Call upon your village. Allow yourself to process all the feelings that come up. There is no rulebook. Practicing gratitude every day will help you keep things in perspective. My dear friend always says, “It’s like a hurricane in a teacup.” This phase feels like 1000 years when you are in it but I promise you it will pass. It gets easier.

—Lindsey Bliss, in the “Honest Motherhood” series on theglow.com

in an instagram Saturdays.

(Posted by @kaityvelez, aka Kaity Velez, co-founder of wellroundedny.com)

A SPECIAL MILESTONE

in an instagram When your friends force you on a ride.. what the heck #yolo Thanks @Lunaparknyc for hosting us (Posted by @mamidoesitall, aka Karen Angustia, who blogs at mamidoesitall.com)

“My son—he is exactly like me, we are kindred spirits and he drives me up the wall. We butt heads, we argue, we never see eye-to-eye which doesn’t make any sense because we are so damn alike. I guess you could say it literally does feel like we are two positive sides of a magnet trying to come to together yet repelling each other at the same time.”

—Katie Smith, in a post entitled “It’s Not Easy When Your Child is Just Like You,” on mom.me

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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

“My son has autism and, at age 13, recently saw a movie in a theater for the first time. It is not something I thought would work for him—until now.”

—Manhattan mom Dana Greenberg in an article entitled “Taking a Child with Autism to the Movies: 5 Tips From a Mom Who’s Been There.” Read the whole thing at nymetroparents.com/autism-movies.

MORE NYMetroParents.com HIGHLIGHTS: SAND & SURF: Find the best beaches near you at nymetroparents.com/beaches.

LUNCH TO GO: Discover the perfect picnic spot at nymetroparents.com/picnic.

SUMMER FUN: See 100 things to do in NYC this summer at nymetroparents.com/summer-fun.

KEEP ‘EM SAFE: Learn tips for keeping kids safe at amusement parks at nymetroparents.com/park-safety.

NYMP Q&A

Motherhood is Fabulyss ››

By Bethany Braun-Silva

Lyss Stern is the founder of Divalysscious Moms, a networking company for moms in New York City. Stern recently wrote the book Motherhood is a B#tch! 10 Steps to Regaining Your Sanity, Sexiness, and Inner Diva.

Why do you think it’s so important for moms to reclaim their identity after giving birth? Being a mom is wonderful but that’s only part of what defines me.

Motherhood should be added onto everything else a woman was before she became a mom. Of course, if you want to take a pause from work and you want to change careers or be a stay-at-home mom that’s 100-percent great with whatever you choose to do, but at the end of the day, moms, especially new moms, shouldn’t lose sight of who they were before they had a kid.

So what are some things moms can do to get their mojo back?

If you can get an hour of exercise a day or an hour to yourself a day, that’s ideal. Everyone can carve out five to 10 minutes a day whether it is going to your local coffee shop and having a cup of coffee with a girlfriend or locking yourself in the bathroom for 10 minutes and reading a magazine. For me, I take a bubble bath and I light some candles; that is my time. Go sit quietly for 10 minutes and meditate. Go for a long walk in the park, whatever it may be, do something just for you, and it doesn’t have to cost any money.

Just hit the pause button, just take a moment to breathe, and you will start to feel a little bit better every time you do that because we take on so much.

It’s great how you take ownership of the word b#tch. Can you tell our readers what being a b#tch means to you? In the book, we spell it out for you. “B” stands for, be the person you want to be. “I,” identify with that. “T,” take time out for yourself.

“C,” care for yourself. “H,” ask for the help. We spell the word b#tch for you by giving you ways to make yourself stronger: to empower yourself to be the best you can be, to learn to say the word “no,” to practice self-care, to ask for help. I talk about it in the book, but when I first started off 13 years ago, I thought I was Wonder Woman. I had black hair and blue eyes, and I thought I could have it all. I could have the career and have these kids and do it all by myself. But here I am, 13 years later, and it was a wakeup call for me because I can’t do this all by myself. I want to ask for help, I want to delegate, I want to take time for myself, I want to be the woman I visualize myself as. And I think that if all moms took a moment to realize this, we will be much better off.

LongIslandParent 11

FOCUS ON: ME TIME

Battling Burnout

››

Why spending 15-20 minutes every day doing something for yourself will benefit your physical and emotional health, as well as your relationships with your partner and children By Katelin Walling

Y

our kids left their shoes in the middle of the entryway, and your first reaction is to lose your cool and yell at them. You’re pulling away from your partner because you feel like he isn’t doing his fair share of household chores. Your mental, physical, and emotional health is crumbling because you consistently feel stressed out.

If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you but you’re not sure why you’re feeling this way, I have two words for you: caregiver burnout.

Yes, it’s a very real thing. And the antidote to caregiver burnout? Me time.

“The way I like to put it often is, if you don’t put on your oxygen mask first, you can’t really help anyone around you. So to some degree women often do feel responsible and even guilty and push themselves to be there for everybody else in their lives,” says Gail Saltz, M.D., a Manhattan-based psychiatrist and author of The Power of Different.

And to do so with maximal effort and without staying attuned to their own emotional or physical needs, they can become very depleted and unable to care for themselves and for others, she says.

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Health Benefits of Me Time

“Me time is recovery time, it’s recoup time, it’s regeneration time,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D., author of Better Than Perfect: 7 Strategies to Crush Your Inner Critic and Create a Life You Love. “When you continually do something—even if it’s something you enjoy doing—if you keep doing it and pushing yourself without ever taking a step back, that’s like training for a marathon and running 100 miles a day. You can’t do that. Your body can’t handle it,” she says.

So how, exactly, does me time positively affect physical and mental health? Overall, it relieves stress, which can: Boost the immune system. Based on research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology (the study of the effect of the mind on health and resistance to disease), when we are stressed out, we’re more likely to get sick because our immune system doesn’t function as well, according to Dr. Lombardo.

Help prevent and relieve chronic pain. Constant stress is also likely to cause aches and pains, Dr. Lombardo says. When she first started her private practice in psychology (she also has a background in physical therapy), Dr. Lombardo worked exclusively with those who had chronic pain known as medically unexplained pain. “The majority of those people had something in common, which was they took care of a whole lot of other people and did not have a lot of me time. They didn’t allow their bodies to rest and recoup, and they pushed it to the limit until their bodies finally said, if you’re not going to listen to me, I’m going to make you listen to me, and they developed chronic problems,” she says.

Lead to better overall health. Moms who don’t take any time for themselves tend to forgo exercise and may skip doctors visits.

“Physically you don’t have cardiovascular health and all that goes with it, you don’t go to the doctor and do preventative health care, you don’t go to the doctor and catch things in early stages that maybe can be dealt with as opposed to waiting,” Dr. Saltz says.

Prevent negative thinking. “When we are at heightened levels of stress without coming down, it affects our ability to think and we tend to use cognitive distortion. We tend to think in more negative ways,” Dr. Lombardo says. “We personalize that our kid doesn’t pick up their shoes and get more upset about it than we need to.”

Cause more positive emotions and prevent unhealthy habits.

“I think for moms the biggest issue becomes depression or anxiety related to feeling that they have not done anything to meet their own emotional needs,” Dr. Saltz says. When we experience negative emotions, Dr. Lombardo says, we tend to turn to alcohol, retail therapy, and what she likes to call Ben & Jerry’s therapy to squelch those feelings.

Lead to a better night’s sleep. Constant stress can lead to trouble sleeping, which affects mental and physical health, Dr. Lombardo says. “I don’t know about you, but when I don’t get enough sleep, I can’t think straight and I’m frankly not a very nice person, and that can affect our mental health,” she says.

Your Me Time Benefits Everyone in Your Life

Burning out affects more than just physical and mental health; it affects relationship health, too.

“When we have that time to ourselves, we can be close to our true self, and that true self is the person who has less stress, is compassionate and loving,” Dr. Lombardo says. “When you are your true self, you are a lot more fun to be with, you are a lot more forgiving.”

Mia Redrick, The Mom Strategist™ and author of Time for Mom-Me: 5 Essential Strategies for a Mother’s Self-Care and Time for Mom-Me: 365 Daily Strategies for a Mother’s Self-Care, adds that when you spend time “dating yourself” (something her mother made her promise to do every week as a mom), you become clear about what’s good for you—what you really want and need in life—and truly knowing yourself adds value to yourself. “I think that one of the greatest assets is being a parent that has added value to herself and therefore you can add value to that parent-child relationship. Imagine that because you are connected to who you are, your kids now know the things that make you happy and fulfilled,” Redrick says.

Another thing to consider is children constantly observe their

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parents. “If you think about how you want your children to be when they become parents, my guess is we all want our kids to be healthy, well-rounded parents. …So it’s really modeling positive behavior for them to be able to see that Mom gets time for herself,” Dr. Lombardo says. “And that’s a good thing.”

Plus, not taking me time is unhealthy for the parent-child relationship “in terms of being so enmeshed with your child and promoting the idea that your child can’t be okay without you,” according to Dr. Saltz. “You want a child to be able to separate and feel that they can be independent and they’re okay.”

As for how me time benefits relationships between partners?

For moms who don’t have me time, “their primary relationship may start to decline, their sexual relationship may start to decline. Particularly, moms can become so focused on children that spouses can feel like, hey, there’s nothing going on between us—anything from strain to feeling disconnected and feeling like, [she’s] not in love with me anymore, or even feeling like, [I’m] not in love with [her] anymore. So time must be taken to maintain a healthy primary relationship,” Dr. Saltz says.

Dr. Lombardo shares a story about one of her clients. He and his wife were having issues, and they had young children. For their anniversary, he got a hotel room for one night and had her stay there alone. “Honestly it’s the best thing he could have done for their marriage,” Dr. Lombardo says. “To realize that he understood she just needed some time to herself, and he was not only okay with it, he made sure it happened. I’m not saying it saved their marriage, but it did a lot.”

“Finding” Time for Me Time

“Before we even talk about finding time, we have to talk about giving yourself permission,” Dr. Lombardo says. “Because here’s the thing: We all have the same amount of time, we all know that.

So if something is so important to you, you’re going to do it. No one says, I haven’t brushed my teeth all month because I just couldn’t find the time. So the first thing is to realize why it’s important to you personally, but also to your kids.”

Once you’ve given yourself permission to take me time—and we’re only talking 15-20 minutes a day—a good next step is to figure out the best time, Dr. Saltz says. Is it when your partner is home to care for your young child, or if you want to do something with your spouse, can a grandparent or babysitter care for your child?

For Redrick, finding that time comes from implementing three techniques: Mirroring: When you’re doing something for yourself, have your kids do that same thing for themselves. For instance, tell your kids, Mommy is going to read a book to herself for two minutes, and you’re going to read a book to yourself for two minutes. “I did this with my kids when they were very young. As they got older, the time grew, but as a result of that, I could always read for myself, by myself every single day,” Redrick says.

Blending: When Redrick does something for her kids, she looks for an opportunity to do something for herself during that time.

“I do something for myself every day because it’s tied to me doing something for my kids. For example if I push them on the swing, I do a squat for myself. If I sign them up for an activity, I can write my book while they’re in their class or practice. I always look for opportunities to do things for me and advance me while I’m doing things for them and advancing them.”

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DIPP: Delegate household chores or tasks to family members to create more time for yourself, even something as simple as “having the kids do the dishes so you can read a book,” Redrick says.

Incorporate others in your space. “Maybe, if you’ve got young children, you have a mother’s helper—a 13- to 15-year-old that comes over to your house so that you can make some calls if you’re trying to start a business while she reads to your kids for an hour, or something like that. Maybe its grandparents who ritualistically commit to coming over to get the kids so you can take a bath alone without the kids knocking on the door,” she says.

Plan time for yourself. It’s impossible to make time for you if you don’t plan it. You don’t get the support you need if you don’t plan it.

Purge your calendar and get rid of activities that no longer add value to your life. “I think so many moms are really good at addition and not great at subtraction. We just add and add and add. And then you try to figure out why you’re feeling overwhelmed, why there’s no room for me time—it’s because we’re connected to so many things,” Redrick says.

Suggestions for Me Time

Now that you know why taking me time is important and how you can find the time, the next step is to figure out what you want to do during your alone time.

“Once you identify [what you want to do], figure out how can you do it. So if someone says to me, oh, I just want to go to the beach and get away for five days. Okay, maybe you can’t do that, but maybe you can do part of that. So if you live near a beach, you can go for a walk down there. If it’s just sitting in the warmth, maybe it’s taking 20 minutes [to sit] in a hot tub or getting in the warm bath. So just looking at what do you want to do and looking at ways to do it,” Dr. Lombardo says.

If you’re stumped and need an idea to kick-start your me time, try: Indulging in self-care. Take a nap, meditate, or do guided visualization “where you can kind of go on a mental vacation,” Dr. Lombardo says (you can find free guided visualization videos on YouTube). Or splurge a little and get a massage or a mani/pedi.

Doing something small and inexpensive. “A lot of people think me time has to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be,” Redrick says. “I initially would just go to a coffee shop and enjoy a cup of coffee and read a book to myself, or I would go to the bookstore and spend some time alone, or I would go to a park with a picnic blanket and snack that I like and I could spend some time just to hear myself think.”

Reading a book or magazine. “I had one client who was talking about how she had a stack of magazines that built up over three years. She had three kids and she had the magazines, but hadn’t read any of them,” Dr. Lombardo says. “And just the thought of sitting down with her feet up without anyone asking her for anything for 10 minutes was all she wanted, and that’s so easy to do.”

Signing up for a class or activity. Just because you say you’ll take me time, it doesn’t mean you’ll always commit to yourself and actually take it—something inevitably will come up. “If you find you’re one of those people and you have all the support in the world, then what you do is you commit in advance with an activity,” Redrick says, “So I would book a concert series six weeks out, and I knew I would go because I paid in advance, or a cooking class, or a yoga class, or Zumba. Commit with your dollars to a class that has a date and that will get you out of the house.”

Engaging your creative side. Whether it’s music, journaling, painting, knitting, writing, or drawing, your creative talents can be utilized during me time. Dr. Lombardo has a client who, when they were talking about musical instruments, said she used to play the guitar and wished she had never stopped.

When Dr. Lombardo asked why she didn’t play now, “she looked at me like I was crazy and said, ‘I don’t have any time!’

And I said, ‘What if you took 15 minutes once a week to play the guitar. What would that be like for you?’ And she just became dreamy, just that thought to her was so wonderful,” Dr. Lombardo says.

Going to the gym or for a walk. “I think exercise is a biggie because it really helps with mood, it helps with mental health and physical health. So that’s an important thing to try to be doing,” Dr. Saltz says. “But if you don’t find exercise to be pleasurable, then it is important to have times when you’re picking something that you do enjoy.”

Overcoming the Mom Guilt

While the idea of taking me time is well and good, what about that ever-lingering feeling of mom guilt and the fear of being on the receiving end of mom shaming?

“When people are concerned about being judged by other people, what they really are is judging themselves. Because if you aren’t judging yourself, if you are one hundred-percent fine with it, then another mother could say some comment or remark like, oh, it must be nice to be able to do that, and it doesn’t hurt,” Dr. Lombardo says.

Moms feel guilty about spending time alone because they have a perfectionistic expectation of themselves and they shouldn’t need me time, according to Dr. Lombardo. “In psychology we talk about should-ing all over yourself. I shouldn’t do this.

I shouldn’t do that. That’s ridiculous, and it’s so harmful psychologically, it’s so harmful physically, it’s so harmful socially,” she adds. “We are such an all-or-nothing society—you’re either selfish or selfless, but there’s a lot in between. So realizing that it’s not being selfish, it’s practicing good self-care. You can’t consistently be a great mom if you’re so overwhelmed you’re not taking time for yourself. We have needs like rest, we have needs like having fun…and we really need to take care of those needs.

You can take care of yourself and that doesn’t make you selfish. It makes you human.”

On the other hand, “if you’re so overwhelmed with guilt that you can’t take 15 minutes to go take a bath or to read a book, I would be concerned that either you have separation anxiety from your child, or your child is having something going on that makes it feel like you can’t leave. Maybe they have an issue that needs attending to or you have an issue going on that needs attending to,” Dr. Saltz says. “It should be okay to take 15 minutes to do something relaxing or engaging that doesn’t include your child.”

And if that mom guilt does start to creep in when you’re doing something for yourself, just remember: “We’re human. Everyone needs time for themselves, it’s just part of they way we’re made up,” Dr. Lombardo says. “Remind yourself, I’m being a really good mom by taking this time for myself because I can be much more engaged with my children. I can be more present.”

This is the first in a two-part series on me time. Next month: Why downtime is important for kids—and how to balance it with their busy after-school activities schedules.

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LongIslandParent 15

A pill organizer makes for great hair tie storage.

Use food containers to store craft supplies.

Easy Home Organization Hacks for Families

Recycle shoeboxes to organize messy drawers.

››

Clutter is a fact of life for most parents. One mom offers tips for taming the mess and getting your home in order.

Hack #1: Baskets

By Jennifer Garry

Let’s be honest: When you have kids, you accumulate an abundance of stuff. From products to soothe and comfort them as babies to itty bitty figures and the countless toy houses that go with them when they’re a little older, it can get really tough to tackle clutter. While I can be the queen of messes, sometimes I go on epic decluttering sprees that leave me feeling much more sane and in charge of my surroundings—even if neither of those things is actually true.

In the spirit of helping a mother out and making you feel more sane and in charge, I’m sharing eight super-simple organization tricks that my sister and I swear by.

In my house, there are baskets everywhere. We have shelves filled with them. They’re in our cabinets and under side tables.

They’re next to my girls’ desks and all over our basement. The reason? They offer an incredibly easy way to contain similar items and hide things that look messy.

Toys are sorted into different categories and the baskets are put onto our shelves. Things my daughters need to put away are in baskets next to their desks. Smaller baskets hold like food items to make it easier to grab and go. And I love the look of nice, cozy blankets stored in a basket instead of haphazardly strewn over chairs. Baskets can also be a great way to store puzzles and card games, which brings me to our next hack…

Hack #2: Storing Board Games I won’t lie to you—our board game situation was the bane of my existence for a while. I cringed any time one of the girls asked to play a game because I knew that getting a board game out was going to require some serious Tetris skills and would more likely than not end with me getting hit in the head with flying game pieces.

That is until I made the (brilliant) decision to store all of our board games sideways instead of lying them flat and on top of one another. This way, when someone wants to play a game, all you have to do is slide it out of its slot. There’s no delicate balancing act or cursing or crawling on the floor looking for tiny pieces.

Pro tip: You might want to secure boxes with a rubber band if you store them this way to make sure the tops don’t slide off.

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Hack #4: Food Containers for Craft Supplies Like dress up, craft supplies are another area that gets unruly really quickly. For one, I’m kind of a craft supply hoarder. Aside from typical things such as crayons, markers, and glue, I keep an assortment of things that may otherwise have found their way into the garbage. I love seeing what creative ways my daughters find to use things such as bottle caps or a pair of jeans that got too tattered to wear anymore. (The jeans were turned into a pretty cool throw pillow by my tween.)

The problem? With so many random things on hand, it can be difficult to corral them and then store everything neatly—until my repurposed craft supplies inspired me to repurpose containers to hold them in.

Now I clean and save takeout containers or any other plastic containers our food comes in (hummus containers, for instance, are a great size for holding tiny beads) and store craft supplies in those. Not only is it cheap and eco-friendly, but it keeps things contained and makes it easier to stack them inside our craft closet.

Hack #5: Pill Organizer for Hair Ties Hack #3: Kids Dress Up Outfits I don’t know about you, but I’m a saver. If I think my kids will get use out of it, it stays. That means we have a ragtag collection of old Halloween costumes, party props, and dress up clothes exploding all over the place.

While I’ve yet to tackle our mess, I absolutely love how my sister organized my niece’s dress up.

With nothing more than a hanging rod and a shelf, not only does her dress up look nice, but it’s organized in a way that’s manageable for my niece and makes choosing things much less overwhelming than digging through an enormous mound (which is our current situation). The baskets up top keep all of the loose accessories together and out of view.

Another kids organization problem always making me crazy is hair ties—especially the teensy, tiny hair ties required for babies’ fine hair and for securing small braids and ponytails. They’re so small they’re hard to keep track of to begin with. Add in varying sizes and kids who get very specific about what color is allowed to grace their head each day and you have yourself a situation that can easily suck up more of your precious morning time than you’d like.

Pill organizers have completely changed that for me. The small compartments are the perfect size for sorting hair ties of different colors, sizes, and materials. It makes it easier to find what you’re looking for and helps limit choices if your daughter has to pick them out herself.

It’s essential to note that, obviously, this is not a great idea if you regularly use pill organizers for actual medicine. I wouldn’t want my daughter feeling comfortable sorting through one for hair ties if there were organizers elsewhere in the house containing medicine that she might find and feel free to explore.

Hack #6: Shoeboxes for Storage This one is similar to baskets, but it’s a free, ecofriendly version for spots that don’t need to look pretty. You can, however, make them pretty if you need to with a coat of paint or some scrapbook paper.

My kids’ dressers always drive me crazy. They’re constantly digging and pulling things out of there so that it becomes impossible to find anything really quickly. To combat that, I’ve started using shoeboxes to keep smaller items together. I fill open shoeboxes with underwear, socks, tights, and bathing suits to make them easier to find. I can’t even tell you how much time this one little tip saves me.

I also use shoeboxes for crayons, markers, colored pencils, and stickers. It’s so much easier than trying to keep them in the boxes they typically come in. My girls generally destroy those pretty quickly. continued on next page ››

LongIslandParent 17

‹‹ continued from previous page

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Hack #7: Toilet Paper Tubes for Cords I realize this one sounds a little insane at first, but hear me out.

We had tangled messes of power cords and wires for all of our technological devices spread all over the house. My husband solved the tangling problem with Velcro strips, which at least helped tame them into little circles. But there was still the problem of having cords all over the house and constantly being unsure of where to find the particular one we needed.

Enter toilet paper tube organization! Once the cords are wrapped into tight circles and secured with Velcro, they fit perfectly into toilet paper tubes—which fit nicely into shoeboxes. Now, we line up toilet paper tubes inside of a shoebox (which is so easy to tuck into cabinets and out of sight) and store a cord in each tube.

Pro tip: Use washi tape to make labels for each of your cords to make finding them even easier.

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631-307-2606 thecultureconnectionllc@gmail.com www.thecultureconnectionli.com 18

August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Hack #8: Wine Crates for Storage Sometimes it’s nice to switch things up a bit. My sister scored a bunch of wine crates for free at a local liquor store. Like baskets and shoeboxes, they are a great way to contain things, but they add a different kind of visual feel. While baskets can almost melt into the background and go unnoticed, wine crates are a little unexpected and add a cool touch. They’re also nice and sturdy, which comes in handy if little people are going to be sorting through them.

If you have any hacks for organizing your home that you swear by, I’d love to hear them. I’m all for anything that makes life easier Jennifer Garry is a freelance writer and Westchester mom. She writes the blog CuddlesandChaos.com.

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WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 1:30pm; and Thursday, Aug. 10, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Teaming up with an outrageous genie, Aladdin thwarts the evil wizard and wins the hand of the beautiful princess.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

The Horsing Around Show

WHEN: Aug. 15-25, daily, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: The Horsing Around Show is an equine entertainment show that’s fun for the whole family.

WANT TO GO? $18.95; $16.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-878-6644. longislandgamefarm.com.

Movies in the Moonlight Featuring Disney’s ‘Moana’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 18, begins at dusk (about 8:15pm) WHERE: Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Bring a blanket or chair to this family-friendly event in the park to watch a Disney’s Moana on a large screen. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

WANT TO GO? 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

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WHEN: Through Aug. 20, Sundays, 7-9pm WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Bring the whole family to this ongoing concert series featuring a new band each week.

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Community Yard Sale FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 24, Thursdays, 5-8pm WHERE: Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Residents and vendors can sell, buy, or swap items.

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Lyrical Children’s Preschool & Learning Center & Kreative Kidz Party Zone

4492 Middle Country Road, Calverton 631-208-4003 lyricalchildren.com; lyricalchildrenmusic.com Lyrical Children’s offers many fun programs for families in northeastern Suffolk including Music Together® from Setauket to Southold, plus nursery, pre-K, and enrichment at the preschool and learning center located in Calverton.

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1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mygym.com/stonybrook stonybrook@mygym.com The experts in children’s fitness. State-of-the-art facility, extensively trained staff, and award-winning programs have earned My Gym the reputation as the best early learning program of its kind.

LongIslandParent 19

Heather Bauer, thecaterpillaryears.com

Haeley Giambalvo of Design Improvised

Hang, Store—or Toss?

A simple kids’ art wall, using wire and clothespins

A child hangs her artwork in frames her parents have hung on the wall for this purpose.

Kids love to create, and create, and create some more. Here’s how to display and organize all that artwork—and when it’s okay to make it disappear. By Bethany Braun-Silva

L

et’s face it, there’s only so much room on the fridge, and hanging macaroni art or finger paintings on the living room wall might not be to your design taste. No judgment, it’s not mine either. So what do we do with the countless art projects our kids create in camp, in school, at after-school programs, at friends’ houses, and at home? Sure, we can toss some of it, but we naturally want to keep a lot of it, albeit without creating clutter. Luckily, there are some fun ways to display and store your kids’ artwork, all while getting them involved in the process, too.

Let Your Child Decide

Kids love to show off what they’ve learned and accomplished, and that’s why a DIY gallery wall is a great way to give them some ownership of their space and their artwork.

Hang several empty frames of various shapes, sizes, and colors in your child’s room. Then give her some blue tacky or scotch 20

August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

tape and let her decide which of her masterpieces to display.

The artwork can easily be swapped out, and older pieces can be moved to storage (or recycled!).

If you don’t have a ton of wall space, leave it to Target to sell the perfect solution. The Loft by Umbra Kids Art Display & Storage frame allows you to store artwork right in the frame: Your child can pick a piece of artwork to display while storing several other pieces behind it, and she can switch it out when ever she feels like it. It’s a space-saving lifesaver!

Another easy way for kids to display their own art is by hanging a wire and attaching some clothespins to it. Haeley Giambalvo, a DIY expert and founder of the blog designimprovised.com writes, “The art wall has become a rotating display in the playroom. It is right by their table so the girls can hang up something on their own once they are done.” It’s a simple and fun way to display kids’ art.

New Yorkers know apartment space is sacred, simply because we don’t have a lot it. And even in the ‘burbs, plenty of us find extra wall space is at a premium. We turned to Sharon Lowenheim, a certified personal organizer and founder of Organizing Goddess, to give us some advice on how to display our kids’ art when we don’t have a lot of room to do so.

“First, you need to decide how much space you are willing to devote to storing your child’s art,” Lowenheim says. Once you decide if it’s a little or a lot, she suggests you “buy a portfolio or plastic bin of the appropriate size, and then make sure that you don’t exceed that space. This will require you to continually make decisions about what stays and what goes.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Throw It Away

Throwing away your child’s art is usually harder on the parents than it is on the kids—cue the mom guilt! But unless it’s a particularly special or important project, your child will probably not be all that attached to it. After all, they create so much! Talk with your child about recycling his art instead of throwing it away.

This might make the conversation a little easier and also help to teach him about repurposing items and the process of recycling.

“We always involved our daughter in making the decision about what would be displayed and what would go directly into the recycle bin. Small children are very passionate about recycling and will understand that what doesn’t get kept should be recycled,” Lowenheim says. “It’s important for your child to learn that not everything can be saved, and that decision-making about what to keep is important at every stage of life,” she adds.

If throwing your kid’s art away just simply isn’t your style you always have the option of gifting it to friends or relatives.

Sending several pieces to Grandma and Grandpa is a great way to free up space in your house, while at the same time deepening their relationship with their grandkids and reminding them just how important they are to your kids.

Turn to Tech

These days, there are tons of ways to store your kids’ art and schoolwork on the web. Apps like Keepy allow you to store, save, and even privately share your children’s artwork and schoolwork. All the photos you take of your child’s work is uploaded to the cloud, which is backed up on Keepy’s own server to ensure your stuff is always safe.

Similarly, the app Art My Kid Made is like an Instagram for kids’ art. Parents take a photograph of the artwork, upload it, tag it, and share. You can also upload to other social networks through the app, and there is even an option to print.

they can be viewed at any time or put into a photo album that is easily accessible when you’re feeling nostalgic. Or, if you have a digital photo frame, you can display your child’s art on rotation.

• Make your own storage binder using clear sheet protectors.

Much like a photo album, you and your children can go through it together and see their progress through the years.

For larger artwork and projects, Bonnie Dewkett of The Joyful Organizer suggests, “For three-dimensional pieces of art, the easiest thing to do is take a photo of your child with the piece; keep it [the project] for a little while, and then dispose of it. I usually suggest moving it to another area of the house, such as the garage, after a period of time. If it’s not missed, you can easily get rid of it.”

Courtesy makelifelovely.com

Solutions for Small Spaces

A binder in which you can neatly store kids’ art.

As much as we want to honor our kids’ work by keeping and displaying it, it is also important for children to understand organization and tidiness, and how to know when to keep and when to throw away certain items. Letting your little Picasso curate her own bedroom gallery might have you well on your way to a more organized home.

@LuDay

Discover, Create, Become

Storage Ideas

After putting pieces on display for a certain period, it might be time to put them away to make room for newer pieces of artwork from the creation machines all children are. Here are some great ways to store your kids’ art:

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• S ouvenarte Books (souvenartebooks.com) will make a coffee table book of your child’s art. “It’s a great way to honor your child’s creations without having to save them all,” Lowenheim says.

Call the Admissions Office at (631) 754-4424 ext. 224 to register.

• S nap a photo. Even without a dedicated app, photos of kids’ art can be uploaded to the family computer, where

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LongIslandParent 21

DIY CORNER

DIY Your Home

Make your decor uniquely you with these projects from “Make It Yours,” “Rag Rugs, Pillows, & More,” and “Sunshine Spaces.” Plus, an easy way to clean crayon and pencil marks off your walls.

Time: 1 hour Difficulty: • Learn: How to decoupage wood surfaces Remix: Use this decoupage technique for keepsake wooden boxes or recipe boxes Materials Wood panel, 18-by-24-inch with 2-inch cradle 400-grit sandpaper (optional) Rag Rubbing alcohol (optional) Base coat paint (optional) Foam brush, 4-inch (10cm) Laser printer

Message Board

As an anti-list maker and avid forgetter-of-all-things, I’ve had to change my ways now that I’ve got a toddler in tow. I wanted a message board that looked good whether it’s blank or packed with messages, so I worked up this project. These wood panels are available in many sizes in art stores and their depth allows you to rest a chalk marker on the top for writing. Remember that you must use photocopies from a laser printer. (An inkjet print will bleed when it hits the liquid Mod Podge.) You can just bring the book to the copy shop or lay the template directly on the copy glass. Because you don’t glue the graphics down until later, you can move them around until you get the composition you want.

22

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Graphics (visit nymetroparents. com/message-board to download) White paper (standard weight, not cardstock) Scissors Scrap paper Mod Podge Chalk marker

Directions 1. Prep the wood panel if it is rough by sanding with 400-grit sandpaper. Cleaning off wood with a wet cloth will raise the grain. Best to use a soft rag that is either dry or moistened with rubbing alcohol that evaporates quickly. Prime and paint the panel a solid color if you like, using a large foam brush.

2. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the surface and sides of the wood panel with a foam brush and allow it to dry.

3. Photocopy the graphics provided or design your own. Use a laser printer to print the images on white paper and then cut out the graphics with scissors.

4. Position graphics in place to create a composition. I chose to space the graphics at least 2 inches inside the perimeter of the panel and then space them evenly from one another, but you could bunch them together as well. My composition means I will be writing my list over the graphics, but I chose this design so the board would still look interesting when there was no writing on it at all.

5. Place one of the graphics facedown on scrap paper and use foam brush to coat it with Mod Podge. Then quickly place graphic back in position. Use foam brush to coat the front of the graphic with Mod Podge, stroking from center to edges. This will adhere the graphic and ensure a smooth surface.

6. Repeat step 5 until all the graphics are adhered in position.

7. Paint several coats of Mod Podge over the entire surface and set it aside to dry for at least 24 hours.

8. Use a chalk marker to write your messages and wipe them off with a damp cloth when needed.

Reprinted from Yellow Owl Workshop’s Make It Yours. Copyright © 2017

by Christine Schmidt. Photographs copyright © 2017 by Aubrie Pick.

Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Hiding Space

How much do kids love a hiding space? For that matter, how much do adults love one, too? I love it when my kids create their own spaces to hide in, but I don’t love the mess left afterwards. I feel like I’m folding up sheets and putting away cushions for days.

This is a hiding spot you can make that is somewhat more permanent, and can be quickly collapsed and put away for another day. It can also be moved outdoors and lined with blankets and a few cushions, to provide a comfy, shaded reading / napping / tea-party spot for both kids and adults alike.

You Will Need: Scrap paper 4 10-foot lengths of white fabric, about 4 feet wide (I used varying weights but all lightweight fabrics, such as gauze or poplin) Acrylic paints: grey, mustard, pale pink, navy (or use fabric paints if you have them) Wide paintbrushes

Scissors Pins Sewing machine and thread Retractable knife 20 feet of ¾-inch wide flexible cream-colored irrigation tubing 3 irrigation tubing joiners Tape measure and pencil 26 feet of 1/8-inch rope or cord, cut into four equal lengths

Directions: 1. Cover the work area with some scrap paper, then place your first length of fabric on top. Have all your paints ready.

2. Using a wide paintbrush, paint large waves and swirls on the fabric. If you don’t have enough space to lay the whole fabric length on the table, paint sections and then, when it’s dry, move the fabric along to the next blank spot.

3. Use a variety of shapes and colors, keeping the pattern fairly simple.

Repeat the process with the remaining three lengths of fabric.

4. When the painted fabric lengths are completely dry, cut them in half lengthways so you end up with eight pieces, 10 feet long and 2 feet wide. At the top of each piece, fold over 2 inches of fabric to create a loop for the tubing. Pin and sew. If you like, hem the bottom of each length (I didn’t, but I’m lazy).

5. Cut the irrigation tubes into one 3-foot, 3-inch, one 6-foot, 8-inch, and one 9-foot, 10-inch lengths. Join the ends of the 6-foot, 8-inch length together with tubing joiners to form a hoop. Repeat for the 9-foot, 10-inch length.

6. Feed the 3-foot, 3-inch length of tube through the loops at the top of each fabric length, ensuring the painted side of the fabric is facing outwards. Fasten with a joiner.

7. Place the hoops in order of size, starting with the smallest in the center (the smallest hoop will have all the fabric attached). Using a tape measure, measure and mark eight equally distanced spaces around the hoops: 3-foot, 3-inch hoop = 5 inches; 6-foot, 6-inch hoop = 10 inches; 9-foot, 10-inch hoop = 15 inches.

8. Align the ends of the four lengths of rope, then fold them in half and tie in a knot at the folded end, leaving loops at the top for hanging. Tie the eight ends of rope at the marked spaces on the hoops, starting at the top hoop and moving down to the next marked line on the next hoop, so the rope stays in line.

Leave 8 inches of rope between the top knot and the smallest hoop, 10 inches between the small and medium hoop, and 12 inches between the medium and largest hoop. Trim any excess rope. Hang from the nearest shady spot using a lasso knot.

Excerpted with permission from Sunshine Spaces by Beci Orpin, published by Hardie Grant Books April 2017, RRP $24.99.

continued on next page ››

LongIslandParent 23

‹‹ continued from previous page

Braided Rug

Braided rag rugs have been popping up all over social media recently as a fun way to upcycle old T-shirts into something both beautiful and useful. One of the greatest draws is that you don’t need much specialist equipment. In fact, you probably have everything you need at home already! As long as you choose colors you love then it is very difficult to go wrong with the design and the only slightly tricky part is the sewing together of the braid. My main advice if you decide to give this project a go, is to take your time when sewing everything together to make sure that the rug lies perfectly flat in the end.

Materials Assorted fabrics (I used 14 T-shirts to make a rug 45-by33½ inches) Fabric scissors Bag clip or clothespin/peg

Ruler or tape measure Pins Needle and thread (I used button or extra-strong thread) Color Palette: Assorted colors

Tip: I like to use at least four “neutral” colors (here I’ve used two whites, light and dark gray, and navy) to ground the color scheme.

I mainly use solid colors (as opposed to patterned T-shirts) to create a bold palette. Before turning your T-shirts into fabric yarn, place them next to each other to make sure the colors complement each other. If any of the fabrics look out of place, choose a different color to replace them.

Directions 1. Choose 14 plain T-shirts in various colors for your rug. Turn all the T-shirts into balls of fabric yarn (visit nymetroparents.com/ braided-rug for a step-by-step guide).

2. Choose the three colors you would like at the center of your rug. I recommend choosing at least one “neutral” color to start with. Tie the ends of the three yarns together to form a knot. Weigh down the knot with something heavy to make the braiding easier.

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Tip: Before braiding, think through how you would like your rug to look. Braiding similar shades together creates a bold color band in the rug, while mixing different colors together creates a “speckled” look. Do not overanalyze your design—if you are happy with the colors you’ve chosen, then it is hard to go wrong. The colors naturally blend together as one braided color ends and the next yarn is added in.

3. Braid the three yarns together, making sure to keep the braid fairly loose. Secure the braid as you go using a clip or clothespin/peg. As you braid, try to tuck in any seams so that they are on the underside of the braid—the tidier you can keep the top of the braid, the neater your rug will look. During braiding, the fabric strands will get tangled in a counter-braid further down the yarn, so untangle them from time to time.

Wind the braid into a ball as you go.

4. When your first ball of yarn is coming to an end, attach the next ball. If you are unsure which color to choose next, unwind the ball of braid and lay it out on the floor in a loose coil to see how the rug is shaping up. Keep braiding until you are happy with the size of the rug, then cut the yarns and tie the end of the braid in a knot.

5. Carefully wind the braid into a large ball. The end of the braid that you would like on the outside of your rug should be at the center of the ball.

Before you start assembling the rug: The hardest part of this project is achieving a rag rug that lies perfectly flat. When sewing your braid together, make sure you leave enough excess braid around any curves in the rug. This will prevent your rug from curling up like a bowl.

6. Place the beginning of the braid upside down (you will be sewing on the slightly messier side) and measure 22 inches from the end of the braid. Bend the braid back on itself (all the time keeping the braid facing downward) and pin the bend in the braid together to make sewing easier.

7. Starting at the bend in the braid, sew the two inner edges of the braid together tightly so that the stitches are not visible from the neat side of the braid (fortunately it doesn’t matter what it looks like from the back!). When you reach the knotted end of the braid, cut off the knot and sew the loose edge on top of the bend in the braid (still on the underside) to secure it in place.

8. Continue sewing the braid together in a clockwise direction. It is extremely important that you feed the braid loosely around the corners (so that there is excess braid around any curves) or the rug will curl up. It helps to lay your rug on the floor every now and then to make sure that it is lying flat.

9. Continue sewing your braid in a clockwise direction until you are happy with the size of the rug. It is best to attach the end of your braid to the curved corner of the rug rather than a long, straight edge so that it blends in. Trim the end of the braid and overlap it with the braid inside. Sew it on top to secure the rug.

Tip: If you find that your finished rug does not lie flat, stretching the rug out and attaching nonslip backing may fix the problem. Otherwise, lightly dampening the rug, then steaming it flat with an iron can help.

Images and text excerpted from Rag Rugs, Pillows, & More

by Elspeth Jackson ($19.95) with permission of CICO Books.

Photographs by Emma Mitchell.

HOW TO REMOVE CRAYON AND PENCIL MARKS FROM WALLS If you have little ones running around your house, it is a sure bet that one day you will be dealing with a crayoned or penciled masterpiece on a wall! Rest assured, there is a super-simple solution that will have you wiping it right off.

Yield: Varies Ingredients: Lemon essential oil Directions: On a damp cloth or sponge, add a few drops of lemon essential oil. Gently rub the crayon or pencil marks until they disappear. That’s it! Easy, right?

Did you know...

Lemon oil can help in conquering allergies.

Lemon oil can also be used as a safe and natural furniture polish.

Diffused lemon oil can help purify the air that you breathe every day.

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy 1-844-5-SPEECH

www.LIspeech.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 Specialized Therapy Therapy Approaches 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 With 7 locations across Nassau & Suffolk

Excerpted from Natural Solutions for Cleaning & Wellness

by Halle Cottis with permission of publisher. Cover and book design by Page Street Publishing Co.

LongIslandParent 25

OUTINGS: Wild West City

nymetroparents.com/outings

Get a Taste of the Wild West

Step back in time to the 1800s at this western-heritage theme park in Stanhope, NJ. ››

By Caitlin Berens

Joyce Bambach

2 Courtesy Wild West City

5 Regina Hartman

4 Courtesy Wild West City

3

Courtesy Wild West City

1

1 Wild West City’s Main Street is a bustling strip with shops, museum-quality exhibits, and live-action shows. 2 Guests best keep their wits about them when riding on the horse-drawn stagecoach—they might be stopped by bandits. 3 Guests of all ages can learn about life in the 1800s from living history stations including a mountain man, blacksmith, and school marm. 4 Some of Wild West City’s live-action shows and special events encourage child participation.

5 Guests can mine for gold like the real ’49ers at Egan’s Mine #1.

T

o be transported to the wild west one just needs to drive to New Jersey. Wild West City, located in Stanhope, NJ, features live-action shows, stagecoach rides, and family-friendly events. The westernheritage theme park is a recreation of life in the 1800s in Dodge City, KS. It opened in 1957 and has been family-owned and -operated by the Stabile family since 1963.

“For the cost of about a movie you can come and be entertained all day,” says Mary Stabile Benson, park manager of Wild West City.

Nonstop Action on Main Street

There are 22 daily live-action shows on Main Street, some of which encourage child participation—like when the sheriff needs help to capture the notorious Jesse James. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of competing cowboys, the Pony Express, cancan girls, and more.

Beyond the re-enactments, Main Street has reproductions of period buildings that include museum-quality exhibits with farming tools, a large collection of Native American art and artifacts, and more. Just be sure to behave, or you might find yourself in one of Wild West City’s circa-1890 jail cells.

Main Street also has an old-time candy store,

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spots for lunch and snacks, a photo center at which visitors can dress in western garb, and places to buy clothing and souvenirs.

Hop Aboard a Stagecoach

Step aboard a horse-drawn stagecoach for a ride around Wild West City—but keep an eye out for bandits. Along the route guests will get to see a one-room schoolhouse, a chapel, and may even meet a mountain man.

“We have a variety of living history stations,” Benson says. “You can go and watch the blacksmith make tools, and you can talk to the mountain man and learn about survival skills. You can talk to the school marm about lessons back in the 1800s or the chuck wagon [cook] about...how they made meals while they were out on the range.”

Train and pony rides are also available.

Hands-On Experiences

Try to strike it rich while panning for gold at Egan’s Mine #1. Swirl dirt in a gold pan like the real ’49ers and you just might find a nugget that glistens like real gold. For some fun in the shade, visitors can aim for a holein-one at the 18-hole miniature golf course.

A visit to the Barnyard Zoo will introduce

guests to the animals found on a typical pioneer farm including Billy the goat. The zoo also has a calf and sheep as well as egg-laying Rhode Island Reds (a breed of chicken).

Wild West Events

Wild West City has several entertaining and interactive events including band performances and Wild West Dress-Up Day. Visitors can learn about Chuck Wagon Camp Cooking Aug. 18-20, and Cowboy Larry’s Wild West Show, Aug. 5-6, will showcase rope spinning, bullwhip demonstrations, and trick riding.

The popular Native American Intertribal Dancers will return in September.

Want to Go?

Address: 50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope, NJ Directions: Approximately a 1-hour, 40-minute drive from Huntington Hours: Daily through Sept. 4, 10:30am6pm; weekends only Sept. 5-Oct. 9 Admission: $17.25; $15.25 children ages 2-11; $13.50 seniors ages 62 and older; $4 per person for select attractions (miniature golf, stagecoach, train, and pony rides); special rates for groups of 20 or more and school groups For more information: wildwestcity.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 Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games (No. 7 on our list).

AUGUST

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WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

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

EDITOR: KAREN DEMETER suffolkcal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR

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Editor’s Hot Tickets

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On Screen

29

Must-Sees in NYC

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30

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Smarty Pants

Movers & Shakers, The Great Outdoors

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Animal Lovers

Once Upon a Time, Special Needs

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Show Time!, Crafty Kids

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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!

1

KidFest: Acrobats of Cirque-tacular

3

Stevens Puppets Presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 1pm and 5pm WHERE: The John Drew Theater, Guild Hall of East Hampton, 58 Main St., East Hampton AGES: All WHAT: The program features an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, and specialty acts.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Some of these performers are world record holders!

WANT TO GO? $18; $14 children. 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 17, 11am WHERE: Goat On A Boat, 4 Hampton St., Sag Harbor AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Dorothy and friends are off to see the wizard for a heart, courage, brains, and a trip back to Kansas.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The story has been beautifully adapted for artfully hand-carved wooden marionettes.

WANT TO GO? $18. 631-725-4193. goatonaboat.org.

Bubble Trouble with Jeff the Bubble Guy

Tomato Fest

2

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 4:30pm and 6pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Mixing comedy, music, and interactive bubble-magic, Jeff Boyer takes bubbles to the max in this one-man bubble extravaganza.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Get ready for a bubble volcano, kids in a bubble, and a bubble roller coaster!

WANT TO GO? $5. 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

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WHEN: Aug. 19-20, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: Garden of Eve Farm, 4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Judge the taste of 20 varieties of heirloom and traditional tomatoes, learn about tomato canning and growing, and enjoy tomato cuisine.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This might be the quintessential summer activity.

WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 6. 631-722-8777. gardenofevefarm.com.

CityBound

5

Must-Sees in

Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are In a Play’

N Y C

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WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 24, 3:45pm and 5:15pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Musicians take families on a journey of song and movement through the galleries, culminating in a sing-along drum circle on the lawn.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A wonderful way for children to experience a museum.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

7

Long Island Scottish Festival and Highland Games

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 8am-5pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: With bagpipes, caber tossing, and highland dancing, the Scottish Festival is one of the highlights of the season.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Bagpipes, kilts, and dancing! Can’t wait!

WANT TO GO? $20; $18 seniors; $8 children ages 7-17; free for children younger than 7. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Family fun in Central Park at the Summerstage Family Day

Giant Family Fun This year’s Manhattan SummerStage Family Day is headlined by alt-rock legend They Might Be Giants, singing songs from one of its many hit albums for kids. The event will also feature Bill Childs, creator and host of Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, a hit radio show for kids. Hear the best kindie rock from the last decade and take part in audience participation, singing, and dancing for all ages. Feel good fun on an August afternoon! Aug. 12, 2-5pm. Age: All. FREE. SummerStage: Rumsey Playfield, Mid-Park at 72nd Street, Central Park. summerstage.org.

Courtesy NYC DOT

Sights & Sounds in the Galleries with Kate & Jake FREE

Michael Seto

WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. Main St., Smithtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: A musical experience based on Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Flippy Floppy Floory dance will have everyone on their feet!

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-724-3700. smithtownpac.org.

Goat Presents ‘Word Play’

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Word Play uses clowning and puppetry to take audiences on an adventure through the alphabet.

Make friends with vowels, teach tricks to a “C-A-T” and “D-O-G,” and visit a Word Zoo full of surprises.

WHY WE LOVE IT: A clever and fun way to develop reading skills in young children.

WANT TO GO? $18. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

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Vanderbilt Shakespeare Festival: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

WHEN: Aug. 6-27, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8pm; Sundays, 7pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Carriage House, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Benedick and Beatrice are tricked through gossip into confessing their love for each other.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The ultimate romcom!

WANT TO GO? $15. 516-293-0674. vanderbiltmuseum.org. ››

One, two, three, whee!

Slide Into Manhattan Part block party, part hike, part urban beach, and part bike tour, Citi Summer Streets 2017 is a summer highlight. For three Saturday mornings in a row, nearly 7 miles of Manhattan’s streets will be closed off to traffic, giving you the chance to explore and enjoy a ton of fun activities such as biking, a giant zip line, food and drink, music and dance performances, and more. One of the most popular activities is the giant water slide at the Foley Square rest stop. Aug. 5, 12, and 19: 7am-1pm. Age: All. FREE. Between Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets (starting at East 72nd Street). Registration is required for the Vita Coco Beachside Slide, see website for details. nyc.gov/summerstreets.

LongIslandParent 29

SMARTY PANTS Learn a Whaler’s Skill: Sewing & Knot Tying FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 3:30-4:30pm WHERE: Thomas Halsey Homestead, 249 S. Main St., Southampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children learn the basics of sewing and a few different types of sailing knots.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-2494. southamptonhistoricalmuseum.org.

Marshmallow Builders FREE

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.

Puppet Show: ‘The Three Pigs’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 3, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: In this version, BB—a reformed wolf with allergies—sells real estate to the new pigs in town. This puppet show features hand-carved marionettes, musical numbers, and lots of laughs.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Kids on the Green: Music with Brady Rymer FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 5:30pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Rymer’s rootsy, accordion-laced pop and rock music regularly wins national awards.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

Sunday Summer Concerts on the Green FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 20: Sundays, 7-9pm WHERE: Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: Bring the whole family to this ongoing concert series featuring a new band each week.

WANT TO GO? 631-751-2244. stonybrookvillage.com.

The Art of Chess with Ulysses Tapley FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 27, 2-5pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Whether you are a chess expert or new to the game, join coach Ulysses Tapley to learn and play chess.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Weekly Community Drum Circle FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 30: Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm WHERE: East End Arts Carriage House, 141 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Learn traditional West African hand drumming and chant in the drum circle setting. All levels are encouraged to attend.

WANT TO GO? 631-369-2171. eastendarts.org.

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WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7-8pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Make structures out of mini marshmallows and toothpicks.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org.

Clam I Am

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 3, 10-11am WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Preschoolers explore the world of shelled creatures, hear a story, and make a shell craft.

WANT TO GO? $10; $4 additional children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Bilingual Family Gallery Talks & Art Workshops

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 6, 2pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: All WHAT: Explore the galleries and create art in the studio. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 18. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.

Meteorologist Joe Cioffi FREE

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 7, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Connetquot Public Library, 760 Ocean Ave., Bohemia AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Joe Cioffi will discuss summer and fall weather patterns, how weather works in the atmosphere and the best weather websites to consult.

WANT TO GO? 631-567-5079. connetquotlibrary.org.

Family Sleepovers: Pirates!

WHEN: Aug. 11-12, Friday-Saturday, 6pm-7am WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Activities include a ride down the Peconic River, a treasue hunt, a movie, and sleeping next to the tanks.

WANT TO GO? $64.95; free for children younger than 3. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

Summer ArtLab: Written in the Stars

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn about the 12 zodiac constellations, then make a “telescope” to view your own constellation.

WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Summer Workshops for Children

WHEN: Through Aug. 16: See website for dates, 10am-12pm WHERE: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: 5-8

WHAT: Each workshop offers an educator-led visit through the museum and a project. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $20. 631-854-5579. vanderbiltmuseum.org.

Open Studio for Families

WHEN: Aug. 12-26, Saturdays, 11am-1pm WHERE: Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill AGES: All WHAT: Explore the galleries and create art in the studio. Each month features different materials and techniques.

WANT TO GO? $12; free for children younger than 18. 631-283-2118. parrishart.org.

Guided Tours

WHEN: Through Oct. 25: Saturday-Sunday, 12-4:30pm WHERE: Stony Brook Grist Mill, Harbor Road and Main Street, Stony Brook AGES: All WHAT: A “miller” dressed in period clothing will take you through the process of how grain was ground into flour in 1751.

WANT TO GO? $2; $1 children. 631-751-2244. stonybrookvillage.com.

ANIMAL LOVERS Bat Walk

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 17, 7:15pm WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Bat biologist Maria Armour from Bridgewater State University will lead a walk through the gardens to listen and look for bats while she discusses bat ecology and conservation.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Birds of Prey with Quogue Wildlife Refuge FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 17, 5:15pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Educators from Quogue Wildlife Refuge return with their amazing birds of prey. Learn everything there is to know about these special creatures while getting an up-close and personal view.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Frogs, Bugs, and Animals FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 18, 6:30-7:30pm WHERE: The Common Ground, Rotary Park between Gillette and Candee avenues, Sayville AGES: All WHAT: Jason returns with his collection of frogs, bugs, and other familiar animals.

WANT TO GO? 631-664-4230. thecommonground.com.

Bug Safari

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 11am WHERE: Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury AGES: All WHAT: Hunt elusive grasshoppers, butterflies, predatory insects, and other creepy, crawly creatures in the gardens. Bring a butterfly net and collecting jars.

WANT TO GO? $12; $10 seniors; $7 children ages 7-17; free for children 6 and younger. 516-333-0048. oldwestburygardens.org.

Hatchling Turtle Day

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 10am-3pm WHERE: Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Meet recently hatched turtles. Enjoy refreshments and turtlethemed activities.

WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Calling Young Scientists: The Underwater World

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 21, 11am and 12:15pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Discover how a squid’s body is specialized for its environment though a hands-on dissection.

WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

The Horsing Around Show

WHEN: Aug. 15-25, daily, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Game Farm, 489 Chapman Blvd., Manorville AGES: All WHAT: The Horsing Around Show is a family-friendly, equine entertainment show that’s fun for the whole family.

WANT TO GO? $18.95; $16.95 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 631-878-6644. longislandgamefarm.com.

Kids on the Green: The Petting Zoo FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 29, 4-6pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Have fun meeting the animals.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

‘You’re All Great’ Bird Show

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm, and 4:30pm WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The birds of Extreme Parrots perform aerial displays and other extreme acts with help from the audience.

WANT TO GO? $18.75. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com.

Meet Patches the Giraffe

WHEN: Through Sept. 17: daily, 10:30am WHERE: White Post Farms, 250 Old Country Road, Melville AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Come meet the newest farm family member Patches the Giraffe.

She is sweet and loves to give kisses.

WANT TO GO? $18.75. 631-351-9373. whitepostfarms.com. ››

Guild Hall LiveTheater KidFEST: Hobey Ford’s Animalia

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 5pm WHERE: The John Drew Theater, Guild Hall of East Hampton, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Hobey Ford’s beautiful production explores the world of animals through movement, music, and visually stunning puppetry.

WANT TO GO? $18; $14 children. 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.

Goat Presents ‘Sleeping Beauty’

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 11am WHERE: Bay Street Theater, 1 Bay St., Sag Harbor AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: In this retelling, a painted storybook opens to reveal each scene and performances by handcrafted puppets.

WANT TO GO? $18. 631-725-9500. baystreet.org.

Kidfest: Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix

SHOW TIME! ‘Little Red’

WHEN: Through Aug. 5: Saturdays, 1pm WHERE: Carriage House Theater at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: See how Little Red and her family outsmart the humans in this animal-friendly play with audeince participation.

WANT TO GO? $10. 516-557-1207. carriagehouseplayers.org.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King Jr.’

WHEN: Through Aug. 5: Fridays, 11am and 2pm; Sundays, 11am WHERE: Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue AGES: 3-8 WHAT: The African Savannah comes to life on stage in this special version of the musical tailored for younger audiences.

WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 631-286-1133. thegateway.org.

‘Aladdin and the Lamp’

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 1:30pm; and Thursday, Aug. 10, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Teaming up with an outrageous genie, Aladdin thwarts the evil wizard and wins the hand of the beautiful princess.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 23, 5pm WHERE: The John Drew Theater, Guild Hall of East Hampton, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: All WHAT: Johnny leads more than a dozen rescue dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks in this family show.

WANT TO GO? $18; $14 children. 631-324-4050. guildhall.org.

‘Freckleface Strawberry the Musical’

WHEN: Through Aug. 27: Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, 10:30am WHERE: John W. Engeman Theater at Northport, 250 Main St., Northport AGES: 3-12 WHAT: With the help of her loveable schoolmates, Freckleface learns that everyone is different and that’s what makes everyone special.

WANT TO GO? $15. 631-261-2900. engemantheater.com.

CRAFTY KIDS

String Doll Craft FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10am-1pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Historical Society, 101 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Craft your own string doll, which were originally made from the leftover scraps of yarn or threads from a weaver’s loom.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1139. whbhistorical.org.

Sheep to Shawl FREE

Aunt Irene’s Puppet Talk Show: Lily Silly Puppets FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 10, 4:30pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Aunt Irene’s talk show is filled with music and fantastic variety acts.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 10am-1pm WHERE: Westhampton Beach Historical Society, 101 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Meryl King, a local craftswoman, demonstrates a combination of skills necessary to produce a piece of fabric from raw fleece.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1139. whbhistorical.org.

‘The Frog Prince’

Spectacular Sand

WHEN: Aug. 4-12, Friday-Saturday, 11am WHERE: Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Pompous Prince Darnay crosses a kindly enchantress and finds himself in a lily pad of trouble.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-928-9100. theatrethree.com.

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WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-3pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Explore the world of sand and create a sand-art masterpiece.

WANT TO GO? $6; $10 children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

KidFest Workshop

WHEN: Aug. 2-23, Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Boots Lamb Education Center, Guild Hall of East Hampton, 158 Main St., East Hampton AGES: All WHAT: Make your own acrobat puppets on Aug. 2; craft your own mask on Aug. 9; design animal-inspired collages on Aug. 16; and create your own comic book featuring your favorite dog on Aug. 23.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-324-0806. guildhall.org.

Jackson Pollock Family Drip Painting Workshop

WHEN: Aug. 5-Sept. 7, Saturdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, 830 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Families tour the Pollock-Krasner House and studio, followed by a drip painting workshop for children. Register online.

WANT TO GO? $35. 917-502-0790. imaginearted.com.

Wind Chime Workshop

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 24, 4-5pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Design an ocean-inspired wind chime using shells and beads.

WANT TO GO? $6; $10 children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Little Brush Strokes for the Bays: Painting Party for Kids

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 25, 5pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Artist Carolyn Munaco guides children to create a marine-themed work of art. Pizza and supplies included.

WANT TO GO? $30. 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Back To School: Make A Dream Catcher

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 1pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn the legend of how dream catchers caught bad dreams and create your very own to hang in a special place. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $12. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.

Build-a-Boat Workshop

WHEN: Aug. 29-31, Tuesday and Thursday, 2-4pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Bring your imagination and the museum supplies materials to create your own model.

WANT TO GO? $8 with admission: $6; $5 children ages 4-18; free for children younger than 4. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Art Camp

WHEN: Aug. 1-31, Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm WHERE: Mini Monet, 64 Railroad Ave., Sayville AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Learn to draw and sculpt using various mediums. Each week is a different theme including the rainforest, sweet treats, Disney, the ocean, and the beach.

WANT TO GO? $40 per day. 631-218-9797. minimonetny.com.

ON SCREEN Outdoor Movie: ‘Moana’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 7pm WHERE: St. Joseph’s College, 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue AGES: All WHAT: Popcorn will be served, but attendees should bring blankets, chairs, and bug spray.

WANT TO GO? 515-870-1600.

Movies in the Moonlight: Disney’s ‘Moana’ FREE

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 18, 8:15pm WHERE: Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy a movie on a large screen.

WANT TO GO? 6631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

Westhampton Beach Monday Night Movie FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 28: Mondays, 8:30pm WHERE: The Village Great Lawn, 35 Main St., Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy complimentary popcorn courtesy of Westhampton Beach Library.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-1654. westhamptonbeach.org.

Movies Under the Stars and More FREE

WHEN: Aug. 7-28, Mondays, 8:15pm WHERE: Smith Haven Mall - Lifestyle Village, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: Activities prior to the movie include bounce house, free face painting, vendors, and more. Watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on Aug. 7; The Secret Life of Pets on Aug. 14; Beauty and the Beast on Aug. 21; and Despicable Me 2 on Aug. 28. Bring chairs.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. specialtyconnections.com.

Monday Night Movies FREE

WHEN: Aug. 7-28, Mondays, dusk WHERE: The Great Lawn, West End of Main Street, Westhampton Beach AGES: All WHAT: Watch classic films under the stars on the Great Lawn. Bring a blanket and chair.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-3337. westhamptonchamber.com.

Family Night Out Outdoor Movie with the SCPD: ‘Boss Baby’ FREE WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 7-8:30pm WHERE: Brentwood Public Library, 34 Second Ave., Brentwood AGES: All WHAT: This event is sponsored by the Suffolk County Police Department. Snacks and drinks provided.

WANT TO GO? 631-273-7883. brentwoodnylibrary.org. ››

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Back to School Blast FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 12-6pm WHERE: Smith Haven Mall - Center Court, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: All WHAT: More than 20 vendors geared toward kids and families will be in attendance. QuackerJack from the Long Island Ducks visits from 1-3pm and there will be a bounce house, face painting, and balloon animals.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. specialtyconnections.com.

Back To School: Victorian Tea Party

MOVERS & SHAKERS Parents’ Night Out

WHEN: Friday, Aug. 4, 6-9pm WHERE: My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Children participate in a Minons-themed evening in honor of the new Despicable Me movie.

WANT TO GO? $33; $18 additional child. 631-751-5437. mygym.com/stonybrook.

Full Day Self-Defense Class

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 8, 9am-3pm WHERE: Modern Warrior, 711 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Children learn practical, age-appropriate self-defense tactics and techniques.

WANT TO GO? $35. 631-226-8383. modernwarrior.com.

Back to School Family Fun Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 12, 12-3pm WHERE: Smith Haven Mall - Center Court, 313 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove AGES: 3 and older WHAT: There will be face painting, balloon animals, and arts and crafts for kids, as well as child ID kits and goodie bags to first 200 kids.

WANT TO GO? 516-621-1446. specialtyconnections.com.

Long Island Cares Food Truck FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 19, 9:30-11:30am WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: The Long Island Cares-Harry Chapin Food Bank will provide free, ready-to-eat breakfast items for children.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Community Yard Sale FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 24: Thursdays, 5-8pm WHERE: Heritage Park, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: All WHAT: Residents and vendors can sell, buy, or swap items.

WANT TO GO? 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

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WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2:30pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Children can dress up and learn dining manners, such as how to properly hold and cut with a knife and fork. Apple juice will be substituted for the hot tea. Registration required.

WANT TO GO? $12. 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.

Kindness Counts FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-9pm; Saturday, 9:30am-7pm; Sunday, 12-5pm WHERE: Westhampton Free Library, 7 Library Ave., Westhampton Beach AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Teens can earn community service hours by accomplishing kindness tasks listed on Bingo boards supplied by the library. Teens can pick up a Bingo board during regular library hours.

WANT TO GO? 631-288-3335. westhamptonlibrary.net.

AZ Fitness

WHEN: Aug. 1-31, Saturdays, 8-9am WHERE: Heritage Trust, 633 Mount Sinai Coram Road, Mount Sinai AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Sculpt and tone your body with minimal cardio and a lot of slow moving exercises.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-509-0882. msheritagetrust.org.

Sky Wars

WHEN: Through Dec. 26: Wednesdays, 4-9pm WHERE: Sky Zone Mount Sinai, 269 Route 25A, Mount Sinai AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Take part in epic Nerf battles on trampoline courts.

WANT TO GO? $22 for a two-hour session. 631-938-1420. skyzone.com/mountsinai.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Walk Through History with Farmer and Revolutionary War Spy Abraham Woodhull WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Caroline Church and Cemetery, 1 Dyke Road, Setauket AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Abraham Woodhull, portrayed by historian Beverly Tyler, leads tour-goers on a walk through the nature sanctuary that was once Woodhull’s farm. Tour-goers are introduced to the woods, fields, ponds, and bays that tell the story of Long Island’s colonization and settlement preceding the Revolution and the creation of the new nation.

WANT TO GO? $10. 631-751-3730. threevillagehistoricalsociety.org.

Bubblemania

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 5, 12-3pm WHERE: Whaling Museum & Education Center, 279 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Did you know that humpback whales use bubbles to hunt? Get sudsy and artsy as you experiment with bubbles.

WANT TO GO? $6; $10 children. 631-367-3418. cshwhalingmuseum.org.

Huntington Summer Arts Festival FREE

WHEN: Through Aug. 13: Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30-10:30pm WHERE: Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park, Huntington AGES: All WHAT: Various performing artists including dance, music, and theater will be on the stage.

WANT TO GO? 631-271-8423. huntingtonarts.org.

Chris Hobson and Bill Neal Community Garden In Bellport FREE

WHEN: Aug. 4-18, Fridays, 10:30am-12pm WHERE: Children’s Garden Program, McDonald and Patchogue avenues, Bellport AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Hands-on class in which kids sample healthy and tasty treats, and learn gardening 101 from Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators.

WANT TO GO? ccesuffolk.org.

Wacky Water Wednesdays

WHEN: Through Aug. 31: Wednesdays, 11am-2pm WHERE: Cold Spring Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Bring a towel and sunblock and get ready for sprinklers, bubbles, and lawn games.

WANT TO GO? $6; $4 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 3. 516-692-6768. cshfha.org.

Moonlight Cruise

WHEN: Aug. 3-31, Thursdays, 8:30-10:30pm WHERE: Long Island Aquarium, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Take a moonlight cruise along the Peconic River on the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat. Reservations required.

WANT TO GO? $39.95. 631-208-9200. longislandaquarium.com.

ONCE UPON A TIME Pajama Story Time FREE

Stories Under the Tree FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 10, 5:15pm WHERE: Southampton Arts Center, 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Gather under the shady tree on the lawn along with Rogers Memorial Library reader Lynne Burgess, who reads some of her favorite children’s books.

WANT TO GO? 631-283-0967. southamptonartscenter.org.

Salut Au Monde Series, Part 3: Native Indian Storytelling with Joseph Bruchac FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 20, 2-4pm WHERE: Walt Whitman Birthplace, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station AGES: All WHAT: Joseph Bruchac will present Native Indian storytelling. Sandi Brewster-Walker tells her story as a Long Island Native American and features her book The Colored Girl From Long Island.

WANT TO GO? 631-427-5240. waltwhitman.org.

Seaside Story Time FREE

WHEN: Aug. 2-30, Wednesdays, 10-11:30am WHERE: Fire Island Lighthouse, Robert Moses State Park, Parking Field 5, Fire Island AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Meet on the front terrace of the Keepers Quarters for a story and activity.

WANT TO GO? 631-661-4876. fireislandlighthouse.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS Sky Zone Cares

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 7, 3-6pm WHERE: Sky Zone Deer Park, 111 Rodeo Drive, Deer Park AGES: All WHAT: Sky Zone dials down the music, increases the staff ratio, and limits capacity for children and adults with special needs.

WANT TO GO? $16 per hour. 631-392-2600. skyzone.com/deerpark.

Special Olympics Bowling at the All Star

WHEN: Through Dec. 1: Mondays, 5pm WHERE: The All Star, 96 Main Road, Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Bowlers with special needs are invited to bowl on the main lanes and experience the arcade with the latest games.

WANT TO GO? $10 for two games. 631-998-3565. theallstar.com.

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 1, 7pm WHERE: Emma S. Clark Memorial Library, 120 Main St., Setauket AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Put on your pajamas, grab your teddy bear and a parent, and come to the library for stories.

WANT TO GO? 631-941-4080. emmaclark.org.

Agostino Arts: StoryFaces FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2-3pm WHERE: Riverhead Free Library, 330 Court St., Riverhead AGES: All WHAT: Audience volunteers are brought on stage and face painted to illustrate the stories told by Christopher Agostino which include original stories and traditional folktales.

WANT TO GO? 631-727-3228. riverheadlibrary.org.

Coming up next month: SEPT. 2-4: The Extreme Raptor Project at the Long Island Game Farm Wildlife Park & Children’s Zoo, Manorville SEPT. 16-17: Long Island Garlic Festival 2017 at Garden of Eve Organic Farm & Market, Riverhead STARTING SEPT. 23: Cinderella at the John W. Engeman Theater, Northport

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WHERE-TO GUIDE

Pick Your Own Berries

››

Research by Jaime Bonchick and Amanda Marrone

Enjoy the sweet fruits of summer by picking your own berries at a local farm! Kids will love plucking fresh strawberries, blackberries, and even cherries straight from the bush. Many of these farms also have farm stands at which you can purchase pre-picked fruits, baked goods, and fresh juices. Want even more farm fun? Lots of our picks offer hayrides and activities to keep kids busy after they’ve collected their basket of fruit.

Note: Dates and availability are projected. We recommend calling ahead before visiting these farms.

Long Island Patty’s Berries and Bunches 410 Sound Ave., Mattituck 631-298-4679 pattysberriesandbunches.com pattysberriesandbunches@gmail.com Open daily, 9am-6pm (U-pick closes at 5:30pm) Pick your own strawberries in June; raspberries and blueberries July through mid-August; and blackberries through August. Seasonal pre-picked flowers and homemade ice cream for sale.

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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

Seven Ponds Orchard 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015 Open daily, 9am-6pm Pick your own raspberries and blackberries July-November, blueberries also available. Apple picking begins the end of August and continues through November. Also offers on-site market with baked goods and jams, children’s play area, and corn maze.

wickhamsfruitfarm.com Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-4pm; farm stand open Monday-Saturday, 9am5pm; tours are available by appointment Monday-Friday.

Pick your own raspberries and blueberries in July; raspberries, cherries, blackberries, and peaches through August; apples and pumpkins in September and October.

(Note: Berry seasons may be early this year due to weather conditions.)

Wickham Farms 28700 Main Road (Route 25), Cutchogue 631-734-6441

Windy Acres 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton

nymetroparents.com/where-to 631-727-4554 Open Saturday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm Pick your own blackberries, peaches, and nectarines through August. Also has a farm stand with pre-picked fruits and vegetables, jams, and pies.

Albany County

Market, just a mile from the orchard, for farm produce as well as garden and nursery items.

Dutchess County Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234; greigfarm.com Open daily, 8am-8pm

Pick your own blueberries in July; blueberries and blackberries in August; and apples in September. Nursery and garden shop on-site. Kids can feed goats and visit the koi fish pond behind Grandiflora Nursery.

The Hudson Valley Farmers Market at the Grieg Farm is open every Saturday, 10am3pm, offering local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, and more from local Hudson Valley Farms.

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

Indian Ladder Farms 342 Altamont Road, Altamont 518-765-2956 866-640-PICK (7425; berry picking hotline) indianladderfarms.com Open daily, 9am-6pm; Pick Your Own has separate hours: Wednesday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 9am-4pm Pick your own blueberries and raspberries. Also offers a petting zoo, fall weekend hayrides during September and October, café, and store with local produce.

Rulfs Orchard 531 Bear Swamp Road, Peru 518-643-8636 linda@rulfsorchard.com rulfsorchard.com Open daily, 8am-7pm in the summer; U-pick hours: daily, 7am-5pm Pick your own strawberries through July 15. Pick your own blueberries July 14 through late August. Also features a bakery and a roadside stand with pre-picked produce.

Columbia County Samascott Orchards 5 Sunset Ave., Kinderhook 518-758-7224 samascott.com Open daily, 8am-6pm; last admission is at 5:30pm.

Pick your own strawberries and snap peas during early summer, and later on in the summer you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, and cherries. Onsite farm store with jams and ice cream. Visit Samascott’s Garden

JAZZ ★ HIP HOP ★ BALLET ★ TAP ★ LYRICAL ★ CHARACTER ★ ACRO OPEN/CONTEMPORARY★ JUMPS & TURNS TECHNIQUE ★ INTRO TO DANCE COMBO ★ TINY DANCER ★ ACRO/HIP HOP ★ BREAK DANCE BOYS HIP HOP ★ SPECIAL NEEDS

ST. JAMES LOCATION

FALL REGISTRATION Tues, Aug 29th, Wed, Aug 30th, Fri, Sept 8 All 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Sat, Sept 9th 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

556 North Country Road St. James 631-584-6888

HOLBROOK LOCATION

FALL REGISTRATION Mon, Aug 28th, Thurs, Aug 31, Tues, Sept 5, Wed, Sep 6, Thurs, Sept 7 All 3:00 PM- 7:00 PM Sat, Sept 9th 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

310 Main Street, Holbrook 631-585-6900

$10 OFF

FREE COMBO IN SEPTEMBER! + Registration Fee Expires 9/30/2017

Visit our website for the fall schedule!

Registration Fee Expires 9/30/2017

www.tjedance.com

First Day of Fall Classes: Monday, September 11th Visit our website for the fall schedule! www.tjedance.com

25th Year Anniversary and still going strong!!

LongIslandParent 37

Lilianne Gering will be attending Muhlenberg College this fall as a double major in business and dance.

From Extracurricular to Extra Cash ››

Whether your kid is committed to sports, the arts, or even community service, here’s how to turn that passion for after-school activities into a college scholarship By Samantha Neudorf

J

enna Turato, a rising junior at Molloy College in Rockville Centre, knew she wanted to go to college at a young age and knew she could use softball to get there.

Turato began playing softball when she was in third grade and watched her older sister play softball and receive a scholarship to college, so she seized the opportunity once it was her turn to apply. An accounting major who lives in her hometown of Garden City South, Turato currently is a pitcher for the Molloy Lions softball team and receives a $7,000 scholarship each year for athletics and academics.

“I realized how much softball could really make a difference in my college experience,” Turato says.

It’s no secret college is expensive—and, with tuition costs rising, continually getting more out of reach for many families, especially low-income ones. Overall college enrollment declined by 3 percent between 2008 and 2013, falling from 68.6 percent to 38

August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

65.9 percent, according to an annual survey from the U.S. Census Bureau. The most dramatic decline happened among low-income families, dropping from 55.9 percent to 45.5 percent.

Many families may not be able to afford college without assistance, and this is where scholarships for academics or afterschool activities can help to make it more attainable—and even, in some cases, tuition free. (These are separate from the need-based financial and student loans many families rely on to afford college.)

Alexandra Timoshenko graduated from Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville in June and will be attending Molloy College in the fall to study music therapy. She is enrolled in the dual-degree honors program and was awarded a full-tuition scholarship because of her committed involvement in after-school activities. In fact, Timoshenko received full-tuition scholarships at all of the schools she applied to, including Belmont University, the State University of New York at Fredonia, and Seton Hill University.

In high school, Timoshenko was captain of the crosscountry and track teams and participated in the jazz ensemble and band, along with a band program outside of school. On top of that, she took numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses and graduated as salutatorian of her class. She attributes her success in obtaining the scholarship to her work ethic.

“Everything I did I poured myself into one hundred percent, and all that hard work paid off,” Timoshenko says.

Lilianne Gering, a recent graduate from Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, was awarded various scholarships to attend Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, in the honors program as a double major in dance and business. Gering received merit scholarships, dance talent scholarships, and a scholarship from the Italian Genealogical Group for research on her Italian heritage. In total, she was awarded $38,000. “I was very excited and also a little shocked because I figured I’d get [scholarships], but I was surprised at how much I got,” she says.

Gering started taking dance lessons when she was little and was a part of the Spotlight Dance Studio in Wantagh for 15 years, where she did ballet, pointe, tap, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, and kickline. Along with dancing there six days a week and teaching classes, she performed in her school’s production of The Nutcracker during each of her four years there. With two other girls, Gering was co-president of the production in her senior year, as well as the choreographer, director, and a lead role.

Gering advises students who are interested in applying for talent scholarships to become very involved with the activities about which they are passionate and to take on leadership positions in high school.

“Colleges really want to see

students who have leadership potential and the ability to lead and take on new roles within their school,” she says.

The Journey to a Scholarship

No one says it’s easy to earn these scholarships, as these successful teens’ stories attest. All require a strong commitment and passion— not just for the activities themselves but also for the

sometimes-arduous college recruitment and scholarship application processes.

In order for Turato to have been recruited to play softball at Molloy, she played on a travel team and at recruiting tournaments, to which college coaches are invited in order to decide who will receive offers and scholarships. According to National Collegiate Athletic Association rules, only Division I and II schools offer athletic

scholarships; Division III schools do not.

For fine arts areas such as dance, theater, music, and art, students must submit a sample of their work or audition in person. Gering attended an inperson audition to be considered for a dance scholarship at Muhlenberg. Dance scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000 a year at Muhlenberg and vary at other schools. continued on next page ››

Providing Services For Over 45 Years

not-for profit program that provides services for infants and children up to 11 years of age with learning language and social delays, motor impairments and

•SEIT •ABA Home Programs

•Related Services: -Speech - OT/PT - Parent Training - Family Support Services

•Special Ed Classes: - Developmental Groups (2 -3) - Pre-School (3-5) - School-Age (5-11) - Inclusion

750 Hicksville Road Seaford, NY 11783 • 516-520-6000 Funded and regulated by Nassau County (NCDOH) and Suffolk County (SCDOH) Department of Health, NYS, NYS ED Department

must be referred by NCDOH/SCDOH for EI and/or to the local school district for CPSE. Services are provided based on an individual child’s eligibility as established by NYS DOH and/or NYS ED department and local government at no direct cost to parents. Parents are responsible for fees/costs associated with childcare.

LongIslandParent 39

‹‹ continued from previous page

When applying for merit-based scholarships, students must follow detailed instructions for submitting the required documents, such as a resume, essay, and transcript. Students should speak to their guidance counselor or teacher for recommendations on scholarships for which they should apply.

John Rodis, music department chair at Long Island Lutheran High School, teaches AP Music Theory and symphonic band and prepares students for college through his program. His students follow the New York State School Music Association track, which is the New York affiliate of the National Association for Music Education to evaluate student musicians from elementary through high school.

Rodis helps his students prepare for the final level of NYSSMA, which is to audition for the all-state level. Passing this level means that the student is able to read college-level music. When students go through this program with Rodis, they have more opportunities to apply for music scholarships.

“These NYSSMA pieces themselves are great vehicles for college auditions,” Rodis says. “If the opportunity [to apply for a scholarship] presents itself to you, you will be prepared.”

A College’s Decision

Colleges, of course, factor in grades and standardized test scores when making admissions decisions, but they also review an applicant’s resume to be considered for various scholarships the institution offers.

Marguerite Lane, the director of admissions at Molloy College, says an applicant’s activity involvement comes into consideration if a student did average on SAT or ACT scores.

“The reality is that the students who are the busiest are usually the ones that are the most successful, even in their academic subjects,” Lane says. “They learn very valuable time management skills at a young age that will be very transferable for when they come to college.”

And it’s not just sports and the arts that can win a committed high school student tuition relief for college. Many schools also offer community service-based scholarships. Molloy’s range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year and are awarded to students who have served their schools and communities. “We are a mission-based institution and we recognize that [community service is] that component that’s equally as important [as academics],” Lane says.

Manhattanville College in Purchase offers community service scholarships starting at $2,000 as well. Nikhil Kumar, vice president of undergraduate enrollment management at Manhattanville, says students with more extracurricular activities on their resumes are favored because national data proves those students are likely to be involved and engaged on campus. “Some would argue that you learn just as much outside of the classroom, if not more, just by having those kinds of experiences,” Kumar says. “It’s teaching you life lessons and humility to give back and get involved.”

Involvement in an extracurricular activity in high school does not just translate into potential scholarships; it may also help students transition into college life because they can make friends with people from that same group or team. “It helps them adapt to their new environment,” Kumar says.

Kumar suggests applicants research the college and engage with the admissions office or faculty in their area of interest.

For example, Turato kept in contact with Molloy coaches and

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made herself visible at recruiting tournaments while on her travel team.

An institution tends to be more interested in a student if that student shows an interest in that institution, Kumar says. “It shows what we call demonstrated interested, and that always weighs heavily in the admissions process.”

Other Scholarship Sources

When seeking scholarships, Lane advises students to find opportunities beyond the colleges, such as scholarships offered by nonprofit and community organizations. “Students don’t realize that if they sit down and take the time to write that five hundred- or one thousand-word essay, it can really help offset their college education costs,” Lane says. “It’s really well-worth applying for as many scholarships as they are qualified for because those independent scholarships can really help them, even if it’s with books for the semester or travel expenses.”

Some of Lane’s suggestions include researching Awana clubs, Knights of Columbus, local churches and foundations, and opportunities from parents’ employers for scholarships.

When applying, she also says students should thoroughly explain how deeply they have been involved in outside activities. For example, if a student volunteered at a church, it is better to specify how many hours for however many months she did so, rather than just saying she did volunteer work generally. “Show the level of commitment and how it impacts your life and how that has made you ready for college and for life,” Lane says.

All that effort and passion for after-school activities just may pay off and make college more financially attainable.

SCHOLARSHIP CHECKLIST There are many types of scholarships out there to apply for, if you do your research. Here are the requirements that are typically needed for any type of scholarship: • Essay • Letters of recommendation • Resume • Test scores • Transcript Performing arts scholarships, including dance, music, art, and theater, require all of the above, but also: • Audition video (if you cannot attend in-person) • Portfolio of work Athletic scholarships are different than the other types of scholarships because coaches recruit the students they want on their teams. Here is what a coach looks for in a student athlete, along with the requirements from above: • Highlight video • Communication with the coach via phone or email • Attendance in summer camps or showcases

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

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• Home School of New YorkYork • Home School of New Dance Theatre Dance Theatre • Year-Round Enrollment age 3 • Year-Round Enrollment through professional levels • Age 3 thru professional levels • Presents Long Island’s Largest • Presents Long Island’s largest “Nutcracker” at Hofstra “Nutcracker” at Hofstra

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AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES MARKETPLACE

LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH

FALL 2017 AND SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM

Give your child the opportunity to exceed their potential and the confidence to succeed in the classroom, at home, and with peers in life!

Act As If Etiquette & Protocol

Oct 7th – Dec 16th and Feb 3rd – April 28th, 2018 for students entering grades K-8

Are You the Parent of a Gifted Child?

CHILDREN’S ETIQUETTE CLASSES

Modern Manners & Social Etiquette For Modern Times

LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall

Our programs are fun, informative and interactive geared to learning the social skills necessary to face everyday situations with

program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th.

The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2017. The program expands

Grace, Integrity & Confidence.

www.ActAsIfEtiquette.com

students’ knowledge, develops creative and critical thinking skills, and offers children the opportunity to learn in an exciting and accepting environment.

Now find us on Facebook

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OPEN HOUSE

Fall Registration

For information call 516-299-2160 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth Admission is highly 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

561-889-4464

Aug. 29 • 9am-noon Aug. 30 • 1-4pm Aug. 31 • 5-7pm

Call, register online or stop by for a visit

Arts-Based Preschool 5 days/week 9am-noon OPEN HOUSE Sept. 9 • 10am-noon

• Ballet Based Curriculum • Teens & Adults

Nutcracker Audition Sept. 9 • 3-5pm:

• Jazz & Tap

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• Children age 2+

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• Contemporary Modern • Arts-Based Preschool

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• CPR/AED for info or • Fitness Classes registra,on • CYO Basketball details • Fall Deck Hockey • Intramural Basketball • Youth Ministry

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Visit Us at NYMetroParents.com 42

August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

The Dangers of Dry & Secondary Drowning ››

What to watch out for even after children leave the pool By Stacey Pfeffer

T

here’s nothing better than swimming in a cool pool during the scorching days of summer. But parents can be forgiven for being wary after reading recent headlines about children who’ve died from a condition called secondary drowning—including a Texas toddler, Frankie Delgado, who lost his life a full week after getting knocked over by a wave at the beach.

How can this happen? And more importantly, how can parents make sure their little ones are safe after exiting the water?

While secondary and dry drowning make up only 1-2 percent of all drowning deaths, it’s important for parents to know the symptoms, because they can be life-threatening. Secondary drowning and dry drowning are two similar but technically different conditions that can affect anyone, although children are especially vulnerable. As the names imply, both affect their victims after they’ve left the pool, usually with no idea anything is wrong. Symptoms of dry drowning typically occur immediately after any incident in the water, while secondary drowning usually begins later, within one to 24 hours after exiting the water—but it can progress over one to two days, or, as in Frankie Delgado’s case, several days.

“Children are more prone to dry and secondary drowning because of their small size, stature, and immature gag reflex,” says Robert Glatter, M.D., an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. Toddlers, especially, may be at heightened risk because they don’t know to keep their mouths closed or how to blow bubbles in the water.

Symptoms

Secondary drowning happens when someone inadvertently swallows too much water and it goes into his lungs. Patients suffering from secondary drowning may feel tired after a short period in the water, have a dry cough, and complain of chest pain. These symptoms can progress over a longer period of time as the child loses oxygen in his blood, a condition known as hypoxia, according to Dr. Glatter. While many pools post rules prohibiting horseplay and dunking other people in the water, parents should emphasize this safety lesson to all children because just a few mouthfuls of water

accidentally swallowed can lead to water entering the lungs.

Symptoms of dry drowning are much more profound and develop suddenly, with a spasm of the vocal cords causing them to snap shut. The child cannot get any air in or out and her breathing will sound high-pitched. Wheezing often occurs due to a blockage in the airway and she may turn blue as well. “This child should be taken to the emergency room immediately so that he or she does not asphyxiate,” Dr. Glatter says.

Treatment

While there are no medications for secondary or dry drowning, the treatment is close observation. If necessary, a breathing tube may have to be inserted if oxygen levels drop. Parents should keep a close eye on their child for 24 hours after he may have swallowed water during swimming or had any difficulty breathing in the water.

If symptoms do develop, bring your child to the emergency room immediately instead of a doctor’s office or urgent care facility. In the ER, she will have access to an immediate chest X-ray, IV placement, and advanced airway support such as a breathing tube or respirator.

Prevention

The vast majority of children recover from dry or secondary drowning, despite the terrifying headlines about toddler deaths.

However, the best way to avoid these conditions altogether is to teach kids water safety and to remain constantly vigilant as caregivers. Babies as young as 6 months can begin taking water safety classes. Children should never swim alone, and parents or caregivers should keep a close eye on them at all times.

Dr. Glatter also warns parents to not use their phones or any social media while your child is in or near the water. As tempting as it may be to take a video of your child enjoying pool time, he says, “it’s a diversion, and parents must remain cognizant of the risk of secondary and dry drowning. Take all of that attention and focus on your child and remember that drownings can even occur in shallow water—including bathtubs, sinks, toilet bowls, and small plastic pools.”

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer based in Chappaqua.

LongIslandParent 43

FOOD & NUTRITION

Bring Shake Shack to Your Kitchen ››

Rather than wait on line for what feels like hours, you can make the NYC chain’s customer favorites at home.

The ShackBurger

Okay, here’s our sacred cow!

Makes 4

Most likely the reason you have this book in your hands—our version of the great American cheeseburger. Like all deceptively simple things, it took us years to get it right, but now you can master burger perfection in five minutes.

4 hamburger potato buns 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 4 tablespoons ShackSauce (recipe on opposite page) 4 pieces green leaf lettuce

8 ¼-inch slices ripe plum tomato 1 pound very cold ground beef, divided into 4 pucks ½ teaspoon Our Salt & Pepper Mix (recipe on opposite page) 4 slices American cheese

1. H eat a cast-iron griddle over medium-low heat until warm.

Meanwhile, open the hamburger buns and brush the insides with the melted butter. A soft brush is helpful here. Place the buns buttered side down on the griddle and toast until golden

44

August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

brown, 2-3 minutes. Transfer buns to a plate. Spoon the ShackSauce onto the top bun. Add a piece of the lettuce and two slices of tomato.

2. I ncrease the heat to medium and heat the griddle until hot, 2-3 minutes.

3. Evenly sprinkle a pinch of Our Salt & Pepper Mix on top of each puck of meat.

4. Place the pucks on the griddle, seasoned side down. Using a large, sturdy metal spatula, firmly smash each puck into a 1/ 3-inch-thick round patty. Pressing down on the spatula with another stiff spatula helps flatten the burger quickly. Evenly sprinkle another big pinch of Our Salt & Pepper Mix. 5. Cook the burgers, resisting the urge to move them, until the edges beneath are brown and crisp, and juices on the surface are bubbling hot, approximately 2½ minutes. Slide one of the spatulas beneath the burger to release it from the griddle and scrape up the caramelized browned crust. Use the other spatula to steady the burger and keep it from sliding. Flip the burgers.

Put the cheese on top and cook the burgers 1 minute longer for medium. Cook more or less depending on your preference.

6. Transfer the cheeseburgers to the prepared buns and enjoy.

Our Salt & Pepper Mix

‘Shroom Burger Makes 4

We knew that our idea of a community gathering place meant we wanted to offer our vegetarian guests more than just fries to munch on. We set out to create a vegetarian experience even meat eaters would crave. Hence the ’Shroom Burger’s crispy mushroom halves surrounding a creamy, cheesy filling. After it became so popular, we created the Shack Stack, piling a ’Shroom Burger atop a ShackBurger, so our meat-loving friends can get in on the ’Shroom action.

For the mushroom caps: 4 4-inch portabello mushroom caps ¼ cup canola oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt 1/ 8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1½ cups flour 3 eggs 2 cups panko breadcrumbs For the filling: 1½ cups grated muenster ½ cup grated cheddar ½ teaspoon minced onion

teaspoon minced garlic ¼ teaspoon flour 1 egg yolk 1 pinch cayenne 1/ 8

To cook and assemble the mushroom burgers: Canola oil for deep-frying Kosher salt 4 tablespoons ShackSauce (recipe at right) 4 hamburger potato buns, toasted 4 pieces green leaf lettuce 8 ¼-inch slices ripe plum tomato

1. For the mushroom caps, preheat the oven to 375°F. Put mushroom caps on a medium baking pan. Rub caps all over with the oil, then season both sides with the salt and pepper.

Arrange mushrooms gill side down in a single layer and roast until tender, 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Slice mushrooms in half horizontally.

2. Put the flour in a wide dish, beat the eggs in another wide dish, and put the panko in a third wide dish and set aside.

3. For the filling, mix together the muenster and cheddar cheeses, onion, garlic, flour, egg yolk, and cayenne in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.

4. Shape the filling into four equal disks, ½ inch smaller in diameter than the mushroom caps. Place cheese disks on gill side of each mushroom cap, cover with other half of cap, cut side down, and gently press together to secure the filling.

5. Dredge the stuffed mushroom caps in the flour, then dip in the beaten egg, coating them completely, then dredge in the panko. Set prepared mushrooms on a plate and refrigerate while heating the oil to deep-fry them.

6. To cook the mushroom burgers, pour the oil into a deep, wide pot to a depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 350°F on a candy thermometer. Deep-fry the prepared mushrooms, one or two at a time, until golden brown and crisp all over, 3-4 minutes.

Transfer mushrooms with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

7. Spoon the ShackSauce onto the top bun. Add a piece of lettuce and two slices of tomato.

8. Transfer the mushroom burgers to the prepared buns. Enjoy!

We mix ½ cup kosher salt with ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper and use that mixture to season our burgers as they cook. You’ll see we call for a pinch or two of the mixture in every recipe.

ShackSauce

Makes approximately ½ cup Long ago we threw away the key to the secret recipe for ShackSauce; but we promise to get you really close with ingredients easily found in your kitchen. ½ cup Hellman’s mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ¾ teaspoon Heinz ketchup

¼ teaspoon kosher dill pickling brine Pinch of cayenne pepper

Put all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Sauce will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Cheese Sauce

Makes approximately 6 cups 1 tablespoon canola oil ½ onion, peeled and sliced ½ inch thick 6 thin slices jalapeño 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

½ teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons white wine 2 cups heavy cream 2 cups grated American cheese 2 cups grated cheddar

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, jalapeños, peppercorns, and salt, and cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and wine, and cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the cream. Remove the pan from the heat and let the cream steep for 30 minutes to build flavor.

2. Return the saucepan to the stove and heat over medium heat until very warm (don’t let it come to a boil).

3. Meanwhile, put the American and cheddar cheeses into a large heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream through a strainer (to remove the solids) over the cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth, approximately 3 minutes. Sauce will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to one week. You can easily reheat the sauce in a microwave or over a pot of gently simmering hot water.

Reprinted from Shake Shack. Copyright © 2017 by Shake Shack Enterprises, LLC. Principal photographs copyright © 2017 by Christopher Hirsheimer. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, LLC.

LongIslandParent 45

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals and Lake Success DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS lispeechandmyo.com Suffolk: 631-689-6858; Nassau: 516-216ISLAND ORTHODONTICS 1791; Queens: 718-640-6767 HORIZON ORTHODONTICS: Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, DR. SCOTT FRIEDMAN along with her group of therapists, supports 1150 Portion Road, No. 13, Holtsville families and children across Long Island, 631-698-2424 specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofuncFind us on Facebook: tional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, @horizonorthodontics augmentative communication, articulation, Our practice’s top priority is to provide you auditory processing disorders, and expreswith the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We sive and receptive language disorders. utilize the latest technological advances PEDIATRIC IMMEDIATE CARE in the industry, such as invisible ceramic 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, ® braces and Invisalign , along with the North Lindenhurst latest in computer technology.

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631-379-9569 We provide preventive and comprehenspecialedcounselor.com sive treatment for infants, children, and adolescents including sedation and general brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial anesthesia dentistry. We strive to help our attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with patients develop good oral hygiene habits, special needs. He knows how far to push and beautiful healthy smiles. a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law.

DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, 46

SPECIAL NEEDS ALTERNATIVES FOR CHILDREN 1116 Main Road, Aquebogue 631-722-2170

August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

600 South Service Road, Dix Hills 631-271-0777 14 Research Way, East Setauket 631-331-6400 168 Hill St., Southampton 631-283-3272 alternatives4children.org Licensed day care, EI/Preschool Special Education evaluations provider for eligible children. Early childhood professionals create a natural learning environment, promoting a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

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.

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858; Nassau: 516-2161791; 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.

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.

SPECIAL NEEDS EMPLOYMENT 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.

THERAPY & COUNSELORS DR. LISA M. CASSIDY, PH.D. 4250 Vets Highway, Suite 215, Holbrook 631-748-4659 Dr. Cassidy is a child advocate and always puts the child first. Therapy for children, individuals, and families. Consultant services to parents regarding special education testing.

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.

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 ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: ST. PATRICK TUTORING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Tutoring Center is here to assist your learner from kindergarten to 12th grades with Catholic Entrance Exam Prep, SAT, Regents, or daily schoolwork.

ST. PATRICK YOUTH COMMUNITY: YOUTH ENRICHMENT LEARNING CENTER St. Patrick Church, Smithtown 631-724-1261 stpatsyouth.com; spyouth@optonline.net St. Patrick Youth Enrichment and Learning Center provides programs for your child ages 1½ years to sixth grade. A faith-based program offers a loving, caring environment.

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.

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com 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.

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

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

decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties.

climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities of your choice from Gazillion Bubbles to sports, with multiple theme options.

COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfishhatchery.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an up-close animal encounter.

NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjustart.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.

GIVE IT YOUR ALL SPORTS 2127 Lakeland Ave., Ronkonkoma 631-676-4412 giveityourallsports.com We deliver high-energy activities coupled with on-field coaching that is age-appropriate. Let ‘em have a ball with a Give It Your All Sports Party!

PICASSO KIDZ, CREATIVE ART STUDIO FOR CHILDREN 72 Broadway, Greenlawn 631-261-5500 picassokidz.com picassokidzart@gmail.com Picasso Kidz puts the “ART” in pARTy! Birthdays at Picasso Kidz are truly unique and memorable. We have many packages and options to choose from for ages 2-17.

KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting!

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!

MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) mgym.com/stonybrook 128 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, including a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze,

SAFARI ADVENTURE 1074 Pulaski St., Riverhead 631-727-4386 thesafariadventure.com dan@thesafariadventure.com Safari Adventure is Long Island’s premier family fun center and birthday party place. Fun for the whole family with inflatables, four-level soft playground, arcade, interactive floor games, and a full café!

SMITHTOWN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 2 E. Main St., Smithtown 631-724-3700 smithtownpac.org boxoffice@smithtownpac.org Treat your child to a different type of birthday party this year! Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts presents great shows for kids, and a private room for your gathering. Cast members will meet with your party to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

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.

LongIslandParent 47

Meet the Health Care

PROFESSIONAL

To be in this section, call 631-472-5437 or email nympads@davlermedia.com Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County Dr. Mike Ioannou 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 145, Commack 631-486-6364 3237 Route 112, Building 6, Suite 7B, Medford 631-320-0880 supermolar.com

Dr. Michael Ioannou, a native of Suffolk County, received his dental degree at the University of Connecticut - School of Dental Medicine, with a residency in pediatric dentistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center. A friendly, patient dentist, Dr. Ioannou strives to make visiting the dentist a fun experience, all while providing exceptional dental care. He uses excellent behavioral management approaches, a child-friendly environment (TV and cartoons in all treatment rooms), and he sings to the patients! Dr. Ioannou currently participates with most insurance companies and has convenient evening and Saturday office hours.

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 Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Nassau: 516-216-1791 • 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.

Allied Physicians Group, Peconic Pediatrics, Dr. Megan Kasnicki, M.D., F.A.A.P. 34 Commerce Drive, Suite 2, Riverhead 631-722-8880 peconicpediatrics.com

Dr. Kasnicki is a graduate of SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. She completed her pediatrics residency at New York University and is a board-certified pediatrician.

She has a special interest in caring for underserved populations, especially in managing the psychosocial and cultural concerns of immigrant families. She is fluent in Polish and is active in the local community.

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

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.

Pediatric Immediate Care 150 E. Sunrise Highway, Suite 105, North Lindenhurst 631-956-PEDS (7337) 1077 W. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown 631-864-PEDS (7337) 698 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn 718-389-PEDS (7337) pediatricimmediatecare.com

Pediatric Immediate Care is a team of hearts where kids come first. State-of-the-art medical office equipment allows us to deliver your test results during your visit.

Kid-friendly; walk-ins welcome; most insurance plans accepted. Complete pediatric and adolescent care, as well as baby, camp, school, and sports physicals.

Certified urgent care recommended by Urgent Care Association of America.

Thirty years of dedication to our patients. The offices are open seven days a week including holidays, 8am-11pm.

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.

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ACROBATICS / GYMNASTICS

DEVELOPMENTAL

MUSIC

TJE Dance Force........................................................... 37

Act As If Etiquette & Protocol......................................... 42

Music Together, LLC...................................................... 15

Allied Physicians Group................................................. 48

The Culture Connection................................................. 18

BIRTHDAY / PARTY SERVICES Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 18

C.I.I.T. Center............................................................ 7, 48

Key to My Art................................................................. 42

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 39

PERFORMING ARTS / ACTING

Music Together, LLC...................................................... 15

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 25, 48

Chance to Dance........................................................... 13

Picasso Kidz.................................................................. 41

Louis Mora, Ph.D........................................................... 48

Gateway Playhouse....................................................... 25

CAMPS

EDUCATION

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 18

Act As If Etiquette & Protocol......................................... 42

Kenwal Day Camp........................................................... 2

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 39

Key to My Art................................................................. 42

Holy Angels Regional School........................................ 15

LI Lutheran Day School at St. Pauls.............................. 21

LI Lutheran Day School at St. Pauls.............................. 21

Music Together, LLC...................................................... 15

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 42

Picasso Kidz.................................................................. 41

New-York Historical Society.......................................... 11

Posey School of Dance................................................. 42

St. Patrick’s Youth Community ..................................... 42

Village East Gifted......................................................... 41

Village East Gifted......................................................... 41

CLASSES

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT /

Act As If Etiquette & Protocol......................................... 42 Chance to Dance........................................................... 13 Key to My Art................................................................. 42 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 42

RELIGIOUS Holy Angels Regional School........................................ 15 LI Lutheran Day School at St. Pauls.............................. 21 St. Patrick’s Youth Community ..................................... 42

SERVICES Geico Insurance............................................................ 51

SPECIAL EVENTS EVENTS / OUTINGS

New-York Historical Society.......................................... 11

Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery................................. 18 Gateway Playhouse....................................................... 25 New-York Historical Society.......................................... 11

SPECIAL NEEDS Allied Physicians Group................................................. 48 C.I.I.T. Center............................................................ 7, 48

Picasso Kidz.................................................................. 41

HEALTH

Posey School of Dance................................................. 42

Affinity Health Plan........................................................ 52

Louis Mora, Ph.D........................................................... 48

The Culture Connection................................................. 18

Allied Physicians Group................................................. 48

Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County......................... 3, 48

C.I.I.T. Center............................................................ 7, 48

Pediatric Immediate Care.......................................... 7, 48

TJE Dance Force........................................................... 37 Village East Gifted......................................................... 41 DANCE Chance to Dance........................................................... 13 Ohman School of Ballet................................................. 41 Posey School of Dance................................................. 42 TJE Dance Force........................................................... 37

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 25, 48

Fairy LiceMothers.......................................................... 18 Fidelis Care New York..................................................... 5

SPORTS St. Patrick’s Youth Community ..................................... 42

Louis Mora, Ph.D........................................................... 48 Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County......................... 3, 48

THEATER

Pediatric Immediate Care.......................................... 7, 48

Gateway Playhouse....................................................... 25

LongIslandParent 49

Melissa Errico

VOICES What Potty Training Taught Me ›› Why the biggest lesson from potty training was for me, not my son By Emma Steven

E

ver since I got pregnant with my first child I’ve been a parenting book junkie. Books on pregnancy, birth, newborns, sleep, child development, baby-led weaning, traditional weaning, toddler behavior, gentle parenting, traditional discipline—you name it, I’ve read it.

My husband rolls his eyes when another Amazon box arrives.

“Another parenting book?” he’ll say, before I explain why I need this particular book and how it will change our lives. My friends laugh because whatever the parenting challenge, I’ve usually read a few books about it and can quote them. I can’t solve the particular problem, but boy do I know a few opinions on what we could do. Unfortunately this obsession has yet to turn me into the perfect parent.

So when it came to potty training—one of the most dreaded times in toddlerhood—everyone was expecting me to line up some good reading material.

“What do the books say?” my husband asked whenever the topic came up.

“I don’t know...” I said, for the first time in my parenting life.

Perhaps it was because I’d just had another baby, or perhaps it was because I just wasn’t ready for potty training myself. For the first time I didn’t deal with a parenting question by buying a book. I didn’t know what to do; there were so many books, not to mention blogs, videos, and storybooks for kids—how was I to choose? Why were there so many different methods?

Why do people need potty training consultants for something that should be so simple? It was overwhelming. My Amazon cart stayed empty.

Then my son turned 2. I half-heartedly read a couple of online articles about potty training readiness. But instead of researching the subject thoroughly I did nothing. I bought a potty seat and showed him how to use it. He got the hang of it but showed zero interest.

“He’ll do it when he’s ready,” I told my mom. “Eighteen-yearolds don’t wear diapers after all.” So we waited...and waited. I offered to buy him underwear: no interest. I offered a special treat if he potty trained: cue tantrums. I asked him if he wanted to be a big boy and say goodbye to diapers. He said no, he wanted to be a baby and wear diapers forever.

His third birthday came and went. His friends all potty trained one by one. The other moms discussed different methods and what worked for them. Still he wasn’t interested. I began to

despair. I knew that he could do it if he wanted, but he didn’t.

“What if he’s never ready?” I wept to my husband. “He’s nearly 4!” I shrugged off the disapproving comments in mom forums about the topic of “late” training. I ignored a potty training consultant who told me that kids have to potty train between the ages of 2-3 or face long-term problems. I refused to try and force him, as was suggested by some of these “experts.”

Everyone had a piece of advice to give me. “Read him potty stories,” his preschool teachers said at parent-teacher conferences.

We had a dozen.

“Go underwear shopping,” said other moms. We had drawers of unwanted underwear.

I realized that half of my anxiety stemmed from the fact he had always been the first of his friends to hit milestones. Was my competitiveness and anxiety causing his reluctance? He certainly couldn’t care less that he wasn’t potty trained. The mere discussion of it would result in tantrums and tears. So we waited some more. I decided to focus on what he wanted, rather than what he was “supposed” to be doing.

Then one day, when he was 3 years and 8 months old, I told him casually we were about to run out of diapers. “Okay,” he said. A few days later he came out of his room asking to sit on the potty. I cheered and did a special dance. Two more days passed and instead of peeing on the floor, he said, “I need to go potty” and ran back to the bathroom. Something had shifted. A week later I told him we’d run out of diapers, and within three days he was trained, day and night, with no fuss, and no need for big rewards. I can count the number of accidents he’s had since then on two hands. My gut instinct had been right all along.

When people ask me what method I used I shrug and say, “I didn’t. I just waited until he was ready and he did it.” It took me three years and nine months to realize that the parenting expert who has the most to teach me about my son is my son.

Emma Steven is a writer and NYMetroParents’ Manhattan calendar editor. She lives in Manhattan with her husband, two toddlers, and two cats.

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August 2017 | nymetroparents.com

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LongIslandParent 51

When your little angel thinks he’s a daredevil...

Better have a good pediatrician.

Make sure your kids are covered.

Call 866.247.5678 (TTY 711) 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 nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.

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