Westchester Family

January 22 See page 38 for details

127 Growing Great Families for 25 Years

January 2017

Fun January

Activities

Happy

New Year!

Resolve to Be a Better Family

Start Young

Ski Lessons for Kids Inside our 2017 Camp Directory WestchesterFamily.com

RECYCLING CARTONS IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3 1. EMPTY your food and beverage cartons.

2. ADD cartons to recycling bin with other containers.

3. CELEBRATE less trash and more reuse.

Learn more at RecycleCartonsEastCoast.com

THORNTON-DONOVAN WILL TRAVEL TO

PERU & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS IN 2016-17

Co-Ed • Grades K-12

100 Overlook Circle New Rochelle, NY 10804 | www.td.edu | 914-632-8836 January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

3

CONTENTS January 2017 Volume twenty-seven • number 1

departments

6 Editor’s Note 8 FAMILY F.Y.I. 10 Fab 4

4 Great Places for Ski Lessons!

32 Ask the Specialist Congenital Scoliosis

54 Let’s Go To …

Westchester Children’s Museum

36 #MeTime

Cervical Cancer

49 BROADWAY SCENE

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

50 Last WORD

calendar

features 12

What Makes Camp So Special?

If you speak with anyone who has a child at day or overnight camp, there is no doubt they will tell you what an amazing experience it is for their child. If you didn’t go to camp yourself or have a child at camp, you might not “get” camp.

What is it about summer camp that makes it so special?

24

30

Resolve to Be a Better Family

Westchester Catholic Schools Education: Faith-Based, Future-Focused

For parents thinking about a Catholic school for their child, now is the perfect time to take a closer look. Here’s an step-by-step review of the application process.

Local Frugalistas Speak Up

It’s a new year, and a fresh opportunity for your family to make a fresh financial start. Learn some alternative ways and creative strategies that your neighbors use to help them save money. Meet your finacial goals in 2017!

Family Activities for January

35 Top Pick 38 Brady Rymer: The Little Band That Could 39 Westchester Family’s 2017 Camp Fair 40 Wonderful Winter 41 Connecticut Corner 42 City Picks

advertising 14 Camp Directory

Coming Next Month January 22 See page 38 for details

127 Growing Great Families for 25 Years

January 2017

FUN JANUARY

ACTIVITIES

Happy

New Year!

Resolve to Be a Better Family

Start Young

Ski Lessons for Kids INSIDE OUR 2017 CAMP DIRECTORY WestchesterFamily.com

4

Westchester Family | January 2017

on the cover 50

Resolve to Be a Better Family

10

Ski Lessons

35

January Activities

Montessori Education Maria Montessori’s first school opened its doors in 1907. But a trend toward mindfulness in education is sparking new interest in this century-old style of education. Apparently , this type of learning may especially benefit today’s young minds.

14 Camp Directory

Liberty Science Center Our Let’s Go To … column explores Liberty Science Center. Have a fun family outing and learn a few things too!

Cover Photo Photo by Olivia Marie Gatti, clickclicklove.com.

Plus … Westchester Family’s award-winning searchable calendar for families and much more!

Look for it starting January 26!

Catholic Schools Week January 29 - February 4, 2017 Fidelis Care is proud to join with schools, teachers, students, and families in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

Thank you for your commitment to lifelong learning and to building stronger, healthier communities all year long.

Quality health coverage. It’s Our Mission.

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

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January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

5

Editor’s Note //

Published by Community News Group CEO Les Goodstein President & Publisher Jennifer Goodstein Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@cnglocal.com co-Publisher/ Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Calendar Editor Susan Goldberg calendar@westchesterfamily.com ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com

Resolve Not

I

t’s that time again. The newness of the year, and more likely the guilt of holiday indulgence, inspires us to make some sweeping resolutions. I know I have.

This year I will some lose weight, this year I will only eat healthy, this year I will exercise every day, this year I will save money, this year I will spend more time with family and friends, this year I will quit …. (fill in the blank).

Yet, studies have shown that only 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year’s resolution goals. So what’s a selfimprovement junkie to do? Perhaps keeping things simple would be a good start. To that end eliminate the using words like always and never. Start small.

Want to spend more time with the family? How about selecting one activity a month that you can do together and put it on the calendar. Order the tickets, sign up ahead of time or whatever it takes to make it a real

Camp Fair

Happy New Year, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Have you made a resolution to send your child to camp in 2017?

We can help. Attend the free Westchester Family Camp Fair on Jan. 22, 2017 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club, 555 S. Barry Ave., Mamaroneck, New York.

Meet and speak to the directors and representatives for some of the best local day camps, sleep away and specialty camps all under one roof. It will help you select the very best camp for your child. See you there!

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas!

6

plan and not a vague, general idea. At the end of the year you’ll have 12 quality experiences that will equal spending more time with family.

If you are interested in spending less in 2017 read, “Local Frugalistas Speak Up: Savvy Ways to Save on Family Expenses.”

You’ll be inspired by your creative and thrifty neighbors.

For other ideas read our “Resolve to Be a Better Family” article this month. You’ll find suggestions on actions you can take together. You don’t have to do it all – pick just one idea and make simple concrete plans to see it through.

Westchester Family | January 2017

Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@cnglocal.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Gardy Charles Earl Ferrer John Napoli Mark Ramos Michael Shirey DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Rare Sales Inc. Bob Engelman 914-661-3605 circulation@westchesterfamily.com Printed by Publication Printers Please recycle this magazine.

Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Community News Group, LLC. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. Editorial submissions are welcome.

Westchester Family 1 Metrotech Center Brooklyn NY 11201 © 2017 Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Contests//

OUR DECEMBER CONTESTS LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester Enter to win a FamilyFour-Pack of tickets to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, located at Westchester’s Ridge Hill. Explore this indoor family entertainment venue, which includes LEGO rides, a soft play area a 4D cinema and a gift shop. legoland​ discoverycenter.com.

Retail value, $119.80.

Contest ends Jan. 26, 2017. Enter to win at WestchesterFamily. com.

Backseat Driver Enter to win Autobrain, (autobrain.com, $49.99 + $9.99/month subscription), an easy-to-install device and accompanying app that allows drivers to utilize a wide variety of safety features including baby reminder, trip reports, driving behavior reports, curfew and boundary alerts, roadside assistance, emergency response and more!

Great for busy parents and student drivers. Prize includes a 6-month subscription and is valued at $139.99. Contest ends January 20, 2017.

To enter, visit NAPPAAwards.com.

FREE

First lesson & Consultation

Belle School of Music

“Where Learning is Fun!”

SPECIALIZING IN PIANO, KEYBOARDS KEYBOARDS AND ANDVOICE VOICE Ages 2-4 with parent participation.

Plant the seed of music in your child!

MUSIC LAND Ages 4-5 with parent participation.

A delightful experience for Mozarts of the future

Your child’s next report card can be a great one!

Sylvan will develop a learning plan created for the way your child learns best. Our highly personalized approach builds the skills, habits and attitudes your child needs to succeed in school and in life.

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MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE Ages 5-7 with parent participation. Unique Russian-Japanese method.

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914-961-5511 www.belleschool.com

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

7

Family FYI //

Breast Milk Bank Opens in Hastings Breastfeeding’s wealth of natural health benefits for both baby and mother, including protection against infant ear infections and breast cancer, have been well documented.

But between the ready availability of formula, many moms’ difficulty pumping and storing milk and varying levels of information and education available to new parents, agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are concerned about the large numbers of mothers unable or neglecting to nourish their child naturally.

Enter The New York Milk Bank (NYMB), New York State’s first donor-driven breast milk bank, whose mission is to establish a safe and reliable source of pasteurized human milk for mothers who can’t produce or access their own.

Breast milk is especially important for the health of a premature infant. With donor human milk, screened to be as close a match

to an infant’s nutritional needs as possible, the infant can develop the proper intestinal bacteria needed to fight many kinds of ailments. Every donor is examined for their health history, infectious diseases, travel history, and more, and then the donation is pasteurized, according to NYMB Founder Julie Bouchet-Horwit.

While NYMB is the first of its kind in New York, the local nonprofit is not alone in blazing

a trail, and carefully follows the same HMBANA guidelines as 22 other U.S. banks.

NYMB happily reports they have already received thousands of ounces of donor milk from mothers here in Westchester, and are providing this milk to babies all over New York State.

New York Milk Bank, 185 Old Broadway, Hastings-on-Hudson. 212-956-6455.. nymilkbank. org.

for a charity showcase held at the Brewster Performing Arts Center. More than great dancing, this showcase affords students at each studio the opportunity to give back to their favorite charity. Studio B has selected the Westchester Humane Society as the recipient of their donation, which includes funds and items from their Wish List. The performance is

free, but donations are willingly accepted. “It makes me feel good to see how excited the children get when they are able to help – and it makes them feel good too,” says Solomon Rothenberg.

Studio B Dance Center, 277 White Plains Road, Eastchester. 793-2799. studiobdance.com.

Inspiring Students ...

Nancy Solomon Rothenberg, the owner of Studio B Dance Center in Eastchester is an inspiration to her students, and in turn they inspire her.

For some 20 years Studio B has offered dance in Eastchester. But, it wasn’t until recently that they had a permanent home of their own. “We totally renovated an 1850’s barn located at 277 White Plains Road in Eastchester,” says Solomon Rothenberg. It was a six-month-long process, in which they created a new structure from the dirt floor up.

Students and parents are delighted with the new studio that includes a mini performance space. “In December we held our first performance, Snowflakes and Sautés, and served light refreshments right form our mini kitchen,” says Solomon Rothenberg. More performance opportunities are on the way, which inspires students.

This January 14th Studio B joins two other area studios, Seven Star School of Performing Arts in Brewster and Farmington Valley Dance & Music in Farmington, Conn.

8

Westchester Family | January 2017

AMAZING

is having your spine and confidence completely rebuilt.

Born with severe congenital scoliosis, Kayleigh spent most of her life hunched over, despite repeated surgeries. At NewYork-Presbyterian, she met one of the very few doctors in the country able to perform a complex reconstructive surgery to correct the deformity. Now at 13, this lovely young lady is standing tall.

See Kayleigh’s story at nyp.org/kids

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

9

Fab 4 //

4 Great Places for Ski Lessons!

Start ski lessons for your kids when they’re young and watch how fast they learn. Here’s where to get your future Olympian started.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area A very popular ski destination for local families, Thunder Ridge Ski Area offers 30 trails, three chairlifts and four magic carpets.

Located 35 minutes from White Plains and 20 minutes from Danbury, Conn., Thunder Ridge is close enough for families to enroll their child in ski lessons, which are offered for all ages. Snowboarding is also a popular sport here. See their website for tips for first-time skiers and other information.

Thunder Ridge Ski Area, Rte. 22, Patterson. 845-878-4100. thunderridgeski.com.

Hunter Mountain Take to the mountain here for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing and snowshoeing. There are three separate mountains offering a variety of terrains for every age and skill set. Kids can start with Mighty Mites seasonal ski lessons for ages 5 and 6, or a single group session for ages 4 to 6. Check their website for the informative, “Need to Know: Kids” for tips and rules.

Hunter Mountain ,Main St., Hunter.

800-486-8376. huntermtn.com.

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center You’ll find 50 trails, parks and glades, a vertical drop of 1,404 feet, 8 lifts and 4 lodges here.

The ski-or-snowboard KidsCamp is for kids age 4 to 12. An indoor Tiger Den Drop Off Center (ages 6 months to 6 years) lets kids play with toys and enjoy art projects.

For adults and children with cognitive, emotional or physical disabilities there is the Belleayre Adaptive Snowsports Program.

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center,181 Galli Curci Raod, Highmount. 845254-5600.belleayre.com.

Windham Mountain The I Heart Snowboarding Program is just for women and is designed to promote healthy hearts. The fun two-day event includes five hours of lessons, meals, presentations, yoga and wine. Great moms group weekend get-away. Lessons for kids start at age 5. With 54 trails and 12 lifts there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy a run. Check their website for a variety of Learn-To Packages.

Windham Mountain, 19 Resort Dr., Windham. 800-754-9463. windhammountain.com.

– Jean Sheff

10

Westchester Family | January 2017

One of the country’s top children’s hospitals is all over the map in Fairfield County.

From cardiology to pediatric surgery, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Centers offer easy access to more than 35 pediatric specialties close to home. Our programs are nationally ranked year after year by U.S. News & World Report. That’s news that should make both you and your child feel better.

To make an appointment, call 203-785-4081.

Pediatric Specialty Centers 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 747 Belden Avenue, Norwalk 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull ynhch.org

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

11

Camp What Makes

So Special?

By Jess Michaels

I

f you speak with anyone who has a child at day or overnight camp, there is no doubt they will tell you what an amazing experience it is for their child. If you didn’t go to camp yourself or have a child at camp, you might not “get” camp. What is it about summer camp that makes it so special?

Feeling Good American Camp Association research has found that 92 percent of campers said that camp helped them feel good about themselves and 70 percent of parents reported that their child gained self-confidence. Building self-esteem happens easily at camp. When a camper puts her head under water for the first time or gets to the top of the climbing wall she was scared to try, she builds confidence by accomplishing something new and challenging. “When children try a new activity and see a good outcome at the end, they build determination and grit,” says Gordon Josey, owner and director of Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk.

On My Own Camp fosters independence. When children are away from their parents, it allows them to think independently and feel good about

12

Westchester Family | January 2017

making a decision on their own. Dan Weir, director of Camping Services at Frost Valley YMCA in the Catskills says, “Children gain confidence in decision making at camp and as they do, their independence grows. They feel comfortable taking action because they know they can make a decision. They gain a sense of independence and self-identity.”

New Experiences Each day of camp brings a new opportunity for children. Research by the American Camp Association found that 74 percent of campers said they did things at camp that they were afraid to do at first. One day your child might be waterskiing around the lake and another day he may be going down the zip line. “All in one place, a child can swim, do arts & crafts, wacky science, cooking, basketball, soccer, music and theater,” says Josey. Trying new activities allows your child to broaden his or her horizons and learn to be open about participating in things that aren’t familiar. “Camp provides experiences children won’t necessarily get at home,” comments Weir. “At our Farm Camp, children interact with sheep, pigs and goats which is very different than what they would be doing at home. Camp exposes children to new activities and encourages children to push their boundaries by trying something for the first time.”

All Together Now At camp, children learn to become part of a community. They learn to share in camp traditions, work together and at overnight camp, live together in bunks. Becoming part of a strong camp community can help children learn to live with others and help better prepare them for the college experience. Weir says, “When you live with people for two weeks, you bond with individuals you may not have if you weren’t in the same camp community. Campers come from all different neighborhoods and socioeconomic backgrounds but at camp, you have common ground.” Josey adds, “It’s not the sports that make camp special.

It’s the relationships campers form with other campers and staff, the songs they sing together and the shared traditions that make children feel part of a strong community.”

Tech-less In a report by Common Sense Media, it states that tweens spend 6 hours a day and teens 9 hours a day consuming media. This includes watching videos, TV, video games and social media. Instead of engaging in human interactions, children are staring at screens throughout the year. Summer camp has become one of the last unplugged environments for children. “Today’s children are connected more than ever by ‘talking’

on their devices but are increasingly lonely and isolated. At camp you are forced to be an active part of the community without a device. Campers have to put themselves out there and drop their inhibitions. They aren’t crafting responses and making sure their selfies are taken in the right direction. They have to be who they are in the moment,” comments Weir.

All Around Good Camp allows children to play in a safe and

nurturing environment with a caring and supportive staff. Play is an important form of learning that contributes to a child’s healthy physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. “The magic of camp is a child can just be a child. They can have fun and learn new activities all in a supportive and safe environment that is just for them,” says Josey.

Weir feels the staff at camp is so important for a child’s camp experience.

“When we hire staff, we look for people who

want to be with kids, take an interest in their development and put the child first. We also make sure through staff training that the staff is carrying out our camp’s philosophy and goals.”

To find out how truly extraordinary camp is for a child, send your child to camp. After just one summer, you will totally get it.

Jess Michaels works with the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey. aca-nynj.org.

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

13

Camp Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

Advertising Supplem l a i c ent Spe

SUMMER CampS CAMPS 2016 Summer 2017 July 33 –- August 25 25

MAKE

40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573

14

Westchester Family | January 2017

Friends Memories Art www.clayartcenter.org

P: 914-937 2047

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

15

Camp Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

Get IN on the

ACT!

at Westchester’s Theater for Children and Teens

Summer Programs LiƩle Theatre (age 4-7) Kids’ CollecƟve (age 7-10) Young Actors’ Ensemble (age 11-13) Teen Conservatory (age 14-17) MainStage (age 11-17) Improv, Design/Tech & more!

www.playgroup.org

Family Shows

Arts in Ed

The Play Group Theatre has performing arts programs and MainStage shows all year long!

We are training Westchester’s teachers and bringing theatre into school classrooms as well!

Jan 2017: Hairspray and Romeo & Juliet Don’t miss it!

Introduce your school to PGT.

914-946-4433

www.playgroup.org

Acres Of Adventure Summer Camp @ Ann & Andy’s 2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 592-3027 acresofadventure-summercamp. com Acres of Adventure Summer Camp at Ann & Andy’s is a one to nine-week summer camp with an emphasis on outdoors for children ages 3 months to 14 years. They offer customized schedules, individualized attention and hot lunches including barbeque Fridays. All buildings are air-conditioned. Visit the website for more details.

Artistree Performing Arts Camp 114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 835-2200 artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts (formerly Applause Westchester) is pleased to present Camp Artistree for both the school breaks and all summer long! Now owned by Heather and Peter Capelle, Camp Artistree presents week-long performing arts camps where students engage in acting, singing, dancing, filmmaking and more! Artistree’s three-week summer intensives allow students to put on a full musical! Ages 3 to 18.

Westchester’s Top Summer Tennis Camp Westchester’s Top Summer Tennis Camp June 29 26 –- August 21 18 June 29 – August 21 Belle School Of Music

Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers

Summer Camp - Morning Session Summer Camp - Morning Session 961-5511

• All camp programs taught by our full time • All camp programs taught by our full time belleschool.com experienced professional staff experienced professional staff Children • 8:45am - 1:00pm Daily • 8:45am - 1:00pm Dailyages 18 months and • Ages 8-16 • Ages 8-16 up enjoy music in a fun-filled • Instruction and Match Play • Instruction and Match Play Whether you are atmosphere.

introducing your child to the USTA Tournament Training Camp USTA Tournament Training Camp

• Mon - Thurs, 2:00pm - 4:00pm • Mon - Thurs,world 2:00pm 4:00pmadvancing his or of-music, • Training and Match Play • Training and her Match Play performing skills or jazzing up • MITL JUNIOR TEAM COMPETITION• MITL JUNIOR TEAM COMPETITION the summer with cool sounds and • Campers must be evaluated for • Campers must be evaluated for funky acceptance into this program acceptance into thisrhythms programof rock, pop and

blues, Belle School has it all.

Full Day Camp Now Available!

Full Day Camp Now Available!

Mini Camp

Mini Camp

Summer Camp Programs

pools, lake and adventure course.

Summer Camp Programs

• 8:45am - 4:00pm Daily • Tournament Training • Match Play • Campers must be evaluated for acceptance into this program

• 8:45am - 4:00pm Daily • Tournament Breezemont Training Day Camp • Match Play 62-64 Cox Ave., Armonk • Campers must be evaluated for 367-1936 acceptance into this program

breezemont.com

last a lifetime.” For • *NEW Times! 9-11am or 12:30-2:30pm • *NEW Times!“Memories 9-11am or that 12:30-2:30pm • 4 days a week – Monday through Thursday children ages 3 to 13.

Land sports, • 4 days a week – Monday through Thursday • Ages 3-7 • Ages 3-7 zip line, fine and performing arts, • All Camps are 1-Week Session • Indoor and Outdoor Courts • Har-tru and Plexi-cushion Courts

914-835-3030

16

• www.ryeracquet.com 914-835-3030 •

Westchester Family | January 2017

• All Camps are 1-Week Session • Indoor and Outdoor Courts Camp Birch Hill • Har-tru and Plexi-cushion Courts

333C Birch Hill Rd., New Durham, NH www.ryeracquet.com 603-859-4525; campbirchhill.com

A classic New England summer camp with a focus on fun located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. A home away from home for boys and girls across the globe, campers ages 6 to 16 choose from over 50 exciting activities to create a personalized schedule. Campers explore new interests, while developing friendships, memories and skills that last a lifetime.

Camp Ramaquois 30 Mountain Road, Pomona (only 20 mins. from TZ Bridge) 845-354-1600 Located in Rockland County, featuring door-to-door transportation, age-appropriate activities for ages 3 to 15. Five-acre lake, nine heated pools and Water Works Spray Park, six tennis courts, zip line, air-conditioned dining room and gym, seven craft shops, group cabins and athletic fields. Hot lunch, towels, optional trips for children entering grades 3-10.

Clay Art Center 40 Beech St., Port Chester 937-2047 clayartcenter.org Get creative this summer! Offering week long, half-day and full-day clay and art camps for children and teens ages 6 to 15, weekly July 3 - August 25. In the classroom, aspiring young artists will have fun and develop their imaginations while working in the transformational medium of clay. Clay Art Center is a non-profit art organization offering clay classes for adults and children year round.

Corbin’s Crusaders Day Camp 471 North St., Greenwich, Conn.

212-875-8174. CorbinsCrusaders. com A sports and adventure camp with a traditional camp’s sense of belonging. Team sports plus tennis, archery, adventures and swimming on 38 acres. Experienced professionals offer choice and structured athletic activities on fields, courts, and indoor gym, with archery and water slides. Three pools for daily lessons and open swim. For 1-8 weeks.

Crestwood Music Education Center 453 White Plains Road, Eastchester

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

17

Camp Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

IONA COLLEGE

Summer

DAY CAMPS This summer, children ages 5-13 will enjoy exciting, fun filled days at the Iona College camp. Our athletic facilities serve as the setting for an exciting summer. Your child will experience two periods of swimming, sporting events, a variety of dance, arts and crafts and music.

Contact us at mreddington@iona.edu 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 www.iona.edu\summercamp

Purchase Day Camp

OPEN HOUSE

Sat. March 4TH from 1-3:30 Ages 3 to 15 • Teachers in every group • 1:4 Ratio Transportation • Towel Service • Lunch included 4 Heated Pools • Swim Instruction Daily • Sports Archery • Mini Golf • Tennis • Computers • Cooking Rocketry • Woodworking t Contac Us !

TODAY

Regis t Onlin er e!

914-949-2636 PurchaseDayCamp.com

18

Westchester Family | January 2017

961-3497 crestwoodmusic.com Offering private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, drums and percussion for students of all ages/levels. Suzuki programs in piano and violin.

World-class faculty provides a premier music education, including jazz instruction with top jazz artists in piano, woodwinds, saxophone, guitar and percussion.

They rent, repair and sell instruments.

Good Counsel Academy Elementary 2 Broadway, Valhalla 761-4423 Goodcounsel@gcaelem.net.

Goodcounselelementary.net Good Counsel Academy Elementary Summer Camp Program begins June 26-August 4. Weekly sessions available. Children engage in hands-on, age-appropriate activities and workshops each day. Days include both indoor/ outdoor play, STEM projects, technology, story creation, drama, art, academic enrichment, culinary arts and more! Open to K-Grade 5 students.

ESF Summer Camps at Greenwich Academy 200 N. Maple Ave., Greenwich, Conn.

203-869-4444 esfcamps.com/Greenwich Award-winning camps filled with the perfect blend of education, sports and fun! A summer camp experience built around you! Expanded specialty camps for 2016 - way more than a typical day of camp! ESF offers camps and experiences for boys and girls ages 3 to 16. One to nine week options—extended day available! Please visit their website for extensive offerings!

Gymcats Gymnastics Summer Camp At Equalize Fitness, One Odell Pl., Yonkers 965-7676 gymcats.net Unique, safe and FUN summer program for boys and girls ages 4 1/2 to 12. Includes gymnastics, trips, arts and crafts, games and more. No experience necessary in any activities. Campers can do one week or up to eight weeks. Full-, half- or extended-day program

offered. Space is limited.

Hackley School Summer Programs 293 Benedict Ave., Tarrytown 366-2675 hackleyschool.org/summer Hackley offers an incredible array of summer enrichment programs for students K-12. Whether it’s sports or visual arts, nature adventures, theater or academic challenges your children are looking for, you will find wonderful opportunities led by Hackley faculty on our amazing 285 acre campus in central Westchester. Open to all.

Harvey Cavalier Camp 260 Jay St., Katonah 232-0581; harveycavaliercamp. org Children (pre-K to grade 9) can pursue a wide variety of interests, explore their creativity in the fine and performing arts, swim in the pool, skate on the ice, challenge themselves in gymnastics and play sports on spacious fields, guided by professional educators and artists. 50 electives to choose from! With state-of-the-art facilities, Harvey’s 125-acres provide the perfect setting for a summer of fun and exploration. A camp as exceptional as your child! July 5 to Aug. 11.

Hudson Country Day Camp 340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Children delight in active, playful and healthy summer fun while parents rest assured they continue to learn, explore and develop.

Summer activities include water play, swim instruction, music and movement, hands-on science education, cooking, gardening, tennis, nature investigation, field trips and so much more. Full- and part-time options available. Join us in celebrating 45 years of summer tradition!

Iona College Summer Camp 715 North Ave., New Rochelle 633-2305; iona.edu/summercamp This summer, children ages 5 to 13 will enjoy exciting, fun-filled days at the Iona College camp. Their athletic facilities serve as the setting for an exciting summer. Your

summer programs at hackley school Hackley offers an incredible array of summer enrichment programs for students grades K-12.

Whether it’s sports or visual arts, nature adventures, theater or academic challenges your children are looking for, you will find wonderful opportunities led by Hackley faculty right here on our amazing 285-acre campus in central Westchester.

Hudson River

Mt Kisco

9

100

For more information, visit our website at www.hackleyschool.org/summer.

684

15

Tarrytown HACKLEY SCHOOL

119

287

Greenwich

Scarsdale

Contact us at summer@hackleyschool.org.

Peter Sawkins, Director of Auxiliary Programs (914) 366–2675

95 87

Rye

CAMP BIRCH HILL

LOCATED IN THE BEAUTIFUL LAKES REGION OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Voted Top 5 Overnight Camp in NH"

by Boston Parents Paper

Choose From over 50 Activities / Customize Daily Schedule!!!

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Celebrating 20 years of friendship and memories of a lifetime SUMMER@CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM U WWW.CAMPBIRCHHILL.COM U (603) 859-4525 January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

19

Camp Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

EXPERIENCE MARINE SCIENCE

The

WHALE CAMP

at the

Fundy Marine Science Institute Face-to-face with whales, porpoises, puffins and lots of marine life

$40,000 College Scholarships Available HANDS-ON MARINE SCIENCE, OCEANOGRAPHY & WHALE RESEARCH ON GRAND MANAN ISLAND BETWEEN MAINE AND NOVA SCOTIA

Free Brochure & Info:

www.whalecamp.com Ask About: STEM Projects • College Accredited Courses • Family Programs Mention Keycode WC★LIP for $50/week Discount

Open HOuse and Carnival February 4tH FrOm 1-4 pm

summer 2017 Co-ed ages 5–15

All-Sport Academy • Tennis Academy

20

Westchester Family | January 2017

child will experience two periods of swimming, sporting events, a variety of dance, artsand crafts and music. Contact them at mreddington@iona.edu.

Jodi’s Gym 25 Hubbels Dr., Mt. Kisco 244-8811 jodisgym.com Join them for a morning of non-stop fun, Jodi’s Gym style!

Your child will run, jump, tumble, balance, stretch, sing, create, move and groove all under the supervision and care of their well trained and certified staff. Flexible scheduling. Offered June 12 to September 1. Ages 3 to 7.

Katonah Art Center 65 Old Bedford Road, Goldens Bridge 232-4843 katonahartcenter.com The Katonah Art Center offers weekly half-day or full-day camps in painting, drawing, computer art, jewelry making, sculpture, pottery 3D printing and more. From Preschoolers to Young Adults, KAC camps have something for everyone!

Linguakids 2005 Palmer Avenue., Larchmont 203-525-0328 linguakids.com These foreign language summer camps (French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese) are lots of fun for children. The curriculum is made of many fun activities, which are an effective tool when learning a foreign language. They can bring Linguakids to your Elementary School or Nursery – ask them how!

Little Sprouts Mini Camp at Purchase Day Camp 949-2636 purchasedaycamp.com Get your preschooler off to an early start this summer at Purchase Day Camp.

Little Sprouts Mini Camp for 3’s, 4’s and children entering kindergarten during the first three weeks of June. Daily swimming, sports, science, cooking, Friday pizza lunch and more!

Register for one, two or all three weeks.

Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club 555 S. Barry Ave., Mamaroneck 698-1130 mamaroneckbeachandyacht.com A warm, nurturing program of “big-kid camp” experiences tailored for younger campers.

Children learn and grow at their own pace promoting a healthy adjustment for the first time camper. Group sizes are small.

Outdoor-based program features daily certified swim instruction and a balanced, age appropriate, curriculum to foster whole-child development.

Mazel Tots – Summer Stars at Scarsdale Synagogue Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale 723-3001 mazeltots@sstte.;http://bit.ly/ starsfamily Summer Stars serves children 18 months to 5 years. The summer session runs from late June to mid Aug. Summer Stars features water play, soccer, nature, music, sports, special theme days, creative movement, yoga, cooking, storytelling, art and much more! Please call for more information.

Mike Risko School Of Music 144 Croton Ave., Ossining 762-8757 mikeriskomusicschool.com Mike Risko Music has a variety of classes for kids from pre-K to teen.

From private music lessons, rock star vocal, rock band, orchestra boot camp, band boot camp, musical theatre training classes and baby rock star classes, there is something for everyone and every age!

OnTrack 29 South Depot Pl., Tarrytown 909-2974 ontracksportcenter.com OnTrack Sport Center is an allweather, year-round indoor sport facility with two turf fields ideal for team training, recreation and competitive programs. Indoor/ outdoor summer sports camps (ages 4 to 12), holiday and winter break sports camps (ages 7 to 12), after school youth sports programs (ages 4 to 14). Customized birthday parties and private

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

21

Camp Directory // Special Advertising Supplement

Family Owned & Operated since 1973 Experienced Counselors Serving children 2 months–14 years of age Age appropriate activities including: tween trips, bowling, swimming, golf, drama, sports, water slide, train rides, computers, arts & crafts, air castle and more!

Call for a Tour and Appointment! 914-592-3027 2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford, NY www.AcresOfAdventureSummerCamp.com

3345 Yea

Best ys Birthda!

Ever

WINNER 2016

r of Fun s , Friend s & Fitne , ss for kid 9 moss to 12 yrs

www.jodisgym.com 25 Hubbels Dr .U ,JTDP Ĺ” 914.244.8811

rentals for events.

Play Group Summer Theatre Programs One N. Broadway, White Plains 946-4433 playgroup.org A place where magic happens each and every day! A summer camp experience opening the imagination, nurturing the creative soul, inspiring children and teens to reach for what they might have thought impossible and to succeed. From Little Theatre ages 4-6, PGT Kids ages 7 -10, Young actors ages 11-13 and Teen Conservatory ages14-17.

Purchase Day Camp 949-2636 purchasedaycamp.com Offering a wide variety of activities for ages 3 to 15. 150 TEAM members for 375 campers.

Four heated pools, instructional swim, free swim, climbing wall, zip line, golf, rocketry, computers, crafts and sports twice daily.

Check website to find out why everyone says, “I just LOVE it here!�

Rye Racquet Club 3 South Road, Harrison 835-3030 ryeracquetclub.com Tennis is the name of the game for junior players. The ninecourt indoor/outdoor facility offers eight one-week sessions of tennis camp for ages 3 to 16, 6/18/17-8/18/17. Program includes instruction, practice play and match play. They also have a USTA tournament training camp and MITL team competition.

SUNY – Purchase 251-6500; purchase.edu/youth For more than 39 years, Purchase College’s youth/precollege programs in the arts have been much more than camps. Summer students experience a rich environment full of exciting beginnings, new friends and achievements, growth and independence.

They are immersed in a variety of exciting and enriching learning opportunities. NEW STEM Program in 2017!

Summer Play Camp At Blue Rock School 110 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack 845-627-0234 summerplaycamp.org Summer Play is a creative, discovery-based approach to summer fun. Children 3 to 12 explore art, music, nature & science, gardening, woodworking, drama, swimming, and free play on 4 1/2 acres of wooded property. Six weeks.

Monday- Friday, 9:30 am-3 pm.

Open Houses: March 11 at 12pm and April 29 at 1pm.

Sylvan Learning Center 850 Bronx River Rd., Bronxville 34 S Broadway #512, White Plains Bronxville 914-600-7179 White Plains 914-984-4438 sylvanlearning.com Avoid Summer Learning Loss at Sylvan! Summer workshops and STEM courses will boost your child’s confidence and enhance academic skills. Reading, Math, Writing and Study Skills workshops, plus new courses in Robotics and Coding, for students entering Grades K-9. Space is limited.

Call Sylvan today for details and to reserve your space.

Katonah

ART

Center MER SUM P CAM1 -18 3 /2 Ages

Week long, half or full day!

Painting, drawing, pottery, cartooning, 3D printing & more!

9LNPZ[LY VUSPUL! RH[VUHOHY[JLU[LY JVT ŕ Ž (914) 232-4843 65 Old Bedford Road, Goldens Bridge, NY 10526

22

Westchester Family | January 2017

Harvey Cavalier Camp A Summer Camp as Exceptional as Your Child!

A day camp for Pre-K–Grade 9 with over 50 courses from fine arts, theater, ice skating, science, gymnastics, sports, technology, swimming, music, and much more!

Harvey’s 125 acre campus of open fields and woods provides a perfect setting for an extraordinary summer camp experience.

The Harvey School • 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 914-232-0581 • harveycavaliercamp.org

Join us at our Open Houses January 7, February 4 & March 4 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

ENROLL ONLINE FOR WINTER/SPRING! CLASSES FOR AGES 0 – 18

(FORMERLY APPLAUSE WESTCHESTER — NOW OWNED BY HEATHER AND PETER CAPELLE) ARTISTREEARTS.COM - (914) 835-2200 - 114 W. BOSTON POST RD. MAMARONECK January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

23

SERIOUS FOUNDATION. SERIOUS FUN.

Continuing Education

SUMMER 2017

Camp Directory // Special Advertising Supplement Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts Grades 4-8 and 9-12 Architecture Creative Writing Digital Arts Journalism Music Performing Art STEM Visual Arts 1, 2, & 4 Week Programs June 26 – August 4, 2017 Open House Saturday April 22, 2017 Registration begins on January 30, 2017

www.purchase.edu/youth

Register for Winter/ Spring 2017

Twin Lakes Farm 960B California Road, Bronxville 961-2192 twinlakesfarm.com Twin Lakes Farm is a traditional riding academy maintaining more than 40 lesson horses of varying levels. Their goal is to expose children to English Riding in a safe and fun environment. Summer camp is co-educational for ages 6 to 13, interested in friendship, horsemanship, riding and summer fun.

Squire Sports Camps Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale 328-3798 squirecamps.com Squire Sports Camps includes the Tennis Academy and an All-Sports Academy. Squire offers top tier instruction and skill training from certified coaches. Campers may choose four, three or a total of seven weeks. Hot lunch and swimming is included. Transportation available. Director: Matt Davanzo.

YWCA Summer Day Camps 515 North St., White Plains 949 - 6227 ext. 125 ywcawpcw.org The YWCA’s Camp Funkist is a great day camp option where boys and girls (ages 4 to 14) enjoy days filled with musical theater, art, sports and games, swimming, special events, trips and lasting friendships and memories. Co-ed gymnastics summer program and summer program for children with developmental disabilities.

Thornton Donovan Summer Challenge 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 632-8836 td.edu Founded in 1969, the Summer Challenge has been a source of joy, entertainment and enlightenment for boys and girls ages 3 to 14. Swimming instruction and recreational swim are a focal point, and the campus boasts one of the few outdoor instructional pools. Door-to-door transportation included.

Squire Advantage Maria Regina School, Hartsdale 328-3798 squirecamps.com A camp for the child who wants it all. Children create their own schedule based on a choice of over 50 different activities including photography, cooking, swimming, arts, robotics, sports and more. Campers may choose four, three or a total of seven weeks.

Hot lunch is included. Courses are taught by certified teachers.

Transportation available. Director: Matt Davanzo.

The Whale Camp, Inc. / MarineBiology Camps 610-399-1463; whalecamp.com Located on stunningly beautiful Grand Manan Island, named the third best small island in the world to visit! No other marine biology summer camp or marine science camp offers as many direct face to-face encounters to closely observe and study whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and puffins in their own natural habitat.

Board their 65-foot sailboat for unmatched examinations of marine life.

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583

Nursery School & Summer Programs For Children 18 months through Age 5 www.sstte.org | 914-723-3001

24

Westchester Family | January 2017

SUPERCHARGE YOUR SUMMER

MINI CAMP

AGE 3

DAY CAMP

AGES 4–8

SPORTS CAMP

AGES 6–14

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AGES 9–15

MAJOR CAMPS

GRADES 1–9

Day, sports, and specialty camps for boys and girls, ages 3–15

TECH CAMPS

JUNE – AUGUST 2017

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RIVERDALE COUNTRY SCHOOL BRONX, NY

AGES 6–15

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EXTEND YOUR DAY

AGES 3–15

HUDSON COUNTRY DAY CAMP Where Exploration Leads To Discovery

• Experienced Staff • Year round program • Flexible Scheduling (2 week minimum • full day & half day)

• Ages 18 months -12 years • Swimming Instruction (in-ground pool on premises)

• Sports, Science and Creative Development

340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804 • 914-636-6202 www.hudsoncountry.org • mrs.mcculler@hudsoncountry.org.

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

25

Westchester Catholic Schools Education:

Faith-Based, Future-Focused

By Nick Iacono

F

or parents thinking about a Catholic school for their child, now is the perfect time to take a closer look. Investments at Catholic schools have modernized programs and practices to meet the needs of students in today’s competitive learning environment. Teachers, principals and administrators are focused on student success – including academic achievement, character development and the moral teachings young men and women need in an increasingly complex and competitive world.

“Catholic schools in Westchester County provide a wide variety of options for families. Our schools offer diverse programs, are academically excellent and are anchored by a faith-based curriculum.

We are committed to enhancing the lives

26

Westchester Family | January 2017

of our students, so that they in turn can enhance the lives of others. My husband and I choose to send our daughter to Catholic school. We are so pleased to see how inspired she is ¬– on many levels – each and every day,” says Noelle Beale, Ph.D., Regional Superintendent for Catholic Schools of Central Westchester.

A Teacher’s Choice Dedicated faculty instill a love of learning early on in pre-K and kindergarten, and continue to develop students’ zest for learning throughout their lives. One elementary school teacher who is committed to this goal is Sheila Alagia of St. Peter’s School in Yonkers. Alagia currently teaches math, and over her 27-year career has also taught history and reading. She graduated from Catholic elementary, high school and the Catholic University in Washington D.C.,

By the Numbers • Number of Private/Parish/Regional Elementary and High Schools in Westchester: 47 • Enrollment in Private/Parish/Regional Elementary and High Schools in NY State overall: more than 67,000 students

Students Overall 77% Catholic 23% Non-Catholic

Ethnic Diversity 45% White 29% Latino 15% African-American 11% Asian and other backgrounds

9-11AM OR BY APPOINTMENT

January 10 & 31 2017 DATES: February 14, March 14, April 4

33 Westchester & Putnam Schools • 5 Rockland Schools • 7 Dutchess Schools • 40 Bronx Schools Plus many additional locations in the greater Hudson Valley and New York City region.

Touring Tuesdays are universal open houses at Catholic elementary schools, a learning environment where respect, courtesy and service to others are always part of the curriculum. We invite you to see the value of a Catholic education for your kids. Visit one or more Catholic schools on our next Touring Tuesday, and experience our Pre-K3 & 4, FREE Universal Pre-K and elementary school programs for yourself.

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. RSVP TODAY.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS in the

Visit buildboldfutures.org or call (646) 794-2885.

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

27

which made a career teaching in a Catholic setting a natural fit.

“Moral values are woven into everything we do. We have the freedom as teachers to take the time for reflection and prayer when a student may need it most,” says Alagia. “In a Catholic school setting we see students, families and staff identify as a family. Parents make the financial commitment toward their child’s success and seek out teaching in a classroom that reinforces the values they teach at home. Teachers are making the choice to teach here. For me it has been very fulfilling and I find much joy in what I do. We’re all in this together in helping our children, our future leaders, grow academically, spiritually and emotionally.”

Academics Reflecting the academic quality of Catholic Schools, the New York State Education Department Examination results for the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York continue to improve. The 2015-16 academic year test results show that Catholic schools have a higher percentage of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards than New York City Public Schools in both Math and ELA (English Language Arts).

More Catholic school students met or exceeded proficiency standards in ELA than New York State Public School students.

Application Process If you are interested in sending your child to Catholic school here is a step-by-step guide for applying to a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of New York.

Step 1: Find a School Before you apply, parents are encouraged to visit one or more Catholic Schools convenient to work or home to see firsthand how a Catholic education can put students on the path to academic and personal success. Start by

visiting buildboldfutures.org to learn more.

Step 2: Complete and Submit Your Admissions Application Once you have selected your school, start your online application via ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org. Review all of the information provided regarding increased financial assistance available, income eligibility guidelines, age qualifications and document requirements before you start your online Admissions Application.

Families can apply for grades pre-K (age 3) through 8 starting on Dec. 1, 2016 via one of three methods: • Online at ApplyCatholicSchoolsNY.org • By phone at 646-794-2885, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., if you are unable to access a computer or would like to access Spanishlanguage representatives and/or translation services for other languages • At the school of interest if you would like help from the school’s staff in completing the online applications for Admissions and Financial Assistance.

Note that for the 2017-18 school year, new students entering pre-K (age 3) through grade 8 who complete and submit their Admissions Applications on or after the early admissions date of Dec. 1, 2016 will receive their decisions sooner. Families completing both the Admissions and Financial Assistance Applications (including all required documents) for students entering kindergarten through grade 8 by Feb. 15, 2017 will receive decisions regarding acceptance and financial assistance no later than March 31, 2017, and likely sooner (note: pre-K students are not eligible for financial assistance). No Admissions fees or initial deposits are required. There is a $35 fee for the financial assistance application.

Nick Iacono is the Director of Communications and Public Relations Archdiocese of New York (ADNY). ADNY has its central offices of the Superintendent of Schools at the Terrance Cardinal Cooke Catholic Center, 1011 First Ave., 18th floor, New York. 212-371-1000. buildboldfutures.org.

Nearly 90 years of Exceptional Catholic Education

Pre-K3 & 4 to Grade 8 After School Program Available

GOOD COUNSEL ACADEMY ELEMENTARY

OPEN HOUSE

February 1st, 2017 9am – 11am Please contact us for information or to schedule a tour Visit us at www.ihmscarsdale.org Mrs. Teresa Sopot, Principal 201 Boulevard, Scarsdale, NY 10583 • 914-723-5608

28

Westchester Family | January 2017

· Early Childhood Program for ages 3-5 · Co-ed Grades 1-8 · Small class sizes and Individualized teacher attention for each child · Early Drop-off and extended care available · Accredited by Middles States Association and AdvancED TOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT - BOOK YOURS TODAY! goodcounsel@gcaelem.net · 2 Broadway, Valhalla, NY 10595 · (914)761-4423

THE URSULINE SCHOOL

ea d H rt Sc re

Sac

ol ho

New Rochelle, New York | 914.636.3950

Ha

Educate Inspire Empower

rtsd ale

Providing Quality Catholic Education For Over 50 Years Pre-Kindergarten Through 8th Grade Scholarships Available

Visit www.shshartsdale.org for more information Apply at www.catholicschoolsny.org Call: 914-946-7242 To Schedule a Tour

MIDDLE SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM & RECEPTION Saturday, February 11, 2017 | 9:00am Visit www.ursulinenewrochelle.org to register

Resurrection School follows the New York State curriculum plus so much more…

• Grades K – 8 • Montessori Program for 3s and 4s • Religion, Art, Spanish, Computer (iPads), Music, Library, Physical Education, STEAM classes • Grades 7 – 8 Elective Courses • Extra Curricular – Sports, After School Clubs, Theater • Extended Day Available • Busing Available • Academic excellence enriched by strong Catholic values and community

OPEN HOUSE: January 10, 2017 at 8:45am

RESURRECTION

GR AMMAR SCHOOL 116 Milton Road, Rye, NY • (914) 967-1218 • www.resurrectionschool.com January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

29

Local

Frugalistas Speak Up Savvy Ways to Save on Family Expenses

By Connie Jeske Crane

A

s anyone who lives here knows all too well, Westchester County is vibrant, well-situated and gorgeous – but pricey too.

So pricey in fact that MarketWatch recently ranked Westchester number three on its list of the “10 most expensive places to raise a family in the U.S.” Like many new parents, you may be thinking about budgets and belt-tightening, given all those additional expenses. But does this automatically mean a grim couponclipping existence? Maybe not, says Jillian Ibelli, a local mom and blogger at My Family of Four. “When people say, ‘Oh I have to go on a budget and save money’ they all immediately think it’s going to be boring, or that you have to stay home all the time.”

But according to Ibelli and a savvy new breed of “frugalistas” we talked to, life can still be creative and fun. This is not your grandma’s coupon clipping, agrees Michelle Platt, another local parent who blogs at My Purse Strings. She reframes the challenge as making your money work harder. “I don’t use coupons at all. I just never have. I’m more of a techie.”

So what are some of the best strategies for saving money today? Here are some top ones we identified.

1. Search for online deals first. Platt, a longtime online shopper says that before she buys anything, she always searches online first for sales and promotion codes. “Start Googling. Is there any promo I should know about for any purchase?” Platt says invariably she finds extra savings on items or services she wants. While she doesn’t clip coupons, she does leverage apps like Coupon Sherpa for in-store shopping.

30

Westchester Family | January 2017

Online Frugalista Resources Want to start saving? Here are some places to try.

Merchandise • Coupon Sherpa – couponsherpa. com • Ebates – ebates.com • Free Stuff Times – freestufftimes. com • reCrib – recrib.com – for gently used kids’ stuff • Retail Me Not – retailmenot.com • thredUP – thredup.com/ – for second-hand clothing Family Outings • Goldstar – goldstar.com/ • Hotel Tonight – hoteltonight.com – for last-minute hotel deals • Living Social – livingsocial.com Miscellaneous • Buy It Once – buy-it-once.com – choose well-made products and avoid the cost of replacement • Local kids’ consignment shops – westchesterfamily.com/article/kidsconsignment-shops.html • Pleygo – pley.com – a toy rental company for products including LEGO and American Girl • Westchester Libraries – westchesterlibraries.org – for books, CDs, DVDs and free events

2. Join forces with friends. Ibelli says connecting with friends and passing around items such as maternity clothes, strollers and baby

things also saves money. “All of my girlfriends are also having babies and are in the same position, so we really do things together.”

Taking it a step further, Platt says she and a group of friends formed a babysitting co-op a few years back. With a formal set of rules and token system, the co-op ran very successfully for about a year, says Platt, until second babies made things more complicated.

She says she saved “hundreds and hundreds of dollars.”

3. Participate in the sharing economy.

Beyond your immediate social circle, the sharing economy allows parents to tap into even more opportunities. Platt talks about those local Facebook buy-and-sell pages. “A friend of mine just bought these Hexbugs, those tiny, collectable, micro-robotic creatures. And she had tons and tons of them, and she said: ‘Can you believe I got all of these for $20?’ And there must have been $300 worth.” To realize savings from online sites and groups though, Platt says parents – especially first-time parents – need to change their thinking. “The mindset is that you actually can buy used things or take things from other people.”

4. Take up thrifting. Frugalistas like Westchester’s Dagmar Bleasdale who runs the blog, Dagmar’s Home, are inspiring others by combing thrift shops and flea markets for vintage items, then repurposing everything into beautiful – albeit budget-conscious – home décor.

5. Embrace new technology. Platt has saved about $80 per month by “cutting the cord” of traditional cable TV service in favor of a new happy combination: Netflix, Amazon and

iTunes offerings, plus PlayStation’s PS Vue service that provides network channels and DVR capabilities.

6. Collect rewards points. Rewards programs are great, especially for items parents need to buy anyway, like diapers.

Ibelli says points from brands such as Pampers, Huggies, Carters and Disney really add up. “I just got my 14-month-old son a giant caterpillar, a toy truck, a book and a

bear … and I didn’t spend anything.”

7. Plan activities in advance. Finally, a few minutes spent planning family time can be really key, says Ibelli. “If it’s Sunday morning and you have no idea what to do with your family, sometimes you’ll end up at a mall spending money – or going out to eat.” She recommends buying ahead to get annual museum memberships and family rates at attractions. And of course, technology

can literally save the day here. Before the weekend, Ibelli says, “I type in the date and ‘Westchester free events’. And I look up things that are going on … then we have a clear plan for the day.” And of course the Westchester Family website, westchesterfamily.com, has a calendar of events that lists many free family activities.

Connie Jeske Crane writes frequently for Westchester Family.

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

31

Ask the Specialist //

Congenital Scoliosis

By Jennifer Cable with Lawrence Lenke, M.D.

A

pproximately 1 in 10,000 newborns are born with congenital scoliosis, an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine caused when the vertebrae do not form properly. While less common than the type of scoliosis that occurs during adolescence, congenital scoliosis can be much more severe, according to Lawrence Lenke, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief of The Spine Hospital at the NewYork-Presbyterian and Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery.

Detection The deformities associated with congenital scoliosis begin in the womb; however, it may not be detected until much later.

“Sometimes the congenital abnormalities can be seen in utero or at birth,” Lenke says.

“Typically, it’s picked up either by the parents or a pediatrician. However, people can have congenital scoliosis and not know about it until they have an X-ray of their spine for reasons not related to scoliosis.”

If parents are concerned that their child may have congenital scoliosis, Lenke suggests that they look for “shoulders that are not level, shoulder blades that look asymmetric, a trunk that looks a little bit asymmetric, abnormal creases in the waistline or trunk area, or a hump on the back when the child bends forward at the waist.”

Effects The effects of congenital scoliosis on a child can vary widely. As Lenke explains, “some congenital deformities produce a fairly normal spinal column with minimal to no deformity or problems, while some patients have the most severe deformities that we see.”

Congenital scoliosis doesn’t only affect the spine, however. “We always have to do extra screening and make sure a patient’s heart, kidneys and other organs are normal, both anatomically and functionally,” says Lenke. “There’s also a higher incidence of neurologic abnormalities. If the spinal column is malformed, the spinal cord and nerves may also have abnormalities.”

Treatment For children whose scoliosis is severe and/ or worsening, surgery may be the best option. According to Lenke, there are a lot

32

Westchester Family | January 2017

of factors to weigh, including the type and magnitude of the congenital deformity, where it is located in the spinal column, and the progression rate.

Lenke explains that the choice of treatment for congenital scoliosis is not always clear-cut. “Congenital scoliosis can be controversial in its treatment,” Lenke says.

“The spectrum of treatments available is quite varied, and the indication for surgery is variable. It probably is worth getting a second opinion for any type of surgical treatment.”

One type of surgery used to correct severe spinal deformities is vertebral column resection (VCR). “VCR is almost like a salvage procedure for those who are progressing to a point where more traditional procedures aren’t going to work or be safe,” says Lenke.

“It’s a rarely needed procedure, but when it’s needed it’s a big benefit to those patients.”

One of those patients is Kayleigh a young girl who was diagnosed with congenital scoliosis at birth. At 2 years old, Kayleigh had rods placed in her spine to help it grow straighter. She would go on to have an additional eight surgeries, but her spine continued to grow crooked and began to fuse in a deformed position, affecting her posture and breathing.

Lenke performed a VCR on Kayleigh to release the fused sections of her spinal column and position it in a new, straighter alignment. In VCR, one or more vertebrae

are removed. The spinal column is then shortened and brought together into a straighter position with the use of hooks, screws and rods. “By resecting one or more vertebrae at the very center of the curve,” Lenke explains, “the spinal deformity can be corrected quite dramatically with acceptable risk to the spinal cord.”

The Outcome Kayleigh’s surgery was a success. She was sitting up the day after surgery and walking the next day. Lenke says that this is typical, and patients usually leave the hospital within five to seven days.

Lenke recommends that parents considering VCR for their child research their options and talk to more than one specialist.

“It’s probably worth getting another opinion even if you trust the surgeon because these are really complicated and risky surgeries. It is definitely one of the most complex types of spinal surgery that we perform.”

For more information about pediatric spinal surgery at NewYorkPresbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, parents can visit nyp.org/morganstanley or call 212305-4565.

Jennifer Cable is a freelance medical and science writer based in New York City.

YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester Health & wellness program for all ages: • • • •

Swimming Gymnastics and Tumbling Karate Fencing and more

Children’s Learning Center For information call: 914-949-6227 ext. 142 Offering a continuum of early care & education that fosters early learners who graduate ready for Kindergarten.

Full and Part-time programs for infants, toddlers & preschoolers.

Looking for an Alternative?

Come meet Blue Rock faculty and hear how our vibrant and creative learning environment stimulates children’s natural curiosity with its hands-on approach. In small class settings, students engage in a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and discovery-based curriculum infused with the arts, nature, and play. Encouraging critical thinking, collaboration and creativity—Blue Rock is a great alternative for grades K-8.

Winter Information Session & Campus Tour Saturday, January 28, 10am

Please RSVP at 845-535-3353 admissions@bluerockschool.org

Call us at 914-949-6227 or email: membership@ywcawpcw.org

Where Learning Comes Alive!

515 North Street

White Plains, NY 10605

www.ywcawpcw.org

West Nyack, NY

www.bluerockschool.org

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The Center for Visual Management 150 White Plains Road, Suite 410, Tarrytown, NY 10591 914-631-1070 www.thecenterforvisualmanagement.com January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

33

Let's Go To ... //

When You Go ...

Westchester Children’s Museum The First and Only Children’s Museum in Westchester

By Andrea White

Westchester Children’s Museum 100 Playland Parkway Rye, N.Y. 421-5050 discoverwcm.org Hours Sunday, Jan. 1 and Monday, Jan. 2: Open noon to 5 p.m. (holiday hours) Otherwise, open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission $7 adults and children, $6 seniors. Family Membership $95.

Free for children ages 1 and under, members and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household.

Admission tickets can be stamped so you can come and go throughout the day.

Parking Parking is available in the main lot adjacent to Playland Amusement Park.

Parking is subject to a fee determined by Playland during the amusement season May to September.

Lynda Shenkman Curtis

The Westchester Children’s Museum is located in the historic North Bathhouse at Rye Playland, a great spot with a great view.

A

fter years of dreaming, planning and fundraising, the wait is finally over.

Westchester County has its own children’s museum and it’s a delight – and there’s even more potential that’s yet to come.

Fun Exhibits The Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) is located in the historic North Bathhouse at Rye Playland, a great spot with a great view.

Enter from the boardwalk located to the right of Playland Amusement Park, pay the small admission fee and get ready to learn, explore and have fun! The first exhibit, called “Build Your Own Roller Coaster,” was a hit with my 9-year-old daughter. She connected the interchangeable ramps of different heights and shapes (some with upside down loops) to test how fast and far they could carry rubber balls. Turns out, she was pretty successful with the very long track she created.

My 5-year-old son’s favorite exhibit was the “Wind Tunnel Design Challenge.” The museum puts a wide variety of cool supplies

34

Westchester Family | January 2017

tout to use – plastic cups, coffee filters, paper plates, masking tape – and challenges kids and adults to create objects that will hover inside a big tube with a fan blowing up from the bottom. My son and all the other kids there had big smiles on their faces when their objects shot out of the top of the tunnel, even though that meant they didn’t exactly meet the challenge!

Hands-On Learning Each exhibit at the museum encourages kids to use their hands, their smarts and their imaginations. There’s a “KEVA Planks Construction Zone” featuring multiple tables with bins of wooden KEVA planks and cards suggesting designs to follow (you can also marvel at some of the models on display including cool buildings and a ship). There is also a table full of different sized magnets to experiment with.

My personal favorite spot was an area called MakerSpace. The activities here are ever-changing, but choices are offered in

Other All children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and all adults must be accompanied by a child. Stroller park and coat rack available. Restrooms on-site.

art, design, technology, science, math and architecture to name a few. During our visit, there was a giant pegboard with stretchable loops to create various shapes. We also participated in the craft activity, using leaves, construction paper, contact paper, feathers and more to make Thanksgiving cards.

Toddler Time For little ones, ages 3 and under, there is a designated area called “Toddler Beach.”

It’s enclosed and has lots of colorful, soft climbing toys (shoes must be removed and children must be supervised at all times). Kids can also climb through a small wooden lighthouse or enjoy quiet time in the “Reading Nook,” which has plenty of educational books to choose from.

More to Come At this point, the Westchester Children’s Museum galleries cover 6,500 square feet, but there are grand plans for the remaining 15,500 square feet of space. Fundraising is

ongoing, and once it is met, the museum expects to add additional exhibit space, a performance theater and a cafe and gift shop.

Plans are also in the works for two exciting features. One is “The Climber,” a multi-story maze that will run the length of the museum, and the other is an entire area dedicated to water features and water play.

Though there is still a lot of work to do, the people behind the WCM know a little something about perseverance. It’s taken nearly 20 years to get the museum up and running. It all started with local moms talking around their kitchen tables, then forming a non-profit organization, then creating a business plan and securing more than $11 million in donations.

“The process of getting the museum from idea phase to open doors was challenging but always energized by the people on our Board and staff who never wavered from the notion that Westchester, home to so many families and children, had a void in its cultural landscape by not having a children’s museum,” says Corinne Zola, President of the Campaign for the Westchester Children’s Museum. “We lacked the kind of valuable, memorable, playful and enriching

Lynda Shenkman Curtis

When you visit Westchester Children’s Museum get ready to learn, explore and have fun!

experiences that a children’s museum provides.”

Fortunately, thanks to a great idea and an amazing grassroots effort, that is no longer

the case. Make sure you and your kids go and enjoy this local gem time and again.

Andrea White is a freelance writer based in

Music lessons for all ages, levels, styles and instruments.

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January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

#metime //

What Women Should Know About Cervical Cancer

By Tina Dorfman

J

anuary is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – a good time for women to become more informed about this disease.

Cervical cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer in the U.S. The other main types are ovarian, uterine, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Each year, 12,000 new cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. and a third of women diagnosed will die from the disease. The good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. It is also highly curable when diagnosed and treated early.

“In the past 50 years, there has been a 75% reduction in this type of cancer in the U.S., thanks to the fact that many women get regular gynecological exams and Pap tests,” says Anna Komorowski, M.D. medical oncologist and Acting Director of Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Phelps Hospital.

The Pap test detects pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. A Pap test is recommended every three years for women 21-29 and every three to five years for women 30-65.

All women are at risk for cervical cancer, although it occurs most often in women between the ages of 35 and 55. “It’s a slowgrowing cancer, so if caught early it can be treated and prevented from developing into an invasive cancer,” says Komorowski.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. In fact, 96-99% of cervical cancer is associated with HPV. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex by genitalto-genital or genital-to-anal contact (even without penetration). Condoms can reduce HPV transmission to females, although condoms protect only the skin they cover.

There are about 100 types of HPV viruses, but only 15 are considered high risk. Of these, subtypes 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancers. If you can get rid of HPV, you can eliminate the chances of developing cervical cancer.

“When a woman is exposed to and infected with HPV, the body’s immune system can usually get rid of it. But if there is a persistent HPV infection, especially with high-risk types of HPV, the cells in the cervix can become increasingly abnormal and develop into cervical cancer,” says radiation oncologist May Lim, M.D., Physician-inChief of the Phelps Hospital Department

36

Westchester Family | January 2017

of Radiation Medicine and a member of Northwell Health Physician Partners. It can take weeks, months or years after exposure to HPV before the virus is detected.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include, smoking; behavioral factors such as starting sexual activity early in life, having multiple sexual partners or partners who have multiple sexual partners; and having HIV or another condition that causes depression of your immune system.

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

It is important to note that women with precancer or very early stages of cervical cancer may not have any symptoms. The most common symptoms of cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during intercourse or pelvic pain. Even if you have had a Pap smear that is negative, you should follow up with your doctor if you have any of the symptoms described above, and further diagnostic tests may be prescribed.

Treatment Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. “If cancer is in the very early stage, surgery may be an option, or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used,” says Lim. For later stage cancer, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are usually given. After either kind of treatment, it is important for patients to continue to follow up with their doctors regularly as instructed to detect any recurrences or manage any side effects.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?

The best way to prevent cervical cancer is to get vaccinated for HPV at a young age.

HPV vaccines, which are administered in several doses, can help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer and low-risk types that cause genital warts. Current guidelines recommend the HPV vaccine for preteen boys and girls starting at age 11 or 12, but young women can get the vaccine through age 26 and young men can get it through age 21. It is also recommended through age 26 for any man who has sex with men or has a compromised immune system. “Thanks to increased routine HPV vaccination, the rate of HPV and cervical cancer will dramatically decrease,” says Komorowski.

It’s also important for women to have routine screening throughout life by going for routine gynecological exams and Pap tests until they’re in their 70s. Effective screening can detect early signs of pre-cancerous changes and stop them from developing into invasive cancers.

Phelps Hospital, part of Northwell Health, is a full-service, 238-bed acute care community hospital located in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The more than 1,700 employees and 500 medical staff members represent 60 medical specialties. www.phelpshospital.org. Phelps’ primary and specialty care medical group, Phelps Medical Associates, has nearly 20 practices located on the hospital campus and in the surrounding communities. www. phelpsmedicalassociates.org.

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January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

37

2017 WeSTcheSTer FAMily

YOU’RE INVITED

Meet the directors and representatives of some of the best day camps and sleep away camps all under one roof.

Take your time speaking with some of the best camp experts in the camping world.

Sending your child to camp is a big decision — make sure you select the right camp!

Children are welcome to attend.

JANUARY 22, 2017 Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club 555 S. Barry Ave., Mamaroneck From 1 to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit WestchesterFamily.com/CampFair

38

Westchester Family | January 2017

Calendar

January

By Susan Goldberg

Comedy, jugglers and hilarious performing pets take to the stage at Tarrytown Music Hall on Jan. 27.

The Popovich Pet Theater Gregory Popovich, a veteran of the Moscow Circus, brings his unique blend of comedy, juggling and hilarious performing pets to the Tarrytown stage. It’s fun for the whole family when Popovich trots out his entourage of world-class jugglers, a Shetland pony and over 30 performing pets (including dogs and cats – all of them rescues!). 7pm Jan. 27.

For all ages. $25-$35. Reservations required.

Tarrytown Music Hall,13 Main St., Tarrytown. 631-3390. tarrytownmusichall.org.

Calendar What’s Inside Brady Rumer & The Little Band That Could 38 Westchster Family’s Camp Fair

39

Wonderful Winter

40

Connecticut Corner

41

City Picks

42

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

39

Calendar January //

1 Sunday

The Gift of the Magi. Based on the short story by O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi is a quirky and heartwarming story about love and the spirit of giving. Enjoy the performance and some holiday cookies!

3pm. For all ages. $38 adults, $10 students. Reservations required. The Schoolhouse Theater and Galleries, 3 Owens Rd. Croton Falls. 277-8477. schoolhousetheater.org.

Holiday Train Show. More than 150 New York City landmarks are recreated in miniature out of bark, nuts, leaves and other plant parts. Large scale model trains zip around such familiar sites as the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center. A recent addition of 3,000-square-feet of exhibition has made room for new trains, bridges and tracks. Timed tickets from 10am-5:30pm, TuesdaysSundays, through Jan. 16. (see website for extended hours).

Weekdays: $20 adults, $10 children; Weekends: $30 adults, $18 children. Reservations strongly recommended. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx.

718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Playland Ice Casino. Public skating sessions are held seven days a week at this Rye institution, in either the Main or Studio Rinks. Check the website for times today-Jan. 31. For all ages. $9.75 adults, $7.75 children, $4.25 skate rentals. Reservations not required.

Playland Ice Casino, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye. 481-5941. playlandice. com.

Photo by Ed Cody Photography

Kids can enjoy a family-friendly tour of Stone Barns every weekend day in January.

Rye Park Sculpture. Damien Vera’s “Cope,” an imposing 14-foot modern steel sculpture is temporarily on display in Rye Town Park. This shining abstract sculpture adds a creative flair to the park’s natural landscape and is on display through the summer of 2017. For all ages. Rye Town Park, Forest and Rye Beach Avenues, Rye. ryeartcenter.org.

Westchester Winter Wonderland. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

2 Monday

A Billion Bricks 4: Superheroes in Gotham. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

Ace the Interview. This talk walks participants through the steps necessary to carry out a successful interview with confidence. Discussion includes everything from research and job targeting to post-interview actions. 7:30-9:30pm. For teens and adults. Chappaqua Public Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. 2384779. chappaqualibrary.org.

Bronx Zoo. Come see giraffes,

lions, birds, penguins and more.

As a special treat, there are now five young gorillas at the Congo Gorilla Exhibit - watch their playful interactions with their parents and each other. Open daily. Check website for winter schedule. For all ages. $19.95 adults, $12.95 children. The Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx. 718-367-1010. bronxzoo. com.

Festival of Lighthouses Contest. The aquarium’s galleries are filled with lighthouses, creatively built by local artists and amateurs. These handcrafted lighthouses are on display throughout the aquarium, and

Look for our complete calendar of events and activities online at WestchesterFamily.com.

Submissions Submissions Send all calendar submissions via: • Email: calendar@westchesterfamily.com. Fax: 914-462-3311. Include: Dates, times, location with address, age recommendation, cost, public telephone number and Web site address. • Information to be considered for the March 2017 calendar must reach us

by January 31, 2017. • If you miss our print deadline, submit your event directly to our online calendar at WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar on our home page. Online postings appear on the Web in approximately 48 hours after submission. Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.

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Westchester Family | January 2017

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41

Calendar January // visitors can vote for their favorite during this annual holiday contest. 10am-5pm daily today through Jan.16. For all ages. Free with admission: $22.95 adults, $15.95 children (includes an IMAX movie). Reservations not required.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

5 Thursday

Editor’s Pick

Saturday Night Fever. This stage version of the 1977 hit movie is packed with disco dancing fun! It’s the story of an ordinary Brooklyn man whose life changes when he hits the dance floor and it features legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Staying Alive” and “Night Fever.” Check websites for times, selected dates today-Jan. 29. For older children and adults. $56-$84. Reservations required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, 1 Broadway Plaza, Elmsford.

592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

Westchester Winter Wonderland. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Winter Wolves for Kids. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Courtesy Photo

3 Tuesday

Book Club Storytime.

Join the Pottery Barn Kids Book Club story time club and hear a special story every Tuesday morning. Become a member and receive a special gift after five visits.

11-11:30am. For children who are preschool age. Pottery Barn Kids, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains.

949-494. potterybarnkids.com.

Destination Latin America.

A provocative and informative exhibition at the Neuberger celebrates the museum’s collection of Latin American art while exploring the history that influenced that art. The exhibition includes more than 70 works by important artists. Noon-5pm TuesdaySunday; Wednesdays noon-8pm.

Closed Mondays. Through Jan. 22. $5 adults, $3 students. Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 2516100. neuberger.org.

Immigration Exhibit. “Yonkers: A City of New Beginnings,” is Manor Hall’s first new exhibit in over a decade. It is being installed in a multi-year, multi-phase process and explores the growth and changes Yonkers underwent due to immigration. The exhibit features oral history interviews, an interactive global map and a collection of historical photos.

Noon-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, today-March 2017. For all ages. $5 adults, $3 children. Philipse Manor

42

Kid-rocker Brady Rymer and The Little Band That Could performs at the Emelin Theatre on January 14.

6 Friday

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. Twotime Grammy nominee Brady Rymer is known for making highoctane, infectious rock n’ roll for kids and families. Rymer has worked with musical greats, including Dave Matthews and Bob Dylan; as his family grew so did his interest in performing rockbased music that kids could enjoy. He’s assembled an amazing band of performers, with a variety of musical backgrounds, and together they have kids and families rocking out, singing along and dancing in the aisles! 11am and 1:30pm Jan. 14. For all ages.

Reservations required. Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck. 698-0098. emelin.org.

Sister Act. Sister Act is a feelgood comedy musical based on the hit 1992 film of the same name. Dancing, gospel music and a moving story make this an audience pleaser. 7pm today-Jan. 8.

For all ages. $29-$49. Reservations required. White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place, White Plains. 328-1600. wppac.com.

Hall, 29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers.

965-4027. nysparks.com Maritime Tank Animal Feeding. Come to the Marine Tank and watch the tank’s inhabitants eat their meals. A museum educator explains the animal’s nutritional needs. 2:30-2:45pm today and Jan. 10, 17, 20, 24, 27. For all ages. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

4 Wednesday

Itsy Bitsy Play Group. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum. The Museum is open for the season, with docentled tours of the Victorian era mansion. Tours run on the hour: Noon, 1, 2 and 3pm Wednesday-Sun-

Westchester Family | January 2017

days, through early January. For all ages. $10 adults, $6 children 8-18. Reservations not required.

Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn.

203-838-9799. lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.

Westchester Children’s Museum. Now open: 6,000square-feet of interactive, handson exhibits for children including a beach-themed Toddler Zone, KEVA Planks construction exhibit, the Build Your Own Roller Coaster exhibit and two Makerspaces. A new development at the museum: year round free admission to the nation’s active duty military personnel and their families.10am4pm Wednesdays-Sundays. For all ages. $7 per person. Westchester Children’s Museum, Boardwalk Galleries, Rye Playland. 421-5050. discoverWCM.org.

Broadway Comes to the Intrepid. See City Picks page 42.

Teen Skate. On Friday nights teens can skate against a backdrop of black lights with great music played by a professional DJ. Check website for times on Fridays between January and April. $9.75. $4.25 skate rentals. Reservations not required. Playland Ice Casino, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye. 481-5941. playlandice.com.

7 Saturday

Celebrate Whales. See what it’s like to stand beside – and inside a life-sized humpback whale.

For a limited time, the Aquarium is featuring a “Giant Walk-in Whale,” an inflatable 43-foot humpback whale that allows visitors to get a real sense of this creature’s size.

There’s even an opening that allows guests to play Jonah and go inside the whale to see its internal organs – a treat for all considering that many whales have three stomach compartments!

Editor’s Pick

Learn all about summer camp options at Westchester Family’s Free Camp Fair on Jan. 22 at The Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club.

Westchester Family Camp Fair 2017. Trying to find the perfect summer program for your children? Come to the 2017 Westchester Family Camp Fair and get all the information you need to make the right decision. Camp directors and representatives from many of the best day camps and sleep-away camps are all going to be under one roof, ready to meet you and answer any questions you may have. Take your time speaking with some of the most knowledgeable experts in the camping world. There are child-friendly activities on-site, so bring your kids, have a fun afternoon and make the right decision to guarantee a great summer 2017! 1-4pm Jan. 22. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club, 555 S. Barry Ave., Mamaroneck. WestchesterFamily.com/CampFair.

10am-5pm today-Jan. 16. For all ages. Free with admission: $22.95, $15.95 children. Reservations not required. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Drop in Program at Westchester Children’s Museum. On the first Saturday of every month, the museum offers a drop-in arts and crafts program with A.I. Friedman. 10:30am-3pm.

For all ages. Free with museum admission: $7 per person.

Westchester Children’s Museum, Boardwalk Galleries, Rye Playland.

421-5050. discoverWCM.org.

Family Farm Tour. Take a guided tour around the farm to check out the animals, grounds and greenhouses. Enjoy the seasonal wonders of Stone Barns. 1111:45am today and every Saturday and Sunday in January. For families with children ages 4 and up.

Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. $10 per person.

REGISTER NOW FOR WINTER CLASSES OR SUMMER CAMP

GYMNASTICS CLASSES • Develop Strength, Flexibility, Balance, Coordination & Confidence • Ages 20 mos & Up • Boys & Girls • Beginner – Advanced • Tumbling for Cheerleaders • Private Lessons • Indoor Play Space

Summer Camp

BIRTHDAY PARTIES All of our Parties are Private. Our interactive staff will make your child’s party a very special one. Obstacle courses, Trampolines, Airslide, Foam Filled Pit, Air Castle & More!

Age 3 & Up Book Early!

Reservations required. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 3666200. stonebarnscenter.org.

Family Studio: Arts and Science Projects. On every weekend day, the Museum offers creative activities inspired by the collections and exhibitions.

These programs are led by Junior docents and arts and science professionals. 1-4pm every Saturday and Sunday. This month children design a postcard, similar to the ones that would have been written by soldiers during the Civil War. Programs are geared to children ages 7 and up, but can be adapted for younger visitors.

Free with museum admission: $6 adults, $2 youth. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 963-4550. hrm.org.

Free Arts Day and Open House. Come create art, meet the instructors and try

Our goal is to build a physical and mental foundation for ALL sports and to promote athleticism and good health through participation in gymnastics.

“We specialize in beginners.”

At Equalize Fitness

GymCats Gymnastics & Birthday Party Center One Odell Plaza, Yonkers (Exit 9 off Saw Mill River Pkwy)

(914) 965-7676 www.Gymcats.net

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

43

Calendar January // your hand at drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture, jewelry making and more. Experiment with art and enjoy light refreshments.

1-3pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. The Katonah Art Center, 65 Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge. 232-4843. katonahartcenter. com.

Hot Colors. The Gallery of the Mamaroneck Artist’s Guild is ablaze with “Hot Colors,” an exhibition featuring vibrant works of art in bright colorful hues. The opening reception is today from 3-5pm; exhibition on display from noon-5pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays through Jan. 21. For all ages. 126 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont. 8341117. mamaroneckartistsguild.org.

Seal Spotting & Birding Cruises. Take a special cruise out onto Long Island Sound in hopes of seeing some of the seals and waterfowl spending the winter just off the shores. Harbor seals and gray seals migrate down into the Sound each winter; learn about these intriguing animals and – hopefully – get to see them close up. Binoculars provided for a better look. Dress warmly because the best viewing occurs on deck. Dates and times vary by tide schedule, so check the website, but some tentative dates are: today at Noon, 1pm Jan. 8, Noon Jan. 21, 1pm Jan. 22. Participants must be at least 42 inches to board. $29.95. Reservations strongly recommended, space is limited. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Viva, Viva La Befana. La Befana is an Italian Christmas tradition based on the 13th century legend of Befana, a benevolent old woman who delivers gifts to children on January 5, the eve of the Epiphany. Today’s program includes a stocking decorating workshop, followed by a special show, in which Befana tells her story to all the children and distributes gifts and candy to all.

2pm. $40 for one parent and one child. Special rate for a family of

44

Westchester Family | January 2017

Wonderful Winter

five $70. Pre-paid registration required. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe. 771-8700. wiccny.org.

8 Sunday

Animal Tracks. Want to find out who’s walking in the woods? Come participate in this new program and search the trails for animal tracks, scats and signs of animal activity. A fun and informative walk through the woods.

11am-noon today and Jan. 22.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Take a free, guided hike through the winter woods on Sundays in January at the Greenburgh Nature Center.

Hibernators Talk and Walk. Even in winter, there’s a lot to learn about the woods surrounding Wave Hill. Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow to discover survival techniques used by the Center’s plants and animals during the chilly winter months. Bundle up and find out who’s active and who’s dormant as you embark on a woodlands trail adventure. 1pm Jan. 21. For ages 10 and up accompanied by an adult. Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 students. Reservations recommended; drop Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 W. 252nd St., Bronx, New York. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org-ins welcome as space allows.

Teaching Trails: A Walk in Winter. Teaching Trails is a guided trail experience through the woodland forest. “Trail Ninjas” provide information on trees, plants, wildlife and seasonal changes. Come see what’s going on in the winter woods. 11:30am Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required.

Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Westchester Winter Wonderland. This celebration of winter and the holiday season is bigger and better than ever this year, featuring circus performers under a “big top” tent, a skating rink, pony and hay rides, carolers and a 32-foot Christmas tree.

There are only two days in January to catch this experience before it closes! 5-9pm Jan. 1 and 2.For all ages. $15 per person. Reservations required. Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla. wwinterwonderland.com.

Winter Wolves for Kids. This is the wolves’ favorite time of year, which gives families a unique opportunity to visit. Find out why this is such a magical time of year for wolves. Guests can visit with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and more. Visitors should dress for cold weather, but there are hot beverages at the end of the program! 2pm Jan. 2, 22 and 29. For all ages. $15 adults, $12 children. Reservations required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 753-2373. nywolf.org.

Just Kidding: Playing by Air. See City Picks page 42.

Hello 2017! Family Art Project. What nature adventures are in store for you this year? What is 2017 going to bring?

Create your vision for the coming year at this family art workshop and take home your own hanging calendar. 10am-1pm. For all ages.

Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 children. Reservations not required. Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 W. 252nd St., Bronx, New York. 718-5493200. wavehill.org.

Party Planning Showcase.

Come meet over 30 vendors specializing in entertainment, photography, décor, flowers and more at the Temple’s annual showcase. Representatives from different organizations are also on hand to offer advice about social action opportunities appropriate for mitzvah projects. 11am-1pm.

For all ages. FREE and open to the public. Reservations not required.

Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn. 203-869-7191. templesholom.com.

Planetarium Show. Take a live tour of the heavens and see what the sky is going to be like on the very night you visit the Museum!

The Sky Tonight shows the heavens as seen from our area. Led by a planetarium educator. 2-2:45pm

Saturdays and Sundays in January.

For children ages 8 and over. $4 adults, $2 children plus museum admission. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 963-4550. hrm.org.

12 Thursday

Connecticut Corner

Bruce Beginnings Junior.

See Connecticut Corner page 41.

Festival of Lighthouses Contest. See Jan. 2.

Holiday Train Show. See Jan. 1.

Teaching Trails: A Walk in Winter. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Who’s in the Forest? Search the woods of the Outdoor Discovery Center and find out which animals are living in the forest and learn what they do in winter. Visitors learn to identify common animal tracks and signs and children make a plaster animal track to take home. 10am.

For all ages. $7 adults, $5 children.

Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Muser Dr., across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845-534-5506, ext. 204. hhnaturemuseum.org.

9 Monday

Young Explorers Storytime. Enjoy a nature-themed story and discover the wonders of nature while exploring fields, forest and landscaped grounds.

This is a drop-in program; dress for outdoors. 1-2pm today and Jan. 23, 30. For children ages 3-5. $12 per class. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

10 Tuesday

Maritime Tank Animal Feeding. See Jan. 3.

A Billion Bricks 4: Superheroes in Gotham. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

11 Wednesday

Broadway Comes to the Intrepid. See City Picks page 42.

Itsy Bitsy Play Group. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

13 Friday

Hot Colors. See Jan. 7.

Saturday Night Fever. See Jan. 5.

Photo by Cynthia Ehlinger/Bruce Museum

Toddlers enjoy hands-on play and exploration during Bruce Beginnings Jr. at the Bruce Museum on Jan. 12.

A Billion Bricks 4: Superheroes in Gotham. Skylines and superheroes are part of the amazing new LEGO cityscape at SMNC. A fantasy Gotham City featuring some of New York City’s most iconic buildings has been assembled, complete with LEGO trains, trams and subways. It’s a fabulous plastic brick landscape where superheroes save the day. 9am-5pm Mondays-Saturdays, 11am-5pm Sundays, Jan. 1-Feb. 5. For all ages. Free with museum admission: $10 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required.

Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203-977-6521. stamfordmuseum.org.

Bruce Beginnings Junior. This exciting new program lets toddlers explore the Museum. In this one-hour program toddlers enjoy hands-on play and exploration in the galleries.

Activities are inspired by and take place among the art and science displays, encouraging visual learning and development.

9:45-10:45am Jan. 12. Free with Museum admission: $7 adults, $6 children. Reservations not required. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Itsy Bitsy Play Group. A drop-in playgroup led by an early childhood and music specialist provides moms and babies with a chance to bond and have fun with music, gross motor play and more. 10:30-11:30am Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25. For children up to 18 months. Free. Reservations not required. Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn. 203-869-7191. templesholom.com.

Third Saturdays. On the third Saturday of every month, the Museum offers family-friendly tours and workshops geared to children’s ages and abilities. The art activities are based on the season and current exhibits. This month children design seasonal scenery through mixed media art-making. Kids get to combine collage materials to create a winter landscape. Jan. 21.11am tour.

10am-noon workshops for children ages 2-5. 1-3pm workshops for children ages 6-10. Free with museum admission: $10 adults, free for children under age 18. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203-38-4519. aldrichart.org.

Teen Skate. See Jan. 6.

14 Saturday

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could. See Editor’s Pick page 38.

Pizza, Pizza, Pizza. The main course of this family cooking class is a classic Margherita Pizza with homemade dough. But there’s more: a Nutella Dessert pizza rounds out this fun – and delicious – experience. 2-4pm. For all ages. $40 children, $65 for parent and child. Each additional person: $40. Pre-paid registration required. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe. 771-8700. wiccny.org.

Speak Out. This interactive program aims to develop confidence and critical thinking skills in teens, so they can speak their ideas cohesively and in a way that can be easily understood, embraced and shared. The topics covered include message, craft, storytelling, analog presentation design and delivery. 2pm.

For teens. New Era Creative Space, 1016 Brown St., Peekskill. 235-1053. necspace.com.

Starlab: Indoor Planetarium. Have a celestial adventure in the magical night sky via the Starlab. Learn how to identify the major constellations and stars inside this inflatable planetarium.

10 and 11:30am, 1pm. For adults

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

45

Calendar January // and children ages 4 and up. $12.

Pre-paid registration is required.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Muser Drive, across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845-534-5506, ext. 204. hhnaturemuseum.org.

City Picks

15 Sunday

Teaching Trails: A Walk in Winter. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Toy Boat Workshop. Visit the Aqurium’s toy boat-making area for a quick and fun boat building project. Build and decorate a toy sailboat to take home as a special keepsake of your visit. 11am-3pm. $5 plus aquarium admission: $22.95 adults, $15.95 children.

Reservations not required.

Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

16 Monday

Afternoon Studio at the Aldrich. A fun and artsy afternoon of activities are available at the Aldrich. Put a little culture in your day! 2-4pm. For families with children of all ages. Free with museum admission: $10 adults, free for children under age 18.

Reservations not required. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203-384519. aldrichart.org.

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Day. Fun family activities have been planned by the museum to celebrate this special day (from 10am-4pm). African and African American storytelling performances by Eshu Bumpus are the highlight of this celebration of Dr. King (11 am and 1pm).

The stories encourage laughter, creativity and participation. For all ages. $7 adults, $6 students.

Limited seating. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Winter Wolves on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Families can spend this special day together learning about wolves

46

Westchester Family | January 2017

and visiting them during their favorite time of year. Learn about the mythology and biology of wolves and visit with some of the wolves who call the Center home.

11am. For all ages. $15 adults, $12 children. Reservations required.

Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 753-2373. nywolf.org.

17 Tuesday

Maritime Tank Animal Feeding. See Jan. 3.

Photo Courtesy of Zoe Palmer

Otoyotoy, a free concert for young children, is at Carnegie Hall on Jan. 22.

Broadway Comes to the Intrepid. Broadway stars and military veterans are coming together to present five public performances of Blueprint Specials, a revival of a 1944 Broadway-style musical that was designed as a “blueprint” for morale-raising shows that soldiers could perform during World War II. This current performance features Tony award nominees and is being staged for the first time since 1945.

7:30pm Jan. 6; check website for times Jan. 7, 8, 9, 11. For all ages. $25.

Reservations required. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave. and 46th St., New York. intrepidmuseum.org.

Carnegie Kids. Carnegie Kids concerts are free, interactive performances for young children. This month, kids can enjoy a vocal performance of Otoyotoy, a piece of immersive theater that combines humor, storytelling and vocal improvisation. The concert is designed to inspire children’s imaginations and encourage their creativity through music and play. Noon and 2pm Jan. 22. For children under the age of 3. FREE. Reservations not required. Resnick Education Wing, Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave., New York. 212-903-9600.carnegiehall.org.

Just Kidding: Playing by Air. This performance for children (part of the Just Kidding series) features the talented members of Playing by Air – a playful and energetic group of jugglers who fly through the air and play musical instruments in this production that features lights, color, motion and engaging characters. 11am and 2pm Jan. 8. For all ages. $17. Reservations required. Symphony Space, Leonard Nimoy ThaliaTheater, 2537 Broadway at 95th St., New York.

212-864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

The Rink at Rock Center. This iconic New York experience is open to everyone, so come and skate at Rockefeller Center beneath the golden statue of Prometheus. This classic skating venue is one of New York’s most celebrated attractions. General Admission Skating is first-come-first-served; during the holiday season be prepared to wait an hour or more. 90 minute sessions from 8:30am-midnight daily. For all ages (under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.) $25$32 Adult General Admission, $15 children. A limited number of VIP no-wait reservations can be made online. VIP Reservations $60-$150.

Rink at Rock Center, 5th Ave. between 49th and 50th, New York. 212332-7654. therinkatrockcenter.com.

The Rink at Rock Center.

See City Picks page 42.

18 Wednesday

Itsy Bitsy Play Group. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

Rye Park Sculpture. See Jan. 1.

19 Thursday

Saturday Night Fever. See Jan. 5.

Immigration Exhibit. See Jan. 3.

20 Friday

Maritime Tank Animal Feeding. See Jan. 3.

Singin’ In the Rain. A sunny and hilarious musical based on the classic MGM musical is being staged by the talented young people of the Clocktower Jr. Troupe. Audiences love this story about a starlet and a leading man set to a hit-parade score of Hollywood hits. 7:30pm today and Jan. 21. For all ages. $20 adults, $15 students. Reservations required.

Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St., Irvington. 591-6602. clocktowerplayers.com.

21 Saturday

Belle and Sebastian. Based on the acclaimed children’s novel

by Cecil Aubry, the film Belle & Sebastian tells the story of a young boy and his giant sheepdog in oc-

cupied France during World War II. Six year old Sebastian and Belle, his gentle giant of a dog, undertake a treacherous journey to help the cause of the French resistance.

This film is shown on three different days, but only the Jan. 21 showing includes a Kids Activities program, with a craft project for children. Noon Jan. 21 and 22; 3pm Jan. 26. For children ages 9 and up. $13 adults, $7.50 children ages 13 and under. Reservations required. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 7475555. burnsfilmcenter.org.

Biscuit. This ArtsPower musical production features Biscuit, a frolicking little puppy who loves exploring and making new friends.

Taken from the popular Biscuit books, this mischievous puppy captures the hearts of children everywhere. 1 and 4pm. For children ages 4-8. Reservations required. $20. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, Conn.

203-227-4177. westportplayhouse. org.

Hibernators Talk and Walk. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Singin’ In the Rain. See Jan. 20.

Third Saturdays. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

22 Sunday

not required. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Special Needs Religious Service. Once every month, The Church of St. Barnabas offers an Episcopal worship service for special needs families. The church offers a warm and accepting environment and features games, music, storytelling and multisensory activities. This Rhythms of Grace service offers a new way to worship and foster a sense of community. 4pm. For all ages.

The Church of St. Barnabas, 15 North Broadway, Irvington-on-Hudson.

591-8194. stbarnabaschurch.org.

Teaching Trails: A Walk in Winter. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Westchester Family Camp Fair. See Editor’s Pick page 39.

Winter Wolves for Kids. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

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23 Monday

Young Explorers Storytime. See Jan. 9.

A Billion Bricks 4: Superheroes in Gotham. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

24 Tuesday

Maritime Tank Animal Feeding. See Jan. 3.

Animal Tracks. See Jan. 8.

Belle and Sebastian. See Jan. 21.

Carnegie Kids. See City Picks page 42.

Family Gallery Tour. Families with school age children can enjoy a special drop-in tour of the galleries, led by a Museum educator. It’s an interactive, discussionbased exploration of the current exhibitions. 11:30am-12:15pm. For families with children ages 6-10.

Free with museum admission: $7 adults, $6 students. Reservations

25 Wednesday

Itsy Bitsy Play Group. See Connecticut Corner page 41.

26 Thursday

Belle and Sebastian. See Jan. 21.

Colored Pencil Workshop.

Learn different methods of drawing with this popular – and extremely portable – medium.

Materials included. 1-4pm. For ages 18 and up. $60. Reservations required. The Katonah Art Center, 65

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

47

Calendar January // Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge. 2324843. katonahartcenter.com.

27 Friday

Homeschool at the Aldrich.

Home schooled children can come together to celebrate the end of the museum’s “Site Lines” exhibition by attending this workshop exploring site, space and sculpture. Kids explore sitespecific works of art and make small scale sculptures and collages using a variety of found and traditional materials. 10-11:30am.

For children ages 6-10 with an adult. $15. Reservations required.

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 20338-4519. aldrichart.org.

The Popovich Pet Theater.

See page 35.

28 Saturday

Glass Class: Stripes and Dots. Beginners can explore a new kind of glassmaking in this project-based class. A huge palette of sheet glass and rods are used to create two stylish square plates – one with stripes and one with dots. Plates are fired after class and can be picked up a few days later. 1-3:30pm. For adults – no experience with glass required. $125. Reservations required. Bullseye Resource Center, 115 Hoyt Ave., Mamaroneck. 835-3794. bullseyeglass.com.

Kids Art and Pizza Night.

Parents get a night to themselves by dropping the kids off for an evening of creative, artistic fun.

Children spend the evening eating pizza and creating art in a supervised, informal environment. 6:30-9:30pm. For children in grades 1-5. $35 child, $30 siblings. Reservations required.

The Katonah Art Center, 65 Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge. 232-4843. katonahartcenter.com.

Paul Taylor Dance Company. Paul Taylor is still the creative force behind the modern dance company he founded in 1954.

48

Photo Courtesy of Jacob Burns Film Center

Belle and Sebastian, a heartwarming film about a boy and his dog during World War II, is at the Jacob Burns Film Center on Jan. 21.

Tonight’s performance is a vibrant and beautiful work of art, illustrating profound issues through dance. 8pm. For all ages. $25.25$80. Reservations required. The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase.

251-6200. artscenter.org.

Pinot and Paint. Have a blast at this adult evening art event.

Come learn some simple techniques and see what develops on your canvas. 6:30-9:30pm.

For adults only. $40 per person.

Reservations required. The Katonah Art Center, 65 Old Bedford Rd., Goldens Bridge. 232-4843. katonahartcenter.com.

Republic Day Celebration. The India Center of Westchester presents Republic Day Celebration, a tribute to the various states of India featuring dance, music and food. Noon5pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. White Plains High School, 550 North St., White Plains.

418-5775. indiacenter.us.

Westchester Family | January 2017

29 Sunday

Family Art Project: Reframing Winter. Bring your favorite winter image, or make a small painting of nature in winter, then frame and decorate it with materials provided by Wave Hill.

Warms colors, beads and natural materials provide a beautiful adornment for your winter-time art. 10am-1pm. For all ages. Free with admission to the grounds: $8 adults, $4 children. Reservations not required. Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 W. 252nd St., Bronx, New York. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Family Gallery Tour. See Jan. 22.

Saturday Night Fever. See Jan. 5.

Teaching Trails: A Walk in Winter. See Wonderful Winter page 40.

Wild Kingdom with Peter Gros. Peter Gros shares his

adventures and travels in the exciting animal world. He highlights his many adventures with a mix of video clips and bloopers – telling fascinating stories while introducing friendly exotic animals to the audience. 1 and 4pm. For all ages. $25 adults, $20 children.

Reservations required. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Conn. 203-438-5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Winter Wolves for Kids. See Wonderful Winter page 41.

30 Monday

Young Explorers Storytime. See Jan. 9.

31 Tuesday

Book Club Storytime. See Jan. 3.

Bronx Zoo. See Jan. 2.

Broadway Scene //

photo by Chad Batka

Josh Groban and the cast of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet.

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812

By George Wachtel

A

rs Nova, an Off-Broadway, not-forprofit theater, has long been at the cutting-edge of developing new theatrical work since 2002. It is not surprising, then, that Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, commonly known as The Great Comet was first produced Off-Broadway under its direction (arsnovanyc.com).

Casting The welcome surprise is the casting of Josh Groban, who has longed to be on Broadway, but did not want to do it in a traditional way. In The Great Comet, he achieves that goal – serving as a kind of moderator (think Our Town) – and also brings the show up a notch whenever he steps in to set things right both in the story and with his resonant voice. The Great Comet is an adaptation of a 70-page slice of War and Peace (yes, that War and Peace), and takes place amidst Moscow society celebrating life and love just as Napoleon is at the gates of the city.

Creativity This is the most creative use of an entire Broadway theater since the original Cats in 1982. Forty-three actors, musicians and dancers perform throughout the space – upstairs and down. With a large portion of

the audience seated on stage in a colorful Russian Supper Club, the action is centered and allows everyone to feel involved. In a way, we are all in the supper club, with little tables between some of the seats. The “fourth wall” of the theatre has virtually disappeared. The opening moments let you know immediately that this is a spirited production as cast the members dance along the platforms extending into the orchestra distributing warm Russian treats (Russian Potato Piroshki) to the audience.

Classic Tale The Great Comet is essentially a love story set against a turbulent time in 19th Century Russia. The beautiful Natasha (Denée Benton, radiant in her Broadway debut) is betrothed to the nobleman Andrey (Nicholas Belton), who is away at war. When Natasha arrives in Moscow with her sister Sonya (a poignant Brittain Ashford), she is not welcomed by Andrey’s family, especially his father (also played as an old man by Belton) and sister Mary (a convincing Gelsey Bell). Smarting from the rejection and Andrey’s absence, Natasha falls for the charms of Anatole (Lucas Steele), who conspires with his sister Hélène (an alluring Amber Gray – and Pierre’s estranged wife) to gain her affection.

Natasha’s Godmother, Marya D (a fiery Grace Mclean), will hear none of this. She enlists

Pierre’s help, who confronts Anatole and forces him to leave Moscow.

While the story is Tolstoy’s, the realization is by Dave Malloy, who wrote the music, lyrics, book and orchestrations.

It is a grand gesture flawlessly executed by scenic designer Mimi Lien, costume designer, Paloma Young and lighting designer, Bradley King. With musicians playing all over the theater – often in motion – special credit goes to sound designer, Nicholas Pope. Director Rachel Chavkin has weaved these disparate parts into a seamless whole. The spirited choreography is by Sam Pinkleton.

Now, what you are you waiting for? The show, however, is not for kids. It’s best for ages 12 and up. Running time is 2 1/2 hours with one intermission. Cheers! Nostrovia!

George A. Wachtel is president of Audience Research & Analysis, A New York City-based market research firm specializing in arts and entertainment.

When You Go …

Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 Imperial Theatre 249 W. 45th St., N.Y. telecharge.com; 212-239-6200

January 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

49

Last Word //

Resolve to Be a Better Family

By Gregg Murset

T

his year consider setting a tradition of making family resolutions that will improve every member’s life, strengthen family bonds and encourage family fun.

Here are some suggestions.

Set a Date for Meals Together. Families are busy, but set aside one night each week for a family meal. Put it on everyone’s calendars, digital or paper, and take turns picking meals, prepare and cleaning up together.

Tackle a Family Project. Pick at least one project to tackle as a family – paint a

50

Westchester Family | January 2017

room, clean the garage, plant a garden. Have everyone come up with ideas and then vote on which improvement project is the family favorite. Make a supply list, have the kids research how to do certain jobs online, talk to the experts at your local hardware store and then roll up your sleeves!

Explore Close To Home. Each state has so many amazing places that are often forgotten by those living closest to them.

Pick at least one destination close to home and make a day trip out of it for the entire family.

Declare a No Technology Holiday.

Pick one of the holidays of the year and put all technology away for that one day – no

phone, no laptop and no tablet. While celebrating the significant meaning of that day, add to it some new memories of your family reconnecting instead of staring at screens.

Choose A Charity. Identify a local charity or family in need to support for the entire year. Whether you give time, money, labor or products just stay committed as a family to doing it.

Gregg Murset, father of six and CEO of BusyKid, a mobile-website that helps parents teach children about work ethic, responsibility, accountability and managing real money. busykid.com.

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OUR TEAMS ARE SO ADVANCED, WE DO IT USING YOUR DNA. Cardiac genetic testing uncovers inherited arrhythmias.

We’re looking at genetic markers that can help predict, prevent and treat heart disease before it threatens lives.

At WMCHealth’s Heart & Vascular Institute, we’re on the leading edge in the use of genetics to help save and improve lives.

DIAGNOSING HEART DISEASE BY LOOKING AT BLOOD VESSELS IS STANDARD. OUR TEAMS ARE SO ADVANCED, WE DO IT USING YOUR DNA. Cardiac genetic testing uncovers inherited arrhythmias.

Your heart never rests. So neither do we.

We’re looking at genetic markers that

can help predict, prevent and treat heart disease before it threatens lives.

At WMCHealth’s Heart & Vascular Institute, we’re on the leading edge in the use of genetics to help save and improve lives.

WestccheesterMedicalCenter.com/Heart Your heart never rests. So neither do we.

Westchester Medical Center Health Network includes: Westc che esterMedicalCenter.com/Heart

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MIDHUDSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL I GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL I BON SECOURS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL I ST. ANTHONY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Westchester Medical Center Health Network includes: WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER I MARIA FARERI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL I BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER

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