Westchester Family

September 2017

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

Back to School

Think Outside the (Lunch) Box The Truth About

Ear Infections Our Annual

Education Directory Pick your own

Apples! + 164 FUN SEPTEMBER EVENTS WestchesterFamily.com

SHAHRAM RAZMAN, MD

LILLIAN BERDICHEVSKY, MD

DMITRY GERBER, MD

Suzanne Greenidge, MD with new mom Liliana Silva-Maldonado and her son

ROSALIE ALVARADO, MD

COMFORT

IN KNOWING I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE CARRIE HIPPLE, DO

5 STAR MATERNITY AWARD Large Private Riverview Suites Award-Winning Obstetrical Care LAURIE LAURISTON, MD

Nationally Recognized Safety Program Peaceful Post-Partum Recovery Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery

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Thornton-Donovan will embark on an

Albanian Renaissance in 2017-18

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

3

CONTENTS September 2017

Volume twenty-seven • number 9

departments

6 Editor’s Note 8 Bits & Pieces 10 FAMILY F.Y.I. 12 Fab 4

Think Outside the (Lunch) Box

40 parenting hacks

Let it Go: Seven Things to Stop Worrying About

42 ASK THE SPECIALIST

Ear Infections

44 LET’S GO TO ...

The National Museum of Mathematics

62 Last word

calendar

features 16

Family Activities for September

A is for Apple

Everyone is heading back to school, but that doesn’t mean family outings must stop. Keep learning your ABCs when you literally take on A is for apple at your local orchard. Yes, the top fun-for-all activity in September is apple picking.

You can easily get apples in the food store or farmers’ market, but here in the Northeast pick-your-own is the perfect outdoor family activity.

24 26

Smart Start

9 Teacher’s Tips to Start the School Year Right School bells are ringing. Whether that comes as music to your ears or a bittersweet reminder that the free-spirited summer days are over, check out these tips from the pros to help you and your child enjoy a smart, happy start to school.

How to Beat BAck-to-School Clutter

In the back-to-school rush, parents’ best intentions may be buried under kids’ backpacks, homework assignments and missives from administrators. The best offense against back-to-school overwhelm is a strong zone defense at home.

With this three-zone approach to organization, your family can keep everything under control this year.

September 2017

on the cover 12

Think Outside the (Lunch) Box

42

The Truth About Ear Infections

30

Education Directory

16

Pick-Your-Own Apples

47

164 Fun September Events

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

Back to School

Think Outside the (Lunch) Box The Truth About

Ear Infections Our Annual

Education Directory Pick your own

Apples! + 164 FUN SEPTEMBER EVENTS WestchesterFamily.com

4

Generations of Gymnasts

Cover Photo: Copyright - Schoolhouse Pictures schoolhousepictures.com

Westchester Family | September 2017

47 Top Pick: iLuminate 54 Fall Festivals 50 Editor’s Pick: CORNucopia 52 Editor’s Pick: Treetop Adventures 56 Connecticut Corner 58 City Picks

advertising 30 Education Guide

Coming Next Month Halloween Coverage Halloween is huge in the Hudson Valley region. After all, Washington Irving penned the Legend of Sleepy Hollow based on real-life events in and around Tarrytown. Read our comprehensive Halloween event coverage in the October issue.

Healthy Family Who doesn’t want a healthy family? Learn tips and techniques to keep your family healthy and happy in this special biannual section.

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

Look for it starting September 28!

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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 Managing Editor Vince DiMiceli Calendar Editor Susan Goldberg calendar@westchesterfamily.com

Off We Go ...

W

hen I was 8 years old, unlike other kids my age, I adored what we call back-to-school. Sure, I had great summers, but I couldn’t get enough of the fresh school supplies, the new shoes and clothes, the thought of walking the school corridors again and that tap and drag sound of chalk on the blackboard. Let me acknowledge that my two sisters didn’t agree, but that didn’t faze me .

All that changed when I became a mother.

Just the thought of the impending morning rush makes me hyperventilate. I cringe when I consider how many lunches I have yet to pack. Let’s see, 180 days of school – forget the math it just makes it worse – it’s a lot. And don’t get me started on homework.

Yet, if I follow the advice of experts and just take it a day at a time it’s all right. Buying into the back-to-school craziness doesn’t serve me or my kids. That doesn’t mean I can’t think ahead and calmly do a little planning.

This month we bring you “Start Smart: 9 Teacher’s Tips to Start the School Year Right” so you can warm up those school day brain muscles. Plus, let’s face it, you probably will make at least a lunch or two so read “4 Ways to Think Outside the (Lunch) Box” and get a fresh perspective on the entire enterprise.

Packing a couple of hundred kids in to an elementary school can also mean plenty of viruses and other health issues. It is nearly a family tradition that my daughter gets an ear

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas!

6

Westchester Family | September 2017

infection every single September. So, Katrina Stidham, M.D. shares her expertise on ear infections this month to save you at least one call to the pediatrician.

This doesn’t mean that September is all about challenges. There’s plenty of time for fun. Having something planned to look forward to can be a great help in getting through some tough days. Since education is paramount this time of year, mix learning and fun with a visit to The National Museum of Mathematics in New York City. There’s nothing like a little hands-on entertainment to inspire kids to crack open the books. It’s also an outing that’s bound to be interesting for parents.

Those partial to aromatherapy might know that apple scents are thought to enhance our peace of mind and sense of relaxation. If that sounds good peruse our “A is for Apples” article. Find out where you and the family can pick-your-own nutritious red beauties this season. While you’re at it throw one in the lunch box and send an apple to the teacher.

Here’s to September and the start of a great school year for your children – and for you.

Happy School Days, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@cnglocal.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Daria Avvento Gardy Charles Earl Ferrer John Napoli Mark Ramos DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Rare Sales Inc. Bob Engelman 914-661-3605 circulation@westchesterfamily.com 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 September Contests Taco Truck Fun Kit from Kidstir Do you have a budding chef at home? Your little one can now make chef-inspired recipes at home with ease - all while learning Español, practicing math skills, and more! Available without a subscription from this innovative subscription service for children, the Taco Truck Fun Kit from Kidstir will turn your kitchen into a lunch truck — and your child can invite friends and family to step right up and place their orders!

In this kit, children will find out how to make three Mexican recipes, including Guac & Roll, Food Truck Tacos, and Arroz con Leche - which will be served in a Food-Truck-in-a-Box tray! The subscription service can be joined or given as a gift, or you can send one of the single kits, as well. www.kidstir.com. Retail value $19.95.

Contest ends September 28, 2017. Enter at www.westchesterfamily. com now.

Legoland Discovery Center Westchester Tickets Two lucky families can win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center located in Ridge Hill at 39 Fitzgerald Street in Yonkers. It’s the ultimate indoor LEGO playground! Build, race, create and explore with LEGO bricks of all sizes. Activities for kids of all ages. Tickets are valid for a one-time visit before June 21, 2018. All children must be accompanied by a parent, no guest over 18 will be admitted without a child. https://westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com. Retail value $88. Contest ends September 28, 2017. Enter at www.westchesterfamily.com now.

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

7

Bits & Pieces // Fast Facts and Timely Tips

Dentist on the Go Keeps Going Here’s good news if you have a child with disabilities. The Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD), a center dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through education, service and research, has secured a grant from the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program to replace their nearly obsolete van which brings dental services directly to people with developmental disabilities.

“By replacing our aged mobile dental clinic, we hope to be able to serve up to 30 more individuals per week, provide more consistent and reliable scheduling of visits, and better meet the complex dental care needs of this population,” says Susan Fox, Ph.D., president and CEO of WIHD. wihd.org.

Kids in the (Organic) Kitchen Susan Chasen, a nutrition and health coach and the owner of The Organic Teaching Kitchen, inspires kids and teens to eat better through hands-on cooking classes. Classes such as After School Power Snacks and Sweet Tooth Without Sugar sound very appealing. Meet Chasen on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Henry Hudson Library in Montrose for her talk, “The Skinny on FAT” to learn why fat is not the enemy. The Organic Teaching Kitchen, 18 Old Post Road South, Crotonon-Hudson. 582-9574. theorganicteachingkitchen.com.

School Bus Safety 1. Walk with your kids to the bus stop and wait with them until it arrives. Tell kids to stand at least three giant steps back from the curb as the bus approaches and board the bus one at a time.

2. Teach kids to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting off and never to walk behind the bus.

3. If your child needs to cross the street after exiting the bus, he or she should take five giant steps in front of the bus, make eye contact with the bus driver and cross when the driver indicates it’s safe. Teach kids to look left, right and left again before crossing the street.

4. Instruct younger kids to use handrails when boarding or exiting the bus.

They should also be careful of straps or drawstrings on clothing or backpacks that could get caught in the door.

Source: safekids.org.

8

Westchester Family | September 2017

Back-to-School Quiz 1. What school item is listed among the top 20 most recognizable scents?

The crayon, which ranked 18 in a Yale University study.

2. True or False: Fear of going to school is a psychological condition.

True. Roughly 2 percent of children around the world have a phobia called “Didaskaleinophobia,” in which they feel physically ill, depressed and scared about attending school.

3. How many words can the average pencil write?

45,000 Source: DoSomething.org.

/HW·V *LYH (YHU\ &KLOG D +HDOWK\ 6WDUW LQ /LIH /HW·V *HW (YHU\ &KLOG &RYHUHG /HW·V *HW (YHU\ &KLOG &RYHUHG

To learn more about applying for health insurance, To learn more forMedicaid health insurance, including Childabout Healthapplying Plus and through NY including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY 6WDWH RI +HDOWK 7KH 2IÀFLDO +HDOWK 3ODQ 0DUNHWSODFH 6WDWH RI +HDOWK 7KH 2IÀFLDO +HDOWK 3ODQ 0DUNHWSODFH visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777. visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

9

Family FYI //

Hoff-Barthelson Music School Celebrating 73 Years The Hoff-Barthelson Music School (HBMS) was founded in 1944 by Virginia Hoff and Joyce Barthelson, two gifted musicians who believed that music, and the skills to perform it, should be available to everyone. Since then the school has achieved national recognition as a premier community music school for its leadership in education, performance and outreach.

Rye resident Nancy Pasquale enrolled her son Aidan in the HBMS community when he was just 9 years old. He is now a high school senior and an accomplished double bassist. Pasquale says HBMS is special because of “the caliber of the program and its teachers, the breadth of opportunities, and the sense of community.”

All HBMS students receive weekly private lessons, plus musicianship classes, ensemble instruction, and numerous performance and practice opportunities with accompaniment, as well as feedback and evaluation from faculty members. This all-encompassing approach is

10

Westchester Family | September 2017

Photo by Steven Schnur

Hoff-Barthelson’s Early Childhood Music Class welcomes students as young as 3 months old. offered without charge to students enrolled for private instruction.

Parents can find out more about HBMS’s Early Childhood Program, for children ages 3 months to 5 years, which includes music and movement classes, recorder and pre-Suzuki lessons, Sept. 8

from 10 a.m. to noon and Sept. 9 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the school. Parents of children in grades kindergarten through grade 12 can stop by Sept.

16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for more information.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School, 25 School Lane, Scarsdale. 723-1169. hbms.org.

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Fab 4 //

4 Ways to Think Outside the (Lunch) Box September is here, which means plenty of packed lunches. Give your child a lunch to look forward to this year by making it a little bit different than the basic sandwich, chips and sugary dessert.

Box It Do you have a youngster that can’t stand to have their food groups touch each other? Bento box to the rescue. Just include a protein (meat, cheese cubes or an egg), a starch (rice crackers, wagon wheel pasta or pita bread triangles), a veggie (string beans, cherry tomatoes or snap peas), and some fruit (apple slices, clementine sections or berries).

The possibilities are endless and it’s fun and easy for you too.

Breakfast at Noon Kids tend to love breakfast food so serve breakfast at noon.

Pancakes are very versatile. You can layer them or roll them with nut butters, jelly or cream cheese.

Waffles can be layered with these items as well. Also consider leftover quiche, a slice of banana bread, or a muffin. You can even add bacon slices, a granola bar or low-sugar cereal that can be eaten by hand.

Food Bowls Food bowls are all the rage right now. Jump on the bandwagon and create one-of-a-kind lunch bowls for your youngster. You can make these school lunches at night by using dinner leftovers.

Start with a base of pasta, quinoa or rice. Add cubes of tofu or chicken, chopped tomatoes, last night’s green vegetable, feta cheese and chopped olives. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Simple Sides Toss out the cheese puffs or potato chips and make fun and simple sides. Hummus, salad dressing and guacamole can be sent to school in small colorful containers that make the food even more appealing. Send along slices of cucumbers, peppers and carrots cut vertically or nutritious crackers. Kids love dipping. Plus, this is a side that they can share – just no double dipping.

– Jean Sheff

12

Westchester Family | September 2017

Join A Musical Community Like No Other • Private & Group Lessons • Suzuki and Early Childhood Programs • All New Jazz, Rock & Pop Offerings • Music Therapy Programs • Scholarships for All Ages

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REGISTER ANYTIME 914.761.3900 info@musiced.org musicconservatory.org 216 Central Ave. White Plains, NY 10606

Located in Mamaroneck for updates and more info:

madeartstudio.com 118 w. boston post road • info@madeartstudio.com • 914.341.1922

Register Now for Fall Classes!

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Make new friends that share your passion!

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914-793-2799 277 White Plains Road Eastchester, NY 10709

www.studiobdance.com September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Children are growing up.

Parents are getting older.

You want to help both.

We’ll help you plan for the people you love.

Today, many families face more financial challenges than ever before, juggling decisions about saving for retirement, education, expenses, life and health insurance, and providing care for aging loved ones all at the same time.

At Morgan Stanley, we can help you define what’s important to you and create a financial plan that assists you in achieving your goals.

To see how, please call us at the number provided.

Judith Frost Financial Advisor Morgan Stanley 860-313-7129 Judith.Frost@morganstanley.com www.morganstanleyfa.com/judith.frost Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP(with flame design) in the U.S. ©2017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 1818308 06/17

HOMMOCKS PARK ICE SK ATING FOR A LIFETIME

OPENING DAY: October 1st thru June 17, 2018

Mamaroneck’s indoor public ice skating facility.

Open daily except Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas.

Lessons for ages 4 to adult, beginner to advanced.

‘COSMIC’ Friday Nights With Lights & Music: 7:30-9:30pm

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Westchester Family | September 2017

WINNER 2017

For admission, fees, or other info, please call 914-834-1069 Boston Post Rd. & Weaver St., Larchmont, NY www.hommocksparkicerink.org

Back To School Time is Music Lesson Time!

FREE $55

Registration Fee SEE BELOW!

You or Your Child Can Learn How to Play Music at Harrison’s Largest and Most Award Winning Music School, the Harrison School of Music!

As winner of “Best Music Lessons for Kids” 2017 by readers of Westchester Family Magazine, and with over 500 students enrolled in our schools, we provide lessons for Guitar, Piano, Drums, Voice, Uklele, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and more!

Take the next step and contact us online OR stop by 6 days a week for a tour!

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FREE Registration Fee When you register by 9/30/2017

914-575-2288 www.HarrisonMusicSchool.com 253 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528 (near the Harrison Train station) September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

15

A

is for Apple Where to pick your own

By Jean Sheff

E

veryone is heading back to school, but that doesn’t mean family outings must stop. Keep learning your ABCs when you literally take on A is for apple at your local orchard.

Yes, the top fun-for-all activity in September is apple picking. You can easily get apples in the food store, but here in the Northeast pick-your-own is the perfect outdoor family activity.

Plus, it’s educational, shouldn’t your children see how apples grow – certainly not in a plastic bag at the supermarket. And when kids pick apples, they tend to eat them too!

So be prepared, your family will to polish off

16

Westchester Family | September 2017

these nutritious beauties in no time.

Visit these orchards for nearby apple picking. Some locations also sell other items such as farm fresh fruits, vegetables and apple cider. And some offer freshly made donuts and apple pie. Others celebrate the season with hayrides, animals, corn mazes and kids’ activities. So, get the family together and go apple picking on a perfect September day!

Heading Out to Pick-Your-Own Some farms have pick-your-own on weekends only so always call ahead to ask about activities, picking hours, crop availability, variety and prices to make sure your family has the best experience possible!

Open house with

free classes Sept 10th

Come and

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First lesson & Consultation

Belle School of Music

“Where Learning is Fun!”

SPECIALIZING IN PIANO, KEYBOARDS KEYBOARDS AND ANDVOICE VOICE

Join us

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

Experience the Magic of Music.

ADVENTURES IN KEYBOARD Ages 8-12. Tradition on a new note. Piano instruction for the child of the new millennium.

Call 914-941-2939 to reserve a space in class or visit our website: LogreaDance.com

Bring out the musical talent in your child!

TOP 5 2017

TOP 5

Logrea Dance Academy 2 Dale Ave • Ossining, NY

2016

Scarsdale: 1088 Central Park Ave White Plains: 283 Tarrytown Rd Yonkers: 1537 Central Park Ave

WINNER 2015

914-961-5511 www.belleschool.com

• Child-friendly environment and caring staff • Special needs welcomed • State-of-the-art technology and sterilization techniques • Game Rooms, Theater with large-screen TV • Serving the community for over 25 years

WINNER 2017

Voted one of Westchester’s Top Pediatric Dentists

Penny Resnick Graulich, D.M.D. Francisca Ceron, D.D.S. Emelie Preis, D.D.S. 115 Main Street, Suite 302, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 (914) 633-4440 MainStreetPediatricDentistry.com September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Westchester County, N.Y. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard Country store, educational visits 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-485-1210. harvestmoonfarmandorchard. com Outhouse Orchards Hayrides 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188. outhouseorchardsny.com Stuart’s Farm 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs 914-245-2784. stuartsfarm.com Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm Hayrides to and from the orchard 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights 914-245-5111. wilkensfarm.com

Dutchess County, N.Y. Barton Orchards Hayrides, petting zoo on weekends 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag 845-227-2306. bartonorchards.com Cedar Heights Orchard Crosby Lane, Rhinebeck 845-876-3231. rhinebeckapples.com Fishkill Farms 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction 845-897-4377. fishkillfarms.com Fraleigh’s Rose Hill Farm 19 Rose Hill Farm, off Rte. 9, Red Hook 845-758-4215. pickrosehillfarm.com Greig Farm 223 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook 845-758-1234. greigfarm.com

18

Westchester Family | September 2017

Lawrence Farms Orchard 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh 845-562-4268. lawrencefarmsorchards.com Mead Orchards 15 Scism Road, off Rte. 9, Tivoli 845-756-5641. meadorchards.com Meadowbrook Farms 29 Old Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls 845-297-3002. meadowbrookfarmmarket.com

Fairfield County, Conn.

Blue Jay Orchards Hayrides start in October 125 Plumtrees Road, Bethel 203-748-0119. bluejayorchardsct.com Silverman’s Farm Open year-round, hayrides, animal farm 451 Sport Hill Road, Easton 203-261-3306. silvermansfarm.com

Long Island, N.Y. Davis Peach Farm Farm animals, apples Hulse Landing Road, Wading River 631-929-1115. davispeachfarm.com Fort Salonga Farm 30 Meadow Glen Road, Northport 631-269-9666. fortsalongafarm.com The Milk Pail 1346 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill 631-537-2565. milk-pail.com Seven Ponds Orchards 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill 631-726-8015

Wickham’s Fruit Farm U-Pick yearly membership required purchase on arrival at farm, $20/family 28700 Main Road (Rte. 25), Cutchogue 631-734-6441. wickhamsfruitfarm.com

Orange County, N.Y. Applewood Orchard & Winery Wagon rides, puppet shows, farm animals 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick 845-986-1684. applewoodorchards.com Masker Orchards Music and horse-drawn wagon rides 45 Ball Road, off Rte. 17A, Warwick 845-986-1058. maskers.com Ochs Orchard Farm animals, baked goods and ice cream 4 Ochs Lane, off Rte. 94, Warwick 845-986-1591. ochsorchard.net Pennings Orchard Hayrides, farm market, farm animals 169 State Rte. 94 South, Warwick 845-986-7080. penningsorchard.com Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery 114 Little York Road, Warwick 845-258-4858. wvwinery.com

Rockland County, N.Y. Dr. Davies Farm Hayrides 306 Rte. 304, Congers 845-268-7020. drdaviesfarm.com The Orchards of Concklin Rte. 45 and S. Mountain Road, Pomona 845-354-0369. theorchardsofconcklin.com

STUART’S FRUIT FARM

EST. 1828 TOP 5 2015 2017

Visiting Stuart's Fruit Farm in the autumn is an exceptional time of the year. Aside from the apple picking, take a hayride around the orchard, pick a few pumpkins, and visit the farm stand to buy fresh produce. Don’t miss a stop at the bakery for delicious apple cider donuts and homemade pies baked daily.

OPEN DAILY FROM 9AM-6PM (7 DAYS A WEEK) APPLE PICKING STARTS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 WEEKEND HAYRIDES AND CORN MAZE BAKERY OPENS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 PUMPKIN PICKING (BEGINNING OCTOBER) 62 GRANITE SPRINGS ROAD GRANITE SPRINGS NY, 10527

(914)245-2784

Westchester’s Highest Quality Programs

Celebrating 35 years!

200 + Classes a week!

Register and pay in full

by September 17, and receive FREE ballet, tap or jazz shoes!

450 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale 723-2940 | www.centralparkdance.com September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

19

Ulster County, N.Y. Apple Hill Farm Hayrides 124 Rte. 32 South, New Paltz 845-255-1605. applehillfarm.com Apple Valley Farms 155 N. Ohioville Road, New Paltz 845-255-7077 Dressel Farms Pick-your-own weekends only, hayrides 271 Rte. 208, New Paltz 845-255-0693. dresselfarms.com Hurd’s Family Farm Hayrides and farm animals 2187 Rte. 32, Modena 845-883-7825. hurdsfamilyfarm.com Jenkins-Lueken Orchards 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz 845-255-0999. jlorchards.com Locust Grove Fruit Farm Weekends only, farm stand, cider donuts and wagon rides 199 North Road, Milton 845-795-5194. locustgrovefruitfarm.com Minard Farms 250 Hurds Road, Clintondale 866-632-7753. minardfarms.com Prospect Hill Orchards Hayrides 40 Clarkes Lane, Milton 845-795-2383. prospecthillorchards.com Tantillo’s Farm Market 730 Rte. 208, Gardiner 845-256-9109. tantillosfarm.com Weed Orchards Hayrides, farm animals, cafe and bakery 43 Mt. Zion Road, Marlboro 845-236-2684. weedorchards.com Wilklow Orchards 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland 845-691-2339. wilkloworchards.com

Jean Sheff is Editor of Westchester Family.

Send your children off to school with a serving of whole grain apple waffles, a nutritious and delicious breakfast.

Whole Grain Apple Waffles From Whole Foods Market These nutritious waffles are dense and packed with flavor from vanilla and apples. The recipe can easily be doubled and any leftovers reheated in a toaster oven and served with yogurt, nuts, fresh fruit or unsweetened apple butter.

Makes 6 waffles.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup cornmeal 1/4 cup buckwheat flour 1/2 cup brown rice flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt 2 eggs 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract 1 medium red apple, diced Directions: 1. Preheat a waffle iron.

2. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, buckwheat and brown rice flours, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

20

Westchester Family | September 2017

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, 2 tablespoons water, oil and vanilla.

4. Add to dry ingredients.

5. Stir in apples.

6. Thin the batter, if necessary, with 1 tablespoon of water at a time.

7. Scoop 1/3 cup of batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown and crisp.

Nutritional Info: Per Serving: Serving size: 1 waffle, 150 calories (40 from fat), 4.5g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 70mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 23g carbohydrates, (2 g dietary fiber, 4g sugar), 5g protein.

Whole Foods Markets are located in Yonkers at One Ridge Hill, in White Plains at 100 Bloomingdale Road, in Port Chester at 575 Boston Post Road, and in Connecticut at 150 Ledge Road, Darien and 90 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich.

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Appetizers & Salads

Tomato Gazpacho..............................$7 Basil Oil Devilled Eggs....................................$6 Crispy Prosciutto Mushroom Paté.................................$9 Toast Points Grown Up Grilled Cheese.................$12 Aged Cheddar, Humbolt Fog, Beefsteak Tomato, Hand Cut Fries, 8-Grain Pullman Chicken Wings..................................$9 Bleu Cheese Fried Chicken Sliders.......................$9 Cilantro Aioli, Jicima & Mango Slaw Croquettes.........................................$9 Bacon & Cheddar Pork Carnitas Tacos..........................$9 Red Cabbage & Avocado Lime Crème Crab Cake........................................$12 Apple & White Cabbage Slaw, Green Goddess Dressing Beet & Buratta Salad.......................$11 Pistacchio Pesto Watermelon Salad.............................$9 Watermelon Radish, Feta Vinaigrette Arugula and Frisee Salad.................$8 Cherry Tomato, Red Wine Vinaigrette Add Steak..$6 Chicken..$5 Salmon..$6

Beer Battered Fish & Chips.............$16 Tartar Sauce Black Angus NY Strip Steak...........$25 Rosemary Mash, Sautéed Broccolini, Roasted Garlic Compound Butter Murrays Roasted Chicken..............$23 Roasted Fingerling Potato, Brussels Sprouts, Lemon Butter Pan Sauce Pistachio Tarragon Crusted Salmon..$22 Creamy Polenta, Asparagus, Frisee

Sides

Parmesan Garlic Fries......................$6 Brussels Sprouts & Bacon.................$7 Rosemary Roasted Fingerlings........$7 Sautéed Brocolini & Asparagus........$7 Creamy Polenta.................................$6

Kids Menu

Chicken Thigh Bites & Fries.............$7 Cheddar Mac & Cheese......................$7 Mac & Butter.....................................$6 Fish & Chips......................................$7

Entrees & Sandwiches

Grass Fed Beef Burger.....................$14 Butter Lettuce, Crispy Onion, Tomato, Cornichon Remoulade, Brioche, Fries (Cheddar, Swiss, Avocado................$1, Bacon..........$1.50, Bleu Cheese.......$2) Flatiron Steak Sandwich................$16 Roasted Shitake Mushrooms, Frisée, Whole-Grain Horseradish Crème Fraiche on Onion Focaccia Free Range Chicken Sandwich........$14 Gruyere Cheese, Peppernada, Basil Aioli, Baby Arugula, Ciabatta Fettuccine Carbonara......................$14 Bacon Lardon, Parmesan Crab Spaghetti.................................$16 Burst Cherry Tomato, Toasted Garlic

Brunch Menu

10.30am-3.30pm, Sat. & Sun.

Fruit Medley...................................$10 Fresh Fruit, Mint, Honey Lime, Greek Yogurt Veggie Omelette...............................$13 Three Eggs, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Baby Spinach, Goat Cheese, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée (White egg option available) Chorizo Omelette.............................$14 Three Eggs, Chorizo, Mushrooms, Cotija Cheese, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Huevos Rancheros Skillet...............$13 Black Beans, Salsa Verde, Crispy Tortilla, Guacamole, Pickled Onions & Jalapeno, Sour Cream & 2 Fried Eggs

Country Breakfast...........................$14 Two Eggs Any Style, Bacon, Chicken Sausage, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Pork Belly Benedict.........................$15 Crispy Pork Belly, Poached Egg, Hollandaise Sauce, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Crab Benedict..................................$17 Jumbo lump Crab, Poached Egg, Cajun Hollandaise Sauce, Polenta Cake, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Almond French Toast......................$12 Vanilla Bean Infused Strawberries, Honey & Vanilla Mascarpone Cheese Breakfast Burger.............................$14 Creekstone Farms Beef, English Muffin, Bacon, Fried Egg, Swiss Cheese, Roasted Sweet Onion Sriracha Sauce, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Chicken & Biscuits..........................$15 Fried Chicken, & Biscuits with Espresso Infused Chicken Sausage Gravy Flat-Iron Steak & Eggs....................$17 Cedar River 7oz Flat-Iron, 2 Eggs Any Style, Herb Roasted Country Potatoes, Arugula & Frisée Buttermilk Pancake........................$10 Blueberry Compote, Cinnamon Mascarpone

Sides

Chicken Sausage................................$5 Biscuit..............................................$4 Thick Cut Slab Bacon........................$5 Herb Roasted Country Potato...........$5

One Complimentary Bloody Mary, Mimosa or Bellini Served with a Brunch Entrée.

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

23

Start

Smart 9 Teacher’s Tips to Start the School Year Right

By Christa Melnyk Hines

S

chool bells are ringing. Whether that comes as music to your ears or a bittersweet reminder that the free-spirited summer days are over, check out these tips from the pros to help you and your child enjoy a smart, happy start to school.

Push the re-set button.

Before school starts ease back to regular bedtime and morning routines. Nudge kids back into the habit of daily reading if they’ve slacked off and play math games to review.

“Think about re-setting structure at home and what changes need to happen so it’s not a total shock to everyone’s system,” says Christine Vohs, a second-grade teacher.

“Anything that you can create that allows for structure and your child’s ownership for success is going to send them to me in a better frame of mind to learn for the day.”

Plan for hectic mornings by gathering healthy, simple-to-prepare breakfast ideas packed with nutrients and protein. Wall calendars with activities color-coded for each family member and daily checklists for each child can help establish expectations and keep your family organized.

Build anticipation.

Got a youngster who’s bummed to head back to school? Stay upbeat. Remind him of the subjects that spark his curiosity that he’ll learn about in the coming year, whether that’s science experiments, multiplication or a special grade-level project.

“Talk to your children about friends they

24

Westchester Family | September 2017

haven’t seen all summer and about new kids joining their class,” says first grade teacher Megan Jasperson. “This is sure to get them excited for the school year to begin.”

Show support.

“Avoid teasing your child by saying things like ‘you got the meanest teacher in school!’ or acting as if you’re overjoyed to be sending your child back to school because this can make him wonder why you’re so eager to be away from him,” says Becky DeNoon, a thirdgrade teacher.

Instead offer encouragement and support. Remind him that it’s normal to feel disappointed about summer break ending, but that you’re excited to see how much he’ll learn and grow during the coming months.

Be prepared.

Peruse school supply lists carefully and read the handouts the school issues to ensure that your youngster has everything she needs on the first day of school.

“Kids feel embarrassed on the first day when they aren’t prepared,” Jasperson says.

Reduce uncertainty.

Often kids feel nervous about unknowns like transitioning to a teacher they don’t know, a new school or a different set of classroom rules.

Take advantage of any back-to-school or orientation events that your school offers to help your apprehensive scholar familiarize herself with the classroom, meet classmates and connect with the teacher before school starts. Knowing what to expect and where to

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go on the first day will ease some of a child’s anxieties.

Seek out friendly faces.

If you’ve recently moved to the community or changed schools, look for other families with children your child’s age to arrange a playdate or to meet for a snack.

Some schools also feature parent Facebook pages. Hop on and ask if anyone would like to get together at the park before school begins. Many parents love to help welcome new families.

And these efforts will lessen first day jitters when your youngster knows she’ll recognize a few familiar faces when she gets there.

Have an adolescent heading into middle school? Encourage him to join after-school clubs and activities. His involvement will help him form connections with peers who share his interests, says Traci Keeler, a sixth-grade

math teacher and eighth grade volleyball and track coach.

Create a homework spot.

Designate an area in your home that’s conducive to focus and concentration and where you can easily provide some assistance when necessary. While purchasing school supplies, also stock a homework caddy or station with scratch paper, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, highlighters and anything else that your child might need to complete his homework.

partnering with your student’s teacher is key to a successful school year.

“You know your child best and your insights into your child are helpful to us,” Vohs says.

Introduce yourself to the teacher and tell her the best ways she can contact you.

In turn, remember that teachers care about their students’ best interests. Vohs speaks for many of her colleagues when she says: “I hope parents will trust me to make the best possible decisions for their child while he or she is with me.”

Build partnerships.

Maintaining open communication and

Get involved.

Help your children start seeing school as an

extension of their home life by volunteering periodically.

Most kids get a kick out of seeing their parents during the school day, whether they volunteer in the cafeteria, library or the classroom.

Unable to volunteer at school? Ask the teacher what you can do to help from home.

Christa Melnyk Hines is a freelance journalist who has always loved the back-to-school season as a child and still does. Her two boys don’t share her enthusiasm. Christa is the author of Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital Word.

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

25

How to Beat Back-to-School

Clutter

By Heidi Smilh Luedtke

I

n the back-to-school rush, parents’ best intentions may be buried under kids’ backpacks, homework assignments and missives from administrators. The best offense against back-to-school overwhelm is a strong

26

Westchester Family | September 2017

zone defense at home. With this three-zone approach to organization, your family can keep everything under control this year.

Zone 1: The Launch Pad If your mornings often include a large-scale search for shoes or sports equipment you

need a family staging spot. Former teacher turned professional organizer Debby Lea of White Rock, B.C., recommends designating a place near the door for hanging coats and backpacks. Install hooks on the wall and use bins or cubbies to corral kids’ shoes. Label hooks and bins to clarify whose items belong

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where.

Make the launch area part of your family routine. Encourage kids to hang their coats and backpacks as soon as they enter the house after school, and to leave their shoes in the entry area. Items may be taken out for sports’ practice or homework time, but they should be returned after each use.

Give kids responsibility for making sure they have what they need for by adding a preflight check to their bedtime routine. Post a checklist of must-have items for each child to make it easy. Laminate the list so your child can check off items with a dry erase pen.

“If you have very busy children, multiple checklists may save you a lot of headaches,” Lea says. Label them clearly with “What I need for school,” “What I need for piano,” and “What I need for soccer.” Putting everything in the launch pad at bedtime ensures your family can blast off fast after breakfast.

Zone 2: The Homework Station “Not all children enjoy working at a desk,” says New York area professional organizer Seana Turner. Work with your student to design a desirable homework space. Some kids prefer to do homework at the kitchen table where they can see what else is going on.

Others might prefer a stand-up work station or a quiet corner in the bedroom.

“If your child has trouble concentrating for long periods of time, consider doing different kinds of homework in different spaces,” Turner says. A change of scenery can renew kids’ energy.

Gather homework supplies into a portable caddy. This might be a rolling cart or a lidded plastic bin. Stow scissors, tape, pencils, markers, glue sticks, erasers, rulers, a stapler and a calculator in the homework station. This keeps your child from wasting time searching for supplies in kitchen drawers and minimizes the chance that the stapler off your desk will

28

Westchester Family | September 2017

be missing when you need it.

“Many children and teens are afraid to throw anything away during the school year,” says Mary Ann Lowry, M.Ed., an educator and certified coach in Mesquite, Texas. Invest in a file system your child can use to store old notes and assignments.

Once every month encourage kids to excavate their backpacks, sort through binders and move materials from completed units into the home archive. This keeps materials handy for final exam study sessions and prevents backpacks from growing too heavy.

Zone 3: Information Central Keep tabs on what’s happening with a centralized information station. “This should be the single location for all the details family members need to know at any given time,” says professional organizer Katherine Trezise of Flanders, N.J. A commonly used, easily-accessible part of your home, such as the kitchen or family room, is ideal.

Your information center should include a master calendar everyone can always see.

It can be either paper or electronic. The format is less important than the calendar’s comprehensiveness. “Transfer all scheduled activities, both school and recreational, onto the master calendar, then toss the paper

reminders,” Trezise says. This decreases paper clutter and puts everything in one place, so you avoid scheduling conflicts.

Create a simple inbox/outbox system for each child in the information station. Teach your children to put any papers they bring home in the IN tray after school. Sort through the inboxes each evening. Write events on the master calendar, and sign papers as needed.

Place items that need to go back to school in the child’s OUT tray.

Before bedtime, each child should check his outbox and put papers into his backpack to return to school. At the end of the day, all the trays should be empty.

File kids’ art projects, essays and grade reports in expandable folders – one for each child each year. At year’s end, sort through papers with your child and toss unwanted items. Store the rest for safe keeping.

“When your child graduates, you’ll have 12 or more neatly labeled folders containing his or her school memorabilia,” Trezise says. Grown up kids love to look back at old school work when they’re feeling nostalgic.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a mom of two kids who frequently loses track of shoes and library books.

She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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29

Education Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

2017

Education Guide Special Advertising Supplement

A Child’s Dream, LLC 10 Mill Road, New Rochelle 914-633-4332 A Child’s Dream Nursery and Preschool features a small, personalized setting that creates a secure and structured environment. This encourages children to socialize and interact while learning. Offering 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds programs two to five days a week. OPEN HOUSE Thursday, November 9th, 10amnoon.

Alcott Montessori School 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale 914-595-7551 535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 693-4443 alcottschool.org Alcott School provides 2- to 5-year-olds a supportive, multicultural learning environment in which they develop independence, selfconfidence, a love of learning and pride in their abilities. Offering a developmentally appropriate curriculum, Montessori materials, experienced teachers. Weekly and seasonal specials: music,

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Spanish, making apple cider, nature programs. Available: flexible school year and summer programs.

All Aboard Childcare Education Centers Ossining, 914-923-1700 Valhalla, 914-741-1500 allaboardchildcare.com Family owned and operated since 1996, All Aboard provides a safe, secure, child-centered environment for infants, toddlers, pre-K and school-aged children.

Hands-on, developmental curriculum for infants & toddlers.

A pre-K curriculum that meets NYS Kindergarten readiness standards. Degreed, certified staff, nutritious meals and many enrichment programs. Best of Westchester in Childcare 2014.

Alliance Française de Westchester 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains 914-681-8735 afwestchester.org info@westchesterny.org The Alliance Française de Westchester offers a wide range of courses in the French language,

Westchester Family | September 2017

from the beginner to the more advanced, from toddlers to adults all ages.

Throughout the year they offer varied social and cultural events, including lectures, discussion groups, cooking classes, book clubs, cine-club, French food and wine tastings and celebrations of Francophone holidays.

of the group. Regularly planned group activities meet the natural, physical, emotional and cognitive needs of children at play. The staff is carefully trained to promote a positive environment and to keep a balanced routine that does not stress or overstimulate children.

Andrus 1156 N. Broadway, Yonkers 914-965-3700 andruschildren.org Andrus’ campus programs including The Orchard School offer day and residential students a safe environment where they can learn to manage their emotions while building a strong foundation of academic and life skills. The Andrus Early Learning Center in Tuckahoe offers full and half-day care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Ardsley Community Nursery 21 American Legion Dr., Ardsley 914-693-4932 acns.us The Ardsley Community Nursery School is proud of its caring staff and dynamic enrichment program. Creative and developmentally appropriate academic activities are based on weekly themes and geared toward recognizing the talents of each child. A lovely playground and local field trips enhance programming. Half- and full-day options are available.

Ann & Andy’s 2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Each child is considered first, as an individual, and then as a member

Chapel School 172 White Plains Road, Bronxville, 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org Since 1947, The Chapel School has served a wonderfully

THE CHAPEL SCHOOL e’s ’s B BEEST ST o off W azine WEESSTTC Maaggazin eessttcch W CH heesstteerr M HEESSTTEER ~ R E W N ~ N R I E W N R WIN 014, 2 2 0 d 1 n 6 a & l o 2 o 0 h 1 c

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE in a SAFE and NURTURING CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

31

Education Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

TEMPLE ISRAEL CENTER NURSERY SCHOOL NEW Stay & Play extended hours for 2’s, 3’s and 4’s til 4:00pm!!

A Warm and Nurturing Community for Growth and Learning Mommy & Me, Music Classes and FREE drop-in Babies & Bagels Program 2, 3, 4 Year Old Classes Early Drop-off, Afternoon Enrichment and Lunch Programs Newly Renovated Kmee]j ;Yeh Bm\Ya[ Hjg_jYe Classrooms!

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Westchester Family | September 2017

diverse community with a safe, nurturing, loving Christian environment, academic challenge, small class sizes for individualized attention, expanding extra-curricular programming and preparation for success in the area’s top high schools. The Chapel School helps today’s learners to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.

Dicker Reading Method 75 Brook St., Scarsdale 914-472-0600 dickerreading.com The Dicker Reading Method can teach any child to read, even children diagnosed as learning disabled, ADD, ADHD or dyslexic.

Children reading below, at or above grade level, can achieve three to six years of reading improvement in one year.

Parents will see an immediate improvement in reading achievement, comprehension and vocabulary development.

Easter Seals NY, Inc. Project Imagine 6 Dows Lane, Irvington 914-328-1578 lsmacchia@eastersealsny.org Easter Seals Project Imagine located in Irvington, New York has morning and afternoon options available for all children, including those with special needs. With a low student to teacher ratio, you can be sure your child is getting an exceptionally high-quality education that meets the rigorous NYSED requirements.

Lisa Smacchia, Assistant Director.

First Congregational Church 210 Orchard Ridge Road Chappaqua 914-238-4411: fcc-chappaqua.org First Congregational Church in Chappaqua offers Church School sessions for all ages and service opportunities for 7th grade and up. During President’s Week, they will be rehabilitating homes in Wilmington, NC. They are a church that welcomes everyone so come join them! For more information, call Bruce Page, the Christian Ed Coordinator, at 914262-5396.

Hudson Country Montessori School 340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org Children learn to observe, think, judge and pursue interests at their own pace.

Exposed to physical and mental order, working with materials with a purposeful design in a calm atmosphere fosters concentration, creativity, selfrespect and a solid academic foundation. Open houses weekdays for elementary, preschool and toddlers. Please call them to take a tour.

Immaculate Heart of Mary 201 Boulevard, Scarsdale 914-723-5608 ihmscarsdale.org Nearly 90 years of exceptional Catholic education, this school has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Offering programs for children ages 3 to grade 8. They also offer full time pre-K program

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

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

New School?

Fitting in may not be easy.

She’s sad to be leaving her old friends, and wondering if she’ll make new ones.

Moving to a new school is always difficult, but you can make it easier. **For free information, tips, and strategies to help your child make friends and keep them go to: WhereICanBeMe.com

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• Flexible Support Center

Helping Soundview Prep students with organizational skills, writing, note taking, homework, and test preparation.

• Music Production and Recording Courses • Senior Internship Program • STEAM Makerspace • Science Research Program • Expanded AP Course Offerings • Campus Renovation and Construction • Shuttle Service from Metro-North Stations

Soundview Preparatory School

370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY • 914.962.2780 • soundviewprep.org

Independent, co-ed day school for grades 6–12 • Picturesque campus 4-to-1 student-faculty ratio • Excellent college placement • Rolling admissions

J O I N U S F O R A N O P E N H O U S E! � S U N DAY, O C TO B E R 15: 1 � 3 PM September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Education Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

and an after-school program.

OPEN HOUSES: Oct. 25, 2017 & Jan. 31, 2018 from 9-11am.

• Smart Board Technology • Music • Arts/Crafts • Languages • Reading • Math • Computer • Science • Cultural Awareness • Playground • Toddler Program • Bilingual Teachers • Special Music Programs

• Piano, String Instruments & Percussion Lessons

Model for PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION Extended Hours For Working Parents Director: Dr. Pushpa Jagoda Special Language Programs In Spanish, Japanese, French, Chinese & German

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Enroll now in our unique programs • Toddler • Pre-School • Kindergarten-4th Grade • Challenger Program for Advanced Students

MAMARONECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pre-K through 4th Grade OPEN HOUSE Every Wednesday, 9am-12pm 631 W. Boston Post Road (914) 777-1382 NEW ROCHELLE PRIMARY SCHOOL Toddler through K OPEN HOUSE Every Thursday, 9am-12pm 155 Beechmont Drive (914) 636-3461

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Unique Special Needs Program Exciting Summer Camps and After School Programs Are you interested in becoming a teacher?

Call now to find out about Liberty Montessori Teacher Training

Liberty Montessori Schools 155 Beechmont Dr., New Rochelle 914-636-3461 631 W. Boston Post Road,Mamaroneck 914-777-1382 libertymontessorischools.com Offering programs for toddlers through 4th grade: unique kindergarten enrichment curriculum that includes their special music program and the Challenger Program for advanced students. They also have special multilingual programs in Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Japanese. Call now to make an appointment to tour their facility and learn more about Liberty.

Lil’ Sprouts Early Learning Center 1821 Main St., Rte. 6 (on the border of Cortlandt & Peekskill, First Hebrew building) 914-739-0504 lilsproutselc@yahoo.com firsthebrew.org/207-2/ A non-denominational NYS licensed Early Learning Center for children 18 months to prekindergarten. Programs include half- and full-day options, early and late pick-up, camp and enrichment classes such as music, art and movement. Lil’ Sprouts helps children build a strong foundation for learning while fostering independence and socialization. Contact Director Daniela Rosen.

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Lyceum Kennedy French American School One Cross Road, Ardsley 914-479-0722 lyceumkennedy.org Looking for a school where your child can discover the world close to home – and around the world?

With bilingual classes (French/ English), nursery to 5th grade, great facilities, after school and summer programs. Lyceum Kennedy has everything you and your child are looking for.

The Ardsley Transition program welcomes students without any French language skills.

Mazel Tots® Early Childhood Program Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3001 http://bit.ly/mazeleducation Helping children grow! They serve ages newborn through kindergarten-bound. Featuring a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities including sports, music, sign language, yoga, science, art, the study of Jewish holidays and more.

They also have fully equipped indoor and outdoor play spaces.

For information, contact Jody Glassman, mazeltots@sstte.org.

Milestone School 70 W. Broad St., Fleetwood 914-667-3478 themilestoneschool.com An independent Nursery through Grade 4 day school, Milestone prepares its students for a lifetime of learning. Small classroom sizes allow for individualized attention and allow teachers to work with each

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Westchester Family | September 2017

SERV ING FA M IL IE S SI NCE 19 71!!

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...SCIENCE 914-238-6206 call today!

Learning WKH ULJKW DQVZHUV ZLOO JHW \RXU FKLOG WKURXJK VFKRRO Learning how to learn ZLOO JHW \RXU FKLOG WKURXJK OLIH

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ZHHNGD\V Please call to join one of our tours.

,QVSLULQJ FXULRXV FUHDWLYH DQG JLIWHG PLQGV 7RGGOHUV WKURXJK WK JUDGH www.hudsoncountry.org � email: info@hudsoncountry.org 340 Quaker Ridge Road � New Rochelle, NY 10804 � 914-636-6202 September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

Education Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

child to develop confidence, independence, and a desire to learn…preparing them for a future of “endless possibilities.”

Ardsley Community Nursery School 21 American Legion Dr • Ardsley

(914) 693-4932 www.acns.us AM and PM classes for children 2-5 Dynamic enrichment program consisting of music, dance and yoga Weekly and hourly rates Diaper friendly Beautiful outdoor play area Local field trips

Celebrating over 50 Years of fun!

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Offers a Christian Education program on Sundays at 10am for toddlers through 7th grade beginning Sept. 17

Youth Service Fair

Visit our booth at Chappaqua’s

Come talk with over 30 volunteer organizations

Sept .16

Oct. 22, 12-2pm for 5-12 graders

Community Day

Montessori School of Pelham 1415 Pelhamdale Avenue Pelham Manor 914-738-1127 montessorischoolpelhamny.com Upholding a “tradition of excellence” for over 35 years, this school firmly and consistently holds to the principles of child development devised by Dr. Maria Montessori. Children ages 3 to 5 work with apparatus in a prepared environment progressing at their own rate, developing the confidence and love of learning that is the hallmark of Montessori.

Mount Tom Day School 48 Mount Tom Road New Rochelle 914-636-8130 mounttomdayschool.com Mount Tom Day School, located on a 10-acre estate near Pelham Manor, has been providing exceptional early childhood experiences since 1958. The school’s enriched educational programs are designed to enhance self-esteem and promote a love of learning in an atmosphere where children are respected and nurtured.

Programs include PreNursery (2-year-olds) through kindergarten and first grade.

Co-sponsored by

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Pre-K 3 & 4 to Grade 8 After School Program Available OPEN HOUSE

October 25, 2017 & January 31, 2018 from 9-11am

Our Montessori School in Yorktown and Carmel ourmontessorischool.com oms9@verizon.net

Westchester Family The Digital Edition

Sign up for a free digital subscription at WestchesterFamily.com and we’ll send you an email when the new issue comes out!

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

36

Westchester Family | September 2017

WestchesterFamily.com

914-962-9466 Our Montessori School in Yorktown and Carmel provides a richexperience for children ages 18 months through 6th grade. Besides reading, writing, math, history and science, the programs include art, ballet, chorus, dance, instrumental music, physical education, drama, Latin, French, Spanish and even chess. Visit ourmontessorischool. com or call 914-962-9466 to schedule a tour.

Play Care Nursery School 210 Orchard Ridge Road Chappaqua 914-238-6206/914-238-4411 A child’s time at Play Care is a balance of structured, age appropriate activities, academics and well supervised free choice time. Play Care offers a flexible schedule for ages 18 mos-5 years to meet the needs of families.

Extended day and enrichment opportunities are also available.

Soundview Preparatory School 370 Underhill Ave.nue Yorktown Heights 914-962-2780 soundviewprep.org A small independent day school for grades 6-12. Soundview offers responsiveness to students, a rigorous academic program, supportive environment and a sense of community. Classes average seven students, with a 4-to-1 student-faculty ratio.

Students develop academic skills, self-esteem and leadership in small classes where teachers know the learning style and interests of each individual.

Jewish Learning Experience

It’s NOT Your Parents’ Hebrew School!

Building Jewish identity through Jewish values.

Creating differentiated learning, with Matan-certified supervision for all types of learners.

First Hebrew Congregation 1821 Main Street, Route 6

On the border of Cortlandt & Peekskill

Contact Rabbi Dana: 914-739-0500 rabbi@firsthebrew.org Visit www.firsthebrew.org

300 East Putnam Avenue • Greenwich • Connecticut

Give Your Child the best in Early Childhood Education

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To schedule a tour, contact David Cohen, Nursery School Director, at 203-622-8121 or visit www.templesholom.com/smns.

1415 Pelhamdale Ave. (at Shore Rd.) • Pelham, NY 914.738.1127 • montessorischoolpelhamny.com

Call for Open House Dates

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

37

Education Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

ANDRUS’ campus programs including The Orchard School offer day and residential students a safe environment where they can learn to manage their emotions while building a strong academic foundation.

The The Andrus Andrus Early Early Learning Learning Center Centerin inTuckahoe Tuckahoeoffers offersfull fulland and half-day infants, toddlers, toddlers,and andpreschoolers. preschoolers. half-day care for infants,

The Orchard School (914) 965-3700 ext. 1363 The Andrus Early Learning Center (914) 337-4492 www.Andrus1928.org

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Temple Israel Center Nursery School 280 Old Mamaroneck Road White Plains 914-948-2800, ext.126 templeisraelcenter.org p.goldstick@templeisraelcenter. org. (Director’s email) Providing a warm and nurturing environment rich with Jewish culture and traditions where children can achieve their full potential socially, emotionally, creatively, cognitively and physically. Classes for 2, 3, and 4 year olds, mommy and me programs, music class for toddlers, early drop-off, afternoon enrichment programs, lunch programs, extended day care until 4pm and summer camp. Director Patty Goldstick.

Temple Sholom Selma Maisel Nursery School 300 East Putnam Avenue Greenwich, Conn.

203-622-8121 templesholom.com/smns SMNS has taken hands-on learning to the next level with the addition of a full

S AT / AC T P R E P

WRITING

READING

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) program! Children will explore woodworking, robotics, magnetism, wind resistance, sewing, and more. While SMNS is driven by Jewish values, families of all faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds are welcome.

Thornton-Donovan School 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu An international co-ed school attracting students from 40 different countries; six languages are taught, including Greek and Latin. The 2017 graduating class of 29 amassed $1,980,00 in academic awards and scholarships, with admission to N.Y.U., Fordham, Concordia in Canada, UConn, Georgia Tech, Cornell, Brooklyn College, U.S.C., University of Heidelberg, Germany and scores of others.

Individually focused and globally engaged, T-D has pioneered international education since 1970.

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Westchester Family | September 2017

Kara S. AGE 6

My teacher can't believe how well I'm reading. Thanks Sylvan.

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BONJOUR WESTCHESTER! LEARN FRENCH THIS FALL WITH THE ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE WESTCHESTER AFW offers French classes, group or private, for all levels and ages, taught by native French speakers: Toddlers, Children & Teens classes • Adult classes (weekdays & Saturdays) Conversation classes • Cooking workshops • Cultural events On-site & multimedia online library

The AFW offers a multitude of ways to learn or to practice French, ENROLL NOW! Classes start September 14th

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September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

39

Parenting Hacks //

Let it Go Seven Things to Stop Worrying About

By Sarah Lyons

W

orrying, it’s something all parents do. I am guilty of it, especially when I lie awake at 3 a.m., with the silence of the house ringing in my ears. I worry about what I forgot to do, what I need to do, what I should have done, and what I already did.

Some worries are valid, but many are not worth the time and effort. What if we could learn to let them go?

1. Personal Expectations Before I became a parent, I had high expectations for myself as a mother. I had things I wanted to do and things I declared I would never do. After my first child was born, I quickly realized that I would change my perspective on most pre-child declarations.

“Let go of the idea that you will be the perfect parent because it won’t happen.” says Aly Ridgeley a mother of twins. When parents accept that they are doing the best they can, at that moment, for their kids, they will be able to cross this worry off their list.

2. Guilt Do you worry that you don’t spend enough time with your child? Do you feel guilty you were not able to breastfeed your child or that you missed a soccer game? The guilt of these things and more can weigh heavily on a parent but you have permission to let it go. It is okay if you miss a game or a school party.

We all have make choices and sometimes those choices cause unnecessary guilt. Once a decision is made, move forward and let go of the feelings of guilt. They will only rob you of enjoying the present.

3. Outward Appearances A tidy house, a perfectly decorated home, an amazing wardrobe, all organic, home-cooked meals, the perfect marriage, smart, athletic, creative children, and a partridge in a pear tree.

We want it all and we want it to be perfect, or at least appear that way. This picture is lovely but it is not a realistic, reachable goal. It does not matter if your children wear perfectly coordinating outfits. Is your child is dressed in weather appropriate clothing? Great. Does it match? It’s your lucky day. Social media puts so much pressure on us to keep up with what we believe others are doing. I have a secret for

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Westchester Family | September 2017

you, Pinterest is not real life and what is posted on Facebook is typically not everyday reality either. Embrace the fact that no one is perfect and nobody’s expecting you to be.

4. What If’s Parents often worry about things that haven’t even happened yet. What if he gets sick? What if she falls and gets hurt? What if he doesn’t make the team? What ifs are not worth the energy they use. Acknowledge they are unnecessary and decide not to waste time on them. Face the problems in front of you rather than worrying about issues that do not exist.

5. Comparisons “Don’t compare yourself to other parents.

Your family is unique. Your circumstances are unique. It would be like comparing apples and oranges,” says Lacey Rodrigue. “Do the best you can for your family and forget the rest.” Comparing yourself to other parents is never a good idea. Your parenting style for your children will always be different from others, but doesn’t mean it is bad. Another pitfall is comparing your children to their siblings or other children their age. Each child has their own unique personality and will develop at their own rate. If you feel your concerns are valid, consult your child’s doctor for peace of mind.

6. Mistakes Every parent makes mistakes and it is easy to spend time worrying about what should have been done differently. The past cannot be changed and although not easy to do, we must let go of things we cannot change. We can learn from our mistakes and continue to do our best in the future. Parents have permission to let go of past mistakes and teach their children to do the same.

7. Control I am a recovering control freak. When our triplets arrived, it finally dawned on me that I am not in control. Once I realized (and accepted) this fact, a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Yes, my husband and I are still in charge of the household, but I cannot control what happens in life. It’s a roller coaster, instead of trying to steer, throw your arms up in the air and enjoy the ride.

Learning to let go of these worries usually leads to feelings of relief. Remember that each family is unique and each parent handles situations differently, it is easier to relax and enjoy your family more.

Sarah Lyons, mother of six, has learned to let go of many things over the years to maintain a happy and functioning household.

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41

Ask the Specialist //

All About Ear Infections

By Andrea White with Katrina Stidham, M.D.

E

ar infections are the number one cause for pediatric visits in the United States.

With an estimated 15 to 20 million trips made annually to doctors nationwide, it’s important for parents to know the symptoms, treatments and tips for prevention.

Who is at Risk Ear infections are most frequently experienced by children less than 6 years of age (though older kids and adults can still get them). According to Katrina Stidham, M.D., Chief of Neurotology at Westchester Medical Center, “the highest peak of middle ear infections, also known as acute otitis media (AOM), occur in children 6 to 18 months of age, with a second but lower peak in children around 3 to 5 years of age.” The second peak usually coincides with kids going into preschool or kindergarten.

Why? Stidham says these ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses that invade the space behind the eardrum, and can often happen at the same time as a throat or upper respiratory infection. “The Eustachian tube, a tiny tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear gets congested or swollen, often secondary to other cold or allergy symptoms.

This leads to the pathogen getting trapped in the middle ear, setting the ear up for an infection,” she explains.

One of the reasons ear infections are so prevalent in children is because the Eustachian tube is much smaller and more horizontal in children. “It is easier for the Eustachian tube to get congested and blocked and it’s also more facile for bacteria to track up the tube into the middle ear,” says Stidham.

Once the infection takes hold, it leads to pus filling the middle ear, resulting in the symptoms that are commonly associated with ear infections: ear pain, fever, irritability and poor sleeping (particularly in a young child), tugging at the ear, decreased hearing and loss of balance. Stidham says there can also be drainage of fluid from the ear, but “this usually occurs when the infection is severe enough to rupture the eardrum.”

What to Do Parents who notice the symptoms of an ear

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Westchester Family | September 2017

infection should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible to get it diagnosed, but there are things you can do at home to help with the pain if needed. Stidham recommends acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management, as well as and fever management if a child has a temperature.

“A heating pad or warm wash cloth over the affected ear may also be soothing,” she says.

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for ear infections, but Stidham says that the American Academy of Pediatrics has specific guidelines recommended for treating them.

The guidelines state that for children less than 2 years old with a definitive infection, antibiotics are always recommended. For children that are older than 2 with severe symptoms, antibiotics are also recommended. But for children older than 2 with milder symptoms, or if a diagnosis is uncertain, observation and a follow-up in 48 hours is recommended because the infection may resolve itself.

Other Treatment Unfortunately, there are children who suffer through frequent ear infections, and for them, other treatments may need to be considered – most commonly tubes. “These are tiny little tubes that are placed through the eardrum that ventilate the middle ear.

They are used to drain fluid or pus from the middle ear, or to prevent future ear infections,” says Stidham. She says the placement of the tubes requires a very small procedure, and the eardrum gradually pushes the tubes out into the ear canal and heals, usually in one to three years.

Very specific guidelines are used when considering tubes to treat repeated infections.

Stidham says recurrent AOMs are defined as three or more infections within six months, or four or more infections in the past year with a least one infection in the last six months.

Prevention There are some proactive steps you can take to try and prevent ear infections in your children. “Breastfeeding babies can improve immunity and decrease infection risks. Also, for children with a history of early infections, delaying daycare, when possible, can decrease risks,” says Stidham. She also recommends getting vaccinated for pneumococcus and flu, and eliminating exposure to passive smoke.

Of course, talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have.

Andrea White is a freelance writer based in Edgemont.

Katrina R. Stidham, M.D.,is a fellowship-trained neurotologist and skull base surgeon practicing medical and surgical otology. She is the Chief of Neurotology at Westchester Medical Center (WMC) and an associate professor in the departments of Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery at New York Medical College. She also serves as the Medical Director of the Balance Center at Westchester Medical Center and the Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at WMC and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Stidham received her medical education at Duke University School of Medicine, completed her residency at Stanford University Hospital and fellowship at California Ear Institute at Stanford. She specializes in care of pediatric and adult patients with a complex variety of ear related diagnoses including ear infections, cholesteatoma, hearing loss and dizziness.

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Let's Go To ... //

When You Go …

The National Museum of Mathematics

National Museum of Mathematics 11 E. 26th Street New York, N.Y. 212-542-0566 momath.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week, 364 days a year except for Thanksgiving Day and the first Wednesday of every month, when the Museum closes at 2:30 p.m.

Admission: $16 adults, $10 children (free for children under 2) Family-Friendly Bites in the Area Shake Shack in Madison Square Park on the southeast corner near Madison Avenue and East 23rd St. Enjoy the beautifully built playground afterwards.

Photo Courtesy of MoMath.

By Stacey Pfeffer

’ll admit that I was a little apprehensive about taking my 6-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son to the National Museum of Mathematics. I knew it would be a slam dunk with my math whiz son but my daughter has proclaimed many times that she hates math. Luckily, this hands-on museum offers something for everyone whether your kid is a mathematician-in-training or number phobic.

The museum, also known as MoMath, offers more than 30 interactive exhibits in 19,000 square feet of space spread out over two floors. You don’t have to answer all your children’s math-related questions as Museum educators float around the museum explaining the mathematical concepts behind the exhibits using age-appropriate language.

how they work. Gabby Trojanowski, a museum educator, explains to me that this exhibit is based on calculus and “catenary curves,” which keeps the wheel axles perfectly level. While my kids are too young to understand this in detail, I’m delighted to see that the exhibits in the Museum inspire curiosity and motivate them to ask thoughtful questions.

“One of the great things about MoMath is that we are really great at getting everyone engaged with mathematics. We are all about affecting attitudes and changing perceptions,” says the Museum’s Executive Director and CEO, Cindy Lawrence.

“We are not teaching your kids a better way to multiply or add. Instead what we are trying to teach them is that math is much broader than they thought. It can be creative, exciting, fun and beautiful.”

The Fun Begins Although wee ones may be too young to understand geometry or calculus, they aren’t too young to take a ride in a cart in the “Coaster Rollers” exhibit, which is visible immediately as you enter. Here you hop on a cart and roll over unusually shaped acorns for a smooth and short ride. Although it appears at first glance that the ride will be bumpy based on the acorn’s shape, it is surprisingly smooth. This is because the rollers have a constant diameter, explains our helpful museum educator stationed by the ride.

The fun continues with an exhibit where kids can ride a square-wheeled tricycle along a track with humps. Of course my kids are fascinated by these square wheels and want to know

Latest Hoop Curves Exhibit Next up, my kids wanted to shoot hoops in the newly opened exhibit called “Hoop Curves.” Picture two basketball hoops that let your kids take their best shot at a regulation free throw. But these are no ordinary hoops.

They contain cameras and light sensors, so that a computer records the height, angle and velocity of your shot. If you don’t get it in, the computer suggests – through data visualization and statistics – how you might improve your chances.

Then my kids took many turns using BallBot, a robotic ball launcher, which the kids could easily adjust turning several knobs and pushing a foot pedal, so that even the littlest players have a greater chance of

I

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Westchester Family | September 2017

scoring hoops. My son was pleased to hear that this had real-life applications and that professional teams such as the Golden State Warriors use statistical analysis to determine high-value versus low-value shots.

More Downstairs After interacting with other exhibits on the main floor, we were ready to make our way downstairs for more fun and learning. My children loved taking turns figuring out puzzles in the “Enigma Café” and learning about the mathematical principle called fractals at the “Human Tree” exhibit. Exerting all that “brain power” on the many fun-filled exhibits and games required a little down time.

So, we ended our Museum outing lounging in the “Magis Spun Chairs”, which have a pointed bottom, so you can rock side-to-side or spin completely around and around. Because of the design, you stay in the chair even though it feels like you will fall out any minute.

There’s no doubt there has been widespread media coverage about the fact that our kids are lagging in mathematical skills compared to other developed countries. In fact, this museum is the only math museum in the nation while some countries such as Germany have many. I can’t help but wonder if more kids came to MoMath and got excited and engaged with math, maybe we wouldn’t be in such a predicament.

The good news is that September and early fall is actually a great time to visit MoMath.

“Kids are not going on field trips yet so the museum is less crowded and you’ll get a lot of attention from the educators,” explains Lawrence. And if it gets your kids more willing to do their math homework without complaint, well that’s a win-win situation.

Stacey Pfeffer is a freelance writer based in Chappaqua, N.Y.

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Westchester Family | September 2017

Calendar

September

By Susan Goldberg

Performers in light-up suits delight audiences at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Sept. 17.

iLuminate iLuminate lights up the stage - literally! This group of performers combine technology and choreography to create a show that has audiences in awe. Special light-up suits create the illusion that performers disappear, reappear and even levitate. The whole family can enjoy this glow in the dark show. 5pm Sept. 17. For all ages. $60. Reservations required.

Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge, Ridgefield, Conn. 203–438–5795. ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Photo by Timothy Dorey

Calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: CORNucopia

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Editor’s Pick: Treetop Adventures

52

Fall Festivals

54

Connecticut Corner

56

City Picks

58

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Calendar September //

1 Friday

Chihuly Exhibit. Exciting and colorful glass artwork created by the world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly is on view at the New York Botanical Garden, in a show that features 20 installations and includes the artists’ drawings and early works. Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am–6pm, until Oct. 29. For all ages. $25 adults, $20 children.

Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. 718–817–8779. nybg.org.

Classic Mansion Tours.

This one-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Lyndhurst.

See the sumptuous Victorian architecture, art and décor – explore the elegant entryway, reception rooms, parlor, library and more. Thursdays – Sundays, 10am–4pm, until Sept. 24.

For all ages. $16. Reservations required. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–631– 4481. lyndhurst.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.

11:15-noon today and every Friday through Nov. 17. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Fridays, 11:15am–noon.

For families with children ages 2 and up. $10. Reservations not required.Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org.

Artwork by Robert Zakantrich

Paintings featuring flowers appear at the Hudson River Museum through Sept. 17.

Flowering Art. You can almost smell the art at this Hudson River Museum exhibit, thanks to the floral beauty of two different exhibits featuring flowers. “Floral Arrangements: Highlights from the Collection,” and “Robert Zakantich: Garden of Ornament” are blooming in Yonkers.

Wednesdays – Sundays, noon– 5pm, until Sept. 17. For all ages. $6 adults, $3 youth. Reservations not required. The Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org.

Friday Night Fireworks.

There’s explosive fun to be had - just head to the boardwalk for a spectacular firework display.

This is the last Friday Night Fireworks of the summer! 9:15pm.

For all ages. Parking fees apply.

Reservations not required.

Playland Park, 1 Playland Parkway, Rye. 914–813–7010. playlandpark. org.

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate. This hilltop paradise was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. There are different levels of tours to take visitors through the main rooms

of the six-story main house, as well as the expansive gardens.

Check website for times and tour options. Each tour begins at the Visitors Center at Philipsburg Manor, where visitors board a shuttle bus to the estate.

Thursdays – Sundays, timed tours, until Sept. 30. For all ages. $28 adults, $26 children. Reservations required. Kykuit, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

Philipsburg Manor.

Visitors to the Manor tour the 300-year-old house, participate

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

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 November 2017 calendar must reach us by September 30, 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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Calendar September // E d ito r ’s Pi ck

in hands-on activities of the 19th century, see the working gristmill and learn about the day-to-day lives of the Manor’s former inhabitants. Guests take guided, timed tours. Wednesdays – Sundays, timed tours begin at 10:30am. For all ages. $12 adults, $6 children. Reservations not required. Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow.

914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

Play Days at Jay. Families can pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the John Jay Homestead. Kids can have fun as they explore the Discovery Centers and help volunteers collect eggs from the chicken coop. Starting at 1pm, the Education staff leads a short hands-on activity. It’s a fun afternoon in a beautiful setting.

Fridays, noon–2pm, until Oct. 27. For all ages. Reservations not required. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–666–7004. johnjayhomestead.org.

Weaving at the Museum.

The Museum’s Learning Center has been temporarily transformed into a weaving workshop, where families can experiment with various rug-inspired weaving techniques. Using new and recycled materials, visitor can contribute to a large collaborative weaving installation. Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10am–5pm, Sundays, Noon–5pm; today – Oct. 1. For babies and toddlers. Free with admission: $10 adults, free for children under 12. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232– 9555. katonahmuseum.org.

2 Saturday

Around the World Creative Kids. This month’s Creative Kids program explores the Mayan culture. Children become junior archeologists to learn more about the ancient Mayan civilization.

2–3pm. For ages 2 and over. Free with admission: $15. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West

50

CORNucopia

through mid-November. 10am– 4pm. For children ages 2-6. $3.

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

Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate. See Sept. 1.

NYC Unicycle Festival. See City Picks page 58.

Photo by Tom Nycz

CORNucopia offers a weekend of corn-related fun at Philipsburg Manor, Sept. 2-4.

It’s a festival of corny fun for all at this holiday weekend celebration of corn. There are maize inspired delicacies to eat, as well as corn cooking demonstrations. Visitors can play cornthemed games like Konk a Crow and Ring a Cob in the CORNival area, and compete in a corn-shucking competition. Also in store for guests: Country dancing to live bluegrass and folk music in the barn! 10am–5pm Sept. 2-4. For all ages. $16 adults, $8 children. Reservations required. Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899– 0606. steppingstonesmuseum. org.

CORNucopia. See Editor’s Pick page 50.

Family Art Project: Painting Outdoors. Visitors use watercolors for this annual outdoor painting project. Create a masterpiece inspired by the tones and shapes of the Hudson River School of painters. 10am to 1 pm today and Sept. 3. For all ages. Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 students.

Reservations not required. Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 West 252nd St. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Family Studio Projects.

Westchester Family | September 2017

On weekend days in September, junior docents and professional educators lead art and science projects. Sunday’s art programs feature building a 3D flower; Saturday’s science workshops have kids creating a model of the sun. Weather permitting, they may also look through the Museum’s solar telescope.

Saturdays and Sundays, 1–4pm, today – Sept. 30. Recommended for children ages 7 and up but can be adapted for younger children. $6 adults, $3 youth. Reservations not required. The Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org.

Grasshopper Grove. The Museum’s unique outdoor Nature Play Area is still open during the fall. Saturdays and Sundays

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. The creatively landscaped and meticulously maintained garden on the grounds of the PepsiCo campus is the site of a wonderful collection of the works of major twentieth century artists. After being closed for renovations, this beautiful Sculpture Garden is once again open to the public! Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–4pm, until Oct. 29. For all ages. Reservations not required. PepsiCo Sculpture Garden, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914–253–3150. pepsico. com.

Philipsburg Manor. See Sept. 1.

River Explorers.

Curious kids have an opportunity to become river explorers through nature-themed programs that feature arts and crafts.

11am–noon. For ages 5-12.

Registration required. Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers. 914–377– 1900. centerfortheurbanriver.org.

Stone Barns Weekend.

Through November, Stone Barns requires the purchase of a one-day admission ticket on weekends. This allows visitors to participate in seasonal, hands-on activities, and drop in tours. Admission is free during the week, although there is a charge for certain weekday events. Check website for full schedule. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5pm. For all ages. $20 adults. Weekend tickets sell out; it’s recommended to purchase in

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September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Calendar September // E d ito r ’s Pi ck

advance. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org.

Treetop Adventures

3 Sunday

CORNucopia. See Editor’s Pick page 50.

5 Tuesday

Eloise at the Museum. See City Picks page 58.

Bruce Beginnings. Children and their caregivers use picture books and hands-on activities to get a better understanding of the Museum’s galleries and exhibits.

Topics range from art to science.

11:45am and 1pm today and Sept. 12 and 19. For children ages 2 1/2 to 5. Free with admission: $10 adults, $8 student.

Reservations not required.

Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203–869–0376. brucemuseum.org.

Family Art Project: Painting Outdoors. See Sept. 2.

Flowering Art. See Sept. 1.

Museum and Garden Stroll. The Hammond Museum’s Japanese Stroll Garden is a beautiful and peaceful piece of nature, perfect for an afternoon walk. And now the Museum has partnered with noted sculptors to display works of art in a beautiful and natural setting. Wednesdays – Saturdays, noon–4pm. For all ages. $5 adults, free for children under 12. Reservations not required. Hammond Museum Japanese Stroll Garden, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. 914–669–5033. hammondmuseum.org.

NYC Unicycle Festival. See City Picks page 58.

Story Walk. Visitors read the story Deer Mouse at Old Farm Road by Laura Gates Galvin as they walk along a short hiking trail. The perfect marriage of nature and literature. Sundays, 10am–4:30pm, until Sept.

24. For all ages. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

4 Monday

Afternoon Studio. Turn an early fall afternoon into an afternoon of art appreciation.

This drop-in studio program is an opportunity to experiment with new materials and creative processes. Today’s activity invites

52

Weekdays, 10 am to 5:30 pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am to 4:30 pm, until Oct. 23. Included in the Total Experience Ticket: adults $36.95, children $26.95.

Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd. at Boston Road, University Heights.

718–220–5103. bronxzoo.com

Photo by Julie Larsen

There are exciting new Treetop Adventures at the Bronx Zoo daily in September (weather permitting).

There are two new exciting experiences at the Bronx Zoo, and both are part of the Treetop Adventure Program. One experience - called Climb - is an aerial adventure course consisting of rope bridges, rope walks, ladders, wobbly bridges and swinging elements. There are various levels of difficulty. The other adventure offered is Zipline, allowing guests to zip across the Bronx River 50 feet up in the air. Both adventures require a ticket in addition to an All Experience Ticket and there are participation requirements (including weighing between 50 and 75 pounds, and being able to reach 5’6” from flat feet). Check website for more information. Tickets are sold by time and appointment.

Daily, appointments between 10am–5pm; beginning Sept.

1. Ages 7 and up. Climb: $64.95; Zip: $34.95 (plus admission).

Reservations required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd. at Boston Road, University Heights. 718–220–5103. bronxzoo.com.

to write a letter to their future selves and turn that letter into a work of art to be opened in 5, 10 or 20 years all while helping to enhance their writing skills.

2–4pm. For all ages. Free with admission: $10 adults, free for children. Reservations not required. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203–438–4519. aldrichart. org.

Westchester Family | September 2017

CORNucopia. See Editor’s Pick page 50.

Nature Trek. This new event at the zoo is a fully-netted bridgeand-tower course and nature play area geared toward children and families. Coca-Cola is sponsoring Nature Trek as well as dedicated educational programming encouraging the exploration of the natural world through play.

Local Artist’s Gallery Show. Westchester resident and artist Laura Renee paints what she knows - and what she knows is Westchester! Come see her work, much of which reflects her hometown of New Rochelle, as well as the nearby towns along the Hudson River. The works in this gallery show capture the oldworld charm of these local sites.

Tuesdays – Saturdays, Noon–5pm, today – Sept. 23. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

Mamaroneck Artists Guild, 126 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont. 914– 834–1117. mamaroneckartistsguild. org.

6 Wednesday

Back to School Bingo.

Celebrate the start of the school year with a rousing bingo game.

Get into the spirit of learning and have a good time with other kids!

4–5pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua.

914–238–4779. chappaqualibrary. org.

Fish Tales. Toddlers and their caregivers enjoy fishthemed stories, songs and

THEATRE activities during a fun morning get together. The games and stories are followed by a period of free play. Children must be able to sit quietly with their grown-up. Wednesdays, 10:15am today– Sept. 27. For toddlers, up to age 5. Free with admission: $22.95 adults, $15.95 children.

Reservations not required limited space, first come first served. Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn.

203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium. org.

Treetop Adventures. See Editor’s Pick page 52.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup.

Come chat and play at this playgroup for parents and young children. Adults connect with other parents while the kids enjoy music, motor play and story time in a group setting.

Weekly discussions are held on Jewish and Interfaith topics.

Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30am, today - Sept. 27. For children under age 2. Reservations not required. Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn.

203–622–8121. templesholom. com.

Eloise at the Museum. See City Picks page 58.

8 Friday

Classic Mansion Tours. See Sept. 1.

Oyster Festival. See Fall Festivals page 54.

Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

9 Saturday

Fairy Houses and Toad Abodes. This Nature Center program teaches kids about wildlife habitats. Then a craft project allows visitors to create imaginative homes for fairies and other whimsical creatures. 10am.

For all ages. $8 adults, $5 children.

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

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. Guides authentically dressed in 1800s garb lead tours around this elegant estate, which was the home of noted author Washington Irving. The mansion, as well as the beautiful grounds featuring a view of the Hudson River, make for a wonderful afternoon of exploring and history. Wednesdays – Fridays, 10:30am–3:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–3:30pm.

For all ages. $12 adults, $6 children. Reservations required.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 Sunnyside Lane, Irvington.

914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

My Ability. Special needs visitors and their families enjoy a sensory-friendly workshop designed to be a safe and welcoming experience.

Participants engage in sensory activities, gross motor play, fine motor play and self-guided projects, while having the opportunity to socialize with other participants. Parents and caregivers can also socialize and share resources. 11am– noon. For all ages. Free with admission: $15. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899–0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

7 Thursday

Oyster Festival. See Fall Festivals page 54.

Eloise at the Museum. See City Picks page 58.

Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. See Sept. 2.

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Calendar September // the river to catch and release the critters who live in the Hudson.

2–4pm. For all ages. Registration required. Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers. 914–377–1900. centerfortheurbanriver.org.

10 Sunday

Family Gallery Tours. The whole clan can enjoy interactive, discussion-based tours of the Museum’s exhibitions. Explore the museum as a family and understand more of what’s on display. 11:30am–12:15pm today and Sept. 17 and 24.

For families with children ages 6-10. Free with admission: $10 adults, $8 students. Reservations not required. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn.

203–869–0376. brucemuseum. org.

Family Nature Walk.

Naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow takes visitors on a family-friendly walk through the gardens and woodlands. Come get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of Wave Hill.

Severe weather cancels this event.

Noon. For ages 6 and older. Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 students. Reservations not required. Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 West 252nd St. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Family Studio Projects. See Sept. 2.

Lyndhurst Concert.

The magnificent mansion at Lyndhurst is the site for a concert featuring music that might have been heard when the Gould family lived here at the dawn of the 20th century. Step back in time with performances from internationally acclaimed musicians, set against the beauty of this majestic estate. 4pm. For all ages. $25 adults, $14 children.

Reservations required. Lyndhurst Mansion, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–631–4481. lyndhurst.org.

54

Fall Festivals Armonk Outdoor Art Show. Take an early autumn stroll around this annual art show to find treasures. Paintings, sculpture, photographs and jewelry are on display and available for sale.

Stop at a food truck for sustenance and check out the kids tent for fun family activities. 10am–5pm Sept. 23- 24. For all ages. $12 adults, free for children. Reservations not required. Community Park, 205 Business Park Dr., Armonk. 914–629–7529. armonkoutdoorartshow.org.

Cider and Donut Festival. This perfect fall fair gives visitors the classic combination of cider and donuts - and then a chance to work off the calories! There is a fee to participate in either the one-mile run or 5K run/walk, but children ages 2-8 can participate in the 100-yard Donut Dash for free. Registration is required for the runs and the fees support local charities. 9:15am–2pm Sept. 17. For all ages. Free admission; $20-$30 race fee. Wampus Brook Park, Bedford Rd., Armonk.

914–273–5172. armonkchamberofcommerce.com.

Lyndhurst Crafts Show. Over 300 artists display their works at this autumn craft show.

Shop for crafts and works of art, while kids enjoy interactive activities and entertainment.

And when you work up an appetite there are delicious gourmet food concessions. 10am5pm Sept. 15 and 17; 10am-6pm Sept. 16. For all ages. Weekend pass: $12 adults, $4 children.

Reservations not required. Lyndhurst, 635 Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–631–4481. lyndhurst.org.

Oyster Festival. This annual celebration of bivalves marks the end of summer; welcome autumn with live music from dozens of bands, amusement rides, kids’ entertainment and circus

Muscoot Farmer’s Market. The farm is the perfect place to purchase fresh produce and local food products from more than 20 vendors, every Sunday through October.

9:30am–2:30pm, today– Oct. 29. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, Rte. 100, Somers. 914–864–7282. muscootfarm.org.

Oyster Festival. See Fall Festivals page 54.

Westchester Family | September 2017

Courtesy Photo

Celebrate fall with a festival at Cortland Manor’s Fieldhome on Sept. 23. acts. There is also entertainment for grownups, including daredevil stunts and a craft beer tent.

What makes this an Oyster Festival? An oyster slurping contest, of course! This is a three-day festival, but Sunday is Family Day with special rides and meals for kids. 6–11pm Sept. 8; 11am– 11pm September 9; 11am–8pm September 10. For all ages. $12 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required. Norwalk Veteran’s Memorial Park, Seaview Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–838–94444. seaport.org. CT 13th Annual Fall Festival. This Fall Festival features live entertainment, a classic car show, a kids’ zone with a petting zoo, inflatable rides, pony rides, great food, pumpkin decorating and more. It’s a classic fall fair! 11am–4pm Sept. 23.

For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. The Seabury at Fieldhome, 2276 Catherine St., Cortlandt Manor. 914–739–2244 ext. 5501. http//www. fieldhome.com.

Story Walk. See Sept. 3.

11 Monday

Nature Strollers. Families with babies, toddlers and young children can enjoy nature by hiking together in this weekly walk. Join in for a one-hour hike with tykes, led by a Museum educator. Mondays, 9:30am, today – Nov. 6. For families with babies and toddlers. $5 per family.

Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Muser

Drive across from 174 Angola Rd., Cromwell, Cornwall. 845–534–5506, ext. 204. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Pez Visitor’s Center. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

12 Tuesday

Bruce Beginnings. See Sept. 5.

Eloise at the Museum. See City Picks page 58.

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Bedford Hills, NY 532 N. Bedford Rd. (914) 244-8960

White Plains, NY

373 Mamaroneck Ave (914) 948-5111

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

55

Calendar September // Treetop Adventures. See Editor’s Pick page 52.

Connecticut Corner

Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

13 Wednesday Fish Tales. See Sept. 6.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. See Sept. 6.

White Plains Jazz Fest. This annual Jazz Fest brings a five-day celebration of jazz to local music lovers. The Festival features talented musicians who perform throughout the week at a variety of venues. The Fest culminates in a free outdoor Jazz and Food Festival on Mamaroneck Avenue on Sept. 17. Check website for schedule today – Sept. 17. For all ages. Some events are free; some are affordable. Advance tickets required for some performances.

Various White Plains Sites, White Plains. artswestchester.org.

14 Thursday

Feast of San Gennaro. See City Picks page 58.

Local Artist’s Gallery Show. See Sept. 5.

Museum and Garden Stroll. See Sept. 3.

White Plains Jazz Fest. See Sept. 13.

15 Friday

Lyndhurst Crafts Show. See Fall Festivals page 54.

Pajama Shabbat.

Families with young children can attend a spirited Shabbat celebration filled with singing, dancing and storytelling. A family-friendly dinner is held afterwards and kids can attend in their jammies. September birthdays are also celebrated.

5:30pm. For children in kindergarten and younger.

Reservations required. Temple

56

Courtesy Photo

The Pez Visitor’s Center offers guests an afternoon of sweet fun in September.

Cider Saturday. Enjoy an early autumn afternoon of fun with cider press demonstrations, a scavenger hunt, games in the apple orchard and seasonal crafts for the kids. Visitors can taste different apple and honey varieties - not to mention corn dogs and baked goods. 11am–3pm Sept. 16. For all ages. $15.

Reservations required. New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, Conn. 203–966–9577. newcanaannature.org.

Great Pumpkins. Have you ever seen a 2,000-pound pumpkin? You might, if you come to the Pumpkin Weigh Off, a competition where farmers and pumpkin growers bring oversize pumpkins and gourds to see who grew the biggest one. There are cash prizes for the winners and for everyone else there’s a chance to see some truly big fruit! Noon Sept. 24. For all ages.

FREE. Reservations not required. Ballard Park, 485 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203–546–2547. ridgefieldct.org.

Old-Fashioned Flea Market. Look for hidden treasures when the Museum invites vendors to sell antiques, furniture, collectibles, jewelry and household items. While you’re on the grounds, take a mini-tour of the Museum. Trendy food trucks are on hand as well as live music and an antique car show. Have a day of old-fashioned fun! 10am–5pm Sept. 17. For all ages.

Admission free; Mansion tours $5. Reservations not required.

Lockwood Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–838–9799. lockwoodmathewsmansnion.com.

Pez Visitor’s Center. Come see how Pez are made! Take a self-guided tour of the Pez manufacturing facility, looking through windows and at video monitors for a peek at the process. Then hit the gift shop to bring home these delicious and decorative treats. Mondays – Saturdays, 10am–6pm, Sundays, noon–5pm, until Sept. 30. For all ages. $5 adults, $4 children.

Reservations not required. Pez Visitor Center, 35 Prindle Hill Rd., Orange, Conn. 203–296–0201. pezcandyinc.com.

Westchester Family | September 2017

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

Stroller Tour. Parents can connect with other new parents, while enjoying a side of art appreciation, when they tour the galleries with kids in tow.

Refresh your mind and spirit while checking out the exhibits.

Enjoy an artistic discussion in the galleries followed by coffee and snacks in the lounge.

Strollers and crying babies are welcome! 9:30am. For babies and toddlers. Free with admission: $10 adults, free for children under 12. Reservations not required.

Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum.org.

White Plains Jazz Fest. See Sept. 13.

16 Saturday

African Dance and Music.

The electrifying ensemble Wassa Pan Afrika combines dance, music, stories and songs to take the audience on a fascinating journey through African heritage.

Colorful costumes, elaborate choreography and pulsating drumming brings audiences to their feet. 8–10pm. For all ages. $24 adults, $18 children.

Reservations not required.

Westchester Community College Academic Arts Theater, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla. 914–606– 6262. sunywcc.edu.

Cider Saturday. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

Classic Mansion Tours. See Sept. 1.

Family Studio Projects. See Sept. 2.

Lyndhurst Crafts Show. See Fall Festivals page 54.

Tai Chi. This is the last event in the Museum’s summer wellness series, featuring simple yoga and meditation practices. All levels of

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Calendar September // skill are welcome. Learn to move like a gentle breeze... 11am–noon.

Recommended for adults; all skill levels. $12. Reservations required.

The Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963– 4550. hrm.org.

Third Saturdays.

On the third Saturday of every month, the Aldrich offers a free family workshop. Kids create art inspired by the works in the galleries. A teaching artist helps children design their own masterpieces. After an age appropriate workshop, there is a gallery tour for all ages at 3pm.

10am–noon for children ages 2–5; 1–3pm for children ages 6–10. Reservations not required.

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn.

203–438–4519. aldrichart.org.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. See Sept. 6.

White Plains Jazz Fest. See Sept. 13.

17 Sunday

Cider and Donut Festival.

See Fall Festivals page 54.

Family Gallery Tours. See Sept. 10.

Flowering Art. See Sept. 1. iLuminate. See page 47.

Lyndhurst Crafts Show. See Fall Festivals page 54.

Muscoot Farmer’s Market.

See Sept. 10.

Old-Fashioned Flea Market. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. See Sept. 2.

Story Walk. See Sept. 3.

Stream Hunters. Join the Nature Staff to explore the creatures that live in the

58

City Picks

Center’s Poorhouse Brook. The stream is home to amphibians, macroinvertebrates and fish; this event lets visitors discover mayflies, salamanders and a world of other critters beneath the rocks and leaves of the stream.

Guests walk through the stream and splashing may occur, so water shoes are recommended.

4:30–6pm. For ages 6 and up.

Free with admission: $10 adults, $6 children. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

White Plains Jazz Fest. See Sept. 13.

Photo Courtesy of Bindlestiff Family Cirkus

Check out the Governor’s Island Unicycle Festival Sept. 2-3.

Bryant Park Square Dance. This fall, visitors to Bryant Park can do-si-so and promenade left, at country themed square dance parties. There’s dancing, country food, music and fun. 5pm Sept. 22. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Bryant Park, 41st St. between 5th and 6th Ave. New York. 212-76-4242. bryantpark.org.

Eloise at the Museum. The feisty charm of Eloise - the Plaza loving star of picture books bearing her name - is captured in this Museum show. Based on the books written by Kay Thompson, this exhibit showcases more than 75 items, including portraits, vintage dolls, original manuscripts and photographs. A variety of interactive family activities help visitors fully immerse themselves in the very special world of Eloise. Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10am– 6pm, Sept. 3 – Sept. 30. For all ages. $21 adults, $6 children.

Reservations not required. New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York. 212–873–3400. nyhistory.org.

Feast of San Gennaro. Remember the first time you tasted a zeppole? Chances are it was at the Feast of San Gennaro, New York’s annual celebration of Italian culture and heritage. Enjoy Italian delicacies, live performances, parades, rides, games and more. There are free musical performances every evening at the Festival Stage. 11:30am–11pm Sept. 14-24. For all ages.

FREE – although food and game tickets must be purchased.

Reservations not required. Little Italy, Mulberry Street and Canal, New York. www.sangennaro.org.

NYC Unicycle Festival. Novices and experts alike are welcome to come to Governors Island and experience the fun and thrills of a one-wheeler. Races, competitions, workshops, exhibitions from world class riders, unicycle basketball and jump rope - it’s a weekend of unicycle fun. Noon–5pm Sept. 2- 3. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Governor’s Island. nycunfiest.com

Westchester Family | September 2017

18 Monday

Nature Strollers. See Sept. 11.

Pez Visitor’s Center. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

Young Explorers Storytime. Kids discover the wonders of summer and nature through storybooks and exploring the outdoors. After storytime the gang heads out to the forest, Woodfrog Pond and the native plant meadow, so dress for outdoor activity. 1–2pm today and Sept. 25. For ages 3-5. $12. Reservations not required.

Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723– 3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

19 Tuesday

Bruce Beginnings. See Sept. 5.

Feast of San Gennaro. See City Picks page 58.

Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

20 Wednesday

Feast of San Gennaro. See City Picks page 58.

Fish Tales. See Sept. 6.

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59

Calendar September // Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. See Sept. 6.

Treetop Adventures. See Editor’s Pick page 52.

21 Thursday

Classic Mansion Tours. See Sept. 1.

Eloise at the Museum. See City Picks page 58.

Fall Break Out Day. The fall exhibition features “Illustrations of Imaginative Literature,” so today’s event focuses on drawing and dragons. Visitors sketch artifacts from the collections, meet some live animals straight out fantasy books, and create their own creatures out of clay.

There is also a science fiction trivia game, self-guided crafts and a scavenger hunt. 11am–3pm. For all ages. Free with admission: $10 adults, $6 children. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Photo by Laura Renee

Nature Trek. See Sept. 4.

22 Friday

Afternoon Movie.

Pack a bag lunch and come see a family-friendly movie at the library. PG rated Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a hilarious movie for the whole family to enjoy. 1–2:35pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 914–967–0480. ryelibrary.org.

Bryant Park Square Dance.

See City Picks page 58.

Museum and Garden Stroll. See Sept. 3.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. See Sept. 6.

Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

Local Artist Laura Renee captures the charm of Westchester’s towns in her gallery show Sept. 5-23. See Sept. 5.

23 Saturday

Armonk Outdoor Art Show.

See Fall Festivals page 54.

Around the World: Performance Series. This month’s performance features Candace Wolf, a masterful storyteller who shares oral histories with humor and wisdom.

Children love these stories that teach the true meaning of honesty, courage, compassion and respect. 2–3pm. For ages 5 and over. Free with admission: $15. Reservations not required but space is limited. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899– 0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

F

Family Art Project: Ecology in a Bowl. Be inspired by the local landscape to create a mini ecological landscape out of clay, then use small items found on the grounds to add natural detail to their creations. 10am–1pm today and Sept. 24. For all ages. Free with admission to grounds: $8 adults, $4 students. Reservations not required. Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center, 675 West 252nd St. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Local Artist’s Gallery Show. See Sept. 5.

Union Church of Pocantico Hills. This lovely but unassuming country church has a stained-glass window by Henri Matisse (his last work of art) and nine windows created

by Marc Chagall. These glorious windows are on display for visitors. Tours are subject to congregation activities; call for daily schedule. Mondays and Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10am–5pm, Sundays, 2–5pm. For all ages. Reservations required.

Union Church of Pocantico Hills, 555 Bedford Rd., Tarrytown. 914–322– 6659. hudsonvalley.org.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. See Sept. 2.

24 Sunday

Family Studio Projects. See Sept. 2.

13th Annual Fall Festival.

60

Westchester Family | September 2017

See Fall Festivals page 54.

Armonk Outdoor Art Show.

See Fall Festivals page 54.

Family Gallery Tours. See Sept. 10.

Family Studio Projects. See Sept. 2.

26 Tuesday

Bruce Beginnings. See Sept. 5.

Nature Trek. See Sept. 4.

Feast of San Gennaro. See City Picks page 58.

Get Outta Town. The birds are starting their annual migration; join a naturalist on a hike through the Nature Center’s trails and see which birds are leaving town and which are stopping by on their way down south. 1pm.

For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

27 Wednesday Fish Tales. See Sept. 6.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. See Sept. 6.

28 Thursday

Museum and Garden Stroll. See Sept. 3.

Eloise at the Museum. See City Picks page 58.

Muscoot Farmer’s Market.

See Sept. 10.

Tales for Tots. Young library visitors look at simple picture books, enjoy finger plays and songs and listen to stories in this fun event for toddlers and caregivers. 10am. For infants-toddlers. Reservations not required. Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 914–967–0480. ryelibrary.org.

Pez Visitor’s Center. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

Sensory Friendly Day. The Science Center lowers the volume and dims the lights to make it a more sensory-friendly experience.

There are special programs planned for children with special needs and those on the autism spectrum. The event includes kids’ activities, arts and crafts, and live science demonstrations.

10am–5pm. For all ages. $16.95.

Reservations not required.

Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, Conn.

860–520–2160. stsciencecenter. org.

Story Walk. See Sept. 3.

25 Monday

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Treetop Adventures. See Editor’s Pick page 52.

Great Pumpkins. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. See Sept. 2.

Party Directory

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside. See Sept. 6.

29 Friday

Nature Trek. See Sept. 4.

Pez Visitor’s Center. See Connecticut Corner page 56.

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Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

30 Saturday

Family Studio Projects. See Sept. 2.

Nature Strollers. See Sept. 11.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. See Sept. 2.

Young Explorers Storytime. See Sept. 18.

Weaving at the Museum.

See Sept. 1.

September 2017 | WestchesterFamily.com

61

Last Word //

Generations of Gymnasts Jodi’s Gym: 35 Years and Going Strong

By Kim Sunshine

K

atie Shopkorn Finkelstein walks into the bright, kid-friendly, clean space that is Jodi’s Gym – a gymnastics and movement education center that provides safe, fun, developmentally appropriate gymnastics – and she instantly feels at home.

It’s a typical day here, with toddlers chasing bubbles, instructors teaching moves on the uneven bars and a child practicing handsprings on the floor. Some who know about Jodi’s Gym are surprised to learn there really is a Jodi. Not only is there a Jodi, but she is and always has been the driving force with continued passion for what she does that keeps this business alive and thriving after 35 years.

Childhood Memories Katie Shopkorn Finkelstein’s mom enrolled her at Jodi’s Gym when she was young and now she brings her children here to enjoy the supportive, noncompetitive environment.

“No one cares more about children than Jodi Levine, her passion for teaching young kids goes further than just gymnastics,” she says. “Her warmth and energy are unparalleled to anyone else out there. I am forever grateful to Jodi and so thankful that my daughters get to have her and the Gym in their lives!”

Yes, Jodi’s Gym has been around long enough that the babies she once taught are having babies themselves, and they are taking their kids back to Jodi’s Gym. “You tend to come back to something you love.”

Levine says of these second generation of clients. “Some have told me their memories from Jodi’s Gym are some of their happiest childhood memories.”

A True Calling Jodi Levine, an original female entrepreneur when there really weren’t many, started cartwheeling at a very young age and didn’t

62

Westchester Family | September 2017

Jodi Levine, owner of Jodi’s Gym, teaches gymnastics to Ali Finkelstein. Ali’s mom, Katie once attended Jodi’s Gym as a youngster. That’s Katie and Jodi in 1985 in the lower left photo.

formally start gymnastics until she was about 12.

Her talents and efforts earned her an athletic scholarship to college, and she eventually went on to get a Masters in Psychology. While taking a break in between her graduate studies, she began teaching noncompetitive gymnastics to young kids before it was considered the norm. She soon discovered that teaching children was a passion and her “true calling.” “Kids actually love and need to move. Teaching them body awareness and what they can do with effort and perseverance – that really spoke to me,” she says.

Contrary to what most think, this pioneer’s passion for gymnastics and love of kids began way before she had children of her own. What started as a one-woman operation back in 1982 where Levine did it all from teach, set up, clean up, manage and marketing, has since become a company with more than 30 employees, two locations

(Mt. Kisco and New York City), camp programs, birthday parties, Jodi’s To Go, a preschool alternative program, and music, ninja and fitness classes. The programs cater to 9-month-olds through tweens, and there really is something for every child.

The Attraction It’s her understanding of children, experience and awareness of what kids love and what parents need, that keeps attracting families to Jodi’s Gym. “We really care sincerely about every child and their safety, that has never wavered,” says Levine. “Also, my core staff has been with me a very long time. That’s rare, and I think it helps when families know they can come to a place they know and trust.”

Add to that, high quality programming and giving families more than they expect, and you’ve got a formula that never goes out of style.

Kim Sunshine is a local freelance writer.

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