Westchester Family - May 2018

May 2018

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

Happy Mother’s Day! Has Motherhood Changed You?

STEM/STEAM Ahead

Embracing Tech and Art

Bark Buffet

Feeding Man’s Best Friend

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SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY FAMILY

132 Fun May Activities WestchesterFamily.com

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100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY • 914.632.8836 • www.td.edu May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

3

CONTENTS May 2018

departments

Volume twenty-eight • number 5

6 Editor’s Note 8 Bits & Pieces 32 ASK THE SPECIALIST

features 10

What Motherhood Asks of Us

The transition to motherhood is a story as old as time, yet it’s retold with each individual experience of becoming a mother. In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s acknowledge that this seemingly ordinary transformation is in fact extraordinary.

There is no doubt that a mother has enormous impact on her children. Yet, it’s also intriguing to examine how children can shape a mother’s personal growth and development.

STEM&STEAM education

STEM&STEAM EDUCATION

14 STEAM Into Spring With Fun

34 LET’S GO TO ...

Palisades Climb Adventure

36 Broadway scene Frozen

50 Last word

How Motherhood Made Me Appreciate My Mom

calendar Family Activities for May

Science and Art Projects

16 The Building of the New Bridge 20 The Role of Pretend Play in

Mindfulness for Families

Learn at Home

Fun Science & Art Projects

Classroom Lessons

The New Bridge

STEM/STEAM Learning

Igniting the Imagination

The Role of Pretend Play WestchesterFamily.com

Special Section

37 Top Pick: Pinkster Celebration 40 Editor’s Pick: White Plains Cinco de Mayo 42 Editor’s Pick: New York Liberty Home Opener 44 Celebrating Mom 45 Connecticut Corner 46 City Picks

Spring/Summer 2018

advertising

26 When is it Time to See a

Fertility Specialist?

22 STEM/STEAM Listings

28 Spontaneous Weeping: 30 Bark Buffet: Feeding Man’s

Coming Next Month Pediatric Eye Care Our medical expert weighs in on the facts that every parent should be aware of to insure their child’s eye health.

Best Friend

WestchesterFamily.com

May 2018

on the cover 10

Happy Mother’s Day!

13

STEM/STEAM Ahead

30

Bark Buffet

37

May Activities

25

Healthy Family

Growing Great Families for 27 Years

Happy Mother’s Day! Has Motherhood Changed You?

STEM/STEAM AHEAD

Embracing Tech and Art

Bark Buffet

Feeding Man’s Best Friend

+ SPECIAL SECTION: HEALTHY FAMILY

132 FUN MAY ACTIVITIES WestchesterFamily.com

4

Westchester Family | May 2018

Cover Photo: Photo by Kristin Larsen Photography. kristinlarsenphotography.com

Broadway Review Harry Potter has made it to the Great White Way. Before you pack your wands and head into the Big Apple read our review.

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

Look for it starting May 24!

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5

Editor’s Note //

Thank You for Mothering You’ll find me at least three days a week in the pool at my local gym. Over the years I have seen my share of kid drama and baffling parent behavior.

Should I slink into the water on a weekday at 4 p.m. or early Saturday morning, the usual time for swim lessons and family visits, I am guaranteed to observe what has become the normal uproar. There are toddlers, who you probably can’t drag out of the bath, screaming as soon as a tiny splash of water hits their face and moms literally peeling children from their bodies as they leave them sobbing with the instructor and five other goggle-faced tots.

Then there are the parents who believe a good shriek can solve the problem, “Put that noodle down and don’t hit your brother!”, “Stop crying” or “Once more and we are leaving,” the latter generally shouted at least five times.

Yet, I have some patience for it all because I have been there. I have carried a sobbing tot back into the dressing room, wedged myself between preschoolers gearing up for a fistfight over a floatation device and sat bored in the stuffy, chlorine-infused waiting area ruining my blow-dry while my crew took another swim lesson.

So the other day when I observed a mother quietly encouraging her three kids to stay in the same lane, I was taken aback.

I couldn’t help but watch her. She took her son quietly aside and asked him to say

please when he asked her to get him some flippers, she watched with delight and they all performed the usual water tricks for her – standing on their head, forward rolls and darting underwater between each other’s open legs. She even appeared to be having fun playing a pretty contained game of Marco Polo. She was enjoying her children while teaching manners, social skills and group cooperation.

I couldn’t help myself, I had to acknowledge this wonderful moment. “I want to compliment you on your mothering skills because you are doing a terrific job.” She smiled and blushed, “Well that little guy can be a handful.” Clearly one she was handling as far as I could see.

Mothering may or may not come naturally to some – but you can always learn.

Mothering is a skill that can be developed. A little education can go a long way, and if not for your children perhaps for yourself. Read our Mother’s Day feature this month, “What Motherhood Asks of Us,” and give thought to how mothering your children can contribute to your personal growth and development.

Happy Mother’s Day, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Win a Free Vacation! Vote to Enter Now The Westchester Family 2018 Family Favorite Awards is open for voting – and our ballot is easier and quicker to use than ever before.

Take five minutes to give a shout out to your favorite family-friendly places to thank them for their excellence and to let others know just how good they are. We will publish the results in our July 2018 issue.

We’d like to thank you for participating so just complete the form and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize – a four night/four-day summer vacation for a family of four at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont – the #1 Kid-Friendly Resort in the Eastern U.S. and Canada!

Your family will experience mountain side resort village living, in your own private two-

bedroom condominium vacation home, 8 pools and 4 waterslides – more water playgrounds than any resort in New England! Award-winning, day-long children’s programs for ages 6 weeks to 17, offer fun for kids, freedom for parents, not to mention plenty of daily activities for families to enjoy together … daily guided hikes and walks, evening entertainment, Vermont Country Fair and more! Plus, there’s the all new $4.2 million, FunZone 2.0 – 26,000 square foot Family Fun complex with Warrior Course, Laser Tag, Giant Slide, Bouncy House, Climbing Wall, Slot Car Racing – don’t take our word for it, check out everything Smugglers’ Notch has to offer at smuggs.com!

Ready to vote? Enter now at cng. secondstreetapp.com/Family-Favorites-2018.

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas!

Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

6

Westchester Family | May 2018

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 Andrea White calendar@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 Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531

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 © 2018 Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Contests //

Our May Contests Vera Bradley Baby Bump Gift Wrap Iconic fashion brand Vera Bradley is releasing gorgeous baby bump-inspired wrapping paper, perfect for baby showers, gifts for new moms, and all things sweet!

Each book includes pages and pages of gift-wrapping paper in addition to color-your-own gift tags that you can personalize for added fun.

Two lucky families can win – enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/ VeraBradley. Retail value, $19.99. Contest ends May 24, 2018.

Botley® the Coding Robot Enter to win, Botley®, the next generation of coding robot. Botley is ready to use right out of the box, introducing children as young as age 5 to the world of coding in a fun and straightforward way. Botley has advanced features that grow with kids offering challenges for many years to come. Retail value, $79.99. Contest ends May 24, 2018. Enter to win at WestchesterFamily.com/Botley.

Summer Camp 2018

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May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

7

Bits & Pieces // Fast Facts and Timely Tips

Teacher Appreciation Week May 7-11

Didi’s Toy Box With an endless supply of product choices, little guidance on developmental toy selection, and even less time for toy shopping, many parents feel overwhelmed selecting age-appropriate toys.

The good news is parents now have a solution to the problem – Didi’s Toy Box! Created by toy expert and mother of two, founder Diana Rudman has created Didi’s Toy Box, a subscription service that hand-selects age-appropriate, expertly crafted toys for children ages birth to 5.

These beautiful, high-quality developmental toys promise to inspire your child’s imaginative play and exploration.

Made to last a lifetime, they are perfect for families to pass along from one generation to the next.

The process is simple, subscribe online (indicate your child’s age and gender) and a box of carefully selected heirloom toys is delivered to your home monthly. All you have to do is play! didistoybox.com.

Since 1984 the National PTA® has invited families across the nation to help celebrate those individuals that do so much to help inspire, motivate and shape our children – teachers.

This year, Teachers Appreciation Week is held from May 7 to May 11. Teachers Appreciation Day is recognized on May 8.

Feel free to express your thanks in your personal way or organize your school to celebrate all its teachers as a V.I.T. (Very Important Teacher).

The PTA offers appreciation V.I.T. certificates and flyers that can be personalized – find them at pta. org. They also encourage families to share photos and activities during the week on social media with the hashtag #ThankATeacher.

The National Education Association also offers downloadable posters, social media shareables and web art on their

website, nea.org.

Whatever you decide to do just be sure to thank a teacher – they certainly deserve it.

Two Good Reasons to Give Your Dog a Treat Good Reasons, a Westchester-based artisanal dog treat company, makes pet treats from recipes developed by a Culinary Institute of America trained chef with ingredients that are US-sourced and locally-made and packaged.

The treats contain natural ingredients – blueberries, peanut butter, applesauce, green peas, cheddar cheese – and some are even wheat-free.

Another good reason to offer your pet these treats is the other good work that the company, created by Community Based Services, is offering the community. Good Reasons provides employment for adults with

8

Westchester Family | May 2018

autism and other developmental disabilities in a supportive and inclusive setting where individuals of all abilities are provided a job, are well paid and can develop a sense of purpose and pride in their work. It is a model for businesses large and small to emulate – providing opportunity to a skilled and oftenoverlooked population.

Good Reasons is sold online, through local retailers such as Whole Foods Market, DeCicco’s, Kelloggs and Lawrence (Katonah) and has been included multiple times in BarkBox. For a complete list of local retailers see goodreasons.com.

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Join us for an info session on Saturday, May 5th or May 19th Upper Camp/Teen Travel (grades 2-9): 11:00 am Mercy College - Main Hall Room 204 and 205

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Oasis Offers • Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Hot Lunch Option • Flexible Enrollment: 2-8 weeks • AC Transportation • American Red Cross Swim Instruction • Carnivals & Tie Dye • Special Events May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

9

What

Motherhood Asks of Us

By Aurélie Athan

T

he transition to motherhood is a story as old as time, yet it’s retold with each individual experience of becoming a mother.

In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s acknowledge that this seemingly ordinary transformation is in fact extraordinary. There is no doubt that a mother has enormous impact on her children. Yet, it’s also intriguing to examine how children can shape a mother’s personal growth and development.

The Shift New, and not-so-new, mothers describe an often seismic shift in their identities, priorities and worldviews. It begins with an initial revolution that evolves with time and the developmental needs of their children.

These changes can be simultaneously distressing and welcome, sources of both inspiration and depletion. As a researcher and practitioner I am endlessly curious about how mothers make meaning of this enormous personal undertaking. What happens internally and externally as motherhood takes hold as a central, or perhaps more central, preoccupation in their lives?

In trying to make sense of their experiences, mothers may be grappling with the same questions that send seekers to the tops of mountains, church pews, or meditation cushions. One recurring finding in my work shows that raising vulnerable others (animals and aging parents included) unwittingly teaches us about the core tenets of the world wisdom traditions like mindfulness, compassion, patience, ego death and paradox.

These are not just benign philosophical ideals. When engaged they have demonstrated, through a growing body of evidence, to confer physical health and psychological wellbeing. Sometimes these revelations arrive after a crisis, such as an illness or loss, has upended the usual order of things. Becoming a mother, or matrescence as coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael (1975), can also be viewed as another kind of life-drama, with

10

Westchester Family | May 2018

its own disorientation and opportunity for resilience. Like adolescence and other rites of passages, giving birth or defying death (sometimes one and the same), reveal that our own adult development is as interesting as that of our children! We too can use a helping hand and a village to nurture us through.

Katie, a recent transplant to Westchester (Hastings-on-Hudson) from the West Coast, is nostalgic for when, “We used to live in communities with multi-generational families all living nearby or in the same home. While that has its obvious downsides, what a tremendous sense of support we would have as mothers!

And when you move you disrupt what you do have. So in my own way, I’ve tried to make those ‘families’ with my neighbors. They see my kids almost every day, I feed theirs, they feed mine. I’m hoping over time we grow our web and keep paying it forward.”

Challenging Cultural Expectations While parents face challenges that are unique to their individual circumstances, they have collective insights that cut across these differences. One of the common challenges I hear from parents is that the demands of parenting essentially run counter to the modern world and its competing set of cultural expectations: being versus doing, relating versus producing, listening versus performing, comfort with ambiguity versus certainty, presence versus distraction and interdependence versus selfreliance. While one could argue that these are universal human struggles, it could also be said that the introduction of children has an especially amplifying effect.

Many mothers can relate to that painful split when they try to be present and attending to their children. They report a constant divided attention between their to-dos and wanting to spend quality time knowing that this moment is precious and fleeting. Aileen, a former

banker from Pelham admitted that, “It was absolutely a losing battle – there wasn’t enough of me to go around between excelling at work and not being stressed for my young children.

As someone used to being a high achiever, the dissonance of often knowing exactly what needs to get done, but being physically unable to do it all was extremely frustrating trying to manage my different responsibilities.”

Maria, a college instructor from Hastingson-Hudson, spoke to the additional loss of “me-time” and one repeating scenario on her way to renewed self-focus, “It really does feel like my son knows exactly when I’m trying to get back to my old routines. The other day I finally had it in me to get dressed up in something more than leggings and a dirty shirt. The minute the lipstick touched my lips he woke up from his nap and started crying as if on cue. It happens all the time in big and small ways.”

Like a good family sitcom, parents bemoan getting ready to leave the house for an important appointment, only to find their young children have undressed themselves or their older ones had never gotten dressed to begin with. Even parents devoted to selfless contribution at work, like Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water, must find comic relief at home: “One of my recurring discouraging moments as a parent: cooking breakfast, looking out with delight to see empty plates, and then next in horror to the floor.”

Self Compassion On the surface, these absurd encounters can propel deeper existential questions and even dark conclusions like those posed by Albert Camus in The Myth of Sisyphus repeatedly pushing his stone up the hill only to roll down again. Understandably so, parents aren’t always sure if these daily lessons are teaching them humility or humiliation and whether they are, frankly, pointless. Most parents can

relate to feeling as if parenthood is punishing when their patience is tested while seeking a moment to themselves or initiating a project only to be thwarted again and again.

“As a professional, I hear my patients describing judgments of themselves and disappointments that I too experience as a parent: the drive to please and succeed in all my roles while also feeling that I am letting everyone down. Yet I’ve learned to become more patient and compassionate with myself.

Just like my toddler, I am also learning to walk,” says Greg Payton, psychologist and father of two. “Because of my children, I’ve discovered healthier habits, such as setting boundaries, resisting unimportant distractions and prioritizing the emotional wellness of our family.”

This growing awareness of selfcompassion can extend toward other parents through empathic action. Katie again voiced how this has become so automatic to the point that she did not even see it as remarkable, “Oh that happens all the time! At least a few times a month. There have been so many times when I’m out in public and help strangers. Simple things like a mother who needs to go to the bathroom. I’ll offer to wait

with her kids so they don’t run off. You make the eye contact and say ‘go, I got this.’”

Self-Actualization Mothers I consult with describe as many aweinducing examples of appreciation for the beneficial ways their children allow them to slow down, notice surroundings and revel in small instances of beauty otherwise missed.

Seeing the world from a child’s eyes can have its considerable rewards, including the lasting power of kindness, the pain of misguided aggression, or an insistence to tune back in when tuned out. Children awaken us to bigger truths like the necessity of tolerance for co-existence and the possibility of unconditional love and forgiveness. To paraphrase a client, “My child is a gift to start over, each and every moment.” Such words empower children with the same potential to illuminate our greatest values as any contemplative or spiritual practice. If we can turn a raisin into a moment for reflection à la Jon Kabat Zinn’s famous mindfulness exercise, can we honor motherhood as a vehicle for self-realization and social justice?

Aileen from Pelham agrees. “My children may have changed me from who I thought I

was, but I am beyond grateful to say that they are the fire behind my self-actualization. I used to care too much about people’s opinions to make bold decisions. Now I have to put it in the forefront. What kind of example am I setting?” Alison knew her children were going to pay more attention to what she did rather than what she would say to them, so she makes her actions count. She’s constantly asking herself questions, did I just say I cared about the environment, or did I use only reusable containers in our daily life, recycle as much as humanly possible and live a life of conscious consumption? Did I just say I cared about other people, or did I show up and march for equal rights and take an active role in our local government, donate items to neighbors in need, cook for those less fortunate? “They were watching, and I wanted them to be proud of what they saw, as well as incorporate those habits into their life,” she says.

Mother’s Day can be both a celebration and opportunity to recognize the potential for endless change and discovery in the nature of mothering. Doing so might not come easily at first, like a less-honed muscle that with continued practice becomes a strength. Motherhood might be more akin to a lifetime gym membership, pushing our limits of what it means be human and humane. Mothers are modeling this expanded attitude for the rest of us and revealing stretch marks that are more than just skin deep. As one mother, in a study by myself and a colleague, poignantly professed, “The greatest stress, the greatest stretch … the experience that pushes me to be all that I can be and more than I ever knew I could become” (Athan & Miller, 2013).

Aurélie Athan, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and faculty at the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University. She specializes in reproductive health and family wellness, and the psychology of creativity, myth and archetypes. matrescence.com.

Resources • Eileen Fisher Life Work - Workshops for women’s development and other existential approaches. Irvington. eileenfisherlifework. com.

• Heart to Hand Healing Center – Acupuncture, and coaching. Tarrytown. hearttohandhealing.com.

• Hudson River Sangha – Mindfulness group held weekly. Tarrytown. https://sites.google. com/view/hudsonriversangha/home.

• Sacred Spirit Yoga and Healing Arts Center – Yoga, holistic health and healing.

Dobbs Ferry. sacredspirityogacenter.org.

• Wainwright House, Inc. – Workshops on parenting among other mind-body practices. Rye. wainwright.org.

May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

11

Westchester’s Top Summer Tennis Camp June 26 - August 18 Summer Camp - Morning Session • • • •

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STEM&STEAM education

Learn at Home

Fun Science & Art Projects

Classroom Lessons

The New Bridge

Igniting the Imagination

The Role of Pretend Play WestchesterFamily.com

STEM & STEAM Education // In the Home

STEAM into Spring with Fun Science and Art Projects

By Sara Barry

S

pring welcomes us to get outside more, so why not take science and art activities outside. You and your family can STEAM into spring with these fun activities that bring science and art together.

Whether you examine how plants grow, play with the shimmering shapes of bubbles, or explore magical color changes with pH experiments, get curious and creative, and STEAM into spring.

Fizzy, Color-Changing Fun Wild violets are an early spring flower that often dot grassy areas. You can use the flowers to create a pH indicator that can be used for color changing experiments.

Activity:

A pH indicator demonstrates whether another substance is a base or an acid. To make the pH indicator, start with two cups of wild violets. If you don’t have wild violets handy, purple cabbage from the store works too. Put the violets or chopped cabbage in a heatproof container and cover with boiling water. Let it sit overnight.

In the morning, strain out the solids and keep the colored liquid. This is your pH indicator. Divide it into separate clear containers, and use it to experiment with safe, easily accessible materials.

Ask:

• What happens when you add a base, like baking soda?

• What happens when you add an acid, like vinegar or lemon juice?

• Find out how other substances react.

• What happens when you combine your acid and your base?

Adding a base should turn the indicator a murky green. Adding an acid turns it bright pink or magenta. When the two are combined, the color will shift back toward the original, and, because of the acid-base combination, fizz.

Art Project:

To explore pH and make art, soak white paper or card stock in your violet/cabbage water. Let the paper dry overnight. Then use

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Westchester Family | May 2018

lemon juice and a baking soda/water solution to paint on the paper. Wherever you paint will change color.

bubble) • Coat hangers • Fingers

I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles Bubbles aren’t just for little kids. Playing with bubbles is a great way to explore liquids and surface tensions. The soap in soap bubbles changes the surface tension and keeps the film of a bubble from drying out too quickly.

Ask:

Activity:

Mix up some bubble solution: 1 cup dish soap, 6 cups water and 1 Tbsp. glycerin (found in most pharmacies). You can also experiment to see what works best. Note that weather can affect bubbles, so if at first you don’t succeed, try again another day!

Experiment with different ways of forming bubbles. Some ideas: • Bubble wands from bubble sets • Drinking straws (remind kids to blow, not suck) • Kitchen implements such as slotted spoons, cookie cutters and grid-style potato mashers • Dowels with string attached in two places (slide one end of the string to close off the

• Which objects work the best?

• What kinds of bubbles does each make?

• Does the shape of the opening matter?

• How big a bubble can you make?

• Can you connect bubbles?

• What do the bubbles look like? What colors do you see? Is the surface dull or glossy?

Art Project:

Make bubble art. (This is a good outdoor activity.) In a jar, combine washable paint or food coloring with a soap and water mixture.

Place the jar in a wide, shallow pan. Have kids blow bubbles with straws, allowing bubbles to overflow into the pan. Lightly place paper over the bubbles. Flip the paper over and allow to dry.

Watch It Grow Spring is a time of growth or change for many plants. Plant seeds and note changes as they grow. Beans sprout quickly and the large seeds are easy for little fingers to manipulate.

Activity:

To see what’s going on underground, poke some holes in the bottom of a clear plastic cup.

Fill the cup with potting soil. Press your seed into the soil next to the edge of the cup. Do this for several different seeds. Keep the soil moist.

Ask:

Within a few days, you should see tiny roots beginning to emerge and then a sprout.

• Did one type of seed sprout before the other?

• Measure the sprouts daily to record their growth.

• Discuss what seeds need to grow into plants (soil, water, air and sunshine).

Art Project:

A garden, even a container garden, provides opportunity for sketching, painting or photography. Try to capture the same plant from different angles or in different light and from wide views or close ups. Focus on the process of observing and pay attention to detail.

Sara Barry is a writer based in Massachusetts who loves exploring science and nature with kids throughout the changing seasons.

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15

STEM & STEAM Education // In the Classroom

The Building of the

New Bridge Real-World STEM Application for Westchester Students

By Janie Rosman

E

astchester parent Beryn Corham’s son came home excited from school. “He couldn’t wait to tell me what happened that day at assembly,” she says. And teachers are thrilled too. According to Westchester teachers, nothing makes a kid’s eyes open wider than holding a piece of rebar (reinforcing steel) like that used in the new Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge or a strand from one of the stay cables that support the main span roadway.

Educational Outreach Magic definitely happens when the New NY Bridge Project’s educational outreach team brings the state’s largest infrastructure into classrooms. During the past five years, the team has visited more than 60,000 students in the tri-state region and made hundreds of presentations to Westchester students, providing opportunities to see and feel construction materials and safety equipment and get them thinking about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

Each year the educational outreach program focused on specific aspects of the project.

• Year One (2013-14): Discovery/Geo-tech of the Hudson River • Year Two (2014-15): Building a Strong Foundation • Year Three (2015-16): Teamwork and Innovation • Year Four (2016-17): Bridge Rising “Looking back, whether it was explaining bridges to a kindergartener or answering complex questions from a high schooler, the real joy was seeing students make the connection between information and understanding,” Public Outreach Coordinator Andrew P. O’Rourke, Jr., says.

With Groups and Clubs The New NY Bridge Project’s educational outreach team can tailor presentations to specific groups and clubs as they did at the WizGirls conference hosted by

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Westchester Family | May 2018

“ One of the greatest joys was seeing students’ eyes light up after answering their questions because it unlocked the door to knowledge, ignited their curiosity and gave them a personal connection to the project as they watched history rising in their own backyards.”

– Public Outreach Coordinator Andrew P. O’Rourke, Jr.

American Association of University Woman Westchester (AAUW) that encourages girls to explore engineering and computer science.

“WizGirls is an offshoot of AAUW Westchester’s Explore Your Opportunities conference for seventh-graders at the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale that explores all four STEM fields,” program leader Diona Koerner says.

Female scientists lead hands-on workshops and serve as role models for the students. “We chose this [age] group to attract the girls early when they’re still interested, and they’re excited about it,” Koerner continues. “Last year we had a huge response.”

New NY Bridge Project Director Jamey Barbas explained tension and compression to a group of sixth- and seventh-grade girls during a fall 2016 WizGirls conference, after which they applied their new knowledge by assembling mini LEGO® bridges. “Events like [these] are unique opportunities to bring awareness to young women of careers in engineering,” she says.

Combining Fun and Education During the project’s early years, White Plains Public Library (WPPL) had a Build With K’NEX! program, in which kids built models

of the I Lift NY super crane and the new bridge with the colorful plastic pieces.

“It’s an opportunity for kids, while they’re doing something fun, to gain math and engineering skills, to learn how things fit together – shapes, sizes,” says former WPPL children’s librarian Terry Rabideau. “It’s an opportunity to have fun and be creative.”

When the bridge’s main span towers were being built, the project’s Tarrytown and Nyack Outreach Centers added a mini tower crane challenge: participants had to place the tiny construction crew member on a target below using the crane’s controls.

Dan Marcy, who leads presentations

A rendering of the new Governor M. Cuomo Bridge.

with O’Rourke, notes, “Educators are often looking for real-world applications for what they teach in the classroom. Over the years, it has been remarkable to witness how enthusiastic students have been about this project and how they’ve embraced complicated engineering principles, construction components and problem solving.”

Excitement About Local STEM Events “Learning doesn’t take place in a bubble, and

the various components of STEM overlap,” Chairperson and President of STEM Alliance of Larchmont-Mamaroneck, Meg Käufer, explains.

The Alliance’s annual festival at Hommocks Middle School in March drew more than 1,200 kids, teens and adults into three hours of fun and learning. Throughout the free Friday night event, attendees could choose activity stations and pre-registration workshops with STEM challenges including a physics lesson in bridge building from O’Rourke, plus marshmallow launchers and

a chess master playing multiple games at once.

The annual Lower Hudson Valley Engineering Expo, which held its 15th Expo on April 15, brings more than 100 engineering firms, engineering colleges and public agencies together to introduce students to engineering and technology careers, according to McLaren Engineering Group President and CEO Malcolm G. McLaren, PE. This West Nyack-based firm is a major benefactor and organizer of the event that May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

17

STEM & STEAM Education // In the Classroom

(Above) Julpiter Joe’s Astronomy activity allows kids to control a robtic arm at Larchmont’s Hommocks Middle School STEM event. (At left) Children build arch bridges with K’NEX and integrating their work in geometry in Micki Lockwood’s class at Claremont Elementary School in the Ossining Union Free School District.

incorporates numerous engineering fields whereas it once focused primarily on civil engineering, according to McLaren.

Attendance has grown, attracting students, colleges and corporations from a large geographic area. One typical and interesting observation was of a student who, initially hesitant to walk through the door, became so absorbed he was reluctant to leave when his mother called to him.

In the Classroom More than 200 students attended Heathcote School’s March HExpo workshops. “It was hands-on, daylong and feedback was positive,” fifth-grade teacher Christine Boyer says. “The kids loved it and saw it as having fun, digging deeper and learning.” When they were using screwdrivers to take appliances apart, “the wheels were turning, and the learning was happening.”

“One of the greatest joys was seeing students’ eyes light up after answering their questions because it unlocked the door to knowledge, ignited their curiosity and gave them a personal connection to the project as they watched history rising in their own backyards,” says O’Rourke who participated in the event.

In the STEM program that Claremont Elementary School teacher Micki Lockwood designed for her third- and fourth-grade students at Ossining Union Free School

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Westchester Family | May 2018

A WORK OF ART! ArtsWestchester celebrated the new bridge as a work of art at its gala 2017 fundraiser last November as CEO Janet Langsam feels STEAM education (adding the arts to STEM) is crucial to educating the next generation of creative thinkers. “Art increases motivation, enhances communication and expression and, like science, it helps inspire innovation and critical thinking,” she says.

District, the younger grade studies electricity, and the older one studies bridges.

Samantha, a Claremont student, loves stem “because I get to experience science, technology, and engineering and math projects at a very young age,” while her classmate Sienna enjoys the variety of activities. “We have a chance to ask questions, imagine and plan and then we create things and talk about how we can improve them.”

Lockwood’s students used K’NEX and LEGO® bricks to study and build bridges with a special emphasis on the new bridge.

“We spent a lot of time focusing on cablestayed bridges since this amazing project is happening one town away from us,” Lockwood says.

Combining Imagination and Concepts Technology teacher Anthony Rich introduced 3D design to his students at Greenvale and Anne Hutchinson Schools in the Eastchester Union Free School District by using a webbased program called TinkerCAD about three years ago.

“The fourth- and fifth-graders get a halfyear of Coding with a program called Scratch and a half-year of 3D design and printing,” Rich explains. While the older children create their own designs, the younger students are learning program basics and concepts.

Ducky, a fourth-grade student at Anne Hutchinson School in Eastchester, likes 3D printing “because I can create anything I can imagine and I can invent and print new things. It lets you have the ability to imagine, plan, then build anything you want.”

Käufer sums it up nicely. “STEM is important because it gets kids thinking in new ways and changes their thought processes. There’s no minor league for STEM.” For information about outreach presentations, contact Andy O’Rourke at andrew.orourke@newnybridge.com or 845918-2516 or visit newnybridge.com.

Janie Rosman is a freelance writer and editor based in New York and whose work appears in local, regional and national publications.

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May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

19

STEM & STEAM Education // In the Playroom

Pretend Play

The Role of in STEM/STEAM Learning

By Patricia Hanley

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited.

Imagination encircles the world.”

– Albert Einstein

T

he world we live in is very different than the one most of us grew up in.

Advances in technology mean today’s world – and the world our children will go out into – is fast paced and always changing. We all want our children to be happy, healthy, successful members of society. The question is how do they get there and what can parents do to help prepare them?

STEM Focus Lately there’s been a heavy emphasis on preparing children for STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), as these are where we will find the jobs of tomorrow. Curriculum focuses heavily on developing math and technology skills and the current trend toward standardization is pushing academic instruction and elementary curriculum down into early childhood. The assumption is that children will be able to grasp more complex concepts earlier on and therefore be ahead of the game. In fact, the reverse is true.

The Importance of Play What children need to achieve the teamwork and critical thinking skills that are crucial to developing the scientific mind – is play.

It seems counterintuitive, but one of the most important things parents can do to prepare their children for success is to allow them the chance to slow down, make their own decisions, and spend time absorbed in pretend play.

It is through play that children make sense of their experiences and organize their understanding of the world. In the safety of their play, children are in control.

There is space for their big questions and the opportunity to return to those questions as many times as they choose. In pretend play, there can be all kinds of outcomes.

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Westchester Family | May 2018

Making decisions, repeating themes, playing different roles, and thinking about issues from alternate viewpoints are an essential element in pretend play. Children use their imagination to expand on their stories and to bring them to new places, increasing their curiosity and creative capacity. These are foundational skills in a world that demands creative thinking, persistence and an ability to imagine things in a whole new way.

Pretend play also fosters collaboration.

According to the European Union’s Commissioner of Research, Science, and Innovation Carlos Moedas, the future of science lies in groups working together. The big discoveries, he says, will not come from scientists toiling alone in the laboratory like Einstein and Edison, but from teams of investigators. In play, there is value and joy in the planning, the setup, the actual game and the continuation of the game. The intrinsic value of play means that children are motivated to find ways of solving problems that arise and to stay with it, even if it’s challenging.

Listen closely to any group of children playing and you will hear negotiation and compromise. As children create an imaginary world together, they each have their own thoughts, ideas and experiences to incorporate into the play. This means they have to communicate their ideas, listen to the ideas of others and find a way to make those ideas work together. If they want the play to continue, they must compromise.

Unstructured Play These skills cannot be obtained through a video game or other structured play. And while team sports, dance classes, art classes and birthday parties are all opportunities for children to play, adults are in charge, telling children how to play, what the rules are and stepping in when there is a conflict or disagreement.

It’s important that children experience open-ended unstructured play where they initiate and design their play experiences with minimal interference from adults. For open play materials such as cardboard boxes, wood, tires, fabric, paint, and other recycled

materials collected from the community are ideal.

Through unstructured free play, cardboard boxes become tunnels, clubhouses, birdhouses and armor. Sticks, strings and cardboard tubes become pulleys to test the laws of physics or dream catchers to catch the dreams and the imagination of the child.

Children don’t learn to play baseball (or anything else) by listening to someone else tell them how or by reading about it. They learn by doing, by playing, by trying and failing, and trying some more. We should think of imagination and pretend play in the same way, as muscles that need to be strengthened. With plenty of opportunities to strengthen these muscles, children can go out into the world with well-developed skills to help them succeed.

5 Things Parents Can Do to Encourage Imagination and Pretend Play 1. Provide loose parts – Rather than toys that have a clear and limited use, provide items that are a little more ambiguous. Boxes, fabric, ribbon, a jar full of bottle tops, paper towel rolls, empty containers, wooden spoons, tape, scrap paper and crayons or washable markers can be combined in an infinite number of ways, allowing children to bring their vision to life.

2. Give them time – Children are so overscheduled that they often don’t have the opportunity to create their own play.

Parents worry about their children being bored, but children need opportunities to be quiet and thoughtful, time to be with their own thoughts. Time allows space for a child’s imagination to grow.

3. Let it be theirs – Step back and give them the chance to play with as little adult intervention as possible. Let your child decide what to do, how to make it, and what the story is. It can be a slow process, but that’s OK. The more opportunities children have to direct their own play, the more quickly they develop a narrative. Join if you’re invited, but don’t take over and don’t try to put logic or structure into the game; just go with it.

A child delights in experiencing open-ended, unstructured play with found materials at the Child Development Institute at Sarah Lawrence College.

3. Let them fail – Don’t jump in to give a lesson on how to balance the blocks or how to connect a paper towel roll to a box. Give them the chance to figure it out on their own. It’s tempting to show your children how to do it. Don’t! Allow them the joy of discovery.

4. Do things with your children – Every child brings their experiences into their

pretend play. Trips to the grocery store or the hardware store, cooking with a parent, shoveling snow, a day at the zoo and visiting new places are all opportunities for children to build on their understanding of the world they live in. These experiences provide context for their learning and show up in their play. A child’s every day experiences are the starting place from

which their imagination can soar.

Patricia Hanley is director of the Child Development Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, which was established in 1987 to develop programs for early childhood and elementary school teachers, administrators, child development professionals, parents and the community at large. sarahlawrence.edu/cdi.

May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

21

STEM & STEAM Education Programs // Special Advertising Supplement

STEM/STEAM Programs Special Advertising Section

careers in music while others develop a strong rooted love and appreciation of music. The piano is a true art form!

All Aboard Childcare Education Centers 255 N. Highland Ave., Ossining 400 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-923-1700, 914-741-1500 allaboardchildcare.com STEM/STEAM philosophies intertwine seamlessly into the All Aboard curriculum for infants, toddlers and pre-K. For example, this month their pre-K classrooms delve into the study of life cycles.

Their classrooms explore the science of plant and bug life-cycles, which culminate with the hatching of fertilized duck eggs. Beyond the science, they maximize skill acquisition through charting, graphing, and small group learning opportunities. This allows for self-engaged learning, as well as teacher directed activities.

Challenge Camp @ Schechter Westchester 555 W. Hartsdale Ave., Hartsdale 914-779-6024 info@challengecamps.com challengecamps.com Challenge Camp is celebrating their 38th year of offering summer enrichment learning opportunities for bright, curious children aged 4-15. STEM & Arts courses ranging from 3Dprinting, chess, coding, cooking, drones, fashion, filmmaking, magic, Minecraft, photography, robotics, theater and many options in between. Including Sports/Swimming and Fencing! An ACA Accredited day camp – join them at their picturesque location in Hartsdale, NY. Bus Transportation and early/extended day options. For more information call 914-779-6024 or visit challengecamps.com.

Belle School of Music Scarsdale, White Plains, Yonkers 914-961-5511 belleschool.com The “A” in STEAM is the art of music! The Belle School of Music philosophy is that learning to play the piano should be fun! Music education is offered in a warm and supportive environment. Many children have gone on to peruse

Crestwood Music Education Center 453 White Plains Road, Eastchester 914-961-3497

crestwoodmusic.com For 32 years, offering private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, drums and percussion instruments for students of all ages/levels. A world-class faculty provides a premier music education, including one of the most comprehensive chamber music and orchestral programs in the tri-state area. Additionally, they offer a well-renowned Suzuki and Jazz program. They invite you to experience their new recital/ broadcast performance hall.

Curious-on-Hudson 77 Tarrytown Road, White Plains 914-274-8205 curiousonhudson.com At every Curious-on-Hudson program, they work with projects that blend art, science, designbased thinking and technology in original and satisfying ways. They bring original, hands-on, engaging programs to schools, run turnkey after-school STEAM programs and MAKER and TINKER camps. They believe (because they see it every day!) that young people yearn to use their hands and learn through play, as they create, share, imagine and reflect on their own learning process.

The Digital Arts Experience 303 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-644-8100 thedae.com The Digital Arts Experience (The DAE) is one of Westchester’s leading STEAM Education Programs offering classes, summer camps and workshops in topics including 3D printing, computer programming, robotics, animation, graphic and web design, audio & video production and more. Classes are small so instructors can balance varying skill levels. Students gain real world exposure using top of the line digital arts tools and technologies. Programs focus on STEAM subjects so that kids develop social, technical and creative skills while having fun!

Eye Level Learning Centers 501 North State Road, Briarcliff 27 Rye Ridge Plaza, Rye Brook 914-741-0407/914-933-0566 myeyelevel.com Give your child a critical advantage! Eye Level uniquely offers the perfect balance between arithmetic operations and critical thinking to help students develop problem-solving

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23

STEM & STEAM Education Programs // Special Advertising Supplement

Over 100 STEM & Arts Courses!

skills that can benefit all areas of study. Programs, including reading and integrated writing, are individualized to suit each child’s needs and goals. Whether your child is an early learner or seeking extra help or enrichment, Eye Level can propel his/her success. Call today!

Destination Science Larchmont, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, White Plains destinationscience.org 888-909-2822 The Fun Science Day Camp for Curious Kids! Top notch, enthusiastic educators and leaders make STEM learning an adventure! 2018 Topics include: Science Makers & Inventors Camp: build soccer-bots and Rube Goldberg-like contraptions. Amusement Park Science Camp: roller coasters, carnivals & marine explorers. Transforming Robots Camp: build & train 4 robots & engineer with techno toys.

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Westchester Family | May 2018

LinguaKids Larchmont 914-525-0328 michele@linguakids.com. linguakids.com Their summer camp is a unique opportunity to improve children’s language skills. You choose the weeks and the days and they do the rest. Their summer camps are a lot of fun. Their curriculum is made of many fun activities; an effective tool when learning a foreign language. These activities encourage students to practice their language skills on the spot, without realizing that they are learning.

Memorial United Methodist Church/The Early Childhood Center 250 Bryant Ave., White Plains 914-949-4187 earlychildhoodcentermumc.org At the Early Childhood Center at MUMC: hands-on science experiments, nature walks and hikes, gardening, mud play, water/sand play, cooking, painting, playdough, open-ended art, building with recycled materials, outdoor block play, center pets, science centers, Little Scientists Creative Kids, multicultural music, painting

daily, open-ended art, musical instruments, monthly animal program, drama, outdoor painting, sensory activities, yoga, Little Artists and Creative Kids.

Rye Arts Center 51 Milton Road, Rye 914-967-0700 ryeartscenter.org A recent recipient of ArtsWestchester’s Education Award, The Rye Arts Center offers dozens of STEAM classes that spark the creativity of young minds. The arts center’s MakerSpace and Digital Arts Lab are filled with innovative programming including: Robotics, Animation, Minecraft, 3D Printing, Computer Coding, Video Game Design, Creative Building, and so much more. Classes are available throughout the year, including week-long summer classes.

Westchester County Park Summer Camps 914-995-2000 parks.westchestergov.com Westchester Parks’ music and ecology camps offer young people plenty of choices to build their skills, make new friends and enjoy the summer. The music camp at the Westchester County Center provides instruction on band instruments for grades 4-12.

The ecology camps for grades 1-12 introduce young people to nature and build their knowledge of the world of plants and animals.

Register at parks.westchestergov. com Young at Art Studio, Inc. 1088 Central Park Ave, Room 216, Scarsdale 914-723-9229 youngatartworkshop.com Offering art classes for children of all ages including mommy and me classes for preschool children and toddlers and after school and Saturday classes. Study creative art, painting, sketching, drawing, still life, sculpture, mixed media, Anime and Manga, cartooning, graffiti, pop art, portraiture, fashion design, 3D art and portfolio development. Teachers create any birthday party theme you have in mind, from Frozen to jewelry making and superhero puppets to rocket ships. They make dreams come true.

Special Section

Spring/Summer 2018

WestchesterFamily.com

Healthy Family //

Is It Time to See a Fertility Specialist?

By Spencer Richlin, M.D.

A

s children, most of us sat through health class where we learned the basics of reproduction. We were taught how to avoid pregnancy, abstinence, condoms or other forms of protection, which is information we dutifully used into our 20’s or later. So, when the time comes to begin building a family, many of us find ourselves wanting for information. We spend so many years working to prevent pregnancy that some of us do not consider the ins and outs of family building until it is too late.

Definition of Infertility For years I have been encouraging couples to see a specialist if they have been struggling to have a baby for one year (if the woman is under age 35) or six months (age 35 or older). For most patients, this guideline is helpful. There is a wide range of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) that can – and often do – help couples. If nothing else, the guideline gives patients a sense of the time that it typically takes patients to have a baby. At 35, women have a 15 to 20 percent chance of getting pregnant in any given month, and this number drops significantly for women over 35.

However, this guideline is only part of the picture. It’s important that women understand that they should not wait until they are ready to have a baby to be informed about their fertility.

Be Proactive Our choice to have a family does not begin after we get married; most of us start dreaming of what it will be like to have a family of our own as young children. To preserve our reproductive health, there are several choices we can make as early as our teens.

One of the most empowering things a woman or a man can do is to learn more about their personal reproductive health.

Regardless if a woman is 17 or 47, and ready to have a baby now or decades away, she needs annual OB/GYN appointments. Women should start checking their fertility and reproductive health in their 20’s. This includes a physical exam and blood tests, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). If an OB/GYN does not routinely conduct such tests, ask for it.

Lifestyle habits such as nutrition, exercise and sleep patterns are all factors in our reproductive health. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats is

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Westchester Family | May 2018

the foundation for good health that affects every aspect of our body’s function. Throw in regular exercise and a full night’s restorative rest, and you are off to a good start.

It’s also important to avoid excessive use of common vices such as caffeine, alcohol and smoking (tobacco and marijuana), all of which can have a negative effect on oocytes and sperm. It’s wise to never start smoking cigarettes (or at least quit immediately).

Cigarettes have more than 4,000 chemical compounds, including 43 carcinogens or poisons that contribute to miscarriage, diminished quality in oocytes and sperm, male infertility and sexual dysfunction.

Special Circumstances Certain patients with unique medical needs or chronic conditions may opt to see a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist (REI) earlier in their reproductive journey.

It is also of utmost importance that oncology patients have a consultation with an REI. Chemotherapy and radiation, while lifesaving, can damage patients’ sperm and eggs.

Patients do not have to choose between cancer treatment and having a family. Fertility preservation does not significantly delay cancer treatment. It can be done within a day for men and within two weeks for women. This is done in conjunction with a patient’s cancer schedule with the blessings of their oncologist.

When You’re Ready to Make an Appointment Women who are curious about their fertility or have concerns may be hesitant to make an appointment with a fertility specialist. Your

first visit as a new patient generally involves a review of your medical history and the offer of any testing that may help you toward your family building goal.

Some patients have not started to try for a family, and just want information.

Others may have been trying for some time. In addition, REI’s see many types of patients that are single parents-to-be, same sex relationships, or patients who are not ready for families but want to preserve their fertility. An REI role is to give patients all the support they need alongside advanced medical treatment.

Usually the next step is a diagnostic work-up. For women, this includes a physical exam, blood work and an ultrasound. For men, diagnostic testing includes checking a sperm count, which includes motility (how it moves) and morphology (shape) analysis.

Moving Forward Part of building a relationship with an REI doctor is meeting your whole care team that can include your nurse, financial advocate, nutritionist, acupuncturist and reproductive coaching staff. What is most important is seeing you succeed at your dream of having a family.

Spencer Richlin, M.D. is Surgical Director and a Fertility Specialist in reproductive endocrinology at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT), as well as Chief of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Norwalk Hospital. He is Board Certified in both Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility and Obstetrics and Gynecology. rmact.com.

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27

Healthy Family //

Spontaneous Weeping Supporting My Teen Daughter Through Cancer Treatments

By Corinne Zola

I

call it spontaneous weeping. I’m referring to the many times throughout my daughter’s treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I unexpectedly teared up or full on cried in inappropriate places like shops, supermarkets, exercise classes, meetings. I’m certain that any worried parent suffering on behalf of their child recognizes this phenomenon. The experience of supporting my daughter through her cancer treatment taught me that my fear and sadness were now always ready to burst out to anyone.

I can’t pretend to know what it is truly like to experience cancer in my own body, and I don’t know exactly what it is like to be a parent of a very young child with cancer.

But I can speak to what it is like supporting a 16-year-old daughter with cancer. The challenges go beyond the physical invasion of the cancer and chemotherapy. Teens are self-aware and self-conscious. They are already dealing with dramatic issues relating to friendships, school, appearance and relationships. Throw cancer and fear for survival into the mix, along with hair loss, missing school, friends and even social drama, and it becomes very difficult for your child to stay positive and feel relevant.

Doctors, therapists and other parents in similar situations had consistent advice. Stay positive and be strong. To stay the course, I realized I needed to know who to talk to for all the necessary support encompassing emotional, social and academic needs.

Unlike a medical protocol, the emotional side of illness is left open to the patient and caregiver to figure out. I share some of our story here in the hope that it might help another parent navigate some of the nonmedical side effects particularly for teenagers.

Let’s Talk About Fear Nothing is going to take away the fear, but finding ways to alleviate it or even escape it for a little while is so important.

To manage fear, first you must trust your medical team. Trust that they will tell you what you need to know and what to expect.

Don’t be afraid to ask a million questions.

Take notes, because you won’t remember anything they tell you. Demand attention when you think something isn’t right.

Talking to a therapist is critical for both

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Westchester Family | May 2018

you and your child; it’s a safe outlet to express sadness and fear. A therapist experienced in working with patients facing life-threatening illness is especially helpful.

Our oncologist told us not to use Google as a medical reference. It’s a sinkhole, and you likely aren’t even looking at the proper diagnosis or prognosis. However, the Internet is a great resource for finding communities that share your experience. I found peer counselors, chat rooms and general information from these helpful sources: • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, lls. org. The Westchester Chapter provides a wide range of information and support for patients and caregivers, including peer-topeer counseling, groups and online chats with young adults living with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.

• Soul Ryeders, soulryeders.org. A volunteer-driven organization offering compassion, emotional support, as well as fitness, nutrition and educational programs for people affected by cancer in our community. Soul Ryeders is available from diagnosis through treatment, recovery and survivorship. Their generosity and caring were indispensable to us.

• Stupid Cancer, stupidcancer.org. An online community of young people who are in the midst of cancer or are in remission.

There are chat rooms and question boards for absolutely any topic you can think of and always someone to answer. The site is directed to young people by young people.

Let’s Talk About Hair No other way to say it, hair loss is emotionally devastating. Understanding how quickly it happens and having the tools to manage it can help with the shock and sadness. First, it’s critical to know that hair begins releasing after the second chemo treatment. Knowing this, you can cut it off before you begin treatments because the releasing process is very upsetting and uncomfortable. Then, consider using the hair you’ve cut off to make a wig.

Because managing the literal and emotional fallout of hair loss is such a huge part of the chemo process, these resources might help navigate this phase efficiently, instead of frantically: • Beauty Bar and Hair Salon, Port Chester, beautybarandsalon.com. This local

salon is lovely as is the salon owner Stacy Sakellariou. She is experienced working with women suffering medically induced hair loss and makes your appointment when the salon is quiet so you have privacy. The salon can wash, dry and style wigs.

• LaSpina Renewed Image Salon, laspinasalon.com. Owner/stylist Danny Biro, recommended by our oncology social worker, has experience working with teen and adult patients suffering medical hair loss. They are located in Mahopac.

• Bitz-n-Pieces, bitzandpieces.com. For a full wig, this New York City salon has a big selection in a wide range of pricing. A stylist helps you choose the right wig and teaches you how to wear and care for it. When you are done with the wig, it can be donated to The Wig Exchange (thewigexchange.org) so it can help another woman undergoing chemo.

• Hats, Scarves and More, hatsscarvesandmore.com. A friend recommended this site to buy sleeper caps. I learned that when you suffer hair loss, your head gets very cold at night. These cozy fleece hats keep you warm and comfortable.

• Hip Hats, hatswithhair.com/WigMade-With-My-Own-Hair-1.aspx. Hip Hat is a lightweight cloth cap with a “halo” of natural hair sewn around it. It’s worn under a hat, baseball cap or beanie. If you saved your natural hair, you can use it for your own halo. The Hip Hat is more comfortable and practical than a full wig for everyday wear.

• The Wig Exchange, thewigexchange. org. The Wig Exchange in Rye provides women and teens undergoing chemotherapy with high quality wigs and hairpieces, as well as practical tips and emotional support for managing the issues surrounding cancerrelated hair loss. The Wig Exchange client coordinator is a cancer survivor herself, and is unfailingly kind and understanding.

Keep Up With School The school principal, guidance counselor and teachers were critical to setting up a home schooling program that ensured my daughter didn’t get left behind academically. There is no absolute solution for this, every case is different, but regardless, your child is entitled to a home tutor for every course. A doctor’s note to the guidance counselor launches the process. Our school worked with us to ensure that my daughter fulfilled her credits, took

exams and kept up with classmates in a way that worked with her chemo and recovery periods. When she was busy and engaged, I felt better too.

Keep Active Being active during cancer treatment is really important for body and mind. As much as physically possible, look for outlets for yourself and for your child to just feel normal. For my daughter that included going to play rehearsal, seeing movies, seeing friends. For me, exercise helped, literally sweating it out.

• Beyond Yoga: A Home for Wellness, Rye, beyondyoga.org. Studio offers “Yoga 4

Cancer” sessions, privately or in groups, as well as yoga for caregivers.

Don’t Isolate Yourself, Talk Thankfully I can write this knowing that my daughter is in remission. But being in remission doesn’t mean you are “over” the cancer. Keep talking to friends, therapists or support groups. It’s important for you and your child to acknowledge and honor that this thing has happened and you are changed no matter what.

The single best thing I did was to talk one-on-one to other moms of teenagers who had the same cancer. Their kids texted my daughter with words of encouragement which

was priceless support. If you don’t have a personal connection, your pediatrician and oncologist can put you in touch with parents of children with similar cases.

Obviously, every parent is going to tackle illness in the way that fits their family’s style and personality. I sincerely hope that sharing our story and our resources might help someone else.

Corinne Zola is a founder of the Westchester Children’s Museum and a former President and current member of the Board of Directors of the Museum. She lives in Westchester with her husband, her daughter, her son (when he’s home on break from college) and Penny, their dog.

May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

29

Healthy Family //

Bark Buffet: Feeding Man’s Best Friend

By Elisa Bremner

Don’t Feed the Animals!

D

ogs are part of the family, and every canine caretaker wants their pet to be happy and healthy. Doesn’t man’s best friend deserve the best food? But the array of dog food available is dizzying. Purina alone produces more than a dozen different brands.

Pet food commercials, claims on packaging and Internet exposés yield confusion, fear or exasperation among pet owners.

Convenience, budget and time all play a role. Wet food may become unsafe if left out for longer than 30 minutes, so the owner who needs to “feed and run” may opt for kibble.

The advantage of wet food is that it provides moisture; if using dry, be sure to also keep the water bowl full.

Commercial vs. homemade is another decision primarily dictated by the amount of time you can (or want) to spend on pet care.

Most commercial brands meet basic safety guidelines and are fortified with vitamins and minerals. Look for one that is certified nutritionally complete by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and Associate Professor of Clinical Nutrition at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, notes, “For the average healthy dog with few medical problems, the AAFCO approval on a pet food bag provides assurances that the food is appropriate and will not result in any deficiencies in general.”

Wakshlag adds that not every pet food works with every pet. “It’s important to talk to your vet, particularly as pets get older and medical conditions arise.” Genetics, age, environment, activity and medical history all play a role in determining needs.

Veterinary Technician Paula Roslin notes that many new companies have been popping up that claim to provide a healthy diet for dogs, but consumers should remain cautious.

“Established companies such as Purina, Hill’s and Royal Canin have put in years of research to determine exactly what the dog needs.” She recommends – and uses for her own pets – Royal Canin, which designs a specialty diet for each breed. It may cost more than others, but Roslin says, “it’s worth it, because you will be saving a lot on heartache and medical bills.”

Apart from disease prevention, there are other reasons for choosing dog food carefully. One Science Diet and Royal Canin fan exclaimed, “it’s worth the price for less gassy dogs!” Jordana Silverstein, a Pleasantville-

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Dogs are not four-legged humans, so be careful what’people food’ you give them.

These foods may be dangerous for dogs.

Alcohol Chocolate Coffee Garlic, including foods cooked with garlic Grapes & Raisins Macadamia Nuts Milk & Dairy Resources Dog Food Advisor provides reviews and ingredient information on the evergrowing choice, free alerts on recalls, and a dog food calculator, to help you determine the amount of food to give your dog. dogfoodadvisor.com.

Pet Wants Northern Westchester comes to the Bedford Hills Community Market (Saturdays) every other week, the new Port Chester Farmers Market (Sundays), and will deliver a free sample (within delivery area) upon request. petwantsnorthernwestchester.com.

based dog trainer, notices that, “dog food will play a big part in a dog’s behavior.” She has found a diet free from artificial additives can help calm dogs with fear-based anxiety.

Silverstein supplements the meals of her own dogs with small portions of human foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega rich oils.

food monthly in small batches. Because the food doesn’t sit on the store shelf, Pet Wants claims its product retains full nutritional value. Under the supervision of pet nutrition specialists, they produce a proprietary blend of dry dog food made from whole food ingredients and supplemented with vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics.

Dog Food Trends With regard to a raw diet, proponents say that providing food in its natural, unprocessed state boosts immunity, decreases inflammation and makes a dog’s coat and teeth shinier. But Silverstein points out that there are also dangers involved, from bacterial contamination (spreading from your dog’s muzzle or paws to other family members) to a choking hazard or even bowel obstruction.

Brian J. Green, DVM, of the Sleepy Hollow Animal Hospital adds, “Raw foods are usually fine to feed, but hygiene is imperative.” He also notes that there is no valid science behind the recent grain-free trend.

Despite claims of being more “hypoallergenic”, he finds that dogs are just as likely to be allergic to meat and vegetable proteins.

For pet owners interested in getting closer to the source, Karen and Don Gotimer, Katonah residents, run a fresh dog food delivery service though Pet Wants, an Ohio-based company that manufactures dog

Keep It Simple Dr. Green counsels clients to feed their dogs like they feed themselves. Look at the contents on the label. His rule of thumb is, “If the ingredients sound wholesome, then it is probably a good food for your dog.” Familiarizing yourself with the scientific names of vitamins and minerals (which you do want) will help prevent confusing them with non-nutritive additives (which you don’t want).

Choose foods that list any meat, fish or poultry first. Ingredients are listed in order of preponderance and an excess of fillers yields an excess of waste. Above all, find a food that fits in your budget and works with your lifestyle – without guilt! Limit treats (just like in humans, they crowd out necessary nutrients) and reward your dog with love instead.

Elisa Bremner, RDN, is an Armonk-based freelance writer. A former foster dog carer, she currently works as a Nutritionist for humans and “personal chef” for one cat and three chickens.

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Ask the Specialist //

Mindfulness for Families

By Mark Bertin, M.D.

U

To Be a Mindful Parent …

Aim for mindfulness in everyday life.

When you’re with your children, notice when you’re distracted and your attention wanders. Then guide it back to the full experience of your time together – sights, sounds, sensations, smells, thoughts, or emotions – in an unforced way, bringing your attention to your family time.

What Is It? Mindfulness can be defined as being more fully aware of our experience in each moment, with less reactivity.

A basic premise of it is that we spend a fair amount of time anywhere but here. With practice, we notice when we’re lost in distraction and then come back – we aim to pay attention to what’s actually going on right now more often. Without this type of awareness, what happens? We leap out of bed to get the kids to school and spend those few chaotic minutes with them thinking about our workday. At work, we fantasize about the weekend.

Free for the weekend, we spend it worried about all that’s unresolved at our job. Distracted in that way, we’re on autopilot, doing and speaking and making choices around our children without giving any of it much useful attention at all.

One way to move away from this state of mind is through mindfulness meditation.

This meditation style starts with attention.

Our mind wanders and always will, and we train it to come back more often. It’s not an attempt to escape from reality or to have a perfectly still mind. The long-term intention is well-being and wisdom, but the basic intention is even simpler: Getting out of autopilot, which mindlessly keeps us living life out of habit, benefits our families in countless ways by allowing us to live life more intentionally.

For Kids So what does mindfulness with kids mean?

Another way of framing mindfulness is as a group of mental traits. It’s not that anything specifically gets fixed by a practice of mindfulness; it’s guiding children toward

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Westchester Family | May 2018

long-term skills that make life easier.

We teach children to become more attentive, less reactive, more compassionate and resilient. From that perspective, mindfulness is a way to build life management abilities, but far from the only one. We offer children tools to handle the challenging road ahead through any means that fit.

How to Apply Mindfulness When we say that mindfulness means “paying attention to what we’re doing,” we transfer this to our children by paying more attention to them when we’re together.

“Staying calm under pressure” means taking a few breaths and not blowing a gasket when homework falls apart. When we say to treat others with compassion that starts with how we speak to the frazzled guy at the airport dealing with our flight cancellation.

Acknowledging honestly and openly that no one is perfect, we also recognize that we won’t stick to our own intentions all the time. We

make mistakes and learn from them and keep going. Drawing our children into that part of life teaches them something too.

When it comes to teaching mindfulness, focus on the skills you want your children to develop, which matters more than whether they commit to a “mindfulness practice.”

We guide kids to pay attention every way we can – by taking moments to pause and look at a seashell or by prioritizing activities that build attention (such as reading, chess and board games) over those that disrupt attention (excessive screen time). We discuss emotions and describe our own emotions. We live compassionately, read books that reflect other people’s perspectives, and generally immerse kids in compassion, while gradually considering if they’re ready for a compassionbased mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness is a tool kit for a different way of living, one that provides kids skills to manage life on their own one day. The good news is, kids don’t even have to practice it themselves to get there. They learn from watching us and from the overall way they live themselves. As you practice yourself, you’ll know exactly how to encourage your children to join you, but it’s the big picture of how they are raised that counts most.

Mark Bertin, M.D., is a pediatrician, author, professor and mindfulness teacher specializing in neurodevelopmental behavioral pediatrics.

He’s a regular contributor to Mindful.org, HuffPost, and Psychology Today.

He is the author of How Children Thrive: The Practical Science of Raising Independent, Resilient, and Happy Kids (Sounds True, May 2018). Bertin resides in Pleasantville, N.Y. developmentaldoctor.com.

Stephanie Diani

sing mindfulness in parenting matters. It’s not a specific thing to do; it’s a way of life. Mindfulness is a long-term opportunity to build traits that lead to greater happiness and the capacity to manage challenges. It is about real-life situations and building skills rather than a simple buzz word.

In fact, there is no more direct way to train attention and executive function (the developmental path related to self-management skills) than with mindfulness.

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May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

33

Let's Go To ... //

When You Go …

Palisades Climb Adventure

Palisades Climb Adventure Palisades Center, 4590 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack, N.Y. 845-727-3500; palisadesclimb.com Hours: Monday through Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 2 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission: $19.99, $8.99 for Sky Tykes. A six-month pass is available for $64.99.

Tips: Wear close-toed shoes; dress comfortably; no skirts or dresses allowed.

Family-friendly attire is requested.

Anyone 42” tall can do the course accompanied by an adult or alone if 48” tall.

Kids of all ages and their parents can enjoy Palisades Climb Adventure, an amazing indoor ropes course.

By Amy Kelley

I

’ve been hearing about the ropes course in the Palisades Center Mall in nearby Nyack for several years.

Two of my older sons went with friends, but I was hesitant to take the rest of my crew.

My son Nat has special needs, and I wasn’t sure if the course accommodates people with developmental disabilities.

All Welcome I finally reached out to the ropes course – officially called Palisades Climb Adventure – and asked whether my son was welcome.

They seemed surprised I even asked (which was great!) and off we went, two parents and four kids ages 10 and up.

I should have gone years ago. They have a special area for little kids under 48 inches tall called Sky Tykes, and there were tons of wee ones smiling with glee as their parents alternately took pictures and assisted. The course allows for adults to pop in beside the little ones to help or encourage at any time.

When we arrived, we paid and signed waivers, then put our things, including phones, in lockers provided for the purpose.

We had a little bit of a wait as there was a school group visiting. You might want to call ahead to see if there’s a group booked when you plan to go. But we enjoyed watching other

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Westchester Family | May 2018

people on the course as we waited.

Let’s Go I could see that the employees working were very competent at helping each person into his or her harness, and very careful while they did so. That’s a confidence-builder when you’re about to step out onto a course that’s 85 feet tall! The course goes from the top of the mall down through an opening to the bottom level, with many different obstacles and pathways.

Once strapped in, an employee directed us how to choose less crowded obstacles, when to wait for others, and ways to politely pass each other. Each person holds a strap connected to the harness and the strap connects to the course above you with what I can only describe as a wheeled structure that rolls along.

We divided to conquer. My husband, Peter, took our son Nat. I took our 10-yearold daughter Mary. Our 12- and 14-year-old sons made their own team. Naturally, I was the most nervous, but the people who work at the course, helped encourage and guide us on an ongoing basis.

On the Course First, we were told the obvious: “Don’t look down.” Peter disdained this advice, maintaining that the point of a ropes course is to get a thrill from the height. I, however, know a word to the wise when I hear one. I

looked straight ahead almost the whole time.

At one point Lenny D., one of the ropes course workers, showed me and Mary how to go across one of the ropes “no hands,” which is to say, without holding on to our straps. I was not at all interested in upping my game this way, but Mary looked up at me excitedly and my heart sank as I realized I was going to have to try it. “Go fast,” said Lenny. “Stick your arms out at your sides and just keep on going.” I ventured a foot out onto the rope and every muscle in my legs froze as a slight feeling of panic enveloped me. “Go fast,” I thought to myself. “Go fast.”

I determinedly moved my rigid legs forward as fast as I could manage, with my arms out like a trapeze artist. It worked!

Mary followed my lead successfully as well.

Final Challenge The exit of Palisades Climb is another challenge. Each person is encouraged to take a running jump over a tremendous drop onto a ramp at the other end. I asked the attendant if anyone ever doesn’t make it, and has to get rescued while dangling over that clifflike drop. “Hardly ever,” he said, in a tone obviously meant to be reassuring.

Looking back, I saw Nat and Peter approaching, and wanting to encourage Nat I ran forward and leaped into space, landing safely on the other side. Nat, who did so well on the course, chose the more prudent route, and skipped the abyss. Peter confidently jumped, and we joined our other sons on the way out, where our harnesses were removed and we headed toward the lockers.

My kids all raved about the experience.

It was fun and exciting, demanded energy and focus, and left each of us thinking we had guts. Next time, I’ll consider booking a birthday party there.

Amy Kelley is a Westchester-based freelance writer and a mom to adventurous kids.

May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

Broadway Scene //

Photo by Dean van Meer

Caissie Levy (the older sister Elsa) and Patti Murin (the younger sister Anna) charm devoted Frozen fans on Broadway.

Frozen

By George Wachtel

D

isney has had amazing success on Broadway starting with its production of Beauty and the Beast in 1994, which ran an astonishing 13 years. Then there was – and still is – The Lion King. And most recently they produced Alladin. But all Disney musicals are not created equal, The Little Mermaid and Tarzan are among the less successful. Their latest production, Frozen, falls somewhere in-between.

The Story The stage version of Frozen, of course, is based on the 2013 hit movie where the two princesses of the kingdom of Arendelle (what we might call a principality today, like Monaco) are separated as children after it becomes clear to their parents that they cannot prevent Anna from accidentally being harmed by Elsa’s extraordinary powers.

Shortly thereafter, the king and queen die in a shipwreck, and the sisters grow up never seeing or hearing each other (not even a text). The day of Elsa’s coronation arrives and when she opens the castle gates to celebrate she is reunited with Anna. At the party, Anna

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Westchester Family | May 2018

meets the handsome Prince Hans, falls in love immediately and decides to marry. Elsa disapproves and things get out of hand – out of Elsa’s hands that is, as she freezes the entire town with a flick of a wrist. You’ll have to see the show (or remember the movie) to know how it ends, but rest assured, things thaw out.

This Production The special effects in the film were extraordinary, yet on stage they are only occasionally as startling. The costumes are beautiful and the casting is beautifully colorblind. There are 12 new songs in the show, in addition to several carryovers from the movie, from the estimable husband and wife team of Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez.

“What Do You Know About Love” stands out as a winner from among the new songs.

Caissie Levy (the older sister Elsa) has a powerful voice. Patti Murin (the younger sister Anna) is boyishly charming and girlishly endearing. Taken together they remind me of the sister act in Wicked, a connection underscored by the best song in the show (and film), “Let It Go,” sung in the movie by Idina Menzel the original Elphaba.

Unfortunately, the comparison ends there. A

special shout-out, though, to Greg Hildreth as Olaf the snowman (a Julie Taymor touch) and to Helani Alladin (the ice salesman Krisoff) who bring needed comic relief to the Nordic chill. Also to the charismatic John Riddle (Prince Hans) who has a winning way with a love song as well as being light on his feet in a nimble dance routine with Anna.

What Frozen does have is a zealous following. The audience is in rapture from the very beginning. The fans even applaud costume changes. We saw this last season to a lesser extent with the line of young girls waiting at the stage door of the musical Anastasia. But Frozen is in a class of its own with tickets selling well into the summer and beyond.

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

Frozen St. James Theatre 246 West 44 St., New York, N.Y. Tickets: ticketmaster.com or 877-250-2929

Calendar

May

By Andrea White

Dance along to the African drums and learn about America’s oldest African-American holiday at Philipsburg Manor on May 19.

Pinkster Celebration Step into the rhythms and get swept up in America’s oldest African-American holiday featuring continuous performances of African drumming, dancing and storytelling.

Experience a recreation of the colonial cross-cultural event known as Pinkster, first celebrated in the Hudson Valley in the 17th century. 10am–5pm May 19. For all ages.

Online: $14 adults, $8 children 3-17; Onsite: $16 adults, $10 children 3-17; children under 3 free. Reservations required.

Photo copyright Tom Nycz.

Calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: Cinco de Mayo

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Editor’s Pick: Liberty Home Opener

42

Celebrating Mom

44

Connecticut Corner

45

City Picks

46

Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Calendar May //

1 Tuesday

Adoption: Everything You Need to Know. Learn about the domestic adoption process and meet the staff of Forever Families Through Adoption. Open to anyone interested in or involved with the adoption process, including professionals, community members, expectant parents, adoptive or prospective adoptive parents and adoptees.

6–7:30pm. For adults. Registration not required. Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library, 1 Haseco Ave., Port Chester. 914–939–1180. foreverfamiliesthroughadoption.org.

Flor’s Music, Stories & Open Play. Get in the groove with songs, music and stories from bilingual recording artist, singer and storyteller Flor Bromley! Then enjoy an hour of open play with other children and their caretakers.

10–11:30am. Ages 5 and under. $20 per family. Advance registration recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Governors Island. See City Picks page 45.

Little Playtimes. The littlest LEGO® fans can enjoy big fun at LEGOLAND during “Little Playtimes” featuring discounted admission on Tuesday mornings.

Scheduled activities include DUPLO Animal Bingo, DUPLO Farmer Workshop, and story time. Stay to play as long as you like! Tuesdays, 10am–2pm, until May 29. Ages 5 and under. $24 admission for one adult and one child, children 2

See some “paw-some” tricks at The Stunt Dog Experience on May 13 at Peekskill’s Paramount Hudson Valley Theater. and under free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866–243–0770. westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Spring Fun. Watch the Garden’s plants and animals wake up from winter with buds bursting, birds nesting and seeds sprouting.

Investigate the ways that nature signals spring and help feathered friends build their nests with special nesting bags to take back to your neighborhood. Activities

in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Tuesdays – Sundays, 1:30–5:30pm, until May 18. For all ages. Included in All-Garden pass.

Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12; Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; children under 2 free. Reservations not required.

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718–817–8700. nybg.org.

2 Wednesday

Art & Play at KMA. A fun

weekly-program introducing families and their young children to art through activities, stories and play. Every week has a different theme with varying activities.

Wednesdays, 9:30–10:30am, today – May 23. For ages 2-5. $10 for first child, $5 for each additional child, or $20 per family. Pre-registration required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum.org.

Chloe’s Pretend Play. Little ones get creative exploring a vari-

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 July 2018 calendar must reach us by May 31, 2018. • If you miss our print deadline, submit your event directly to our online calendar at WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar on our home page. Online postings appear on the Web in approximately 48 hours after submission. Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.

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Westchester Family | May 2018

You are invited to a complimentary screening of the film, SWIM TEAM This film is an inspiring look at the rise of a competitive swim team of teens on the autism spectrum.

A discussion about transition planning for young adults with special needs will be held after the screening.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 | 5:30PM Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Rd, Elmsford, NY 10523 Please RSVP to events@littmankrooks.com or 914.898.2114 Refreshments will be served

WESTCHESTER/FAIRFIELD WALK SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 2018

NEW YORKPRESBYTERIAN WESTCHESTER DIVISION

REGISTER TODAY AT AutismSpeaksWalk.org May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

39

Calendar May // E d ito r ’s Pi ck

ety of fun dramatic-play scenarios with dress up, dolls, play food, vehicles, small-world bins and more! Every week features a short story and circle time, followed by child-directed play time with items that relate to the story read. Led

by Chloe of Chloe’s Kids. Wednesdays, 12:30–1:15pm, today – May 30. Ages 2-4. $20. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Storm King. It’s time to get back outside and enjoy both nature and art at the Storm King Art Center. Explore the center’s 500 acres of rolling hills, woodlands and fields and its collection of more than 100 sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time. 10am–5:30pm.

For all ages. $18 adults, $8 children 5-18, children under 4 free. Reservations not required. Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Rd., Mountainville. 845–534–3115. stormking.org.

UniverSoul Circus. It’s big, fast and funky! This highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music delivers extreme thrills thanks to acts including Caribbean dances, clowns, comedy dogs and daredevil motorcycles.

Featuring a multicultural conglomeration of performers from virtually every corner of the globe. 7pm today with performances through May 13. Check website for specific days and times. For all ages. $16 and up. Reservations required.

Hutchinson Field, 655 Garden Ave., Mount Vernon. universoulcircus. com.

3 Thursday

The Illusionists - Live From Broadway. See Connecticut Corner page 46.

Museum Minis. A half an hour of songs, moving and plenty of fun! Meet up in Toddler Beach for social play, muscle and brain builders, tumbling and jumping, music and instruments, dancing and stories. Thursdays, 10:30–11am, until May 31. Ages 18-24 months.

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Westchester Family | May 2018

play and explore! 10am–8pm.

For all ages. $7 admission per person. Reservations not required.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

Cinco de Mayo

Courtesy Photo

Mexican folk dancing by Ballet de Refugio is just part of the festivities at White Plains’ Cinco de Mayo party.

Celebrate this lively, colorful holiday with music, dancing, a maracamaking table and great Mexican food in the heart of White Plains.

Hosted by White Plains BID. Rain or shine. 2–7pm May 5. For all ages.

FREE. Reservations not required. Downtown White Plains, Court St. between Main St. and Martine Ave. wpbid.com/cincodemayo.

Free with $7 admission. Group size is limited. First come, first served.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

Museum Musicians. Get moving at The Bruce Museum during this music program for toddlers that nurtures creativity and self-expression. Toddlers sing, dance and play music inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and collections. 9:45am–10:45am. Ages 10-24 months. Free with general admission. $10 adults, children under 5 free. Space is limited. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203–869–0376. brucemuseum.org.

4 Friday

Crafts at Lyndhurst.

Westchester’s favorite out-of-thebox art and shopping experience is back with over 275 modern American artists and craftspeople from across the country selling their exciting contemporary creations. This full-day family-

friendly event includes interactive kids’ activities, delicious gourmet foods and concessions, hands-on demonstrations and more. Event takes place under tents. Rain or shine. 10am–5pm today and May 6; 10am–6pm May 5. For all ages. $12 adults, $4 children 6-16, children under 6 free. Tickets on sale on-site. Cash or check only. Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown.

914–631–4481. artrider.com.

Mom’s Night Out: Vendor Night. Celebrate local mompreneurs! Peruse tables of crafts, jewelry, bottled wine and other gifts. Learn about new businesses in the area and how these supermoms do it all. Night starts at Lil Chameleon then continues down the street for a two-hour open bar.

8–11pm. For adults. $30. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Museum After Dark. The Westchester Children’s Museum stays open late on the first Friday of each month. Extra time to

New Parent First Fridays with Mother’s Day Craft.

Meet other new parents at this Babyganics-sponsored meet-up.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, create a special keepsake with frame just for mom. 10–11am. Recommended for parents of babies up to 1 year. $5 per family. Registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

Play Days @ Jay. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at the John Jay Homestead. Explore the six Discovery Centers at the Homestead’s historic buildings and visit the property’s chickens.

Education staff leads a short hands-on activity at 1pm. Fridays, Noon–2pm, May 4 – June 1. For all ages. Reservations not required.

John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–666–7004. johnjayhomestead.org.

Seedfolks. See City Picks page 45.

Stroller/Babywearing Tour.

Art is inspiring at any age! Get a head start and introduce your little one to the exhibits at HVCCA. Tours are followed by a special craft activity specially designed for families with very young children.

10:30–11:30am today; Noon–1pm May 19. For families with young children. $15 adults, children free.

Reservations not required. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, 1701 Main St., Peekskill. 914–788– 0100. hvcca.org

5 Saturday

Boogie Down at the Bronx Zoo. Don’t miss all the Bronx you can fit in a zoo! Featuring street art, breakdancing, hip-hop music, special food and old school games such as hop scotch and hula hooping. Plus, take in the wonderful

architecture and wildlife that make the zoo a one-of-a-kind Bronx institution. 11am–4pm today and May 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28.

For all ages. $36.95 adults, $26.95 children 3-12, children 2 and under free. Reservations not required.

Schedules for activities vary. Check website for details. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx. 718–220– 5100. bronxzoo.com.

the 13th season of the Larchmont Farmers’ Market! Come say hello to your favorite vendors, shop the flavors of the season and find out what’s in store in the months to come. Saturdays, 8:30am–1pm. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Larchmont Metro-North Parking Lot, Chatsworth Ave. and Myrtle Blvd., Larchmont. 914–923–4837. downtoearthmarkets.com.

Folk Arts Series: Hawaiian Hula Dancing.

Say aloha to the Hawaiian Islands without leaving Westchester! With the help of some talented hula dancers, learn basic hula dance moves, a Hawaiian song and some Hawaiian words. After the dance, take part in a hands-on workshop and make a colorful lei-inspired necklace. 1:30–3:30pm. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914–738–2525. pelhamartcenter.org.

The Music of The Beatles for Kids. A fabulous introduction to The Fab Four! Kids of all ages rock out to the music of The Beatles and are offered games, movement and stories thanks to this concert series from The Rock and Roll Playhouse.

3pm. For all ages. $12 in advance, $17 day of show; children under 1 free. Reservations required.

Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester.

914–937–4126. thecapitoltheatre. com/garcias-list.

Kids in the Kitchen: Dolci per la Mamma - Cuore d’amore (Linzer Tarts). What better way to thank an extraordinary mom than gifting her with a dessert that warms her tummy, as well as her heart? Kids create tasty, beautiful heart-shaped tarts in this class presented by Cathy Blanco. 2pm. For all ages. $40 children; $65 parent and child; $40 each additional person. Registration required. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Pl., Tuckahoe. 914–771–8700. wiccny. org.

Kite Festival. Learn how to build bird kites from construction paper and twine and make tissue-paper stained glass windows in the shape of kites. Kite contests held throughout the day, as well as an outdoor scavenger hunt with prizes. Noon–5pm. For all ages.

Free general admission in celebration of Yonkers Arts Weekend.

Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org.

Larchmont’s Down to Earth Farmers’ Market. It’s

One World, One Sky. On a trip from Sesame Street to the moon, Big Bird and Elmo with friend Hu Hu Zhu discover that planets are different from one another but people on Earth are often the same. Plus, learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the sun and the moon during this planetarium show. Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30pm, today – May 27. Ages 5 and up. $4 adults, $2 children 3 and up. Reservations not required.

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

“

INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.”

White Plains Cinco de Mayo. See Editor’s Pick page 40.

6 Sunday

Bicycle Sundays. The wheels are in motion once again for this beloved Westchester tradition! Bike, walk or jog a 13.1-mile loop of the Bronx River Parkway that’s traffic-free. 10am–2pm today, May 13 and 20. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Bronx River Parkway from White Plains to Yonkers. 914–231–4600. thewpf.org/ programs/bicycle-sundays.

-THE NEW YORKER

Ride Free on the LIRR to Gazillion Bubble Show and Save.

Go to mta.info/lirr/getaways

Telecharge.com T Tel Te ele lech char har arge ge.c .com com or 21 212 212.239.6200 2.23 2.23 239 9.62 9.62 6200 00

For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849

New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com G azillionBubbleShow.c com May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

41

Calendar May // For Shear Pleasure. Share the experience from sheep to sweater. Touch the wool and have a go at carding, hand-spinning and “wooly” craft. Enjoy a short story then hang around to help feed the barnyard animals. 1–2pm.

For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale.

914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

Liberty Home Opener

8 Tuesday

Crestwood Knitting, Crochet and Embroidery Club. Get those hands moving to create something beautiful.

Learn how to knit, crochet and/ or embroider! Limited materials available. Tuesdays, 4–5pm, today – May 29. Ages 6 and up.

Pre-registration not required.

Yonkers Public Library - Crestwood Branch, 16 Thompson St., Yonkers.

914–779–3774. ypl.org/crestwood.

Harry the Dirty Dog. See Connecticut Corner page 46.

Jewish Music for a Joyous Spring. Kol Rinah, the Jewish Chorale of Westchester, sings an eclectic mix of Jewish music in their annual spring concert. From lilting to lively, from bible to Broadway, it’s the mix that helps make the magic. 3pm. For all ages. $20.

Reservations not required. Shames JCC on the Hudson, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–366–7898. kolrinahchorale.org.

Marine Life Encounter Cruise. See Connecticut Corner page 46.

Meet the Animals: Radical Reptiles. Do you know the difference between a newt and a salamander? Why does our area have such a diverse number of turtle species? Find out these and other interesting facts and meet the animals that call Westchester home. 11am–noon. For all ages. $7.

Pre-registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914–762–2912 x110. teatown.org.

Paraguay Independence Day Celebration.

ArtsWestchester’s folk arts program presents Westchester County’s first-ever Paraguayan arts and culture festival. Featuring traditional harp playing, Paraguayan polkas and Guarani song and dance, as well as Paraguayan food.

1–4pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains. 914–422–1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

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Westchester Family | May 2018

coloring and more. Mondays, 3–3:45pm, today – May 28. Ages 2-5. $20. Pre-registration required.

Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

9 Wednesday MSG Photo Services

New York Liberty’s new home is in Westchester this season! Come out and support these talented women, starting May 25.

It’s a slam-dunk for the whole family! The New York Liberty of the WNBA is playing nearly all home games of the 2018 season at the Westchester County Center. The team faces the defending WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx in their home opener. Come out and watch professional basketball and support this exciting, talented team! 7:30pm May 25. For all ages. $12-$49. Reservations required.

Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914–995– 4050. nyliberty.com.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup.

Time to get social – for parents and little ones! Connect with other parents over the joys and bumps of parenthood while engaging your infant/toddler in a group setting through music, motor play and story time. Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30am, until May 30. For children under 2. Reservations not required. Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn.

203–869–7191. templesholom.com.

10 Thursday Piano Concert to Benefit the Ossining Food Pantry.

Briarcliff Manor resident and piano virtuoso Gary Goodman performs a piano concert to benefit the Ossining Food Pantry. This is Gary’s eighth and final benefit concert in the cycle of Beethoven’s 32 Piano Sonatas. 2–4pm. For all ages. $10 donation. Reservations not required. The Church of St. Mary The Virgin, 191 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. 914–238–8751. parish-office. wix.com/smtv.

Victorian Maker Day. Enjoy hands-on workshops and activities inspired by “The NeoVictorians.” Construct Victorianthemed objects from recycled

materials with ArchForKids. See and interact with the Riverside High School Robotics Team as they test robots with elaborate obstacle courses. Noon–5pm. For all ages.

Free general admission in celebration of Yonkers Arts Weekend.

Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org.

7 Monday

Art Stations. Children enjoy a variety of arts and crafts at this interactive station-based craft fest.

Little ones rotate freely between four stations each week, building fine motor skills with stamps, glitter, glue, scissors, shapes,

IMAX Movie Pandas. It’s cuteness overload in the inspiring and endearing IMAX movie, Pandas. Follow young panda cub Qian Qian as she takes her first steps in the wild – and the biologists in China teaching her to survive on her own. Daily, Noon, 2pm, 4pm.

For all ages. Admission tickets include one standard IMAX movie. $24.95 adults, $17.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

11 Friday

Annual Amphibian Amble.

Search out salamanders and frogs

on this guided twilight wetland walk. Learn to recognize local frogs by sight and sound then put your identification skills to the test! Take a flashlight and waterproof boots.

7pm. For all ages. $10 adults, $7 children. Pre-registration required.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845–534–5506 x204. hhnm.org.

Disney’s High School Musical Jr. The smash movie comes to life on stage! Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple causes an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical.

7pm today and May 17, 18, 20. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Mike Risko Music School, 144 Croton Ave., Ossining. 914–762–8757. mikeriskomusicschool.com.

Family Storytime. This weekly program engages children and their parent/caregiver through music, movement and stories. A variety of materials are used for storytelling such as a felt board, puppets, musical instruments and filmstrips. This is a drop-in program. Fridays, 10:30am, today – May 25. For all ages. Reservations not required. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd., Katonah.

914–232–3508. katonahlibrary.org.

12 Saturday

4th Annual White Plains ComicFest. Celebrate all things pop culture! Activities include big gaming tournaments, comic strip creation, superhero button making, lightsaber training, face painting, balloon art, raffle prizes and more. Meet special guests, comic book artists and vendors, publishers and toy vendors. Everyone is encouraged to dress up as a favorite character!

11am–6pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Galleria at White Plains, 100 Main St., White Plains.

914–422–1378. theconatwp.com.

Atka’s Sweet Sixteen Birthday Bash! Time to howl for a very special birthday! The WCC’S most popular ambassador wolf, Atka, is turning 16! Assemble “wolfy” gifts for Atka and then enjoy watching him tear them open!

11am today; 2pm May 20. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required.

Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org.

Bring Butterflies to Your Backyard. Learn how to help the declining Monarch Butterfly population during this informative presentation. Find out how you can raise Monarchs from hatchling to adulthood in your very own backyard. All families are sent home with the Monarch’s favorite food source, a Milkweed plant, to get started on a fun, educational journey. 10am. For all ages. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale.

914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Family Art Project: Messages for Mother Earth and Mom. Celebrate all mothers this weekend, including Mother Earth!

Bring photos of the moms you wish to acknowledge through notes and images on special papers. Make an inspired painting on a card with pop-out elements.

Place it in a translucent envelope for a gift mom can treasure.

10am–1pm today and May 13. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon today. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Laurie Berkner LIVE! “The Greatest Hits” Solo Tour. The uncrowned queen of children’s music is back in Westchester! Laurie Berkner’s “Greatest Hits” solo show features popular hits like “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “Victor Vito,” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” and “Rocketship Run.” 11am. For all ages. $25-$100.

Our Special camp for Your Special Child

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A Place Where Everyone Knows Your Name Great Things Come in Small Packages “35 Campers Maximum” • Professional Staff Social Skills Development • Small Groups (Max 9) Academics (If Required)

• 2 to 1 Camper to Staff Ratio Traditional Adaptive Day Camp Activities

• Drama, Movement, Sports, • Boys and Girls Ages 5-14 Music, Swim Directors: Fred/iris Tunick. Samantha Horn

7 Weeks • June 25-August 10 On Site Interview Required For Enrollment We pick up from the upper westside of Manhattan!

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1415 Pelhamdale Ave. (at Shore Rd.) • Pelham, NY 914.738.1127 • montessorischoolpelhamny.com May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

43

Calendar May // Reservations required. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill. 914–739–0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.

Celebrating Mom

Mother’s Day: Eggs, Nests and Young Ones. Let your curiosity take flight during this fascinating discussion about bird nests and behavior.

Then, take a short hike to nesting locations. 9:30–11am. For all ages.

Registration not required. Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Point Ave., Croton. 914–862–5297. parks. westchestergov.com/croton-pointnature-center.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Family Yoga. Bend over backwards for mom on Mother’s Day! At this session with Certified Children’s Yoga Instructor Kimberley Gregg, families practice yoga asanas, partner poses, breathing techniques, hands-on activities and games that promote bonding and playful engagement.

3–4pm May 13. Ages 5-10. $25 adult and child in advance; $30 adult and child at the door; $5 for each additional child. Reservations not required.

Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Ave., Rye. 914–967–6080. wainwright.org.

Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party. See Celebrating Mom page 44.

Mother’s Day Petrouchka. Dance into mom’s heart on Mother’s Day with a child-friendly hour-long performance of Petrouchka by the Connecticut Ballet. The iconic ballet centers around Petrouchka, a clown-like puppet, and takes place in St. Petersburg in 1830 at the Russian equivalent of Mardi Gras. A meet-and-greet with the principal dancers follows in the Palace Theatre lobby. 1pm May 13. For all ages. $35. Reservations required.

The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn.

203–325–4466. palacestamford.org. CT

Mothers and Others Tea Musicale. See Celebrating Mom page 44.

The Nourished Woman Retreat. Commit to an afternoon of nourishment and self-care. Savor the beauty of spring, while boosting your immunity and improving your mood. Activities include Forest Bathing, Nature Journaling, Sound Healing, Self-Compassion Meditation, and Yoga. Healing foods and drinks provided.

2:30–5:30pm. For adults. $55.

Registration required. Sheldrake Environmental Center, 685 Weaver St., Larchmont. 914–834–1443. sheldrakecenter.org.

Playland Opening Day. Westchester’s historic amusement park is open for the season!

From the famous Dragon Coaster to bumper cars to the rides of Kiddyland, plus games, entertainment and food, there’s something for everyone. Entertainment begins at 11am, rides open at noon. 11am–8pm. For all ages. $15 admission for all-day wristband; 2 and under free. See website for specific admission and park rules.

Fee charged for parking. Reservations not required. Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–813–7010. playlandpark.org.

Teatown PlantFest:

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Westchester Family | May 2018

Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party.

Love is in bloom for mom at the NYBG’s biggest garden party ever! Enjoy live music, kid-friendly performances, games, picnicking, tours and more.

10am–6pm May 12 and 13. For all ages. $30 adults, $18 children 2-12, children under 2 free. Reserva-

Main Event. This is a plant sale with farmers’ market appeal.

Choose from a selection of perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables and native plants. Visit more than a dozen specialty vendors offering everything from jewelry and ceramics to handmade wooden bowls, farm-to-table produce, herbal vinegars and bee creams – even knife and tool sharpening.

9am–2pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914–762–2912 x110. teatown.org.

13 Sunday

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Family Yoga. See Celebrating Mom page 44.

From yoga to ballet to afternoon tea, there are lots of opportunities to show mom how special she is! tions strongly recommended. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx.

718–817–8700. nybg.org.

Mothers and Others Tea Musicale.

Give mom a special treat for Mother’s Day. The afternoon begins with a mini-concert in the Music Room, followed by a tour of the extraordinary Rosen House, a Mediterranean-style villa. Then enjoy a delicious assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, desserts and a variety of aromatic teas, elegantly served in the cozy Summer Dining Room. 1pm May 12. For all ages. $60. Reservations required. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914–232–1252. caramoor.org.

Family Tour: Mother’s Day Bouquet. Join a special guided family tour focusing on the magnificent flowers that bloom in The Neo-Victorians and throughout the Museum. Tour includes handson activities that complement a Mother’s Day-themed family studio workshop. 12:30pm. For all ages. Free with general admission. $7 adults, $4 children 3–18, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers.

914–963–4550. hrm.org.

Mommy’s Lil’ Sprouts. Spend Mother’s Day at the Greenburgh Nature Center celebrating all things spring with your little one.

Read a short story and meet some furry friends in the Manor House.

Afterward, plant a variety of seeds to take home and nurture them as they grow. 1–2pm. Recommended for ages 3 and up. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale.

914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Mother’s Day Petrouchka.

See Celebrating Mom page 44.

Studio Drop In: Mother’s Day Dreamcatchers. Make your mom’s dreams come true this Mother’s Day! Create your own dreamcatcher in The Studio, using feathers, felt and fabric. Add drawings, pictures or personal materials to make it special just for her.

10am–5pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children 12

and under free. Reservations not required. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203–438–4519. aldrichart.org.

The Stunt Dog Experience.

Witness some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs! With amazing tricks, big air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs and athletic feats, it is a tail-wagging good time. 2pm and 6pm. For all ages. $35 adults, $23 children. Reservations required. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill. 914–739–0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.

Throw Mama to the Wolves!

Celebrate Mom and Mother Nature at the Wolf Conservation Center! Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a special time for packs in North America. Visit Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as potentially behold the WCC’s critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and red wolves.

11am and 2pm. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12.

Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem.

914–753–2373. nywolf.org.

14 Monday

Boscobel. This historic estate in the heart of the Hudson Valley is open to visitors! The house, built in the early 1800s, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Federal-style architecture in the country. Take a docent-led tour of the mansion and spend time wandering the 60-acre property, including rose and herb gardens.

Wednesdays – Mondays, 9:30am– 5pm. For all ages. $17 adults, $8 children 6-14, children under 6 free. Reservations not required.

Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914–265–3638. boscobel.org.

15 Tuesday

City Picks

Courtesy photo

Relax in hammocks, ride bikes, explore history and much more at Governors Island, just a short ferry ride from Lower Manhattan.

2018 Fleet Week New York. Nothing says summer is approaching quite like New York’s Fleet Week! Ships are open to public visitation, plus aviation events, military band concerts and exhibits are held throughout Manhattan and the other boroughs in this weeklong celebration of the sea services. Daily, May 23 – May 29. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Check website for specific event times and locations. Various locations around Manhattan. fleetweeknewyork.com.

Governors Island. This unique New York City destination is open for the season! The 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor has something for everyone, from biking, slides, play fountains and hammocks to tours of historic Fort Jay and Castle Williams. Weekdays, 10am–6pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am– 7pm, beginning May 1. For all ages. Ferries run from Manhattan and Brooklyn. Check website for schedules and fares. Entry to the island is FREE. Reservations not required. Governors Island, New York Harbor, New York. govisland.com.

Peppa Pig Live! Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! This action-packed live show features your favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters.

4pm May 19; Noon and 4pm May 20. For all ages. $30.75-$61. Reservations required. Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Upper West Side, New York. 212–465–6000. msg.com/beacon-theatre.

Seedfolks. Meet the fascinating folk of Gibb Street. From Ana, a crotchety old Romanian woman, to Gonzalo, a feisty Latino teenager, a fractured immigrant neighborhood comes together when spirited, young Kim plants some precious beans in a nearby vacant lot. Sonja Parks embodies over a dozen distinct and diverse characters in this enthralling solo production. 7pm May 4 and 11; 11am and 3pm May 5 and 6. Ages 8 and up. $16$38. Reservations required. The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, New York. 646–223–3010. newvictory.org.

Swim Team. Watch a special screening of this beautiful film about a competitive high school swim team comprised entirely of teens on the autism spectrum.

Swim Team chronicles the efforts of parents to form the team and touches upon the difficulties these families have with transition planning and finding adult services for young adults with special needs. A panel discussion about transition planning follows with Littman Krooks attorneys and special education advocates. 5:30pm.

Recommended for ages 13 and up. Reservations not required.

Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Rd., Elmsford. 914–721–8200. greenburghlibrary.org.

16 Wednesday

Art & Play at KMA. See May 2.

Ladies’ Night Out. At this fun, interactive ladies’ night, learn techniques to live your best life!

Join NYU certified life coach Tracy Fox as she shares the top secrets and strategies to a happy self and a happy life. Books available for purchase. 7:30–9pm. For adults. $20. Reservations not required.

Wainwright House, 260 Stuyvesant Ave., Rye. 914–967–6080. wainwright.org.

17 Thursday

My Ability. This sensory-friendly workshop is designed to be a safe and welcoming experience for visitors with special needs and their caregivers. The workshop includes sensory activities, gross and fine motor play, self-guided projects, directed constructs and socialization with others. Parents and caregivers can also explore and share resources. Part of the museum’s Accessibility Afternoon.

3–5pm. For all ages. Free admission for families of children with special needs. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 203–899–0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Documentary Film:

May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

45

Calendar May //

18 Friday

Stroller Tours at KMA. Stroller tours at the KMA are a unique opportunity to connect with other new parents and caregivers seeking culturally enriching activities to share with their babies. These once-a-month conversational tours refresh your spirit and expand your mind. Enjoy a new topic each month followed by coffee and snacks. Crying babies welcome! 9:30–10:30am. Children under 18 months. Free with admission. $10 adults. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914–232–9555. katonahmuseum.org.

Thematic Tour: Houses of the Founding Fathers. 250 years ago, Thomas Jefferson began to build Monticello. His home, along with those of John Jay and the other Founders, allow us to understand the men and women who started our nation as individuals, family members, and home owners. Take a docent-led tour of John Jay’s Bedford House and compare it with homes of other Founders. 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm today; 2pm May 20. For all ages.

Regular admission fees apply. $10 adults, children 12 and under free. Reservations not required.

John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–666–7004. johnjayhomestead.org.

19 Saturday

33rd Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival. See Connecticut Corner page 46.

Babies Documentary. What’s it like to grow up in different places around the world? This eye-opening documentary follows four irresistibly cute babies from Namibia, Mongolia, Japan and the United States from birth to their first steps. Noon today and May 20.

Recommended for ages 6 and up. $14 adults, $7.50 children 13 and under. Reservations not required.

Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 914–747–5555. burnsfilmcenter.org.

46

Westchester Family | May 2018

Connecticut Corner

Courtesy Photo

Get up close and personal with a variety of marine life from the Long Island Sound on special cruises at The Maritime Aquarium.

33rd Annual Outdoor Crafts Festival. Dozens of artisans share their unique talents and crafts at this nationally recognized event. Juried exhibitors specialize in ceramics, wearable and decorative fiber, glassware, wood kitchenware and furniture, jewelry and more – all available for purchase. The festival includes demonstrations, activities for children and international cuisine on both days.

Rain or shine. 10am–5pm May 19 and 20. For all ages. $10, children under 5 free. Reservations not required. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, Conn. 203–869–0376. brucemuseum.org.

Harry the Dirty Dog. This musical based on the classic children’s book is spot-on family entertainment. Harry has everything a little white dog with black spots could want. There’s just one problem: he hates taking baths. One morning he runs away and spends the day playing in the dirt, getting so grubby that when he returns home, his family doesn’t recognize him! 1pm and 4pm May 6. For all ages. $20. Reservations required. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Ct., Westport, Conn. 203–227–4177. westportplayhouse.org.

The Illusionists - Live From Broadway. Five of the most incredible Illusionists on the planet bring their jaw-dropping talent and astonishing acts to the Palace stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. 8pm May 3. Recommended for teens and adults. $62$103.50. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203–325–4466. palacestamford.org.

Marine Life Encounter Cruise. Share a boat ride with an amazing variety of fish, crabs, mollusks and other creatures brought up out of Long Island Sound right before your eyes!

Aquarium educators put passengers to work collecting and examining animals such as tiny plankton, squid and other diverse marine life. 1:15pm today and May 13, 19, 20, 26, 27. Children must be at least 42 inches tall to board. $29.95. Advance reservations strongly recommended. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700 x2206. maritimeaquarium.org.

Beachcombing at the RiverWalk Center. Mussels, oysters, crabs, sea glass, feathers!

Join a Teatown educator at the RiverWalk Center in Kingsland Point Park to find treasures on the shore while learning about the natural treasure that is the Hudson River Estuary. 10–11:30am. For all ages. Pre-registration required.

Kathryn W. Davis RiverWalk Center, 299 Palmer Ave., Sleepy Hollow.

914–762–2912, ext. 110. teatown.org.

BluePath Service Dogs 2nd Annual Walkathon. Help unlock life’s potential for children and families touched by autism.

BluePath’s 2nd Annual Walkathon is a family-friendly fundraiser in support of the non-profit’s mission to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence. Friendly dogs welcome.

10am–2pm. For all ages. $30 adults, $20 children. Registration required. Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, 2957 Crompond Rd., Yorktown Heights. 845–377–0477. bluepathservicedogs.org.

A Closer Look: Georgia O’Keeffe and Hawaii. Inspired

by O’Keeffe’s unique style of representing close-up views of flowers and fruit, children investigate botanical specimens and create art. Play in a sandbox inspired by O’Keeffe’s landscape paintings featuring real shell and rock specimens to uncover. Pot up a tropical ginger cutting to take home and observe its growth! Activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am–6pm. For all ages. Included in All-Garden pass. Weekends: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12.; Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; children under 2 free. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718–817–8700. nybg.org.

Family Art Project: Bird Calls Mural. Construct and paint a collaborative mural with sculptural branches. Make your

own lightweight, cardboard bird that flutters into the mural or hovers on sticks on the ceiling.

10am–1pm today and May 20. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon today. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Feed the Animals: Birds of Prey. Fly on over to Teatown for feeding time! What nutritious foods are on the menu for birds of prey? In this program you can help, watch and learn about the eating habits of Teatown’s Animal Ambassadors. 1–2pm. For all ages. $7.

Pre-registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914–762–2912 x110. teatown.org.

Peppa Pig Live! See City Picks page 45.

Pinkster Celebration. See page 37..

20 Sunday

Reservations not required.

Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914–993–1460. greatstrides.cff.org.

Family Sunday: Keith Haring-inspired Art. Celebrate Keith Haring’s birth month by creating art in this famous street artist’s unique but simple style. Parents trace their children’s bodies and then paint and make patterns using sponges and stampers. 3–4:30pm. Ages 2 and up. $20 per child. Pre-registration highly recommended. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914–723–9229. youngatartworkshop.com.

Family Walk: Avian Adventures. Go birdwatching with a Wave Hill educator, using binoculars to closely observe birds in their natural habitat. 1pm. For ages 6 and up with an adult. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18. Reservations not required.

Meet at Wave Hill House. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Angelman Syndrome Walk.

Join this one-mile walk and learn about Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that affects one in 15,000 people. Enjoy live music, raffles and stellar views of the Long Island Sound all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds go to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. 9am. For all ages. $35.

Reservations not required. Rye Town Park, 95 Dearborn Ave., Rye. 800–432–6435. RyeAngelmanWalk. org.

Nature Presentation: Meet the Birds. Many species of birds make their homes in the varied habitats in and around New York City. Meet birds of all shapes and sizes and learn about the unique adaptations that enable them to adapt and thrive in the Bronx and beyond. 2–3pm. For ages 6 and up with an adult. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18.

Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718–549–3200. wavehill. org.

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Westchester County Great Strides Walk.

Make strides to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis at this fundraising walk. It’s a fantastic opportunity for family and friends to come together and make a difference!

Registration opens at 9am with music, food and festivities.

Walk begins at 10am. 5k or 3k walk options, both alongside the Hudson River. For all ages.

Story Sundays: Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt. Teens and Teatown (TNT) volunteers share their favorite books, crafts and activities with young families. Join in on the fun to learn about animals, plants and everything nature. 11am– noon. For ages 4-7 accompanied by an adult. $7. Pre-registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining.

914–762–2912 x110. teatown.org.

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May 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

47

Calendar May //

21 Monday

Good Deed of the Month Club. Meet in the Book Nook for a kindness-themed book reading and discussion followed by an art educator-led good deed project.

Club meets every fourth Saturday of the month. 11am–noon. For all ages. Free with $7 admission. Reservations not required.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

Tot Shavuot. An introduction to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot through music, movement and arts and crafts. Snack provided.

10:45am–noon. For preschoolers. Older siblings welcome. Not a drop-off program. Reservations not required. Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn.

203–869–7191. templesholom.com.

Playland’s 90th Anniversary Celebration. It’s a Westchester institution and it’s celebrating nine decades of fun and memories! Join the party featuring a big birthday cake, raffles for prizes, entertainment and special discounted admission all day. Noon–11pm. For all ages. $15 admission; Spectators and children 2 and under free. See website for specific admission and park rules.

Fee charged for parking. Reservations not required. Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–813–7010. playlandpark.org.

22 Tuesday

Story Time. Take the little one in your life to the Library’s Story Time for preschoolers!

Caregivers must be in attendance and are welcome to participate.

Tuesdays, 10:30–11am. For ages 3-5. To prevent overcrowding, tickets are available starting at 10:15am. Town of Pelham Public Library, 530 Colonial Ave., Pelham.

914–738–1234. pelhamlibrary.org.

23 Wednesday

2018 Fleet Week New York.

See City Picks page 45.

Sister Act. A disco diva trades her shiny costumes for a nun’s habit in this hilarious musical based on the hit 1992 film Sister Act. After Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put under protective custody and hidden in a convent! While there, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Wednesdays – Sundays, until July 1. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Parents advisory – there is some violence. $53-$89.

Reservations required. Check website for specific times. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plz., Elmsford. 914–592–2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

24 Thursday

IMAX Movie Backyard Wilderness. This charming IMAX movie, filmed in Westchester, shows us how we often overlook a menagerie of wildlife right outside our homes, including deer, coy-

48

Westchester Family | May 2018

Courtesy Photo

High-flying extreme thrills await you under the Big Top at the UniverSoul Circus in Mount Vernon May 2-13. otes, wood ducks, frogs, salamanders, raccoons, hummingbirds and more. Daily, 11am, 1pm, 3pm. For all ages. Admission tickets include one standard IMAX movie. $24.95 adults, $17.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North Water St., Norwalk, Conn.

203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium. org.

25 Friday

Exploring Play. Every month features a new theme brought to life for young children through creative and fun movement activities, song, story and a take home project for all. Parents and caregivers are provided with information on the latest developments in Play research for young children.

11–11:30am. Ages 2-4. Free with $7 admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s

Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

New York Liberty Home Opener. See Editor’s Pick page 42..

Play Days @ Jay. See May 4.

26 Saturday

Family Art Project: At Home in the Sky. Experiment with the scale of birds near and far, and with brushy, atmospheric strokes in this outdoor skypainting project. Rain or shine!

10am–1pm today and May 27. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon today. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

Pleasantville Farmers’ Market. The outdoor season is here! With 56 vendors, enjoy returning favorites and make new discoveries, rain or shine. Live music, kids’ events, culinary and health events are held throughout the season. Saturdays, 8:30am– 1pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Memorial Plaza, Next to Metro-North train station, Pleasantville. 914–205–4545. pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org.

Turtle Time! The ponds and lake at Audubon Greenwich are home to many turtles. At this special family event, learn about turtle natural history, nesting behavior and how to help protect them.

After meeting some of the resident turtles, go on a hike to Mead Lake to find nesting Painted Turtles and Snapping Turtles. 2–3:30pm.

For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Audubon Greenwich, 613 Riversville Rd., Greenwich, Conn.

203–869–5272. greenwich.audubon. org.

27 Sunday

2018 Fleet Week New York.

See City Picks page 45.

Marine Life Encounter Cruise. See Connecticut Corner page 46.

Raptors of Westchester.

Meet the Greenburgh Nature Center’s birds of prey. Event includes a visit to the outdoor bird aviary to feed GNC’s majestic Bald Eagles, Red Tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owl. 1–2pm. For all ages. $8. Reservations not required.

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

Weekend Admission. Explore the farm at your own pace, meet the farmers and take part in activities led by educators. Sample spring activities include egg collecting, meeting animals and prepping field beds. Dress appropriately for a day outdoors! Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5pm. For all ages. $22 adults, $10 ages 2-15, children under 2 free. Reservations required. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org.

28 Monday

Afternoon Studios: Play with Paint! Learn about a number of techniques, from creating a classic still life to finger-painting, and explore the various approaches painters can take to create a work of art. Dress appropriately.

2–4pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children 12 and under free. Reservations not required. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203–438–4519. aldrichart.org.

Boogie Down at the Bronx Zoo. See May 5.

Street to the rural cemetery on North Broadway. Memorial ceremony follows parade. 10am– noon. For all ages. Reservations not required. Downtown White Plains. cityofwhiteplains.com.

Monday Opening. The Garden is open to visitors on this holiday Monday. Explore all that the 250-acre landscape has to offer, including kid-friendly activities in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden inspired by the “Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawaii” exhibition. 10am–6pm. For all ages. All-Garden Pass: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12, children under 2 free. Reservations not required.

New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718–817–8700. nybg.org.

29 Tuesday

Crestwood Knitting, Crochet and Embroidery Club.

See May 8.

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Little Playtimes. See May 1.

Story Time. See May 22.

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30 Wednesday

Chloe’s Pretend Play. See May 2.

Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. See May 9.

Young Discoverers. Stimulate curious minds at this weekly science-based “drop-in” program.

Simple experiments and craft projects add to the excitement of learning something new. Every month features a new theme.

11–11:30am. For ages 2-5. Free with $7 admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

31 Thursday

Museum Minis. See May 3.

Memorial Day Parade.

Salute those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Join local organizations as they march from Church

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49

Last Word //

How Motherhood Made Me Appreciate My Mom

By Sarah Lyons

W

hen I look back at each important moment in my life: the day I learned to drive, my graduation, my wedding, the birth of my first child, she is always standing in the background smiling and cheering me on. More importantly, she was part of the other not-so-monumental moments in my life like when I got stung by a bee, when the kids teased me, and when I cried my way through my first broken heart. My mom was always there to support me through all the moments, big and small. Now that I have been a mom for a dozen years, I appreciate my mom so much more for the things she has always done with little or no recognition. I now realize the sacrifices she made and the monumental effort she put in. Here are just a few reasons why I appreciate my mom a whole lot more since becoming a mom.

For Maintaining A mother’s work is never done and it is a thankless job. Taking even one day off means more work for days to come. Moms pick up the same toys, wash the same dishes, and do the same laundry over and over again. Not only do moms maintain the house but they also hold a mental inventory of all items in the home. Mosts moms can recall the location of the baby’s favorite stuffed animal, the toddler’s missing shoe, the library books, the stapler, and any other random item a family member may request at any given time. I appreciate the example of steadfastness that my mom gave me for maintaining our home.

For Managing As moms, we often feel like we live in our minivans. Moms don’t just transport kids from one activity to the next. They also maintain the family calendar, make appointments, and make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time with the right gear (musical instrument, snacks, sports gear, the list goes on). Juggling school and activities in itself is a full time job that my mom (and most moms) skillfully manage.

I appreciate my mom for being the social planner, taxi driver and personal assistant to our whole family as we grew up.

For Enduring The first time I dropped my son off at a babysitter’s and watched him cry and reach for me in the window my heart broke. As moms, we endure heartache often as we watch our

50

Westchester Family | May 2018

children learn and grow, succeed and fail, and endure illnesses, hurt feelings and disappointment. Our heart soars when they meet their goals and sinks when things don’t work out.

Motherhood is a roller coaster of emotions that us moms withstand without complaint. I appreciate my mom for her strong support of me even when she was hurting too.

For the Unseen There are things moms do every day that go unnoticed. Moms make sure the football jersey is clean before the next game, check in on a sick kid during the night, drop off a forgotten lunchbox, put puzzle pieces back where they belong, replace toothbrushes, email teachers with concerns, volunteer, cook, shop, and so many little things that keep a family going every day. The little things that don’t seem to matter, that most won’t notice, that no one asks for, that moms do just because they want to show their love for their family. I appreciate my mom for all the things she has done that I never thought to thank her for.

For Loving Me Anyway Moms love their kids through tantrums, potty training, back talk and rebellion. There

is no doubt that raising kids is trying on the patience but moms have a way of letting us know that no matter what mistakes we make, they will be there to catch us when we fall. I appreciate my mom for loving me even when I was unlovable.

For Letting Me Go When you become a mother, you are the center of your child’s world. You feed them, change them and comfort them. The more they grow, the more independent they become. While this is something to celebrate, it can be heart wrenching to loosen the grip on a child and trust them to manage life and all of its challenges alone. It’s scary and new and feels more like a loss of control than anything else, but as you watch your child take on life’s challenges it can be a great sense of pride as well. I appreciate my mom for letting me go, grow and experience life in my own way.

This Mother’s Day, take notice of the hard work moms do every day. Acknowledge the little things they do, thank them for always being there, and hug them tight before you leave.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer, devoted daughter and loving mom.

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Euro Bungee

Frozen Parties w/DJs & Karaoke

Bounce Castles, Big Slide, Airplane Ride, Trackless Train, Junior Challenge, Noah’s Ark, Interactive Adventure, Laser Tag, Batmobile, Airborne Spaceship Ride, Sea of Balls, Puffer the Magic Circus Train New Dave’s Cast Family Zumba Parties!

Frozen Castle 5 in 1

World of Disney

Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • Communions Baptisms • Sweet Sixteens

D.J’S & MUSIC

TENTS CHAIRS CASINOS RACE CAR RIDES

TOTAL PARTY PLANNING

Shark Big Bite Surf & Slide

914-235-7100

www.davescast.com

Polar Plunge

OVER 20 ANIMALS TO CHOOSE FROM!

Terminator Rampage

Sports Midway OR try the Carnival Midway!

Ice Queen & Princess Show

Ultimate Wild One Optical Course

Hamster Balls

New Yellow Monster Party

Photo Booth Princesss

Archery Inflatable Inflatable Carnival Fun

Wrecking Ball

100 Charact+ er s !

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 LAURE LAURISTON, MD

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

© 2017 St. John’s Riverside Hospital | All Rights Reserved.

Visit RiversideHealth.org for a Virtual Tour of our Maternity Suites

914.964.4DOC