Westchester Family - October 2018

October 2018

Growing Great Families for 28 Years

The Benefits of

Academic Enrichment Events for Every Age

Happy Halloween!

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Our Pink Issue + 178 TERRIFIC OCTOBER EVENTS WestchesterFamily.com

TWO WESTCHESTER

LOCATIONS. ONE STANDARD OF

CANCER CARE. NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital & NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital NewYork-Presbyterian is committed to bringing the highest standard of care to Westchester’s cancer patients and families. With specialists from ColumbiaDoctors and NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group, plus easy access to our world-renowned academic medical center, great care is closer than ever.

Learn more about our comprehensive cancer program, visit nyp.org/westchestercancer

THORNTON-DONOVAN SCHOOL Individually Focused, Globally Engaged

Thornton-Donovan will embark on a

MAGICAL REALISM: MONGOLIA 2019 Co-Ed • Grades K–12 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804 | www.td.edu | 914-632-8836 October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

3

CONTENTS October 2018

departments

Volume twenty-eight • number 10

6 Editor’s Note 8 Bits & Pieces 10 Fab 4

4 Super Sweet Shops

16

ASK THE SPECIALIST

The Benefits of Academic Enrichment

18 LET’S GO TO ...

An Escape Room

46 Last Bite

features 12

Sibs of Kids with Special Needs: How to Offer Understanding and Support

Parenting one child is hard enough and parenting multiple children increases the stress level - even more so when one child has a developmental disability.

There are dedicated groups and resources to support parents of differently abled children, but typical siblings (Sibs) may get lost in the chaos of their sibling’s immediate, and sometimes severe, needs.

This article is a roadmap of basic preventative strategies with an outline of the Sibs’ most common needs.

Special Section

Fall/Winter 2018

Our Pink Issue

22 Expect the Unexpected 24 Exercise Can Help Patients

with Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer: Expect the Unexpected

Local Support Resources

Happy Halloween!

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

16

Benefits of Academic Enrichment

38

Happy Halloween 178 Terrific October Events

Cover Photo iStock.com

Our Pink Issue

WestchesterFamily.com

on the cover

31

Events for Every Age

+ 178 TERRIFIC OCTOBER EVENTS

31 Top Pick: The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 34 Editor’s Pick: Harry Potter: A History of Magic 36 Editor’s Pick: Warwick Applefest 38 Halloween Highlights 40 #AnimalEncounters 42 Get Crafty 43 City Picks

14 Meet the Program Directors 16 Academic Enrichment

Exercise Benefits

21 Our Pink Issue

Academic Enrichment

Family Activities for October

advertising

Fertility Issues

Growing Great Families for 28 Years

The Benefits of

calendar

Advice from a Survivor

PLUS

26 Nipple Reconstruction 28 Breast Cancer and Fertility 29 Breast Cancer Support

October 2018

Our Pink Issue

Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops

Coming Next Month Laurie Berkner Named by People Magazine as the “the queen of children’s music”, Laurie Berkner and her band have been delighting kids sine 1997. She’s planning to perform at Tarrytown Music Hall in November so we thought we’d find out a little more about her. If you are a fan enjoy the read - if you don’t know Laurie we bet you will be happily surprised.

Party On It’s our semi-annual party guide!

Whether you are planning a birthday bash or bar/bat mitzvah be sure to read the tips and suggestions we have for making your celebration the best ever.

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

WestchesterFamily.com

Look for it starting October 25!

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Westchester Family | October 2018

SOLVE YOUR CHILD’S READING PROBLEM ACHIEVE 3 TO 6 YEARS OF READING IMPROVEMENT IN ONE YEAR!!!

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75 Brook Street, Scarsdale | 914.472.0600 | www.DickerReading.com October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

5

Editor’s Note //

President and Publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO and Co-Publisher Joshua Schneps 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

Why We Went Pink October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

According to the American Cancer Society a woman living in the United States has a 1-in-8, lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. As of January 2018, there are more than 3.1 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.

Although about 40,920 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2018 from breast cancer, the good news is death rates have been decreasing since 1989. Women under 50 have experienced larger decreases. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening and increased awareness.

Westchester Family recognizes the effect breast cancer has on families and the importance of spreading the word that more needs to be done to stop this deadly disease.

This month our Healthy Family section is dedicated to breast cancer awareness including local resources, advice from survivors, affects on fertility, medical procedures and the benefits of exercise. It’s a time for all of us to increase our efforts to eradicate the second leading cause of cancer death among women.

If there’s one thing I learned from speaking to some of the amazing women who shared their breast cancer story this month, it’s that life goes on and embracing every minute counts. Do what you can to help family, friends and neighbors facing this disease and then make sure to celebrate your life.

In Support, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Happy Halloween!

It’s here, the biggest dress-up day of the year. As a parent we know you’ll be looking for fun ways to get good use out of your kids’ costumes. Isn’t it great when they can wear it more than once? Check out our Calendar of Events and look for the amazing number of Halloween related events our calendar editor Andrea White has found. There’s something for every age group – including adults. Have fun!

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas!

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Westchester Family | October 2018

Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@cnglocal.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Daria Avvento Gardy Charles Earl Ferrer John Napoli Marcos Ramos Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531

Please recycle this magazine.

Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Queens Family Media 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 Queens Family Media LLC All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Contests //

Our October Contests A Home In the Barn Enter to win A Home in the Barn, a stunning children’s picture book by Margaret Wise Brown the author of Goodnight Moon and illustrated by the Westchester resident and Caldecott Medal winning artist Jerry Pinkney.

Children and adults will enjoy this story about farm animals seeking shelter for the winter.

Retail value $17.99. Contest ends October 25, 2018. Enter at WestchesterFamily.com/book.

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog Little ones can take this award-winning travel-friendly toy on-the-go while they build up hand muscles and tune fine motor skills replacing the chunky, peg-shaped “quills” within the holes that dot the smiling hedgehog’s back.

Spike’s colorful quills also lend themselves to lessons in counting, sorting, and color identification skills. For children under age 2. Available at Amazon. com. Retail value $14.99. Contest ends October 25, 2018. Enter now at WestchesterFamily.com/spike.

Mt. Kisco’s Premier Indoor Trampoline Park!

OPEN JUMP MANHATTAN CAMPUS

Nursery through Upper School 225 East 43 St., New York, New York 10017

Tel: 212-681-1877 Fax: 212-681-1922

WESTCHESTER CAMPUS

Nursery through 5th Grade One Cross Road, Ardsley, New York 10502

Tel: 914-479-0722 Fax: 914-479-0280

Open House Dates

Wednesdays | Manhattan October 3 • October 17 November 7 • November 28

Wednesdays | Westchester October 17 November 14

www.LyceumKennedy.org

AFTER DARK Saturday Nights • 8pm – 10pm

BIRTHDAY PARTIES & MUCH MORE! 333 N Bedford Rd • Mt Kisco, NY • (914) 743-5730 • RockinJump.com/MtKisco

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

7

Bits & Pieces // Fast Facts and Timely Tips

Halloween Hazards According to Safe Kids Worldwide (safekids.org), Halloween is scary for more than the ghoulish costumes. On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.

Keep these tips in mind when trick-ortreating.

1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.

2. Put electronic devices down and keep head up as you walk – not run – across the street.

3. Watch for cars that are backing up or turning. Never dart out into the street between cars.

4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent falls and trips.

5. Have children carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.

RideConnect of Westchester It’s been called the sandwich generation – adults who are taking care of their children and their aging parents – and it’s hard.

If you could use some help getting relatives or friends ages 60 and up to their appointments then RideConnect is for you. This notfor-profit program of Family Services of Westchester connects seniors with taxis, town service and volunteer services. Call to speak to a RideConnect counselor who can help you find the fastest and most cost-effective transportation options.

RideConnect has an active and growing volunteer driver program – so consider volunteering to help your neighbors.

RideConnect of Westchester, 116 Radio Circle, Suite 303, Mt. Kisco. 914-242-7433. rideconnectwestchester.org.

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Westchester Family | October 2018

New Toddler Program for Interfaith and Jewish Families Jkids, a toddler program at First Hebrew Congregation, now offers an opportunity for Jewish and interfaith families with preschoolers to connect with each other through creative and social activities. Jkids meets one Sunday morning each month, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., beginning in October and running through June. Other than an $18 supply fee for the year, this program is free of charge.

Children and their grown-ups will enjoy arts and crafts, games and music which revolve around Jewish holidays such as Sukkot, a fall harvest festival, Hanukkah and Passover. Synagogue membership is not required and no religious background is needed. Parents will have the opportunity to give input into monthly activities, refreshments choices and scheduling.

“This program offers Jewish and interfaith families a chance to connect, play, learn and grow,” says First Hebrew’s Rabbi Dana

Courtesy photo

Z. Bogatz. According to Rabbi Dana, as she likes to be called, such an opportunity is particularly vital to the Northwest suburbs of Westchester.

First Hebrew Congregation, 1821 E. Main St., Rte. 6, Peekskill. 914-739-0500. firsthebrew.org, fhc@firsthebrew.org.

Looking for Something Different In a Kindergarten?

At Blue Rock, we give children the time and space to explore the world around them in a warm and nurturing environment. The only progressive school in the Lower Hudson Valley, Blue Rock offers a creative and dynamic learning environment for grades K-8.

Kindergarten Information Session and Play Day Saturday, October 20, 10 am to 12pm.

Register by calling 845-535-3353 or at admissions@bluerockschool.org

Where Learning Comes Alive!

West Nyack, NY — www.bluerockschool.org

FREE

First lesson & Consultation

Belle School of Music

“Where Learning is Fun!”

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

Plant the seed of music in your child!

MUSIC LAND Ages 4-5 with parent participation.

A delightful experience for Mozarts of the future MUSIC FOR LITTLE PEOPLE Ages 5-7 with parent participation. Unique Russian-Japanese method.

Experience the Magic of Music.

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

Bring out the musical talent in your child!

TOP 5 2018

TOP 5 2016

TOP 5 2017

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

WINNER 2015

914-961-5511 www.belleschool.com

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

9

Fab 4 //

4 Super Sweet Shops October is officially the start of the sweet season. The candy craze kicks off with Halloween and continues throughout the remaining holidays when kids are obsessed with candy. Since you’ll be looking for the sweet stuff, here’s where to go to get your share.

Twice as Good Twin sisters, Hillary Assael and Elissa Weinhoff, opened SugarHi in 2017 fulfilling a lifelong dream of starting a business together.

SugarHi has an amazing candy wall and so much more. You’ll find homemade goodies such as Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares, hand-dipped chocolates, Cake Push Pops, cookie and chocolate platters and custom cakes and gifts. They also have a party room for candy- and cakethemed birthday parties – how sweet is that?

Candy for All The tag line for this modern and edgy shop, “freedom and candy for all” is a hint on what to expect – lots of great retro treats where all ages can act like kids in a candy store. Candy Rox excels in musthave gifts from headphones to PJ’s to the hippest accessories and there’s complimentary gift wrapping too! You’ll find unusual candy here such as the 10-piece box of Candy Sushi. Birthday parties on site are also an option.

Ice Cream & T-Shirts!

Candy is great, but sometimes you need a little frozen yogurt or ice cream to go with it. This brightly lit, modern venue located in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center offers serve-yourself frozen yogurt (and toppings bar) and candy by the 1/4 pound. The hard packed ice cream is egg, sesame and nut free! The real novelty here is customized T-shirts and sweatshirts in addition to other gift items.

An Extra E The extra e in Sweeets must be for eat because that’s just what you’ll want to do as soon as you walk into this cute, sweet-filled shop. The candy wall is filled with old-fashioned glass containers bursting with candy choices and the tables are stacked with gift sets, chocolates and specialty confections. Make a note that they offer gluten-free, vegan and sugar-free candies. They also create candy bars for your event or customized goody bags for party favors.

SugarHi 380 Main St., Armonk, N.Y. 914-273-4777 sugar-hi.com

Candy Rox 66 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, N.Y. 914-779-6750 candyrox.com

Scoop Shop 1074 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. 914-472-1400

Sweeets 1935a Palmer Ave., Larchmont, N.Y. 914-630-4400 sweeetsusa.com - Jean Sheff

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Westchester Family | October 2018

• Nostalgic & Novelty Candies • Cool Tees & Accessories • Presents Galore • Birhtday Parties • Party Favors & Gift Cards • Customized Gift Baskets • Platters & Candy Buffets • Collegiate Swag • Corporate Gifts

& More!

Bronxville New Location 66 Pondfield Road, Bronxville, NY 104708 914-779-6750

www.candyrox.com info@candyrox.com

New site coming soon!

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

WINNER 2017

Voted one of Westchester’s Top Pediatric Dentists

Penny Resnick Graulich, D.M.D. Francisca Ceron, D.D.S. Emelie Preis, D.D.S. 115 Main Street, Suite 302, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 (914) 633-4440 MainStreetPediatricDentistry.com October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

11

Sibs

of Kids with Special Needs

How to Offer Understanding and Support

By Jennifer Convissor, LCS

P

arenting one child is hard enough and parenting multiple children increases the stress level - even more so when one child has a developmental disability. There are dedicated groups and resources to support parents of differently abled children, but typical siblings (Sibs) may get lost in the chaos of their sibling’s immediate, and sometimes severe, needs.

This article is a roadmap of basic preventative strategies with an outline of the Sibs’ most common needs. A debt of gratitude to the thoughtful insights of participants and facilitators of Shames JCC on the Hudson’s Sib Groups, Alyson Krueger’s “Advice from Siblings of Special-Needs Kids” (Child Mind Institute) and to Don Meyer’s Sibling Support Project.

Caretaking Challenge: Sibs want parents to understand that they’re their own individuals, not just caretakers for their sibling. They are often prevented from engaging in recreational programs, social opportunities, or afterschool jobs, in order to care for their developmentally disabled sibling. An extreme example is the student informed her education would only be funded if it prepared her to become her sibling’s primary caretaker.

Support: Sibs love their siblings and want to help them, but also need to have time for their own interests. Parents might want to try offering reasonable payment, or increased privileges in exchange for sibling care. One teen, who cares for her sibling three hours every weekday, suggested $10

12

Westchester Family | October 2018

per day as reasonable compensation. This type of remuneration may help foster the caregiver’s self-esteem as well as increase her independence.

Over Achieving Challenge: Sibs sometimes feel they’re “the better child” as they are more successful academically and better integrated into mainstream activities. Healthy self-esteem is good, but comparison is a dangerous foundation.

Many report unconscious, sometimes unhealthy, compulsions to excel academically, athletically and socially, under the shadow of knowing that with all their advantages, they have “no excuse” not to succeed.

Support: Sibs yearn to be seen for their own unique, emerging personality. They may need verbal acknowledgment that their value is not based on their achievements.

Encourage them to try new things and to pursue their interests. It would go a long way to remind them that you only want them to be themselves.

Shame Challenge: Children and especially teenagers, attach high value on peer acceptance. Differences feel glaring and a sibling with special needs can be a source of embarrassment. Compounding this discomfort is the message that being ashamed is not a “nice” feeling, engendering guilt for feeling that way.

Support: Encourage your child to talk to you and/or a certified counselor. Feelings cannot be wrong, but can cause damage when repressed. Support your child’s

desire for alone time with friends. Reach out to educators to create an environment of inclusion and a model for celebrating difference. Be proactive by including your children in advocacy for the differently abled.

Help your child navigate moments of societal intolerance, rehearsing how to handle these inevitable interactions.

Stress Challenge: Sibs are acutely aware of family stress and may be reluctant to create additional pressure by asking for “extras” such as spending money, rides, or social time.

They tend to be very attuned to their sibling’s feelings as well. One Sib reported feeling “unescapable sadness” when his sister cried and such anxiety when she had tantrums that he’d, “run into [her] room and take away the scissors so she couldn’t harm herself or others.” Ironically, his anxiety worsened when his sister attended a treatment across the country because he “felt that [he] was in zero control of what was happening.”

Support: Sibs need to develop their own coping strategies and need a supportive parental and social network. Stay vigilant that caretaking doesn’t always fall on their shoulders, and offer them occasional time to disengage from family life with outside activities, or tuning out with headphones and personal space.

Equal Time Challenge: Although the array of special needs is often more immediate and of a higher stake, Sibs wish parents would fulfill requests in a more even handed way, for

example, like the order they were received.

Support: Create cushioning for these inevitable moments by carving out special time to connect with your developmentally typical child; a weekly “play date”, monthly outing, or even five minutes each night at bedtime.

Maximize this time by letting your child set the topics for discussion and/or the activity.

is not punitive, or random, but rather an unemotional implementation of immediate and appropriate consequences for the purposes of fostering growth. As much as developmentally appropriate, create clear behavioral expectations for the family, perhaps within family meetings, where participants can feel involved and heard.

Fairness Challenge: Sibs notice differences in disciplinary practices and don’t care about the reasons. One stated, “I wish my parents wouldn’t always give in to [my sibling] they’re just scared of his tantrums!” This lack of parity in parenting conveys the message that the differently abled child is incapable of learning, or taking any responsibility for his actions. One sibling lamented that her sister didn’t respect her need for “quiet” or personal space. Another added, “I want my brother to annoy me less … I [ask] him to stop and he doesn’t and then we have a fight.”

Support: It is tempting to avoid conflict and let discipline slide. When possible, take a step back to assess whether you are harder on your typical child. Positive discipline

The Future Challenge: A major and on-going worry for Sibs is the future, especially about inheriting the role of caretaker. One shared that her anxiety increases when her mother worries aloud about her sibling’s fate but “then she doesn’t even let my sister brush her own teeth!”

Support: Allow your children to chart their own future course. They will always be connected to their sibling, but provide them with some options as to the level of care they will be expected to take on. Perhaps have them help their sibling master activities of daily living as a way to have them be proactively involved and to demonstrate their sibling’s ability for self-care.

Even with all these challenges, there are

so many positive aspects of growing up alongside a sibling with special needs. With familial and societal support, Sibs reportedly demonstrate heightened compassion, empathy, patience, kindness, advocacy and fierce loyalty. Whenever possible, provide opportunities for respite and independence for your typical child, stress-free fun for the siblings to bond, and make time for the entire family to enjoy each other’s company. You’ll be on the right track.

Jennifer Convissor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson in Tarrytown where she was instrumental in designing the Shames Sibs Program.

The Shames Jewish Community Center on the Hudson offers all faiths and backgrounds programs ranging from early childhood to adult learning including activities for families with special needs. In addition, its 75,000 square foot campus includes state of the art fitness and aquatics centers, a full court gymnasium, sports and swimming leagues and more than100 exercise classes. shamesjcc.org.

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

13

XX Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

Meet the Program Directors Special Advertising Supplement Are you considering a new school, program or activity for your child? If so, it’s important that you learn more about the director. The director sets the tone of the entire organization, shapes the curricula and teaching process and is responsible for the actions of the staff. Let us introduce you to some local directors.

Mario LaStrada & Maria Bai CENTRAL PARK DANCE STUDIO 450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-2940 centralparkdance.com.

For 35 Years, Central Park Dance has attracted world-renowned teachers and choreographers. Maria Bai, artistic director and Mario LaStrada, director of operations, continually introduce new and exciting classes. With 200 + weekly classes, you are sure to find a class that’s right for you!

Dr. Gines-Dider Cano CRESTWOOD MUSIC EDUCATION CENTER 453 White Plains Road, Eastchester 914-961-3497 crestwoodmusic.com Offering world-class, private instrument instruction for children and adults from a distinguished faculty led by Director Dr. Gines-Didier Cano. Dr. Cano received his doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music, Masters of Music from The Juilliard School, and Premier Prix from Quebec Conservatoire. He has taught at universities and conservatories all over the world. For more information on Dr. Cano and his faculty, please visit the school’s website.

Al Dicker DICKER READING METHOD 75 Brook St., Scarsdale 914-472-0600. dickerreading.com.

The Dicker Reading Method can teach any child to read, even if diagnosed as learning disabled, ADD, ADHD or dyslexic. Whether your child is reading below, at or above grade level, they can accomplish three to six years of reading improvement in one year. Parents see an immediate improvement in reading achievement, comprehension and vocabulary development.

Jodi Rosenwasser JODI’S GYM 25 Hubbles Dr., Mt. Kisco, 244-8811 244 East 84 St., NYC, 212-772-7633 jodisgym.com This year Jodi’s Gym celebrates its 36th year! Jodi Rosenwasser Levine, director and founder competed as a national level gymnast and was a member of Indiana State University’s nationally ranked gymnastics team. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology from NYU. Jodi says that gymnastics is the best foundation we can give children for all sports and movement education - it’s both enjoyable and beneficial to all children. She is a leader and innovator in the children’s fitness industry.

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Westchester Family | October 2018

Beth And Jean Logrea LOGREA DANCE ACADEMY 2 Dale Ave., Ossining 941-2939. logreadance.com.

Beth and Jean Logrea have provided quality dance training as directors of the Logrea Dance Academy and Westchester Ballet Company for 32 years. Besides annual scholarship auditions, a boys initiative and a special pre-ballet program ages 3-5, there are extensive performing opportunities including the Westchester Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker and annual spring performances.

Fall classes enrolling now!

Eileen Oddo MUSICAL MUNCHKINS 40 Archer Ave, White Plains 914-771-7000 Eileen Oddo is happy to be in her 35th year as director of Musical Munchkins in Westchester County.

With degrees in piano performance and piano pedagogy from Loyola University and the Conservatoire de Cachan in France, she is qualified to understand the steps from early childhood to success on an instrument.

With the creation of Musical Munchkins and her Early Childhood Piano program, she has honed her approach to each stage from 6 months-4 years for Munchkins and 5-9 years for piano.

Jackie Freimor STARLIGHT STARBRIGHT MUSIC 78 Garth Road, Scarsdale 914-924-0995. slsbmusic.com Jackie Freimor, owner, became a Music Together teacher 12 years ago after having enrolled her own child in this international, pioneering music and movement program. Since becoming a center director in 2005, Jackie has enrolled more than 10,000 families in her fun, engaging, and educational classes. Between her three convenient locations in Chappaqua, Scarsdale, and Tarrytown, she offers classes every day of the week, so you can find one that works for you.

Nancy Solomon Rothenberg STUDIO B DANCE CENTER 281 White Plains Road, Eastchester 914-793-2799. studiobdance.com.

Nancy Solomon Rothenberg has been involved with every aspect of running a studio. She has spoken at various dance conferences throughout the country, written articles for Dance Teacher Magazine, and consults with several costume and dancewear companies. Studio B is celebrating its 23rd dance season and 5th year in a row as one of Westchester’s Best Studios. COME SEE THEIR NEW STATE-OFTHE-ART STUDIO!

3345 Yea

r of Fun s , Friend s & Fitne , ss

Best ys Birthda!

Ever

for kid 9 moss to 12 yrs

Come See Our Beautiful Expanded Facilities!

Register for Fall/Winter 2018-2019

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

Private Lessons • World Class Faculty Children & Adults • All Levels & Ages

Engaging live music makes the best parties! Our fun performers strum and drum with kids aged 6 months to 6

Piano • Woodwinds Brass • String Voice • Guitar • Drums Jazz • Suzuki Chamber Music & Orchestral Programs

A High Note Above the Rest!

Ask About Special Needs!

Experienced, Nurturing, Teachers Fun-Filled Classes

Complimentary First Lesson 453 White Plains Rd., Eastchester, NY 10709

961-3497 • www.crestwoodmusic.com Dr. Gines Didier Cano, Director

Music, Movement & Friends Age-Specific Curriculum

Celebra ting 30+ yea of makin rs g music and me mories

Online Enrollment!

Pleasantville | Scarsdale | White Plains Bronxville | Dobbs Ferry | New Rochelle | North Castle

914-771-7000

musicalmunchkins.com

Your online resource for all things parenting

Register Now

Come and

Join us Call 914.941.2939 to reserve a space in class or visit our website: LogreaDance.com

WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting.

Visit us online today!

Logrea Dance Academy WestchesterFamily.com

2 Dale Ave • Ossining, NY

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

15

Ask the Specialist //

5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program

By Mary Mokris, Ph.D.

W

hether parents hope to have their early learners reading before kindergarten, are looking for a little extra help for their struggling student or want to give their children a competitive advantage in the classroom, there are many reasons why parents seek out academic enrichment programs.

It’s true that children gain a wealth of knowledge from a variety of topics introduced at school, but some students could really benefit from additional academic studies.

The goal of enrichment programs is to help students develop a love for learning, while demonstrating proficiency in academics. The programs also help children develop critical thinking skills and effective learning methods.

Have you ever wondered if your children could benefit from an academic enrichment program? Here are five things to consider.

1. Kindergarten Readiness. Each year, 4 million curious minds enter kindergarten for the first time, eager to start school just like the big kids. But what should kindergarteners know by the first day of school? From following directions to working independently to academic skills, it’s a popular question asked by many parents of preschoolers. Readiness for school is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success. After-school academic enrichment programs help preschoolers develop important skills such as the ability to work independently, identify sounds and letters and strengthen fine motor skills.

Parents even see their preschoolers showcase improved attentiveness, perseverance and time management.

2. Supplemental Education. If you think your child can do better than how he did on his last report card or you’ve noticed a decline in his test scores, after-school academic enrichment programs are useful in filling learning gaps. They help children who may be struggling in a traditional classroom setting reach their maximum potential. Specialized programs can help find the root of the problem, work to fix it and then continue to help the child progress. This results in improved academic performance and attitude towards school.

3. Study Skills. Do you have concerns with your child’s time management skills?

Have you noticed he puts off projects

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Westchester Family | October 2018

or postpones homework? An occasional delay can be expected, but consistent procrastination can be a sign of a larger issue. High quality academic enrichment programs don’t just focus on the academics.

They also help children learn how to learn properly. Throughout the process, students cultivate important work and study skills such as improved focus and concentration, perseverance, confidence and independence.

4. Confidence. It’s natural to be uncertain when learning a new concept.

Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike? You probably didn’t feel very confident at first, but over time and with practice, you got better and faster. The key was practice, and like many things in life, practice makes perfect. We all want our children to be confident in anything they do, so it’s hard when we see our children lack confidence in their academic performance. After-school academic enrichment programs can help children become self-assured, which may lead to more participation in the classroom.

5. Academic Advantage. Do your children complain about being bored in school and show a desire for wanting to learn more? Academic enrichment programs can allow children to advance based on their ability rather than their age or grade. This can result in children studying above their school grade level. Students studying above grade level usually have more positive attitudes toward school, improved concentration skills, better study habits, increased accuracy and the ability to work independently. In fact,

research shows the many benefits of studying above grade level. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students reading above grade level in the 3rd grade are more likely to graduate from high school at higher rates and students who take advanced math courses are more likely to attend and graduate from college.

When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school and stay in school longer. Parents can support their child’s educational development by working with educators to support learning.

Play an active role in your child’s education by knowing what they are studying and routinely communicating with their teacher.

Mary Mokris, Ph.D. is the manager of the materials department at Kumon North America. She began her career at Kumon nearly 20 years ago as the director of a companyowned Kumon Center, instructing 200 math and reading students in Atlanta before being relocated to Kumon’s headquarters in Teaneck, N.J. Prior to joining Kumon, Mokris was a tenured Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska. Mokris holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Mokris is a regular presenter at conferences and symposiums, and has published numerous articles in a variety of academic publications. To find a Kumon center near you see kumon.com.

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

Children reading below, at or above grade level, can achieve three to six years of reading improvement in one year. Parents will see an immediate improvement in reading achievement, comprehension and vocabulary development.

Kumon Kumon.com 800-abc-math Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks children’s potential so they can achieve more on their own. The method uses an individualized approach that helps children in preschool through high school develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills.

Pre-School Reading Method 75 Brook St., Scarsdale 472-0600 mommyicanread.com This revolutionary preschool/kindergarten reading program will enable your 3, 4 or 5-year-old to learn 15-30 words in their first session. Then they learn to read sentences and ultimately enjoy reading their book!

Your child’s confidence and self-esteem will soar as they develop a love for reading. It’s fun, easy and a game.

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October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

17

Let’s Go To ... //

When You Go …

Escape 101 69 Kenosia Ave., Danbury, Conn.

203-616-5777 esc101.com

An Escape Room

5 Wits 4270 Palisades Center Dr., West Nyack 855-955-WITS 5-wits.com 5-wits.com/locations/#locations-westnyack

and by the room you choose. Reservations are required.

Photo by Traci L. Suppa

Located at the top level of the Palisades Center in West Nyack, 5 Wits is actually three separate interactive adventure rooms with different themes.

By Traci L. Suppa

A

s my kids get older, it’s harder to find indoor entertainment for the colder months that doesn’t include movies or bowling alleys. We recently discovered two escape rooms -each within an hour’s drive and they’re still raving about them.

Escape rooms sound scarier than they are. The ones described here don’t really lock you in, and there aren’t any frightening elements. Your mission is to “escape” in as little time as possible by collecting clues and solving puzzles. Sometimes, you have a finite time frame, normally an hour. Going in groups, ideally between five and 10 people, brings more brainpower and extra hands for physical challenges.

Group Challenges at Escape 101 If you’re new to escape rooms, like we were, Escape 101 in Danbury, Conn., is a good place to start. There are four rooms with different storylines. Doomsday and Victim No. 7 are best suited for ages 13 and up. A new room called Ice Cream Truck just opened specifically for younger kids, ages 5 and up. In this scenario, groups work together to earn money

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Westchester Family | October 2018

to buy ice cream.

We took my daughter’s fifth grade Girl Scout troop to try Jet Set, which is recommended for ages 10 and up. In this story, you have won a trip to a mystery destination, but you only have an hour before your plane takes off. In that time, you have to finish a to-do list, pack your bags and find your boarding pass. The difficulty level was perfect for their age, because we made it out with seven minutes to spare. Staff was easy to contact by waving at the security camera, and would offer helpful clues when we were stuck.

It was a little alarming not being given any clues whatsoever to start, but the kids’ natural curiosity soon had them touching every prop in the room to see what would happen. Eventually, the clues became evident, and the remaining challenge was to figure out what order they went in to solve the final puzzle. This was an interesting group dynamics experiment, as everyone shared what they had found, talking over one another. It took a good 20 minutes before they got into a collaborative groove.

Admission prices begin at $26 per person, but vary by the size of your group,

Family Fun at 5 Wits Located at the top level of the Palisades Center in West Nyack, 5 Wits is actually three separate interactive adventure rooms with different themes; Tomb, Deep Space and Drago’s Castle. Our family, which includes one teenager and one tween, tried the latter two.

In Deep Space, you begin in a teleporter room on the Starship Nebulous, where you’re getting a distress signal from an abandoned ship that you have to save. There are three smaller rooms within this experience.

Activities include maneuvering the ship through an asteroid storm, refueling the ship’s power source, and matching wits with the evil Artificial Intelligence that wants to destroy Earth. Having a tech-savvy son helped speed us through, which improved our score.

In Drago’s Castle, you’re helping a princess find and recapture her pet dragon. You follow the pages of a storybook, starting in a dungeon, through the throne room and secret passageway. You end up in the bell tower.

The challenges here are less high-tech and more hands-on, but overall, this was a more difficult escape, and we never even found the dragon.

5 Wits is a chain with other locations (and different challenges) in New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, should you want to try the others. These adventures are best suited for ages 7 and up. There are some moments of darkness and loud noise.

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

Admission is the same for all ages: $22.99 per person for a single adventure, $26.99 for two adventures and $29.99 for all three.

Sign up for the newsletter online to get a $2 coupon. Reservations are not required, but there may be a wait on busy days.

Frequent contributor Traci L. Suppa writes about travel, parenting and family life.

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Westchester Family | October 2018

Special Section

Fall/Winter 2018

Our Pink Issue Advice from a Survivor

Breast Cancer: Expect the Unexpected PLus

Fertility Issues Exercise Benefits Local Support Resources WestchesterFamily.com

Healthy Family //

Expect the Unexpected And How to Cope During Treatment

By Lisa Iannucci

L

ast spring, my vacation was ruined when my doctor called with the news — I had stage two triple negative breast cancer and needed to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The diagnosis shattered my world. It meant hair loss, fatigue and other side effects, but I was determined to fight hard and knew I would have a strong support system around me.

Unfortunately, I was surprised to find out that some so-called good friends and even some close family members, who I thought would be by my side throughout the hardest fight of my life, would never even show up. One family member, who lives only 20 minutes away from me, texted occasionally — mostly when I texted updates — but never came to see me. There was no lasagna, no help with my lawn and not even a hug.

For some breast cancer patients, there are no pink team T-shirts or fundraisers and the doorbell doesn’t ring with neighbors bringing food donations. Some breast cancer patients even go through all their chemo and radiation treatments alone. When you’re dealing with breast cancer, you really should “expect the unexpected.”

As for me, I didn’t expect my circle of writer friends to support me the way they did. They made me comforters and mailed me a bunch of surprises. They checked in

daily, sent funny videos to cheer me up and called me when they sensed that things were tough. I wouldn’t have made it through without them. I also reconnected with an extremely close friend who I missed dearly and she visited me and sat with me during chemo treatments.

Marriage Stress Some women are surprised to find out how diagnosis and treatment can strain even the best of marriages. My oncologist told me that she has seen many divorces during breast cancer treatment. “Some people just can’t handle it for a variety of reasons,” she says.

Maryann Glass-Moussouros is happily married, but bravely admits that her relationship with her husband Jordan was strained during her treatment. Diagnosed in 2015 with stage three triple negative breast cancer, Glass-Moussouros, now 33, underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

“You expect that your spouse will step up and help you get through it, but it’s not always the way you expect,” says this White Plains mother of Zachary, 7 and Zoey, 4.

“My husband was just as depressed as I was with my diagnosis and retreated into his own world for some time.”

However, it was her mom, mother-in-law and new mom friends who came through for her. “I expected my family to help us,” she says. “But I didn’t expect that my mother-in-

More Ways to Cope Looking for more ways to cope with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment? Try these.

Express: Creative Expression Series for Breast Cancer Survivors.

An eight-series workshop offers the support of others who have gone through breast cancer. Each week, the group focuses on positive, artistic projects including journaling, drawing, collage work and painting. At the same time, this offers a safe space to discuss treatment issues, recovery, long-term effects, and the many ways that breast cancer affects a woman’s emotional landscape, physical appearance and sense of femininity. Rebecca Pine, a nine-year breast cancer survivor who was treated at Westmed, runs this free peer-facilitated support group. If you have missed the first session you can still attend.

Time/dates: 10 a.m. to noon. Sept. 15, Nov. 17, Jan. 12, 2019, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11 and June 8. Contact Rebecca Pine at rp@ rebeccapine.com.

Read: Cat Gwynn was diagnosed with breast cancer and her family wasn’t there for her, but her friends were. She even wrote a

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Westchester Family | October 2018

law would take care of me as if I was her own daughter, and my mom would drive up every day from Queens for two years to help with my children.”

book, 10-Mile Radius - Reframing Life on the Path Through Cancer (Rare Bird Books, November 2017), a photo memoir of how she dealt with her own cancer. Reading about what others have gone through can often be therapeutic.

Meditate: Studies have shown that meditation, and guided meditation, can help breast cancer patients cope with stress. The YWCA in White Plains provides free meditation classes for breast cancer patients and survivors of every phase of your journey on Wednesdays, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. To learn more or register for classes, contact: Ashley Hardesty at 914-949-6227, ext. 208 or via email ahardesty@ywcawpcw.org.

Join a support group: Because of the Internet, you don’t have to attend an in-person support group. There are online groups of cancer patients and survivors where you can find advice and compassion from others who have walked the journey before you. You can find in-person support groups through the Susan G. Komen website at https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/WhatisSocialSupport. html#Finding-Local--Online-and-Telephone-Support.

Last year, Lisa Ramondelli Maskara was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer. The 52-year-old had to stop working to undergo months of chemotherapy. Her support circle was huge as family, friends and her community hosted fundraisers, made dinners and helped however she needed it. “I also reconnected with my Sacred Heart High School class of 1984,” she says.

Looking back, the only person missing from the early months of her fight was her best friend. “She was the one person I thought would’ve been there for me since the beginning, but wasn’t,” says Maskara, a Yonkers resident and mother of two grown children, 22-year-old Kristan and 20-yearold Mark. “She just didn’t know how to process it all.” It took a few months, but Maskara says that her best friend has since come around and been by her side ever since.

Nine years ago, Rebecca Pine was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and underwent a single mastectomy. She

was also taken aback by how those around her reacted. “There were friendships that fell away and others that blossomed,” says the now mom of four. “People are afraid when someone is going through a hard time.

They aren’t trying to be unkind, it’s that they don’t know how to handle it.” Pine explains that breast cancer brings about many changes - positive and negative - and patients need to handle each hurdle one at a time. “It’s the only choice we have,” she says.

Coping Skills Whether you have a herd of supporters or are surprised to find yourself without those you expected to count on, the bottom line is that all breast cancer patients need to find ways of coping that work for them.

Maskara found that adult coloring helped her get through the hard times. “I would sit on the floor and color every night, surrounded by the things that people sent to me, and color a page for someone,” she says. “I am also a people person and wanted people around me, visiting and talking to

me.” She also found that journaling and writing about her experiences on Facebook helped her as well. “Every day I woke up, I also thought about what could make today a good day even if I didn’t feel well, so I would put on makeup or put on a cute hair piece,” she says.

Pine said that she’s always been drawn to nature, so she spent as much time outside as possible during her treatment. “I moved to Long Island and spent time at the beach and it struck me how the sea has the power to change things and make rough jagged rocks polished and smooth. I wanted my recovery to be polished and smooth too.”

As a self-professed creative person Pine also journaled and worked with clay as her outlet. Today, she gives back to others who are now going through this journey through the project she co-founded, The Breast and The Sea. She has interviewed 75 survivors, previvors, and those living with active disease, as well as several experts in the field of breast cancer treatment and weaves them together to offer strength and courage for others on the website thebreastandthesea. com.

“As a part of The Breast and The Sea I run a support circle where patients can talk about what’s going on with them - hopes, joys and fears,” she says. She also says that guided meditation is another effective coping mechanism. “Participants are encouraged to close their eyes and relax and I speak slowly and calmly and help to create a scene that’s optimal during healing,” she says. “There’s so much to focus on medically and there’s an inner peace that gets pushed aside, so this is a way of prioritizing ourselves again.” Pine also provides a workshop series on creative expression for breast cancer survivors at WestMed in Rye. To help her cope, Glass-Moussouros found that keeping a sense of normalcy was effective. “Even if I didn’t feel like it, we did things like going apple picking, even though I was exhausted,” she says.

She also loved to talk to others going through the same thing and followed the “I Had Cancer” page on Facebook, a site that provides information on dealing with cancer from others who have already walked the journey.

Her advice to those who are just getting the news, “Don’t be afraid to be afraid,” she says. “Everyone will tell you to be strong, but it’s OK not to be from time to time. It’s OK to fall apart sometimes.”

Lisa Iannucci is a freelance writer and a recent breast cancer survivor.

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

23

Healthy Family //

Exercise Can Help Patients with Breast Cancer A Conversation with Fit House New York’s Owner and Breast Cancer Survivor Barbara Vinciguerra

By Stacey Pfeffer

W

hen Barbara Vinciguerra, the owner of Ardsley-based fitness studio Fit House New York, found out she had breast cancer in her early 50s she was shocked. As an avid exercise enthusiast and award-winning fitness instructor, healthy living was a way of life for her. She thought that it would inoculate her from cancer. That’s why when she went for her yearly mammogram she was surprised to learn that she had an aggressive form of cancer.

“I had never even set foot in a hospital before. I was the type of person that never got sick,” notes Vinciguerra. She ultimately elected to have a mastectomy and did not need radiation or chemotherapy, which was a conscious decision on her part. As the sole business owner of the gym, she hoped to resume work and her active lifestyle as quickly as possible. She also chose to have the surgery done with a procedure that would not affect her pectoral muscle’s range of motion, which was important to her job as an exercise instructor.

Mind-Body With a background in sports psychology, Vinciguerra knew that overcoming the illness would take not only physical but also mental fortitude. Her gym focuses on the mind-body approach to wellness. Going in for surgery while physically fit helped her recover faster and get back to teaching spin and boot camp classes. Within two weeks post-surgery, she was able to return to work and begin teaching.

Vinciguerra acknowledges that her experience is highly unusual; however, she does think that women can benefit from an exercise regimen before, during and after

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Westchester Family | October 2018

Barbara Vinciguerra, the owner of Ardsley-based fitness studio Fit House New York, knows first-hand that exercise can help women with breast cancer.

undergoing breast cancer treatment based on their comfort level. In fact, numerous studies show that being overweight at the time of diagnosis is linked with both poorer overall survival and poorer breast cancerspecific survival. It may also increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to research highlighted on Susan G. Komen, the leading breast cancer advocacy group’s website.

Staying Positive Additionally, several studies show that exercise can help alleviate depression, release

“feel good hormones” known as endorphins and aid in recovery. Vinciguerra says that the mental benefits of exercise for cancer patients should not be overlooked. That’s why Vinciguerra teamed up with Susie Mordoh, who created a deck of cards called Feel the Love Transformation Cards. The cards, available online and at Fit House New York, contain positive messages such as “let your obstacles become opportunities.” Originally the cards came in blue and orange and were intended for the general population but Mordoh noticed that they resonated particularly well with breast cancer patients.

Mordoh surmises that the age of breast cancer diagnosis is usually a time in a woman’s life where she might be searching for more spirituality and that may be the reason why she got such a positive response to her cards from women with the illness.

Mordoh who was a student of Vinciguerra’s in an exercise class conceptualized the cards after undergoing a 50-pound weight loss transformation and successfully keeping the weight off for several years. Mordoh dubs herself as an “outlier” in the weight loss wars as so many people yo-yo diet and eventually put the weight back on. “I did it the old-fashioned way through diet and exercise,” but Mordoh credits a new outlook on life that helped her finally succeed in her weight loss journey.

The messages resonate for women with breast cancer as well as Vinciguerra’s fitness students. Mordoh and Vinciguerra co-teach a popular spin class at Fit House New York called Sunday Soul Ride. Each class is based around a theme or message and some of them have included the affirmations on Mordoh’s Feel the Love Transformation Cards. They’ve had PowerPoint presentations set up in the spin studio and Mordoh often

Susie Mordoh, creator of a deck of cards called Feel the Love Transformation Cards, says their positive message resonates particularly well with breast cancer patients.

educates the class about the benefits of positive thinking.

“The class really focuses on the 3Ms - music, a message and metrics,” explains Mordoh. Vinciguerra likes to use metrics as a tool to help students overcome obstacles. She feels that when students can face a challenge

in an exercise class (e.g. uphill riding at high intensity) that positive thinking and strength can be transferred to life outside of the exercise studio. The duo plans to have several Sunday Soul Rides in October dedicated to breast cancer education to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Although each individual needs an exercise regimen that is right for them in consultation with their healthcare provider, Vinciguerra believes that spinning is a good form of exercise for patients returning back to the gym post-surgery. It is not high impact exercise like boot camp classes. Plus the participant can go at their own pace if they are feeling fatigued, which often happens during and after treatment.

“It’s so important for women to get their yearly mammogram. I had no symptoms or family history of the disease,” notes Vinciguerra. Luckily, with her positive attitude and dedication to exercise, she was able to come out on the other side a stronger individual who could help motivate others coping with the illness.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer and editor based in Chappaqua.

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Volunteers Needed

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One Ride at a Time!

RideConnect provides free volunteer transportation to older adults age 60+ in Westchester County. These rides enable clients to remain active and continue to lead fulfilling lives.

Please consider giving the gift of mobility and independence!

For more information on volunteering or to request a ride, contact us at 914-242-7433 www.RideConnectWestchester.org October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

25

Healthy Family //

Nipple Reconstruction Creating a Natural Breast After Mastectomy

By Constance M. Chen, M.D.

M

odern techniques in mastectomy and breast reconstruction offer women many options.

Breast reconstruction recreates a breast mound either with implants or with the woman’s own tissue. In either case, nipple reconstruction can be performed in a separate surgery from the original breast reconstruction. Many women are candidates for nipple-sparing mastectomy, in which the nipple is preserved during the mastectomy.

For women whose nipple has been removed, as in a more traditional type of mastectomy, it is still possible to surgically reconstruct the nipple to recreate a complete breast. Nipple reconstruction can be done for one or both breasts.

The Technique There are several ways to create a new nipple and areola. The most common technique for nipple reconstruction uses the remaining breast skin after a mastectomy. The skin is folded and sutured to form a new nipple, and then the new nipple and surrounding skin is tattooed to create the nipple-areola complex.

If there isn’t enough healthy skin to create a new nipple from the remaining breast skin, a skin graft may be used from another site, usually the groin. The skin graft is then folded and sutured to create a new nipple.

For patients who undergo a unilateral mastectomy and have a large nipple on the remaining breast, a nipple-sharing technique may be used in which part of the native nipple is resected and transferred onto the reconstructed breast. In each type of nipple reconstruction, the nipple is often dressed with antibiotic ointment and a special medicated gauze dressing that is then placed into a protective shield or “nipple house” that remains in place for a week.

After the reconstructed nipple has healed, tattooing may be used to add color and create the areola. Some women forego nipple reconstruction altogether, and instead choose 3D tattooing to create the illusion of a nipple on the breast mound.

Quality of Life Many women feel that breast reconstruction improves their quality of life. Surgical advances make it possible to create a soft,

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Westchester Family | October 2018

warm, natural breast that can be difficult to distinguish from a woman’s own breast.

Many women would like to look normal without clothing. They feel that a breast that looks more like their original breast will help them put cancer behind them. Nipple reconstruction helps many women move on from their mastectomy and feel that they have restored their breast for a more confident future. If a woman is interested in undergoing a nipple-sparing mastectomy and state-ofthe art perforator flap breast reconstruction she would be wise to bring this up with her physician prior to surgery as not every doctor performs the surgery necessary to make this possible.

Constance M. Chen, M.D., is a board-certified plastic surgeon with special expertise in the use of innovative natural techniques to optimize medical and cosmetic outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction. She is Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at Weill Cornell Medical College and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) at Tulane University School of Medicine. constancechenmd.com.

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Healthy Family //

Breast Cancer and Fertility

By Mary E. Sabatini, M.D., Ph.D.

I

magine the young woman who has just heard the dreaded words “breast cancer” from her physician. She is reeling from all the implications of this diagnosis - including, but not limited to, the physical and emotional impacts on her life. Her future family building may not even be in the top five of what this patient, or her doctor, is thinking about at this moment. But it certainly should be part of the conversation.

Kristin Der was one of these women.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, at age 30, single, and with time working against her, Kristin was not able to preserve her eggs though cryopreservation (a process of freezing and storing cells). After a few long and hard months, she was left battered and bruised. A friend set her up on a blind date, in hopes of lifting her spirits. “I arrived at the restaurant (a very classy McDonalds) with no agenda, other than to try and keep the meal down, nausea still wreaking havoc,” Kristin explains. “And Jason turned out to be the man of my dreams.” After a lumpectomy, one romantic proposal, a small wedding, a bilateral mastectomy and months of rehabilitation, the couple decided to explore their options of building their family.

They tried multiple methods of in-vitro fertilization (IVF), without success. After years of battling a choice that wasn’t hers, Kristin felt defeated. “Jason and I were tired of fighting the fight, tired of timing our lives around fertility treatments. Each shot, each pill, each ultrasound was a little more salt in the wound of my cancer diagnosis, which made it difficult to fully heal,” says Kristin.

Every Case is Different As Kristin’s experience illustrates, each breast cancer diagnosis is different. There is no “typical” consultation that can be provided for women of reproductive age diagnosed with cancer, because the road ahead as it relates to fertility varies depending on the type and severity of the cancer, the cancer treatment plan, the woman’s age, her own desires about parenthood, among other factors.

Breast cancer, and its treatment, affects future conception, but it does not typically mean that conceiving becomes impossible. The common chemotherapy protocols can lower ovarian reserve (a phrase used to describe the

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Westchester Family | October 2018

Tara Major Photography

Although it wasn’t easy, breast cancer diagnosis and treatment didn’t deter Jason and Kristin from conceiving and delivering their beautiful daughter Reagan.

quantity and quality of egg cells for reproduction). However, ovarian reserve is a reflection of fertility but not a direct correlation. There are many women with low ovarian reserve who do not have challenges conceiving, and other women with high ovarian reserve who do struggle to get pregnant. This is one of the many mysteries of conception and fertility, and good news for patients who have the misconception that a cancer diagnosis means they will no longer be fertile.

Timing Trying to conceive during cancer treatment is not recommended, as chemotherapy is usually not compatible with healthy conception or pregnancy. Thus, the time that passes during treatment is another family building challenge from breast cancer. Advancing age can make it more difficult for any woman to get pregnant, so even a year or two of treatment and recovery can make it harder. But again, age is one factor of fertility, not an absolute.

Fortunately, there are many options available for patients to protect future fertility before treatment, including egg and embryo cryopreservation. Insurance coverage for preserving fertility for medical reasons varies widely state by state, which is why organizations such as RESOLVE New England and the Alliance for Fertility Preservation are advocating expanded access across the nation.

One of the most heart wrenching experi-

ences can be when a woman is diagnosed with cancer when she is already pregnant. Again, the plan forward for each patient will vary, depending on factors, including the aggressiveness of the cancer and the stage of the pregnancy.

After Cancer After breast cancer, many women will be successful building their families, if they wish to do so. This may happen the “old fashioned way” after treatment ends, or they might need medical intervention. For individuals and couples who wish to grow their families after cancer, it is critical to keep an open mind about the different paths to parenthood, including fertility treatments such as IVF, donor egg, surrogacy and adoption.

Despite their physical and emotional exhaustion, Kristin and Jason kept trying to become parents. “Our beautiful daughter Reagan was born on a warm October day in 2017,” she says. “How fitting, born during Breast Cancer Awareness month, which will always remind us of our loss, our struggle and ultimately our joy.”

Mary E. Sabatini, M.D., Ph.D. is the Medical Director of the Oncofertility Clinic, Massachusetts General Hospital.

For more information on RESOLVE New England see resolvenewengland.org. For information on Alliance for Fertility Preservation see allianceforfertilitypreservation.org.

Healthy Family //

Breast Cancer Support

S

upport comes in many forms. As a patient you can join a support group, attend exercise classes designed especially for breast cancer, sign up for a meditation workshop or reach out to others. As one who is looking to give support you can participate in a breast cancer walk, volunteer at a cancer support organization, drive patients to treatments, deliver meals or just be there to listen and encourage someone fighting breast cancer.

Here is a brief list of events, services and groups in our community.

American Cancer Society Look Good Feel Better Program, Wigs (free or at reduced cost) 2 Lyon Pl., White Plains, N.Y. 914-949-4800 cancer.org Cancer Support Team Free professional nursing, social work and cancer support services to lower Westchester residents 2900 Westchester Ave., Suite 103, Purchase, N.Y. 914-777-2777 cancersupportteam.org Gilda’s Club Westchester Cancer support for the whole family, a variety of patient support groups 80 Maple Ave., White Plains, N.Y. 914-644-8844 gildasclubwestchester.org Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center Provides information, educational resources and support services 100 Ward St., Suite A, Montgomery, N.Y. 845-457-5000 hudsonvalleycancer.org Support Connection Breast and ovarian cancer support groups, wellness programs, educational workshops and referral services 400 Triangle Center, Suite 100 Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 914-962-6402 supportconnection.org The YWCA of Central & Northern Westchester Inc. Free meditation classes for breast cancer patients and survivors Ashley Hardesty at 914-949-6227, ext. 208 or

(Left to right) Maribel Palacios Perez of Briarcliff Manor and Megan McGrady of Port Chester stand united in the fight against breast cancer and planning to join the October 21st walk at Manhattanville College. via email ahardesty@ywcawpcw.org 250 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, N.Y. 914-949-8030 ymca-cnw.org In addition, most area hospitals also offer a variety of support and therapeutic groups for breast cancer patients.

Area Fundraising Walks Support-A-Walk FDR State Park, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018 Start time: 9:30 a.m.

914-962-6402 supportconnection.org walk@supportconnection.org The annual fundraiser for the local Support

Connection that offers free breast cancer support services. They receive no funds from other cancer groups.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Manhattanville College, Purchase, N.Y. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 Start time: 9:30 a.m.

914-397-8810 makingstrideswalk.org/westchester WestchesterNYstrides@cancer.org 2018 marks the 25th year of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Westchester, the 4th largest Making Strides event in the United States with more than 21,000 walkers raising $1.2 million.

- Jean Sheff

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Westchester Family | October 2018

Calendar

October

See Lady Liberty and other jaw-dropping jack-o’-lantern displays at The Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze A blazing Westchester tradition not to be missed! More than 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns are lit up in dazzling displays, complete with sound effects, synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. Highlights include the Pumpkin Promenade, Pumpkin Zee Bridge, a jack-o’lantern Statue of Liberty and a functioning Pumpkin Carousel. Daily, Oct. 4 – Oct. 31. Check website for times. For all ages. Sunday-Thursday: $22 adults, $16 children 3-17; Friday & Saturday: $27 adults, $20 children 3-17; children under 3 free. Reservations are required.

Van Cortlandt Manor, 535 S. Riverside, Croton. 914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

By Andrea White Tom Nycz for Historic Hudson Valley

Calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: Harry Potter: History of Magic ...34 Editor’s Pick :Warwick Applefest �������������������������� 36 Halloween Highlights ���������������������������������������������� 38 #AnimalEncounters ��������������������������������������������������40 Get Crafty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 City Picks ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 43

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Calendar October //

= Halloween Events

1 Monday

✪ Classic Tours with a Halloween Twist. Lyndhurst is ready for the Halloween season!

See the majestic vestibule and entrance hall, parlor, library, Jay Gould’s private office, the dining room and more – all decorated with beautiful trimmings for the holiday. Tours last approximately one hour. Thursdays – Mondays, 10am–4pm, until Oct. 31. For all ages. $20 adults, $18 children 6-16, children under 6 free.

Reservations required. Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown.

914–631–4481. lyndhurst.org.

● ● Mommy Meetup. Meet other moms, socialize, have a snack and let your lil one play!

Mondays, 10–11:30am. For moms with children ages 3 and under. $5. Advance reservations recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ Sea Turtle Nursery. Visit Squirt, a rescued baby loggerhead sea turtle, before his yearlong stay at The Maritime Aquarium ends! Squirt has been staying in the Sea Turtle Nursery but is soon scheduled to return to the ocean off North Carolina. Daily, 10am–5pm; until Oct. 14. For all ages. Included with admission. $24.95 adults, $17.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free.

Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn. 203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Courtesy of Friends of Lasdon Park & Arboretum

See a festive model train and have some wicked fun at Lasdon Park’s Fall Festival and Halloween Train Show on Sept. 6.

● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. A weekly storytime featuring songs and crafts.

Mondays, 4pm. Recommended for ages 1-5, but all are welcome.

Reservations not required. Barnes & Noble, 3089 E. Main St., Mohegan Lake. 914–528–6275. stores. barnesandnoble.com.

2 Tuesday

● ● ● Nature Strollers. A unique hiking group for families.

Join in for a one-hour hike with the little ones, led by a Museum educator. Tuesdays, 9:30am. For parents of babies, toddlers and young children. $5 per family.

Reservations not required. Hudson

Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall.

845–534–5506. hhnm.org.

✪ Spooky Pumpkin Garden. Explore dozens of friendly larger-than-life scarecrows set among hundreds of rare and unusual pumpkins and gourds in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.

Pot up a spooky black coleus to take home, put on a haunting puppet show and learn all about bats. Weekends feature pumpkin carving and creepy creatures presentations. Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am–6pm, until Oct. 31. For all ages. Included

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

Calendar Submissions For Print: • Send to calendar@westchesterfamily.com. Include: Dates, times, location, address, event description, ages, cost, phone, website.

• Information to be considered for the December 2018 calendar must reach us by October 31, 2018.

For Online Calendar: • Visit WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar image on our home page and submit your event. Online postings appear approximately 48 hours after submission.

Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.

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Westchester Family | October 2018

in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $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.

● ● Wear Your Baby Fitness Class. Socialize and exercise with other moms and their little ones. The class starts at Lil Chameleon with a short meet and greet as moms get started moving and walking in a nearby park (strollers welcome).

A no-judgment zone! Tuesdays, 10:45–11:30am. For moms with

Key to suggested ages

● ● ● ● ● ✪ ✖

baby & me toddler preschool elementary school older kids families adults

Publication: WESTCHESTERFAMILY Insertion date: OCTOBER 1, 2018 Size: 7” x 4.6” MAG

SPOOKY PUMPKIN GARDEN

Through October 31 Explore a spooky garden with eye-popping pumpkins, silly scarecrows, and plenty of fun!

LOCATED IN BRONX, NY, QUICK AND EASY TO REACH BY BRONX RIVER PARKWAY GET TICKETS AT NYBG.ORG

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Be a part of the Conversation!

WestchesterFamily.com

/westchesterfamilymagazine October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

33

Calendar October //

= Halloween Events

babies 24 months and under. $20 per session. Reservations not required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

3 Wednesday

● ● Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. Connect with other parents over the joys and bumps of parenthood while engaging your little one in a group setting through music, motor play and story time. Wednesdays, 10:30–11:30am. For parents of infants and toddlers. Reservations not required. Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn.

203–869–7191. templesholom.com.

Illustration by Jim Kay © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 2016

Muggles are welcome to learn about the magic behind Harry Potter in a new exhibit at the New-York Historical Society.

Harry Potter: A History of Magic

✪. A spellbinding exhibition for all fans of Harry Potter! See original material from series publisher Scholastic and author J.K. Rowling’s own archives. Plus, explore the subjects studied at Hogwarts through treasures including rare books, manuscripts and magical objects. Tuesdays – Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am–6pm, Fridays, 10am–9pm, Sundays, 10am–5pm, beginning Oct. 5. For all ages. $21 adults, $6 children 5-13, children 4 and under free. Reservations required. New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W. at W. 77th St., New York. 212–873–3400. harrypotter. nyhistory.org.

● ● ● Let’s Pretend. Sing, play and move with professional singer/educator Nora Maher. Wednesdays, 10–10:30am & 10:45–11:15am. For ages 6-36 months. Reservations not required. The Hastings-onHudson Public Library, 7 Maple Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson.

914–478–3307. hastingslibrary.org.

4 Thursday

✪ The Great Jack

O’Lantern Blaze. See page 31.

● Museum Minis. Meet up in Toddler Beach for songs, movement, stories and plenty of fun. Thursdays, 10:30–11am.

Ages 18-24 months. Free with $7 museum admission.

Children 12 months and under free. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

5 Friday

12 and under free. Reservations not required. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914–995–4050. countycenter.biz.

● ● Glow in the Park. Enjoy a climb in glow attire while the park is lit up by lights in the trees, all at a special discounted rate. Glow necklaces, face paint and more are provided.

6–11pm. For ages 7 and up. $39.

Reservations required. Boundless Adventures, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914–893–4550. boundlessadventures.net.

✪ The “Fall Classic”

✪ Harry Potter: A History

Baseball Card Show. Batter up! Browse through thousands of modern and vintage sports cards and other sports memorabilia, plus take advantage of on-site autograph authentication.

Noon–8pm today; 9am–6pm Oct. 6; 9am–4pm Oct. 7. For all ages. $10 adults (per day), children

of Magic. See Editor’s Pick page 34.

34

● ✖ Horseman’s Hollow. Follow the tale of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to its darkest extremes! Walk a haunted trail and twisted maze of horrors as Philipsburg Manor transforms

Westchester Family | October 2018

into a terrifying landscape ruled by the undead, the evil and the insane. Enter if you dare! Today and Oct. 6, 7, 12-14, 19-21, 25-31.

Check website for ticket times.

Recommended for ages 10 and up. $20; $25 on Saturdays.

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

● ● ● Intro to Spanish Through Music. From “Hola” to “Caballo,” get your little one familiar with Spanish! Flor Bromley teaches kids through music, puppets and play.

Fridays, 10:30–11:15am. Ages 2 months-4 years. $25 per class.

Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. ● ✖ Irving’s “Legend” It’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as you’ve never heard it before.

Master storytellers give dramatic

performances of Washington Irving’s classic tale, flavored with live spooky organ music. Today and Oct. 6, 7, 12-14, 19-21, 25-31.

Check website for ticket times.

Recommended for ages 10 and up. $25 adults, $20 children.

Reservations required. Old Dutch Church. Park at Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow.

914–366–6900. hudsonvalley.org.

● ● Music and Dance with Flor. Get grooving with songs, music and dance with Flor Bromley, bilingual recording artist, actress, singer/songwriter, storyteller and puppeteer!

Fridays, 9:45–10:15am. For ages 1-4. $20 per class. Reservations required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. ● ✖ The Unsilent Picture. New event for 2018!

Settle in to an eerie evening performance featuring an original silent film accompanied by live musicians and a special effects artist. Combine this experience with Horseman’s Hollow or Irving’s “Legend.”

6:15pm, 7:15pm, 8:15pm, 9:15pm today and Oct. 6, 7, 12-14, 19-21, 25-31.Recommended for ages 10 and up. $18. Reservations required. Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow.

914–631–8200. hudsonvalley.org.

6 Saturday

✪ Boo at the Zoo. See Halloween Highlights page 38.

● ● ✪ Drop-In Clay Class. Play with clay while spending quality time together as a family. Professional ceramic artists guide these themed weekly hand-building projects. No previous experience necessary!

Saturdays, 1:30–3:30pm. Ages 5 and up. Children under 12 must attend with a guardian enrolled in the class. $30 adults, $20 children 12 and under. Spaces go on sale at the front desk at 10am the day of class. Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester. 914–937–2047.

clayartcenter.org.

✪ Fall Fashion Show & 1-Year Anniversary Party. Celebrate the new season with a fashion show featuring lil models from the community.

Then enjoy balloon sculptures, face painting and other surprises to mark Lil Chameleon’s first year in business. 11am–1pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com. ✪ Fall Festival and Halloween Train Show. See a festive model train display, go through a Halloween Crazy Maze, meet Louie the T-Rex, plus enjoy music, face painting and more. Check website for complete schedule. Saturdays and Sundays, 11am–4pm, today – Oct. 28. Open Columbus Day. For all ages. $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under; Includes admission to the Conservatory. Reservations not required. Lasdon Park & Arboretum, 2610 NY-35, Katonah.

914–864–7263. lasdonpark.org. ✪ Family Art Project: Raptors Take Flight. See Get Crafty page 42.

✪ First Saturday Art Workshop. Drop in for a hands-on art workshop led by an arts and crafts specialist.

11am–1pm. Free with $7 museum admission. Children 12 months and under free. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

✪ Harvest Fest 2018. Enjoy farm demonstrations and tours, hayrides, cooking activities, crafts, live music and seasonal fare from local vendors. This fundraiser supports Stone Barns Center’s mission to create a healthy and sustainable food system that benefits us all. 10am–3pm. For all ages. $60 adults, $25 children 2-14, children under 2 free.

Reservations required. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture,

630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills.

914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter. org.

✪ Hawk Day. See #AnimalEncounters page 40.

✪ Heritage Applefest.

Celebrate Hudson Valley harvests at this fun fall event. Featuring live music, sweet and hard cider sampling and press-your-own cider, as well as family games and activities. The Historic House Museum is open to explore at your own pace. Rain date Oct. 13.

9am–4pm. For all ages. Pay-whatyou-wish admission. Reservations not required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison.

914–265–3638. boscobel.org.

✪ Honey & Harvest Weekend. Celebrate the Edible Academy’s bounty with a cornucopia of harvest traditions.

Learn about bees and honey with a live hive viewing, sample honey and watch cooking demonstrations. 10am–6pm today and Oct. 7, 8. For all ages.

Included in 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.

THEATRE SUN, OCT 14, 2018 @ 11AM & 1:30PM Cailin wants a puppy for her 10th birthday - but is she responsible enough to take care of one? Find out in this heartwarming musical. Lyrics by Jeff Eisenberg, Book by Bruce J. Robinson, and directed by Rachel Black Spaulding. Ages 4-8

THE REAL WICKED WITCHES OF HALLOWEEN HILLS SUN, OCT 28, 2018 @ 11AM & 1:30PM A funny one–hour family musical filled with loveable witches and Halloween goblins by Broadway’s John Treacy Egan and Robert Hager. Ages 5-10.

SUN, DEC 16 @ 2PM & 5PM | SAT, DEC 22 @ 3PM & 7PM Please join us for the world premiere of a special family adaptation of the seasonal ballet favorite, by renowned choreographer Carole Alexis.

Featuring Westchester professional dance company Ballet des Amériques, Alexis’ hour-long Nutcracker Dream, is inspired by the work of Marius Petipa and Rudolf Nureyev.

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO

EMELIN.ORG | 914.698.0098

● ✪ Kids’ Workshop: Fireboat. See Get Crafty page 42.

● ● Mixed Media Workshop. Kids learn about mixed media and make a craft.

With artist Theresa Holodack.

10am. Ages 4 and up. Preregistration required. Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers. 914–375–5100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

✪ The Music of U2 for Kids. Children of all ages can enjoy an introduction to the music of Irish rock band U2 through games, movement and stories thanks to this concert series from The Rock and Roll Playhouse. 11:30am &

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

Calendar October //

= Halloween Events

3pm today. For all ages. $15 in advance, $17 at the door, kids under 1 free. Reservations not required. Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 914–937–4126. thecapitoltheatre.com/garcias-list.

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

8 Monday

✪ Pumpkin Picking

✪ Boo at the Zoo. See Halloween Highlights page 38.

Weekend. Take your pick from the patch at Muscoot, plus enjoy music, games and hayrides.

Noon–3pm today and Oct. 7, 8.

For all ages. Fees for pumpkins and other activities. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org.

✪ Falconry Presentation:

Louise Hutchison/Warwick Applefest

Face painting, kids’ activities and apples galore make the Warwick Applefest on Oct. 14 a delicious family tradition.

✪ Warwick Children’s Book Festival. Celebrate children’s literacy during this day devoted to the written word. Discover new books and talk with those who create them. Plus, enjoy a concert, make a craft and get your face painted. Rain location is the Warwick Valley Middle School. 11am–4pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Railroad Ave., Warwick, NY. warwickchildrensbookfestival. org.

7 Sunday

✪ Brick or Treat! Jump

inside the world’s spookiest box of LEGO® bricks at the only Halloween Party that’s built for kids! There are activities around every creepy corner, including a spooky scavenger hunt, a haunted MINILAND takeover and boo-tiful photo ops. 10am–7pm today and Oct. 14, 21, 28, 31; 10am–9pm Oct. 13, 20, 27. For all ages. Admission: $23.95 and up. Children under 3 free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers.

866–243–0770. westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

✪ Creatures of the Night. Meet some nocturnal animals and find out why they only come out at night, using their senses to navigate a mysterious

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Saturdays and Sundays, 10am– 4pm, until Oct. 31. For all ages.

Reservations not required. PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens, 700 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914–253–3150. pepsico.com/sculpture-gardens.

Warwick Applefest

✪. A is for Applefest! This one-day event draws thousands of people to the village of Warwick. Featuring dozens of craft and food vendors, music and entertainment on several stages, a children’s carnival, pony rides and more. It’s a day of fun for everyone.

9am–5pm Oct. 14. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required.

Village streets and parks, Warwick, NY. warwickapplefest.com.

nocturnal world. 1–2pm. For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914–723–3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

✪ Family Fun Day. There’s something for everyone! Enjoy a day of dance, theater arts and circus arts, along with music, arts and crafts, healthy snacks and other surprises. 10am–2pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 914–631–3390. tarrytownmusichall.org. ✪ Home of the “Legend.” Take a spooky tour of Washington Irving’s cottage.

Create Halloween-themed art, explore the grounds on a literature-themed scavenger hunt, play historic games, pose for an eerie photo and take in a shadow puppet performance. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–3:30pm,

Westchester Family | October 2018

until Oct. 28. For all ages. $16 adults, $12 children 3-17, children under 3 free. Reservations required. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 W. Sunnyside Ln., Tarrytown. 914–366–6900. hudsonvalley.org.

● ● Music & Munchkins Dance Party. Wear your dancing shoes and a smile for a morning of fun and songs featuring guest entertainer Steve Epstein. Pancakes and cereal served. 10–11am. For ages 1-5. $14. Pre-registration requested.

Walk-ins welcome. Stamford JCC, 1035 Newfield Ave., Stamford, Conn.

203–322–7900. stamfordjcc.org.

Skyhunters in Flight. Watch hawks, falcons and owls sharpen their hunting skills during an exciting outdoor flight demonstration. Hear about the ancient sport of falconry and see live raptors from around the world. 1pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free.

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

✪ Fall Festival and Halloween Train Show. See Oct. 6 ✪ The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See page 31. ✪ Migration Information Station. Look out over the Hudson River to see raptors and other birds soaring over Wave Hill during peak fall migration.

Try to stump a naturalist with your birding questions and find out which birds stay and which birds go. 11am–1pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

✪ Monday Opening. The ✪ PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. Art and nature come together on the grounds of PepsiCo’s corporate headquarters.

Explore the sculpture collection consisting of works by major twentieth century artists, plus enjoy the gardens, which are an art form in their own right.

New York Botanical Garden is open to visitors on this holiday Monday. Explore all that the world-famous 250-acre landscape has to offer. 10am–6pm. For all ages. All-Garden Pass: $28 adults, $12 children 2-12, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. New York Botanical

SKI - SNOWBOARD - TENNIS - SWIM - SKATEBOARDS

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

● ● Story Time. Look, listen and have fun with picture books! Enjoy story time and open-play at Lil Chameleon – at no charge! 9:45–10:15am. For ages 2-6. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

9 Tuesday

✪ Dig! Plant! Grow!: Goodnight, Garden. Learn how to collect and save vegetable seeds and create a seed packet to take home. Join Edible Academy green thumbs in the garden to rake, mulch and prepare for the winter season ahead! Tuesdays – Saturdays, 1:30–5:30pm, Sundays, 10am–5:30pm, today – Nov. 4. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $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.

● ● Studio Tots: Upcycled Sculptures. Using paper towel rolls, buttons, newspapers and more, let your imagination run wild and build a city, a robot or a car! 10–11am. For ages 2-5 with caregiver. $15. Pre-registration recommended. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn.

203–438–4519. aldrichart.org.

10 Wednesday

● ✖ Ballet des Ameriques’ Westchester Wednesday Dance. Treat yourself to a night of vibrant culture!

Witness the original work of the Ballet des Amériques, the Tarrytown Music Hall’s dance company in residence. 7pm. $20-$35. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 914–631–3390. tarrytownmusichall.org.

● ● Storytime for Toddlers. Meet in the Early Explorers space for stories, music, movement and art. This month, explore underwater environments. 11:30am–noon today and Oct. 24. Ages 1-4.

Free with 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.

11 Thursday

● ● Rock Out With

Spencer. An interactive music class for preschoolers teaching things like melody and tempo, physical and spatial awareness and vocabulary and counting. 10:30–11am.

For ages 1-5. Reservations not required. Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave., Harrison. 914–835–0324. harrisonpl.org.

12 Friday

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✪ Family

Campfire. Play nature games, learn about crepuscular and nocturnal animals, hear Native American stories and make s’mores over the fire. Take chairs and a blanket. 6–8pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers. 914–968–5851. parks.westchestergov.com.

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

Education staff lead a short hands-on activity. Fridays, Noon–2pm, until Oct. 26. For all ages. Reservations not required. John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah. 914–666–7004. johnjayhomestead.org.

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October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

37

Calendar October //

● ✖ Scared by the Sound Haunted House. A haunted house that’s not for the faint of heart! Walk through highly detailed Halloween-related scenes designed to bring you face-to-face with your worst fears and phobias. A terrifying cast of characters add to this hair-raising visit to Playland after dark. Fridays, 8–11pm, Saturdays, 7–11pm, Sundays, 7–10pm, today – Oct. 28. Recommended for ages 10 and up. $20. Reservations required. Playland Park, 1 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–813–7010. scaredbythesound.com. ● ● Scary Stories on the Farm. Big kids can listen to spooktacular tales by the fire. 7–8pm. For ages 10 and up.

Pre-registration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah.

914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org. ● ● ● Tot Shabbat. Hip-hop with Bobby Doowah and his fun and engaging Shabbat music program. Program is followed by challah, matzah ball soup and a story. 4pm. For ages 7 and under. Reservations not required. Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry. 914–693–6100. chabadrt.org.

Halloween Highlights

one’s curiosity and imagination.

9:30–10:15am today and Oct. 19, 26. For ages 1-4 with caregiver.

Pay-what-you-wish admission.

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

= Halloween Events

● ✪ All Together Now:

38

From “Halloweekend” at the Hudson River Museum to “Boo at the Zoo,” celebrate Halloween this month with some ghoulishly good activities.

✪ Boo at the Zoo. Get in the Halloween spirit during this New York tradition. Go for a spooky hayride, meet birds up close, see a magic show, look for interesting pumpkin carvings, do a craft and much more. Then show off your Halloween best in the costume parade.

Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5:30pm, until Oct. 28. Open Columbus Day. For all ages. Included with admission. $36.95 adults, $26.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., University Heights.

718–220–5100. bronxzoo.com. ✪ Giant Pumpkin Weekend. Be awed by monstrous pumpkins from around the country—some weighing in at more than a ton! Meet the growers and enjoy photo ops with these giant gourds, on display through Halloween. 10am–6pm Oct. 20 and 21. For all ages. Included in 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.

13 Saturday

Family Workshop. Get silly and spontaneous together for an afternoon you won’t soon forget!

Learn about improv with creative games, exercises and activities for the whole family. 2–3:30pm.

For families with children ages 7 and up. $30. Pre-registration required. The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd., Rye. 914–967–0700. ryeartscenter.org.

Jason Green

✪ Bring the Kids: Second Saturdays. Enjoy a familyfocused tour of the Historic House Museum with hands-on activities.

Then, take a break with a snack and bring the memories home

Westchester Family | October 2018

718–817–8700. nybg.org.

✪ Halloweekend. Celebrate the spookiest weekend of the year with fun programs and projects! On Saturday, take part in galaxy pumpkin painting and create Halloween characters to decorate your home. On Sunday, don’t miss a magical performance with Magic by Kathie. Check website for other activities and schedule. 1–4pm Oct. 27 and 28. For all ages. Free with 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. ✪ Halloween Party with Wolves. Celebrate Howl-oween with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr. Enjoy holiday-appropriate treats.

Costumes strongly encouraged! 11am & 2pm Oct. 27 and 28. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org.

with a special craft. This month’s theme is Leaf Rubbing. 9:30– 11:30am. For all ages. $11. Preregistration required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914–265–3638.

boscobel.org.

✪ Fall Festival. A whole day of family fun featuring a birds of prey demonstration and live animals program, storytelling, a pumpkin

Join us at walk.jdrf.orgƍ -'5)2QH:DON patch, kids’ activities, live music and food. Noon–5pm. For all ages. $10. Children 3 and under free.

Reservations not required. Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary.org.Â

as a box to carry projects home.

All supplies included. 10am–noon (ages 6–9) and 12:30–2:30pm (ages 9–12). $35. Reservations required. The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd., Rye. 914–967–0700. ryeartscenter.org.Â

âœŞÂ Family Harvest Festival. A fun-filled day of activities to help the Alcott School celebrate 50 years! Enjoy hayrides, a maze, face painting, slime decorating, a pumpkin patch, balloon art and more. 11am–4pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Pascone Park, Ashford Ave., Ardsley. ardsleyvillage.com.

� ✖ Mother/Parent & Son

â—? â—? âœŞÂ Family Tour: Pin Drawings. Take a closer look at “A River Is a Drawingâ€? and make your own pin-like drawings with toothpicks. 1:30pm & 2:30pm. Ages 3 and up. Free with 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.Â

âœŞÂ Kids in the Kitchen: I Fantasmi. Get ready for Halloween with these fun little ghosts! Fill your mini pies with chocolate and then top with powdered sugar and chocolate chip eyes to create this spooky treat. 12:30pm. For all ages. $40 children; $65 adult and child; $40 per additional person. Preregistration required. Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Pl., Tuckahoe.

914–771–8700. wiccny.org.Â

� � Learn About Bats. Go on a night hike to learn all about these winged creatures and why they are great to have around! 7–8pm. For ages 8 and up. Pre-registration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org. � Let’s Fold Paper: Simple Origami Made Fun! Learn the art of Japanese paper folding.

Create figures including animals, hats, bookmarks and birds, as well

Join us at walk.

Join Joinususat walk.jdrf.orgĆŤ at walk.jdrf.orgĆŤ -'5)2QH: -'5)2QH:DON -'5)2QH:DON

Join us at walk.jdrf.orgĆŤ Join us at walk.jdrf.orgĆŤ -'5)2QH:DON -'5)2QH:DON

Game Show Night. Spend quality time together while competing in fun trivia and wacky challenges presented by the JCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expert MCs and game masters. A child-friendly dinner served. Aunts and grandmothers also welcome! 6:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8pm. For =Qb]PS` & moms/parents and sons ages & =Qb]PS` =Qb]PS` & 5-10. $45 per â&#x20AC;&#x153;couple,â&#x20AC;? $5 per 3[^W`S 1Wbg 1OaW\] Ob G]\YS`a @OQSeOg additional child. Pre-registration G]\YS`a <G 3[^W`S 1Wbg 1OaW\] Ob G]\YS`a @OQSeOg

required. Stamford JCC, 1035 =Qb]PS` 3[^W`S 1Wbg 1OaW\] Ob G]\YS`a @OQSe & & =Qb]PS` Newfield Ave., Stamford, Conn.

G]\YS`a <G G]\YS`a <G 203â&#x20AC;&#x201C;322â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7900. stamfordjcc.org. 3[^W`S 1Wbg 1OaW\] Ob G]\YS`a @OQSeOg

=Qb]PS` & & =Qb]PS`

3[^W`S 1Wbg 1OaW\] Ob G]\YS`a @OQSeOg G]\YS`a <G G]\YS`a <G

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â&#x153;ŞÂ Pound Ridge Harvest Festival. A celebration of local food and culture. The kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pavilion features a root beer garden, face painting, fun games, contests and more!

1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6pm. For all ages. Fees for parking and some activities.

Reservations not required. Pound Ridge Town Park, 179 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge. 914â&#x20AC;&#x201C;764â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3987. poundridgeharvestfestival.com.Â

G]\YS`a <G â&#x20AC;&#x153;WE SPECIALIZE IN BEGINNERSâ&#x20AC;?

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14 Sunday

â&#x153;ŞÂ Apple Cidering. In this mouth-watering program, use an old-fashioned screw press to make apple cider.

Plus, learn about the colonial experience of cider making and get a taste, too! 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm.

For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914â&#x20AC;&#x201C;723â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org. â&#x153;ŞÂ Family Art Class: Plastic Bag Art. Turn a major source of pollution into a work of art!

Transform single-use plastic bags into a Hudson River masterpiece embellished with embroidery thread, natural and art materials.

1:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $7 adults, $4 children

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

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At Equalize Fitness One Odell Plaza, Yonkers (Exit 9 off Saw Mill River Pkwy)

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

Wed. Oct. 24, 2018 & Wed. Jan. 30, 2019 from 9-11am Please contact us for information or to schedule a tour

Visit us at www.ihmscarsdale.org Mrs. Teresa Sopot, Principal

201 Boulevard, Scarsdale, NY 10583 â&#x20AC;˘ 914-723-5608

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

39

Calendar October //

✪ Family Art Project: Papermaking with Lavender. Use vats of luscious, violet-colored cotton and abaca pulp to make paper from scratch.

Sprinkle in a few lavender buds for marvelous texture and scent.

10am–1pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free.

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

● ● ● ✪ Family Sundays: Halloween Mural. Paint the night sky and collage with Halloween shapes. Class begins with a demonstration of the art project, which is designed for an adult and child working together.

3–4pm. For ages 18 months-8 years. $35 per child, adults free.

Pre-registration required. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914–723–9229. youngatartworkshop.com. ● ✪ Fungus Among Us. Learn about the fascinating world of mushrooms and fungi and their importance in our local forests. 10am. For ages 5 and up. $10 adults, $7 children. Sameday admission to the Wildlife Education Center is free after paid attendance to this program.

Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall.

845–534–5506. hhnm.org.

✪ Harvest Festival. See City Picks page 43.

● ● My Perfect Pet. Cailin wants a puppy for her 10th birthday, but is she responsible and mature enough to receive such a special gift? Find out in this heart-warming musical.

11am & 1:30pm. Ages 4-8. $20 adults, $15 children. Reservations required. Emelin Theatre, 153

40

Library Ln., Mamaroneck. 914–698– 0098. emelin.org.

✪ Pumpkin Carving. Marvel at elaborate Halloween-themed carvings on the pumpkins at Stew Leonard’s and then pick out your own to carve at home. 10am–4pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Stew Leonard’s, 1 Stew Leonard Dr., Yonkers. 914–375– 4700. stewleonards.com. ● Science Sunday. Drop in for hands-on science exploration, with a different theme every month. Check website for time.

Recommended for ages 7 and up. Free with $7 museum admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

✪ Warwick Applefest. See Editor’s Pick page 36.

15 Monday

● ● Mother Goose Monday. Playful rhymes, songs and puppetry for little librarygoers. 10–10:20am & 10:45– 11:05am today and Oct. 22, 29. For infants and toddlers. Reservations not required. Rye Free Reading Room, 1061 Boston Post Rd., Rye. 914–967–0480. ryelibrary.org.

16 Tuesday

✪ Alamo For All. A sensoryfriendly movie program for young families and guests with special needs. Shows have no age restrictions, noise is allowed, lights are turned up, sound is turned down and adaptive technology is welcome. Check website for specific movies and showtimes. Tuesdays, before 2pm. For all ages. $9. Reservations required. Alamo Drafthouse, 2548 Central Park Ave., Yonkers.

914–226–3082. drafthouse.com.

17 Wednesday

✪ May We All Grow Up To Be Children. Childhood

Westchester Family | October 2018

#AnimalEncounters

3-18, children under 3 free.

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

= Halloween Events

CT’s Beardsley Zoo

Take it slow with Jabba the Sloth on International Sloth Day at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on Oct. 20.

✪ Hawk Day. Take binoculars and join the Hudson River Audubon Society on the great lawn in front of the mansion to search for Broad-wing hawks heading south on their migration to South America. Watch a live hawk demonstration at 1pm.

10am–2pm Oct. 6. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not required. Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers.

914–968–5851. parks.westchestergov.com.

✪ International Sloth Day. Did you know sloths are the world’s slowest mammals? Get a glimpse of two-toed sloths and learn more about them in the Rainforest exhibit. If they are hiding, here’s a hint: look up! 10:30am–3:30pm Oct. 20. For all ages. Zoo admission: $15 adults, $12 children 3-11, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 203–394–6565. beardsleyzoo.org.

✪ Vulture Culture: A Live Bird Presentation. Observe vultures and other scavenging birds of prey and hear about their adaptive (and somewhat cringe-worthy) behaviors. 2pm Oct. 20 and 21. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

wonder and the loving bond between children and their “imaginary” friends are on display in this exhibit in the art gallery.

Features original illustrations from the forthcoming book

Arthur and Bun-Bun: Adventures With Tut. Wednesdays – Sundays, 10am–4pm, until Nov. 26. For all ages. Free with $7 museum admission. Children 12 months and under free. Reservations not

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

18 Thursday

● ✖ Phantom. It’s the classic story of the Phantom and a young pupil named Christine.

Their relationship becomes obsessive and impossible, leading to a stunning conclusion. This version of Phantom is more of a traditional musical with dialogue and songs throughout.

Wednesdays – Sundays, until Nov. 25. Check website for showtimes.

Recommended for ages 10 and up. $59-$89. Reservations required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plz., Elmsford. 914–592–2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

19 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. Fridays, 11–11:30am.

Ages 2-4. Free with $7 museum admission. Children 12 months and under free. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org. ● ● ✪ Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. Have a ghoulishly good time at Lyndhurst with this nighttime theater performance! Take a journey through the seasonally decorated mansion as you try to solve a fun mystery - the Pharaoh’s Curse.

Today and Oct. 20, 21, 25-28, and 31. Check website for times. For school-aged children and older. $25 adults, $20 children under 12.

Reservations required. Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown.

914–631–4481. lyndhurst.org.

20 Saturday

✪ Big Apple Circus. See City Picks page 43.

✪ Boo Walk. Wear your costume and enjoy a trail of hidden Halloween tricks and treats. Walk takes 20-30 minutes. Noon–3pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org. ● ✪ Decomposer Detectives Family Walks. Grab a magnifying glass and become a Decomposer Detective! Learn all about how organisms help break down dead leaves, wood and other organic matter. Wear closed-toed shoes and appropriate clothing for a woodland adventure! 11am & 2pm today and Oct. 21. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Admission is free until noon today. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon on Saturday. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx.

718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

✪ Drop-In and Create: Mask-making Workshop. See Get Crafty page 42.

✪ Fall Festival. Celebrate fall among the beautiful changing leaves with arts and crafts, nature games and music.

Noon–4pm. For all ages. $10 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required. Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers. 914–968–5851. parks.westchestergov.com. ✪ Giant Pumpkin Weekend. See Halloween Highlights page 38. ✪ International Sloth Day. See #AnimalEncounters page 40.

✪ The Laurie Berkner Band’s Monster Boogie Halloween Concert. See City Picks page 43.

Your online resource for all things parenting WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting. Visit us online today!

WestchesterFamily.com

✪ Revolutionary War Encampment. Step back October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

41

Calendar October //

= Halloween Events

in time to commemorate the 1776 Battle of Pell’s Point. Watch musket demonstrations, dance to period music, take part in crafts and historic children’s games and see dozens of re-enactors representing the armies of the Revolutionary War. 10am–4pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon. 914–667–4116. nps.gov.

Community: A Day for All Ages. Celebrate the planet with a day of fun, environmentally conscious activities! Help make a large-scale and mixed-media river out of natural and art materials and create recycled fashion. Move to some Caribbean beats and watch a Riverdance.

Noon–5pm. For all ages. Free with 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.

✪ Song of the Mermaid. See City Picks page 43.

Joshua Bright

✪ Spooky Stories

● ● ● Third Saturdays. See the latest in contemporary art and participate in a family workshop - for free! Use inspiration from the exhibition “The Way There and Back” as you build your own shoe design using modeling compound. 10am–noon (ages 2–5) & 1–3pm (ages 6–10).

Reservations not required. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn.

203–438–4519. aldrichart.org. ● ● Tours for Tots. Take an age-appropriate tour of the museum’s current exhibitions.

Tours conclude with a sensory activity to help children put what they learned into practice.

Noon–1pm. For parents with young babies and toddlers. $15 adults, children free. Reservations not required. Hudson Valley MOCA, 1701 Main St., Peekskill. 914–788– 0100. hudsonvalleymoca.org.

✪ Vulture Culture: A Live Bird Presentation. See #AnimalEncounters page 40.

42

Kids can spread their wings and let their craft puppet take flight during the Family Art Project at Wave Hill on Oct. 6 and 7.

Get Crafty

Hike. What better time of year to learn about the spooky stories of the reservation? Join a naturalist for a hike and tales sure to give you goosebumps!

1pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Rte. 35 and Rte. 121, Cross River. 914–864–8322. parks. westchestergov.com.

✪ Drop-In and Create: Mask-making Workshop. Families learn how to make their own masks using techniques inspired by works in the exhibition “Death is Irrelevant.” 1–4pm Oct. 20 and 27. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, $5 children over 8, children 8 and under free. Reservations not required. Hudson Valley MOCA, 1701 Main St., Peekskill. 914–788–0100. hudsonvalleymoca.org.

✪ Family Art Project: Raptors Take Flight. Make your own movable raptor puppet or windsock resembling the migrating hawks and other raptors circling and gliding above the Hudson River. Let your puppet fly during an outdoor groupsoar. 10am–1pm Oct. 6 and 7. For all ages. Free with admission. $8 adults, $2 children 6-18, children under 6 free. Admission is free until noon on Saturday. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., Bronx. 718–549–3200. wavehill.org.

● ✪ Kids’ Workshop: Fireboat. Build a model fireboat to celebrate National Fire Safety Month. Decorate it with paint and stickers and give it a name. 9am–noon. Recommended for ages 5-12.

FREE. Pre-registration required. Home Depot stores in Mt. Pleasant, Nanuet, New Rochelle, Port Chester, W. Nyack, Yonkers. homedepot.com.

✪ The Year of the Bird Celebration. Join the Bronx River Sound Shore Audubon to learn about nature’s feathered friends. This program is filled with fun, educational hands-on activities including a mini bird walk and feeding of the GNC’s birds of prey.

10am–noon. For all ages. Preregistration required. Greenburgh

Westchester Family | October 2018

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

21 Sunday

● ● ✪ Chagall & Friends Family Day. See City Picks page 43.

✪ The Ecology of

✪ Family Art Project: Wormy, Squirmy Decomposers Parade. Listen to the story Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt and hear about the critters at work beneath the ground. On a tall hat, make a dark and murky ecosystem of insects and decomposers then march in a fall parade. 10am–1pm today and Oct. 21. 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.

● ✪ Family Sundays: Halloween House. Decorate a painted cardboard house with fun holiday decor inside and out. Class begins with a demonstration of the art project, which is designed for an adult and child working together.

3–4:15pm. For ages 5-12. $35 per child, adults free. Preregistration required. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914–723–9229. youngatartworkshop.com.

✪ JDRF One Walk. Help to create a world without type 1 diabetes by participating in this fun, annual walk. The money raised supports life–changing breakthroughs that give hope to everyone impacted by this disease. 9am. For all ages.

Register online to walk in or fundraise for this event. Empire City Casino/Yonkers Raceway, 810

22 Monday

✪ Classic Tours with a Halloween Twist. See Oct. 1. ✪ The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. See page 31.

23 Tuesday

✪ Harry Potter: A History of Magic. See Editor’s Pick page 34.

City Picks

Yonkers Ave., Yonkers. 212–785– 9595. jdrf.org.

● ● ● Nature Strollers. See Oct. 2.

● ● Wear Your Baby Fitness Class. See Oct. 2.

24 Wednesday ✪ Full Moon Wolf

Walk. Hear the symphony of howls from the wolves that call the WCC home while enjoying seasonal treats at the outdoor fire pit. Plus, take a short moonlit walk to visit Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and Nikai! Take flashlights. 6pm. For all ages. $20.

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

914–753–2373. nywolf.org.

✪ Trick-or-Treat at Stew Leonard’s. A chance for some early trick-or-treating!

Children can dress in costume and pick up a map at customer service to lead them to treats throughout the store. 4–6pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Stew Leonard’s, 1 Stew Leonard Dr., Yonkers. 914–375–4700. stewleonards.com.

25 Thursday

● Chloe’s Baby Gym. Learn fun and useful ways to play with your little one in baby’s first gym class! Enjoy music, movement games, sensory exploration and play experiences designed with baby’s specific developmental milestones in mind. 11–11:45am.

For babies 2-9 months. $20 per

Courtesy of K’Arts Ballet

See a familiar story told in a beautiful ballet at “Song of the Mermaid” at the New York City Center.

✪ Big Apple Circus. The Big Top tent is back in the Big Apple! See the world’s most acclaimed circus performers, including flying trapeze acts, aerialists and jugglers, plus clowns, horses, dogs and more. Oct. 21, 24-29, 31. Check website for schedule. For all ages. $35-$175. Reservations required. Lincoln Center Damrosch Park, 60 Lincoln Center Plz., New York. 212–247–2330. bigapplecircus.com.

and The Laurie Berkner Band boogie on down to holiday jams and hits such as “We Are The Dinosaurs” and “Pig on Her Head.” Everyone is encouraged to come in costume and take a stuffed animal (for their heads!). 3pm Oct. 20. For all ages. $39.

Infants under 1 seated on laps are free.

Reservations required. The Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64th St., New York. 212–874–5210. nysec.org.

● ● ✪ Chagall & Friends Family Day. Create whimsical collage books and playful mobiles in a giant art workshop.

Paint in the Museum’s studio and collaborate on a cityscape with floating images. Plus, live music and a chance to see Marc Chagall’s masterworks on a gallery tour. 11am–4pm Oct. 21. For ages 3 and up. Free with museum admission. $18 adults, children 18 and under free.

Reservations not required. The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St., New York.

212–423–3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

✪ The Laurie Berkner Band’s Monster Boogie Halloween Concert. It’s a Halloween tradition!

Kids’ music superstars Laurie Berkner class. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ Revenge of the Space Pandas. Middle school performers from Theater O put

✪ Harvest Festival. Celebrate fall with live musical performances, pumpkin decorating, face painting, kite flying (take your own or make on-site), crafts, games and more. Noon–4pm Oct. 14. For all ages.

FREE. Reservations not required. Randall’s Island. 212–860–1899. randallsisland.org.

✪ Song of the Mermaid. A fantasy ballet from Korea based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen story The Little Mermaid. Watch the harrowing love story of a mermaid and prince unfurl before your very eyes! 8pm Oct. 20; 2pm Oct. 21. For all ages. $25-$95. Reservations required. New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St., New York.

212–581–1212. nycitycenter.org.

on this insane comedy about intergalactic travel by renowned playwright David Mamet. 7pm today and Oct. 26, 27. For all ages. $10. Reservations not required. Bethany Arts Community, 40 Somerstown Rd., Ossining.

914–944–4278. theatero.org.

26 Friday

● ✖ Horseman’s Hollow. See Oct. 5.

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

43

Calendar October //

= Halloween Events

● ✖ Irving’s “Legend.” See Oct. 5. ● ● ✪ Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities. See Oct. 19. ● ✖ Scared by the Sound Haunted House. See Oct. 12.

✪ Spooktacular Night Walks. Stay behind in the zoo while everyone else leaves! Get a visit from some creepy, crawly animal guests then enjoy a pizza dinner. As the sun sets, head out on a night walk in the zoo to see what happens when the gates close. 5–7pm today and Oct. 27.

For all ages. $45. Reservations required. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx. 718–220–5100. bronxzoo.com. ✪ Spooky Pumpkin Nights. Come dressed in your favorite costume, take a flashlight and go on a nighttime adventure to explore the Spooky Pumpkin Garden’s scarecrow and pumpkin displays. Decorate a bag and collect wholesome goodies.

6:30–8:30pm today and Oct. 27.

For all ages. $25. Reservations required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718–817–8700. nybg.org. ● Stroller Tour: Creative Community Fridays. Enjoy a lively conversation inspired by the art on view, then nosh on light snacks while socializing with newly-made friends. Crying babies welcome and activities provided for older siblings.

9:30–10:30am. For parents and caregivers with 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.

● ✖ The Unsilent Picture. See Oct. 5.

44

NPS

Be transported back to Revolutionary War times at St. Paul’s Church in Mount Vernon on Oct. 20.

27 Saturday

✪ Aqua-Scarium. There’s no trick about this treat: kids in costume get in free at the aquarium the weekend before Halloween. Plus, enjoy special activity stations throughout the ghoulishly decorated AquaScarium. 10am–5pm today and Oct. 28. For all ages. $24.95 adults. Free for children 3-12 with each paying adult, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn.

203–852–0700. maritimeaquarium. org.

✪ Family Art Project: Día de los Muertos. Take part in this special Mexican cultural holiday by making retablos (small boxes filled with meaning and purpose to honor a loved one).

Decorate your box with objects and natural materials. 10am–1pm today and Oct. 28. For all ages.

Free with admission. $8 adults,

Westchester Family | October 2018

$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.

✪ Good Deed of the Month Club. Meet in the Book Nook for a kindness-themed book reading and discussion followed by a good deed project. Club meets every fourth Saturday of the month. 11am–noon. For all ages. Free with $7 museum admission. Children 12 months and under free. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–421–5050. discoverwcm.org.

✪ Halloweekend. See Halloween Highlights page 38. ✪ Halloween Boo Bash. Wear your costume for the Best Costume Contest, go on a candy hunt and make a bat craft while learning about

these fascinating creatures.

Refreshments served. 1–3:30pm.

For all ages. $4 per child. Preregistration required by October 19. Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard St., North White Plains. 914–428–1005. parks. westchestergov.com.

✪ Halloween Party with Wolves. Celebrate Howl-oween with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr. Enjoy holiday-appropriate treats.

Costumes strongly encouraged!

11am & 2pm today and Oct. 28. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914–753–2373. nywolf.org. ✪ Howl-o-ween Spook-tacular. Wear your costume for this self-guided walk through a spooky trail. Learn about some of the local “scary” animals, make a bat craft and enjoy candy and refreshments

in the decorated nature center.

1–3pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers. 914–968–5851. parks.westchestergov.com.

✪ “I Spy” Scavenger Haunt. Find all of the objects cleverly hidden along the “I Spy” Halloween Trail. Visit the Witch’s Workshop for more Halloween fun and then make and take a holiday craft. Costumes encouraged!

11am–3pm today and Oct. 28. For all ages. $10 adults, $8 children 3 and up, children under 3 free. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845–534– 5506. hhnm.org.

✪ Marshlands Halloween Spooktacular. Spooky stories and snacks, followed by a hike to learn about the misunderstood fears about plants and animals in the wild. 1–3pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Marshlands Conservancy, Rte. 1, Rye. 914–835–4466. parks. westchestergov.com. ✪ The Music of Phish for Kids. Children of all ages can enjoy an introduction to the music of rock band Phish through games, movement and stories thanks to this concert series from The Rock and Roll Playhouse.

11:30am & 3pm. For all ages. $15 in advance, $17 at the door, kids under 1 free. Reservations not required. Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 914–937–4126. thecapitoltheatre.com/garcias-list.

✪ Puppet Show: Turtle’s Wetland Quest. Blanding the turtle is in search of a new, safe wetland habitat after a road is built between her pond and the place where she lays her eggs. When she meets Castor the Beaver, she sees a way that her problem

may be solved! Presented by puppeteer Deborah Costine.

1pm. For all ages. Pre-registration required. Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914–967–8720. friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary.org.

28 Sunday

✪ Big Apple Circus. See City Picks page 43.

✪ Boo at the Zoo. Enjoy a spooktacular afternoon of harvest hayrides, crafts, story time, cool critters and candy! Noon–3pm.

For all ages. Zoo admission: $15 adults, $12 children 3-11, children under 3 free. Children in costume, accompanied by one paying adult, admitted free. Fee for hayrides. Reservations not required. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. 203–394–6565. beardsleyzoo. org. ✪ Pumpkins and Painted Faces. Have fun sculpting pumpkins and enjoy creative face painting. 1pm.

For all ages. Included with admission: $18 adults, $8 children 5-18, children 4 and under free.

Reservations not required. Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Rd., Mountainville. 845–534–3115. stormking.org. ● The Real Wicked Witches of Halloween Hills. A funny and lively one–hour family musical filled with loveable witches and Halloween goblins. Come dressed in your costumes and meet the performers after the show.

11am & 1:30pm. Ages 5-10. $20 adults, $15 children. Reservations required. Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln., Mamaroneck. 914–698– 0098. emelin.org.

✪ Trick-or-Treat on the Farm & Ick Fest at Overbrook. Follow clues around the farm to different animal locations and find some goodies for your trick-or-treat

bag! Visit Heckscher WILD! for a chance to meet some cool creepy crawlies and stop by the Overbrook Nature Center building for self-guided crafts and a slime table! 1–2:30pm.

For all ages. $5 per family plus gate admission ($12 adults, $6 children 4-17, children 3 and under free). Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

✪ Weekend Admission.

Experience what’s happening on the farm! With your one-day admission ticket, explore the farm at your own pace, meet the farmers and take part in activities led by educators. 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. Tickets become available for purchase four weeks in advance. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills. 914–366–6200. stonebarnscenter.org.

29 Monday

● ● Mommy Meetup. See Oct. 1. ● ● Mother Goose Monday. See Oct. 15. ● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. See Oct. 1.

30 Tuesday

✪ Halloween Spectacular: The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig. There are tricks and treats just in time for Halloween in this high-energy illusion show featuring America’s Got Talent star Eric Wilzig. Witness daring escapes and outrageous stunts accompanied by cool music and special effects lighting.

6:15pm (dinner); 8pm (show). For all ages. Dinner and show: $89.

Show only: $55. Reservations

required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plz., Elmsford. 914–592–2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

● ● Spooky Tales. Begin your Halloween festivities with a riveting storytelling performance, followed by a special brew (hot cider) and other ghostly treats (cookies). Come in costume! Prizes given to all! 3:30pm. Ages 3-8. $15 adults, $10 children. Reservations required. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah. 914–232–1252. caramoor.org.

31 Wednesday

✪ Halloween Jam. Dance along to the Groove Band before trick-or-treating. Come in costume and take your own instruments. Treats for all. 4–5pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Sound Shore Market at Kane Park, 2214 US-1, Larchmont.

914–834–3383. findgroove.com.

● ● ● Halloween Party. Join spooky, silly and costumed lil friends to celebrate Halloween with fun games, a shadow hunt, music, snacks and more. 3:30–5:00pm. Ages 1-6. $10. Reservations required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914–346–5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ Halloween at the Farm. Happy Halloween!

Stop by the farm in costume and get a treat. 10am–3:30pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914–864–7286. muscootfarm.org. ✪ Masquarade at the Museum. Trick-or-treat with friends and family, then pose in front of spook-tacular photo backdrops to capture all the pumpkins, pirates and princesses of the night! 5–8pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn.

203–438–4519. aldrichart.org.

October 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

45

Last Bite //

Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops From Dessert’D Organic Cake Shop and ColorKitchen

I

t’s October and that means it’s time for pumpkins. Whip up a batch of Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops for your Halloween party or any seasonal get together. They appeal to kids and adults too!

Makes 3 dozen Pops.

Cake Ingredients 1 stick organic butter, softened 1/2 cup organic sugar 1/3 cup organic dark brown sugar 1 tsp. organic vanilla extract 1/4 cup organic pumpkin 2 organic large eggs 1/2 cup organic milk 1 1/2 cups and 2 tbsp. all natural cake flour 1 1/2 tsp. organic cinnamon 1 tsp. organic ginger 1 tsp. organic cloves 1/2 tsp. organic nutmeg 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. sea salt Frosting Ingredients 1 stick organic butter, softened 2 cups organic powdered sugar, sifted 1 tsp. organic vanilla extract 1-2 tsp. organic milk Coating Ingredients First Color 4 cups organic white chocolate, chopped 4 tsp. ColorKitchen Orange Dye (2 packets) Second Color 1 cup organic white chocolate, chopped 2 tsp. ColorKitchen Green Dye (1 packet) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, add the butter, sugar, dark brown sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined and there are no butter chunks.

3. Add the eggs and pumpkin and mix just slightly.

4. In a separate bowl, add the cake flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder and sea salt and whisk together.

46

Westchester Family | October 2018

Courtesy image

Celebrate autumn with Pumpkin Spice Cake Pops.

5. Add the milk and flour mixture to the mixing bowl and mix on low until combined into a smooth batter.

6. You can bake the cakes in either cupcake pans or in cake pans. It doesn’t matter because you’re going to crush it all up later! If using cupcake pans, line them and fill three-quarters full.

If using cake pans, use three 6-inch pans and line them with parchment paper.

7. Bake for 17 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

8. Once the cakes have cooled, remove from pans or cupcake liners and crush with your hands into a large bowl.

9. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, start the frosting. Add the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk.

10. Put the frosting into the bowl with the cake and crush together with your hands. You don’t want to do this in a mixer because it will over mix.

11. Once the frosting and cake is fully combined, form cake balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

12. Place the baking sheet in the freezer.

13. In a double boiler, melt the 4 cups of white chocolate. Dip the ends of the sticks into the white chocolate, then stick into the cake balls. Place back in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

This will keep the stick from coming out when

you dip the cake pops.

14. Add the orange dye to the white chocolate and stir to combine completely.

15. Remove cake pops from freezer and coat in orange chocolate. Place back on parchment paper.

16. Once all the cake pops are covered in orange chocolate, place them back in the freezer.

17. In a double boiler, melt the remaining white chocolate for the second color. When melted, add the green dye and stir to combine completely.

18. Using a spatula or spoon, drizzle the green chocolate over the cake pops. Store in the fridge.

Dessert’D Organic Cake Shop created this recipe for ColorKitchen. ColorKitchen can add color to any sandwich, cupcake, or drink that’s also artificial dye-free, gluten-free and Non-GMO. The Bend, Oregon company offers artificial dye-free, plant-based powders that can be put in frosting, yogurt, cream cheese, popsicles and drinks and come in Blue, Pink, Yellow, Orange and Green. The colors are generated from spirulina, turmeric and beets. ColorKitchen also makes dye-free sprinkles and has introduced gluten-free Red Velvet and Confetti cake mixes that make a great lunchbox treat. colorkitchenfoods.com.

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