Westchester Family - November 2018

November 2018

Special Section:

Bar/Bat mitzvah Growing Great Families for 28 Years

Birthday Party Etiquette Teach Your Children Well

Meet Laurie Berkner The “Queen” of “Kindie” Rock!

The

Big

Party Issue Complete Guide to Venues & Entertainers

+166

November Activities WestchesterFamily.com

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CONTENTS November 2018 departments

Volume twenty-eight • number 11

features 12

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

Birthday Party Etiquette: Teach Your Children Well

14

Remember the days when families held simple birthday parties in their home? Hot dogs and cake were served, kids played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and guests went home with a small toy probably worth no more than a dollar. Times sure have changed! This has also gone handin-hand with kids these days not having the best manners.

While we do not expect to flash back to the 1950s and have our children address adults as Madam or Sir, it is important for children to say please, thank you, excuse me and to behave properly at a friend’s birthday party.

Laurie Berkner: Whaddaya Think of That?

For more than two decades, Laurie Berkner has been successfully creating children’s music with catchy, engaging, empowering songs, a guitar and soothing vocals. Her music is playful and imaginative and summons your inner superhero. Kids love her. Parents adore her. She keeps us happy ... in the car, in the supermarket and up and down the aisles at her concerts.

24 A Birthday and Bar Mitzvah Celebration

26 Special Places for Your Bar/Bat

Mitzvah Parties

28 How Sweet It Is 29 Mitzvah Project:

A Birthday & Bar Mitzvah Celebration

Mitzvah Project: Do What You Love

Cover Photo Donna Mueller Photography

November 2018

Special Section:

BAR/BAT MITZVAH

on the cover 12

Birthday Party Etiquette

14

Meet Laurie Berkner

Children and Eating Disorders

33

LET’S GO TO ...

The New York Transit Museum Annex at Grand Central Station

50 Last Bite

Dreamy, Crispy Roasted Potatoes

calendar Family Activities for November

35 Top Pick: Peppa Pig Live 38 Editor’s Pick: Celebrate Diwali 40 Editor’s Pick: Butterfly Conservatory 42 Holiday Happenings 44 #AnimalEncounters 45 Film Fun 46 City Picks

16 Party Guide 30 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Listings

How Sweet It Is

Do What You Love

32 ASK THE SPECIALIST

advertising

Special Places for Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties

Photo by Donna Mueller Photography

Recreation Activities for Kids with Special Needs

WestchesterFamily.com

Coming Next Month NAPPA Gift Guide Holiday shopping just got easier now that you know the winners from the 2018 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) competition. NAPPA’s distinguished team of judges - present you with the top children’s gifts to give.

Growing Great Families for 28 Years

Birthday Party Etiquette

16 Our Big Party Issue

Teach Your Children Well

Meet Laurie Berkner The “Queen” of “Kindie” Rock!

The

Big

Party Issue

35

166 Fun November Events

23

Bar/ Bat Mitzvah Section

Complete Guide to Venues & Entertainers

+166

November Activities WestchesterFamily.com

4

Cover Photo Photo by Kristin Larsen Photography kristinlarsenphotography.com

Westchester Family | November 2018

The Dangers of E-cigarettes E-cigarette use is on the rise and pre-teen kids are taking up the habit. Some parents say this is harmless – learn what our expert has to say.

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

Look for it starting November 22!

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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 ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com

Say, Thank You This month the holiday season starts in earnest. As a family you’ll no doubt be attending all manner of events, celebrations, gatherings as well as a birthday party or two. That’s why we’ve included our feature “Birthday Party Etiquette: Teach Your Children Well.” With a light touch Sandi Schwartz diagnoses the bad manners trend, why manners are still important and how you can teach your children polite behavior.

She offers tips on how to make learning etiquette fun as well as a few cute books that can get help get the message home. And good behavior isn’t just for birthday parties. It is necessary at every occasion - even the family dinner table.

Speaking of parties - be sure to read our special bar/bat mitzvah section this month with tips and insights on everything from dessert trends to mitzvah projects.

And if you plan on kicking the holiday season off consider attending The Laurie Berkner Band Holiday Celebration at Tarrytown Music Hall. If you don’t know about Berkner read our feature, “Laurie Berkner: Whaddaya Think of That?” to get clued in. Writer Elena Deutsch-Glantz

Feedback Share your feedback and ideas!

6

Westchester Family | November 2018

explains why Berkner is the queen of “kindie rock” and why parents and little ones adore her.

If holiday shopping and celebrating takes you into New York City read “Let’s Go To … The New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at Grand Central Terminal.” Stacey Pfeffer takes you behind the scenes and unfolds some surprises you can explore in Grand Central Station.

Since we celebrate Thanksgiving this month it seems an appropriate time to thank you, our readers, for turning to Westchester Family during your parenthood journey.

Thank you for stopping by to speak with us at community events, for giving us your valuable feedback, for liking us on Facebook and letting us know how we can help you do your best every day as a parent.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

Email us at edit@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 November contests Infinifun My First Yoga Mat Enter to win this adorable educational toy from KD Kids. Play together as your little yogi builds concentration and body awareness, develops coordination, balance and fine motor skills and learns basic yoga poses with the help of your yoga instructor, BitsyBot. The colorful, interactive yoga mat has 16 soft, touch-sensitive pads and an antislip backing keeps the mat in place while kids play in the three game modes: Learn About Body Parts, BitsyBot’s Challenge and Practice Yoga. Requires three AAA batteries.

For ages 2+. Available on Amazon.

Retail value $49.99. Contest ends November 22, 2018. Enter now at westchesterfamily. com/yoga.

Pendulonium™ STEM Challenge Enter to win Pendulonium STEM Challenge from Learning Resources.

This completely kid-powered educational toy challenges each child’s engineering, problem solving, and critical thinking skills as they experiment with early physics concepts such as force and momentum. A full-color booklet filled with easy-to-build challenges, which also ramp up in difficulty to encourage leveled play and continued development, is included. For children ages 5 and up. Available at Amazon.com.

Retail value $19.99. Contest ends November 22, 2018. Enter now at westchesterfamily.com/stem.

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Bits & Pieces // Fast Facts and Timely Tips

Dig in to delicious hyper-local cuisine at The Whitlock in Katonah during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week.

Chow Down!

12 Signs Kids are Being Bullied Nov. 12 to 16 is Anti Bullying Week.

“Many kids who are victimized by bullying don’t ask for help because they are afraid of being seen as weak or a tattletale, or fear backlash from the bully or rejection by friends,” says Bradley Nelson, DC, author The Emotion Code. “As a result, parents are often the last ones to know.”

Nearly 200 restaurants will be participating in Hudson Valley Restaurant Week that runs from Oct. 29 through Nov. 11, 2018. During the week restaurants will feature their best dishes by way of three-course, prix-fixe lunch ($22.95) and dinner ($32.95) menus.

The majority of participating chefs and restaurateurs use locally sourced ingredients in support of area farms, winemakers, distillers, artisanal producers and purveyors.

Of the nearly 200 participating restaurants, more than 15 restaurants are new to the lineup this year. One of the new restaurants is The Whitlock, which offers hyper-local cuisine in a modern farmhouse atmosphere here in Westchester County.

The complete list of participating restaurants is available at valleytable.com/ hvrw. Reservations are recommended at all Hudson Valley Restaurant Week restaurants.

He shares these 12 warning signs parents should watch for: 1. Emotional upset, anxiety and depression.

2. Frequent headaches and stomachaches.

3. Faking illness.

4. Unexplainable injuries.

5. Changes in eating habits.

6. Poor sleep / frequent nightmares.

7. A drop in school performance.

8. Not wanting to go to school.

9. Sudden loss of friends.

10. Avoidance of social situations.

11. Low self-esteem.

12. Self-destructive behaviors including self-harm, running away, or talking about suicide.

8

Westchester Family | November 2018

Secret Kids Contest Stone Soup magazine and Mackenzie Press, in association with Nancy Gee books, announces an exciting new contest for young writers and illustrators of all ages.

The Secret Kids Contest is a chance for kids between the ages of 5 and 18 to become a published author and see their own book on sale in bookstores and stocked in libraries

across the country. Prizes will be awarded in three entry levels: Elementary, Middle Grade and Teens.

To learn more, and to enter the contest, visit anancygeebook.com and click on Secret Kids Contest.

Submissions will be accepted until Jan. 1, 2019.

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Fab 4 //

Recreation Activities for Kids with Special Needs

By Andrea Worthington There is no shortage of children’s classes in Westchester, but for parents of kids with sensory or physical limitations, finding the right program can be a challenge. Luckily there are activities in our county that cater to kids with special needs. Check out these four programs that go above and beyond to ensure that no child misses out on fun, fitness and making new friends.

Children with special needs have fun during swim therapy classes at Aquabilities with Jennifer.

Bounce It Out BounceU is a children’s recreation space that features inflatables to jump on, slide down, and interact with. They are known for their birthday parties and open bounce sessions. They have recently launched a Bounce Therapy program in collaboration with Miriam Skydell & Associates, an occupational therapy center.

The program features a small child-to-teacher ratio and aids children in the development of social and physical skills. Kids have fun while gaining independence and physical strength. A support group for parents is offered during the children’s session.

The class meets for an hour once weekly and is grouped by age.

Make a Splash Aquabilities with Jennifer is a renowned swim program with three locations on the border of Westchester County. Depending on their ability and swim level, kids can participate in group swim classes, or, for those who need individualized care, private lessons with one or two instructors who understand spectrum learning and will help to instill the tenets of water safety and swim skills into children of all ages. Aquabilities says swim therapy can bring great benefit to kids due to its freedom of movement, breathing techniques, and therapeutic exercises that take place during instruction. Classes are approximately 30 minutes.

Take a Swing Miracle League of Westchester is an inclusive baseball league that welcomes children of all physical and developmental abilities. Wheelchairs and medical equipment are welcome. Kids not only play ball, but they learn to become a team member and compete in a league sport.

Games take place in Miracle Field, a rubberized cushioned field in Hartsdale that allows for safe play. With more than ten seasons of baseball, the league has blossomed to include more than 700 children and adults. Each team member gets matched with a volunteer buddy to make sure they have fun and stay safe during the games.

Create Music and Art Heartsong is a creative arts therapy program that specializes in music and arts therapy for kids with special needs. Based in White Plains, this center allows children to go beyond the barriers of disabilities through music to stimulate the senses, evoke physiological response, and help those without language to communicate. Kids can also take art therapy, a class that aids in the advancement of motor and social skills. Through artistic expression, children increase their self-awareness, confidence, and emotional development. These 45-minute sessions offer a way for kids to have fun, socialize, and learn in a nurturing environment at their own pace.

BounceU 150 Clearbook Road, Elmsford 914-874-5200 bounceu.com

Aquabilities with Jennifer 20 Barrett Hill Road, Mahopac 5901 Palisade Ave. and 3333 Henry Hudson Pkway, Bronx 347-541-7665 aquabilitieswithjennifer.com

Miracle League of Westchester 287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale 914-522-1547 miracleleagueofwestchester. website.siplay.com

Heartsong 277 Martine Ave., White Plains 914-358-5613 heartsong.org

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Westchester Family | November 2018

- Andrea Worthington owns BabyGot­ Chat.com, featuring resources, advice, and events for infants and toddlers.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Emergent. Progressive. Integrated.

A preschool for children 12 months to 5 years old.

- Small class sizes to optimize learning.

- Two, three, and five day programming available.

- Daily specials and extended day options include Yoga, Music, Farm to Table, Adventures in Art, Spanish, Bookworms, Mad Science, and Gymnastics!

- Dynamic Jr K program to bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten for 4 and 5 year olds.

Apply for 2019 - 2020 today! elizacorwinfrost.org | (914) 779-4852 Hands-on Exhib + day Parties its Outdoor Play Area + Birth

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Stepping Stones Museum for Children is all about learning through PLAY! Every day you’ll find content-rich hands-on exhibits, engaging STEAM-related programs and imaginative environments developed to keep your children’s minds and bodies active all year long.

See for yourself why everyone loves Stepping Stones. Plan your visit today.

17 Sagamore Road Bronxville, NY 10708

• Group swimming lessons • Private individualized sessions • Occupational therapy services for children and adults

www.aquabilitieswithjennifer.com aquabilitieswithjennifer@gmail.com We have been serving children and adults in the Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester and Putnam Counties for over 20 years.

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They spend hours playing and learning.”

– Everett, museum visitor

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November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

11

Birthday Party

Etiquette Teach Your Children Well

By Sandi Schwartz

R

emember the days when families held simple birthday parties in their home?

Hot dogs and cake were served, kids played pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and guests went home with a small toy probably worth no more than a dollar. Times sure have changed!

These days it seems like some birthday parties are a bit over the top - celebrations at country clubs complete with fancy lunch buffets, DJs, Disney or Marvel characters dressed up to entertain the kids, and expensive favors that cost more than most of the gifts the birthday girl or boy receive.

With these types of parties becoming more commonplace, children are growing accustomed to them and unable to appreciate how special they actually are. This has also gone hand-in-hand with kids these days not having the best manners. While we do not expect to flash back to the 1950s and have our children address adults as Madam or Sir, it is important for children to say please, thank you, excuse me and to behave properly at a friend’s birthday party.

Sure, it takes quite a bit of training (and sometimes nagging as well) from the time they speak their first word, but having good manners will help them be happier, kinder, more successful people throughout their lives.

Reasons for the Bad Manners Trend A 2016 survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs found that 74 percent of Americans think manners and behavior have deteriorated in the United States over the past several decades. Interestingly, clear differences between what older Americans and younger Americans consider rude behavior were revealed in the study. For example, almost half of Americans ages 18 to 29 think it perfectly acceptable to use cell phones in

12

Westchester Family | November 2018

Fun Tips You can also use some fun, creative ways to instill good manners in your children.

• Ask them to write real thank you notes (handwritten on paper that will get mailed) after they receive gifts.

• Create a charades-like game by teaching them signals when they need to use better manners, such as tapping the corner of your mouth when they should to use a napkin or putting your pointer finger up to your lips when they need to stop talking and give someone else a turn.

• Make a good manners collage by cutting out words and images that can be hung up as a reminder.

• When they are watching their favorite movies and television shows ask them to point out when the characters are using both good and bad manners.

restaurants, while only 22 percent of those over age 60 agree. This discrepancy indicates a clear trend in how manners and rudeness have changed over generations.

Experts blame technology and busy parents for this trend. When both parents work long hours and children are raised by other caregivers such as nannies and daycare or afterschool staff, they do not receive the same guidance and skills to help them form good manners. It also seems to be widely accepted that teachers do not need to be responsible for giving lessons about manners. That means it’s up to parents to instill these values with the limited time they have with their children. Also, many parents feel guilty about the time they spend at work, so they try to act like their children’s best friend instead of their disciplinarian.

Second, technology gets blamed a lot for kids’ lack of politeness. According to Alex J. Packer, Ph.D., author of the book How Rude!

The Teen Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out, today’s electronic devices and social media lead to a culture of rudeness. Communicating in brief snippets with texts and tweets distorts the intended meaning of words and can cause bad manners. Spending so much time on devices also pulls kids away from personal interaction with adults and their peers.

This means they are not practicing how to speak to others kindly. Finally, when kids communicate through electronics, they have more freedom to be rude since they can be anonymous and removed from the situation.

Why Good Manners Are Important If it’s becoming widely accepted that manners no longer matter, then why should we care whether our kids have good manners at all?

Just because everyone’s doing it, doesn’t mean we should follow the downward trend.

Good manners are still critical to a child’s successful growth and their ability to build positive relationships throughout their lives.

At the core, good manners reflect respect for our self and others. When we say please and thank you we are taking the time to make someone else feel appreciated. Additionally, Dr. Pier Massimo Forni, professor and co-founder of the Civility Project at Johns Hopkins and author of Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct, explains that

Books About Good Manners • Excuse Me: A Little Book of Manners by Karen Katz (Grosset & Dunlap, 2002) • Manners by Aliki (Greenwillow, 1997) • Manners Time by Elizabeth Verdick (Free Spirit, 2009) • May I Please Have a Cookie? by Jennifer Morris (Cartwheel, 2005) • A Mermaid Tea Party (Kindness and Manners) by Sally Huss (Huss, 2015) • My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook (National Center for Youth Issues, 2006) • Penguin Says “Please” by Michael Dahl (Picture Window, 2011) • Richard Scarry’s Please and Thank You Book by Richard Scarry (Random House, 1973) • The Thank You Book (An Elephant and Piggie Book) by Mo Willems (Hyperion, 2016)

it is crucial for children to learn to connect civility with strength and determination. This is achieved through character development in the home, and these positive traits can be applied to other situations in their lives. Our children depend on us to show them how to be trustworthy, considerate and kind to others so that they can take these skills with them throughout school, the workplace and in their relationships.

How To Teach Children Good Party Manners It’s never too early to teach your children good manners, and birthday parties are an excellent training ground. One etiquette expert suggests teaching kids the basics of good manners by the time they reach 8 or 9 years old when they completely understand what respect means.

Some of the main concepts to teach your children include: Interpersonal connection. Give them the skills to be able to communicate and connect with others at the party, including: • Do not interrupt others while they are talking.

• Speak in complete sentences instead of oneword answers.

• Give full attention to someone talking to them, which includes looking them in the eye.

• Smile to appear inviting and interested in what others have to say.

• Keep their hands to themselves.

Using nice words. Teach them how to say “please” when they ask for something and “thank you” when they receive something.

It is also important that they learn to say “sorry” and “excuse me” when appropriate.

Finally, make sure they say “goodbye” and “thank you” at the end of a party.

Proper behavior. Children need to learn proper behavior at parties. Some gracious guest behavior includes: • Follow the directions of adults at the party.

• Be ready to join in the planned activities.

• Do not push or shove others.

• Be careful and respectful at the venue, such as not running around, throwing objects, or jumping on furniture.

• Do not grab food, toys, or other items from other guests without asking nicely first.

• Respect that it’s the birthday child’s special day and they are being celebrated.

• Put away electronics such as phones and iPads.

Mealtime etiquette. Work with your children to develop appropriate behavior when eating at a birthday party, such as: • Sit still and in the chair properly.

• Use utensils and a napkin.

• Take small bites.

• Chew with mouth closed.

• Don’t talk with mouth full.

• Keep elbows off the table.

• Don’t pick food out of teeth in public.

Good sportsmanship. Teach your children to lose gracefully and to always thank their opponent at the end of a game. By focusing on the positive aspects of sports and games such as taking turns, learning new skills, playing as a team and reaching their goals, there will be fewer bad manners when they lose.

Model good manners. Our children are watching us, so it’s critical that we exemplify good manners before and during birthday parties as well.

• Respond to invitations in a timely fashion.

• If you commit to a party but another invitation arrives at a conflicting time, stick to your original commitment even if your child wants to attend the second party. Of course, if the timing works out so you can attend both, that is fine, too.

• Always thank the host and remind your children to do the same as you leave the party.

• Always bring a gift to a child’s birthday party.

• Do not bring an extra child if they are not invited unless you ask the host beforehand and have no other option.

• Be mindful of when you arrive at the party.

If you will be late due to a prior commitment or emergency, let the host know.

• Do not drop your child off and leave unless you have confirmed it is a drop-off party.

• Stay off your phone!

Sandi Schwartz is a freelance writer/blogger and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness and environmental issues.

You can find her at happysciencemom.com and sandischwartz.com.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

13

Laurie Berkner Whaddaya Think of That?

By Elena Deutsch-Glantz

H

ere I am ... on the phone with Laurie Berkner (I’m not worthy!) trying to explain to her why her music is so significant to me and how it is my happiest happy place.

Moms - you can relate, right? Her music carried me through some pretty rough spots as a newbie parent and helped me focus on the joy. That’s because her songs weave easily into our daily parenting routines and family life helping us connect, love a bit deeper, help our children fall asleep a bit faster and sometimes share a laugh at our own or our children’s silliness.

For more than two decades, Laurie Berkner has been successfully creating children’s music with catchy, engaging, empowering songs, a guitar and soothing vocals. Her music is playful and imaginative and summons your inner SUPERHERO. Kids love her. Parents adore her. She keeps us happy ... in the car, in the supermarket and up and down the aisles at her concerts.

It’s her live concerts that generate the most BUZZ BUZZ. If you are part of the under 10 set her show is a hot ticket. It’s one gigantic rootin’ tootin’ sing-a-long with a possible bonus that you can chat with her after the show. Stuffed animals are welcome here and wearing them, or occasionally hurling them, is allowed and appreciated. Saying that her performances are interactive doesn’t quite explain what happens.

Kids respond immediately to her. She sells out concert halls in towns across the country and has kids rockin’ up and out (from their heads to their toes), with singing, dancing, clapping

and the volume turned up. Way up. It’s Laurie Berkner fever.

Berkner says performing live is still exciting for her. “Experiencing the vibration from the music and sharing it in one room is really special.” She loves the meet and greets after the show because she truly loves the connection and the hope of possibly inspiring a lifelong love of music in others.

Laurie Berkner and her band have been recognized for starting the “kindie rock” movement, a folk-rock type music that is not dumbed down for kids. She maintains her relevance and noted “queen” stature with new albums and some re-mixed dance song versions, live music videos, books, writing music for several Off-Broadway musicals and pioneering a preschool music and teacher training program. She has just released her latest project Laurie Berkner’s Song and Story Kitchen, a 10-part series for Audible that has her singing, cooking and storytelling with characters from her songs.

Growing up in Princeton, N.J., Berkner loved music. She was the little girl that put on musicals with her brother and the neighborhood kids. She played various instruments, loved to sing, act things out and dreamed of being on Broadway. Her father was an avid music lover and her greatgrandmother was an opera singer. Berkner chose to major in psychology at Rutgers but enchanted by a vibrant music scene in New Brunswick she maintained her passion performing in local bands. It was never thought she would ultimately make music for kids. She half-jokingly tells me, “I was a cheap

The Laurie Berkner Band A Holiday Celebration Celebrate the season with traditional songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman” plus originals from Berkner’s well-loved album, A Laurie Berkner Christmas. And of course she’ll play many fan favorites too! Performance is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, N.Y. tarrytownmusichall.org.

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Westchester Family | November 2018

replacement for a music teacher,” when hired at Rockefeller University’s Child and Family Center. A neighbor, who worked at this Center and whose child she was babysitting, mentioned they were looking to hire a music teacher. Berkner applied and got the job, though she admits to being initially dazed at how to manage a large group of kids. The previous teacher advised her to just “stop talking” and “sing to them.”

Her beloved song, “We Are the Dinosaurs” was born from Berkner asking the kids what they wanted to sing about. She found success in allowing her students to move and act out whatever they were singing.

“These kids had been using their bodies a lot longer than they had been using words and so music with movement seemed more natural to them and this made a lot of sense to me.”

Berkner enjoyed the immediate positive feedback she got from her students.

She would stay up late at night searching for songs that would capture their attention but found it was quite difficult. Looking for songs to play at school while also performing in a band at night were wearing on her. She decided to just write the songs she needed.

5-4-3-2-1 … Blast Off! When Berkner was working steadily at various schools teaching music to youngsters, parents began to express interest in purchasing the songs to play at home. The Westside YMCA Preschool and Daycare Center, where she had been employed as a music teacher, loaned her money to make 500 cassettes (yes - cassettes). Working from her small apartment she wrote songs and labeled cassettes to sell. “I remember recording every sale on a single piece of graph paper that I carried around with me.” She had written and recorded “Whaddaya Think of That” and “Buzz Buzz” and a few others when a friend that was helping her with marketing said that she needed a business. So she founded Two Tomatoes Records, which eventually allowed her to open a real office.

It is evident in speaking with Berkner that like her songs, she is witty, charming and so darn likable. She cares a lot about

A Q&A with Laurie Berkner Here are some questions that Berkner’s fans submitted via social media, along with her answers. Maybe they’re questions you or your child would ask too.

Q: Where did you play your first concert?

A: I am pretty sure that my first concert for kids was a benefit for a preschool on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. A parent who had my first cassette, Whaddaya Think of That? suggested we raise money together for the school. At the time I was also performing in a couple of rock bands, and I remember doing the show solo – wishing I had a band with me!

Q: Which song became popular but surprised you that it did?

A: You might not believe this, but it’s “We Are the Dinosaurs.” I think it’s because it was the first song I wrote for kids, and I just didn’t believe they would like it as much as they did. Luckily, the engineer I was working with knew right away that it would be a hit and really encouraged me to put it first on the album - which led me to name the album after a line from the song (“We are the dinosaurs, whaddaya think of that?”). He was so right!

Q: What was your favorite book when you were a little girl?

A: Pat the Bunny! I loved being able to interact with the book, and into my adulthood my whole family used to joke about “feel Daddy’s scratchy face” (one of the actions in the book).

Q: What do you do to relax?

A: I love going to yoga class, doing The New York Times Sunday crossword, hanging out with my daughter, Lucy, reading, swimming, biking, knitting, going out with my husband, Brian. Lots of different things.

Q: What song of yours is your favorite?

A: I love playing “My Family” and watching families sing it with me.

For more than two decades, Laurie Berkner and her music has kept us happy ... in the car, in the supermarket and up and down the aisles at her concerts.

human nature, human kindness and human connection. What is most appealing, and helps us connect with her music, is that it all comes from a good place — heart and soul.

Laurie Berkner currently resides in Manhattan with her husband, Brian Mueller and her daughter, Lucy. When not working she likes to cook, take a yoga class and maybe

share some music, a game or a television show with her family.

Q: What do you and your family like to do for fun when you’re at home?

A: Go to see musicals! Play music together, watch shows together (we’re watching The Crown right now), play games together.

Elena Deutsch-Glantz is a Westchester mom, former talent agent and manager and current writer and communications specialist. She is married and has three children and two dogs that help keep it real.

Q: What makes you feel special?

A: I think what makes me feel special is not so different from what I try to give to kids and families after my shows. I like to feel paid attention to, acknowledged and loved.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

15

Party Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

Party Directory

Special Advertising Supplement

16

Westchester Family | November 2018

Bounce! Trampoline Sports 612 Corporate Way, (off Rte. 303), Valley Cottage 845-268-4000 bounceonit.com All ages love playing trampoline dodgeball, slam dunk basketball or free jumping on courts of interconnected trampolines, flipping into their separate dual foam pits or challenging each other eon the Ninja Obstacle Course! Private party rooms, free Wi-Fi, fun arcade, separate Bounce! Jr. Zone for ages 5 and under. School, camp and groups welcome.

Dave’s Cast Of Characters 914-235-7100 davescast.com Featuring characters, DJs, clowns, magicians, face painters, balloon sculptors, and fun food carts. New: Photo Booths.

Featured inflatable rides include: Cliffhanger Slide, Wild One, Kong’s Revenge & Batman Challenge obstacle courses, Big Kahuna & Wild Rapids water slides, Spiderman Velcro Wall, Castles, 5-in-1’s, Toddler Units, Carnival Games and much, much more.

Dave’s Cast Of Characters 914-235-7100 davescast.com Dave’s has a wide range of entertainment services, including costumed characters, rides and games designed to turn your party into a memorable event. 100+ current and classic characters look and sound

authentic. From ice princesses to superheroes, pirates to tea parties and everything in between, there’s something to delight every child!

Funfuzion at New Roc City 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 I-95), New Rochelle 914-637-7575 funfuziononline.com Dedicated emcees and party hosts provide a birthday experience with a theatrical and interactive party room atmosphere. Your child is the star! Act one begins with a show where everyone shares the limelight. Act two is filled with your choice of action-packed amusements! It is a standing ovation every time for the Birthday Star!

Grand Prix New York / Spins Bowl 914-358-3616 gpny.com There is no better way to celebrate your kids’ birthday than at GPNY! Their thrilling go-kart race tracks, bowling lanes, massive arcade, and new VR experiences will guarantee a great time for everyone. We also offer an easy and intuitive way to book your party online. No need to call just click!

Gymcats Gymnastic Center 1 Odell Plaza, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net Trampolines, foam-filled pits,

MAKE-A-MOVIE PARTIES Ages 7-12

Katherine Perry Videographer

914.533.7294

perryproductions.net • kperryennis@yahoo.com November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Party Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

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Art Parties

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Mt. Kisco’s Premier Indoor Trampoline Park!

rings to swing on, air castle, giant air slide and more. Private funfilled parties and an energetic staff make your child’s birthday a memorable experience. Private one and a half hour parties for ages 3 and up. No experience necessary; all ages have a great time. Party times fill quickly, so book early.

Homefield Bowl 938 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers 914-969-5592 homefieldbowl.com Homefield Bowl is a full-service bowling alley featuring open bowl, league bowl for juniors, adults and mixed leagues. Great party packages for kids and adults! Senior programs also available. Call them today to plan your bowling party and more.

ISG Gymnastics 151 Crotona Ave., Harrison 914-835-0010 isggymnastics.com Fun, fun, fun! Having a birthday?

How about a gymnastics party!

No experience necessary. A funfilled, unique way to celebrate a very special day with 4,000 square feet - all yours. High-flying trapeze bar, trampoline, balance beam, bars, tumbling, parachute, swings and air castle! All ages, 1 through teens. Age-appropriate program and equipment.

Jodi’s Gym 25 Hubbels Dr., Mt. Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Since 1982, Jodi’s Gym has been

THE place for kids ages 1-12 to run, jump, climb, swing, bounce and tumble to their heart’s delight! You won’t find a more enthusiastic, attentive, or better trained staff anywhere. Teachers set up, serve and clean up for you and do everything in between ‌ you sit back and enjoy!

KAC Art Center 40 Radio Circle, Mt. Kisco katonahartcenter.com ART Parties for ALL! Work with our party coordinator to create, design, and decorate the perfect party.1. Choose your date and time. 2. Choose your project: (painting, pottery, jewelry-making, etc) 3. Let them handle the rest. Call Carole at 914-232-4843 Email: party@ Legoland 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers (Ridge Hill Shopping Center) westchester. legolanddiscoverycenter.com Celebrate with a LEGOŽ Birthday party at LEGOLANDŽ Discovery Center Westchester & you’ll have a fun filled adventure to remember! Enjoy unlimited playtime in the center and 75 minutes in a private party room with cake, pizza, & a private model build session with your party host! Book online!

Lil Chameleon: Kid’s Resale, Parties & Enrichment 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 LilChameleon.com

OPEN JUMP AFTER DARK Saturday Nights • 8pm – 10pm

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

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Westchester Family | November 2018

Unique Party Packages For Your Budget Call today!

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November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Party Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

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musicalmunchkins.com

Westchester Family | November 2018

Affordable yet chic parties! Pick the Silver or Gold party package, both with standard inclusions, then select your unique activity.

Choose from a puppet or magic show, music & movement, not your usual cupcake decorating or cupcake wars, have a tea party, make slime, party with rainbows & unicorns and more.

They create an insta-worthy party your family and guests won’t forget. When you’re tired of the usual gym party, celebrate at Lil Chameleon and leave the mess with us. Get ready for extraordinary!

Make-A-Movie Parties 914-533-7294; 914-645-9487 perryproductions.net kperryennis@yahoo.com Make-A-Movie Parties for children ages 7-12. Katherine Perry, videographer of children’s parties for more than 15 years, supplies costumes, props, improvisational direction and videotaping - you supply the talented actors! Themes include Action Adventure, Rock Video, Talk Show, Wacky News and more! Call or email today!

Musical Munchkins 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Engaging live music makes the best parties! Their fun performers strum and drum with kids aged 6 months to 6 years. Including gathering drums, chikitas, realistic puppets, story-songs, buddy bands, plus dancing scarves, circle and partner games. CD of Munchkin

Favorites for birthday child! Favor CDs available at $1 each.

Play Connection 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights 914-214-4278 localpartyvenue.com Play Connection in Yorktown Heights, New York has an event venue for every age and any kind of celebration. They leave no detail incomplete because they know that you have a busy schedule. All you have to do is show up and have fun with your guests. Parties options: free play arcade room, personalized video signs, inflatables, pinatas, games, interactive party hosts!

Play Place 175 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford 914-347-5291 theplayplace.net Celebrate your child’s next birthday with The Play Place.

Choose from Sports & Games, Dance, Magic or Paint n Play parties. Packages start from $375 for 90 minutes. Their party packages can help you make your next birthday party unforgettable and TONS OF FUN! Reservations are suggested 4-6 weeks in advance.

The Rock Club 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-633-7625 climbrockclub.com Book your next party or event at The Rock Club and have a celebration to remember. Rock climbing is an incredibly social sport that will bring excitement

JUMP & GLOW You’re part of the show so dress to GLOW!

845-268-4000 BounceValleyCottage.com 612 Corporate Way, Valley Cottage, NY @BounceSport BounceTrampolineSports

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Our interactive staff will make your child’s party a very special one. Obstacle courses, Trampolines, Airslide, Foam Filled Pit, Air Castle & More!

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

(914) 965-7676 | www.Gymcats.net November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Party Guide // Special Advertising Supplement

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and engagement to your next party. They have a variety of party options for kids and adults and can accommodate large or small groups. Climb the walls, play fun games, and spend 30 minutes in their newly redesigned private party space.

Dream bigger and climb higher at The Rock Club.

Rockin’ Jump - Mt Kisco 333 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco 914-743-5730 Mountkisco-NY@RockinJump.com Rockin’ Jump - Ridge Hill 241 Market St., Yonkers 914-510-9119 RidgeHill-NY@RockinJump.com Want a new alternative in the area for birthday parties and family gatherings, where quality food and private party rooms are guaranteed, and fun for the whole family? From kids’ parties to corporate retreats, youth groups to family reunions, you can find everything you want.

No arcades here - just fitness disguised as fun for all ages!

Studio B 277 White Plains Road, (entrance on Prospect Ave.) Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Each party at Studio B is uniqely designed to give the birthday

child an exciting, personlaized experience. Boys and girls ages 2 and up enjoy dancing and playing to their favorite music!

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla 914-231-4600 eric@thewpf.org Imagine how special your child’s birthday party celebration will be at Westchester’s Winter Wonderland! Featuring the Winter Wonderland Holiday circus, visits with Santa and themed character nights from your favorite animated friends, plus Ice Skating and included skate rentals on our outdoor Ice Rink. Your guests enjoy TEN holiday rides, a dazzling holiday themed light show and more!

World Cup Gymnastics 160 Hunts Lane, Chappaqua 914-238-9267 worldcupschools.com Kids flip for World Cup Gymnastics parties. Jump on trampolines and air castles, flip on the Tumble Trak and swing into their foam and ball pits, then settle down in a party room to enjoy more fun. Parents can relax while they do the work! Ask about their new themed parties and special gym for children ages 3 and under!

Birthday Parties (914)793-2799 277 White Plains Road Eastchester, NY 10709

22

www.studiobdance.com studioboffice@aol.com

Westchester Family | November 2018

Read us online at WestchesterFamily.com

A Birthday & Bar Mitzvah Celebration Special Places for Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties How Sweet It Is Mitzvah Project: Do What You Love Photo by Donna Mueller Photography

WestchesterFamily.com

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Circumstance

A Birthday and Bar Mitzvah Celebration

By Henrietta Toth

L

ike any celebration, there are many things to consider when planning a bar or bat mitzvah. Choosing the party’s details – from the size of the festivities to the venue, theme and food – can be overwhelming, but the celebration can offer an opportunity to create a unique atmosphere through creative planning. One Westchester family, the DeMarcos, recently marked this important rite of passage for their son Ben and shared how they planned and celebrated the occasion.

A Special Day The DeMarcos of Mt. Kisco – Deena, Jonathan, Ben, 13, and Sammy, 10 – held an uncommon and special celebration with Ben’s 13th birthday and bar mitzvah falling on the very same day. The religious ceremony was held at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton on Hudson. A party followed that same Saturday afternoon with family and friends enjoying games, food and music at Grand Prix New York/Spins Bowl in Mt. Kisco.

Bar Mitzvah Theme Centering the bar or bat mitzvah festivities around a theme can simplify the planning.

Ben chose a superhero/video game theme for his party. The logos of superheroes Flash, Ironman, Spiderman and Superman identified the party tables. Deena further decorated the tables by creating customized centerpieces using Spins bowling pins, black and white checkered balloons and blue balloons.

Then she added some personalized games to the tables, which the kids and parents alike enjoyed. She created Tic-Tac-Toe boards with playing pieces that included Ben’s bar mitzvah date and his initials, a Jenga game also with the date, and decks of playing cards depicting some of Ben’s favorite pictures.

The Venue The choices of venue for making an event fun and memorable are many and varied.

Deena asked her son what he wanted to do for his special day and Ben said he wanted to go bowling with his friends. Deena chose the Grand Prix New York/Spins Bowl on North Bedford Road in Mt. Kisco because it offers several activities — indoor racing, bowling and an arcade — to engage the children throughout the party. She said Ben loves all

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Westchester Family | November 2018

Photo by Donna Mueller Photography

Ben gets behind the go-kart wheel at Grand Prix New York /Spins Bowl in Mt. Kisco.

the activities at Grand Prix New York/Spins Bowl, especially the go-kart racing.

Deena worked with a Spins event manager who helped her vision of the party “come to life.” The event manager made recommendations for activities, entertainment and food, and oversaw the festivities to make sure all things ran according to plan. The Spins staff set up the party room in a private bowling alley using the decorations that Deena had made along with the party favors. Deena praised the staff at Spins and said that they were “wonderful to work with.”

The party got underway with a cocktail hour in the bowling alley for the adults and on the race track for the kids and any adults who wanted to also go-kart race. The main festivities followed with an assorted menu of snacks, finger foods and dishes that were agreeable to the children and adults alike.

Dessert included a sundae bar, brownies and cookies personalized with Ben’s bar mitzvah logo. A candle lighting ceremony rounded out the party.

For party favors Ben gave his friends portable cell phone chargers, along with personalized decks of playing cards that

reflected the superhero/video game theme.

At the beginning of the party, Ben had the DJ give out T-shirts for his friends to wear during the festivities.

Other service providers for the event included a DJ. He asked what songs or type of music Ben likes and then created a playlist that appealed to both the children and adults. And no bar mitzvah would be complete without a professional photographer. Donna Mueller Photography captured all the fun at the party as well as the ceremony at the temple.

Planning Tip Among the many steps to consider in achieving the perfect celebration is one simple one: focus on customizing aspects of the event in order to personalize the day.

For a successful celebration, Deena suggests building the party on “what your child enjoys doing and then going from there.” Ben’s celebration was a kids’ party with activities that the children enjoyed and that their parents embraced making for a memorable bar mitzvah celebration.

Henrietta Toth writes middle-grade nonfiction and contributes to Westchester Family.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

25

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Celebrations

Special Places for Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties

By Rachael Sanderson Benz

W

Launch Trampoline Park

Coliseum

Glen Island Harbour Club

The Davenport Mansion

hether looking for a site to throw an elegant bash, or keeping it simple with a celebration just for the kids, read on to find the perfect venue to fit your family’s party style.

Glen Island Harbour Club With a waterfront setting and 100 park-like acres to roam for photos, this venue focuses on elegant parties. Located in New Rochelle, history buffs and older generations remember this site as Glen Island Casino, home to the big bands of the 1930’s (think Glen Miller). The site was transformed into Glen Island Harbour Club after a $10 million renovation. Choose from one of two ballrooms for your occasion, both of which offer beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. Each ballroom has its own entrance for guests, cocktail lounge and dining room. The site can accommodate anywhere from 100 to 500 guests and suggests booking one to two years in advance. Kosher and nonkosher options are available for food. glenisland-harbourclub.com.

Coliseum If you are planning a nightclub-style event, consider Coliseum in White Plains.

Specializing in bar/bat mitzvahs since 2003, the family-owned Coliseum strives to provide a stress-free event, from the beginning stages of planning to the celebration itself. Owners Daniel J. Coughlan and Joshua Mazzetti will help you design a custom-tailored menu perfect for your bar/bat mitzvah party.

Packages run from $65 to $90 per person depending on the menu and include a mocktini bar serving bottled water, soda, juice and nonalcoholic frozen beverages. Liquor can be added for an additional fee. According to owner Coughlan, popular party menu items include Philadelphia cheese steak sliders, filet mignon quesadillas, lamb chops, assorted sushi, lox on latkes, and the over the top Viennese hour for dessert. In addition to food and beverages, Coliseum also provides table and lounge furnishings, lighting and audio systems including screens, cubbies for personal belongings and an experienced staff. Coliseum has a list of exclusive entertainment companies available for hire for your son or daughter’s special day. “The entertainment companies that we do business with and allow in our space are the best in the industry,” says Coughlan. Located in White Plains, Coliseum is currently taking bookings

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Westchester Family | November 2018

for bar/bat mitzvah parties into 2019. coliseumwhiteplains.com.

to cleanliness, safety and details.” launchrockland.com.

Launch Trampoline Park For a party geared toward young guests, check out Launch Trampoline Park in West Nyack. Recently opened in June of this year, activities at Launch are endless. Attractions include a main trampoline area specifically for jumping, a trampoline basketball court, extreme trampoline dodge ball, a launch pad (fly through the air and land on a giant air bag), battle beam, a ninja course and an arcade. “We’re 20,000 square feet of pure fun, entertainment and fitness,” says Ann Jarcho, general manager. Packages start at $399 for 10 kids with an hour of public jumping or rent the entire facility for hours of private jumping with up to 150 guests. An observation deck is available for adults to sit back and watch. Be adventurous and turn your private party into an overnighter. Foam pits and trampolines take the place of beds after kids jump for hours; breakfast is included. Non-kosher food is available through the site’s café or kosher food can be catered. What sets Launch apart from other trampoline parks? “Our people,” says Jarcho. “We believe good people build a great company, and we pay special attention

The Davenport Mansion The Davenport Mansion in New Rochelle provides two great options when looking to book a party – onsite event or off-site catering. Built in the 19th century, The Davenport Mansion offers old-world charm, understated elegance and a beachfront ambiance for your celebration. Proudly hosting one party at a time, the site accommodates parties of 125 to 200 guests.

Menus are completely customizable, and kosher food is available. “Most often at bar/ bat mitzvahs we offer a split menu – a buffet for young adults and a plated dinner for the grownups,” says Guy DeMeo. The venue is happy to assist in traditional rituals such as the blessing of the hallah, a candle lighting ceremony and the hora. If you prefer to host your bar/bat mitzvah party in your home or at a rental site that does not provide food, The Davenport Mansion will be happy to provide off-premise catering. davenportmansion.com .

Rachael Sanderson Benz is a freelance writer in Westchester County.

WHITE PLAINS I DOWNTOWN The Crowne Plaza White Plains offers a premier upscale but affordable location for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

With an experienced staff ready to create a fully customized experience, the Crowne Plaza White Plains is an ideal location for your party and/or block of sleeping rooms for you and your guests.

Crowne Plaza Hotel | 66 Hale Avenue, White Plains | 914-821-1372 | www.cpwestchester.com November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

27

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Celebrations

(Left) Carry your color theme into your dessert offerings with a customized dessert display form The Candy Cart. (Right) Planning a winter event? Warm up your guests before they head out into the cold with a cookie and hot cocoa bar from iPic Theaters.

How Sweet It Is

By Lisa Iannucci

A

celebration of any kind isn’t complete without a sweet treat. Since most kids - and many adults - have a sweet tooth, why not incorporate candies, chocolates and other sugary goodness into your bat or bar mitzvah party?

A Theme “Everybody has their own style, so it’s probably best to find out what the child wants as a theme for their party first,” says Stephanie Soliman, owner of The Candie Cart in Yonkers (thecandiecart.com).

“What’s popular now are candy buffets where youngsters pick out their favorite sweets and incorporate it with the theme of their party.”

For example, many bar and bat mitzvahs use the colors blue and white in honor of the Israeli flag. “We can dip Oreos into chocolate and put blue and white sprinkles on them,” says Soliman.

If the party has a tropical theme, think about using light and bright colored noshes, such as jelly beans, sour patch kids and macaroons. The confectionary choices and color options are endless.

28

Westchester Family | November 2018

“Some people want to include every candy, such as M&Ms, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Hershey kisses and sour candies,” says Soliman, who uses an actual cart to create a festive dessert area for the partygoers.

“Marshmallow twists are also popular now and they can come in different colors.”

No Limit What makes these sweet selections perfect for bat and bar mitzvah parties is that guests aren’t limited to one sweet. Instead, you can let guests choose what kind of cake, candies or cookies they want to enjoy from a dessert bar. In Dobbs Ferry, The iPic movie theatre (ipictheaters.com) offers guests a selection of Bespoke Candy bars, and guests can fill their goody bags with their favorite flavors. They also offer a wide selection of other sweets, including cakes, such as chocolate s’mores or a housemade cookies bar such as warm toffee choco chip, gingerbread, double chocolate and oatmeal raisin.

“Keep in mind if you plan to have a warm weather outdoor event be cautious when selecting chocolate items as they are prone to melting,” says Alex Velez, iPic Entertainment’s event sales manager. “You also want to ensure that there are no guests with any allergies to nuts, if you want to offer candies that have nuts added.”

“In the fall you can use chocolate covered

apples wrapped in a bag as a favor,” says Soliman.“You can also give out personalized mugs with hot chocolate inside as favors, with chocolate sticks, peppermint shavings, marshmallows and hot chocolate.”

Chocolate fountains are also a popular option. Guests can be provided with a variety of sweets to dip – fruit, pretzels, caramels and more. Soliman also encourages parents to choose sweets that were popular from the year that the child was born.

Do It Yourself If you need more ideas or want to create a do-it-yourself dessert or sweets bar, consider scanning Pinterest and searching with the keywords “bat mitzvah” and “bar mitzvah” for a host of ideas. There are websites, such as candywarehouse.com, orientaltrading.com and candycrate.com, that can ship candy to you – even in a specific color – that you can use to fill bags or mugs.

Willy Wonka, the fictional candy maker once said, “We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams,” so when you’re putting together a menu of sweets for your son or daughter’s momentus celebration, think as big and out-of-the-box as you can.

Lisa Iannucci is Westchster-based freelance writer who admits to having a sweet tooth.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Consider This

Mitzvah Project: Do What You Love

By Elisa Bremner, RDN

A

cts of kindness ... they are our personal way to make life better for others. Tikkun olam (to repair the world) being a core concept of Judaism, many temples require social action projects of their soon-to-become bnai mitzvah. Choosing a mitzvah project is an opportunity for tweens to explore their interests and put skills and talents to good use in the wider world. But with room for improvement in so many areas, how does one go about choosing a project?

Courtesy photo Parents can help a child explore Feeding Westchester is eager to work with children to his or her unique skills and personal create mitzvah projects that can help them in their quest goals to select an appropriate project. to provide millions of meals to the hungry in Westchester.

Use your understanding of your child’s personality to present opportunities they may find inspiring. Then step back and something as simple as standing outside a let the child be the guide. While parental local grocery store to take a collection for the involvement is a necessity, a child-guided food bank wish list. Volunteer opportunities project will be the most meaningful. at the Elmsford warehouse mean that the parent and child can get closer to the actual Multiply the Celebration operation and see how significant their When Marla Feldman told her daughter, impact will become.

Lily, about Birthday Wishes, an organization feedingwestchester.org/take-action/ that provides birthday parties to homeless children, her daughter’s eyes lit up. In Lily’s Youth Volunteering with Youth words, “Ever since I was little, I would take The JCCA Pleasantville Cottage Campus them [birthday parties] for granted. I never provides residential care to mostly urban, thought about how some children didn’t high risk youth. Edenwald Center, on the have the opportunity to have them. So when campus, serves children who have low IQs, my mom told me about this organization, autism and other developmental disorders.

I immediately loved the idea.” Lily was so Edenwald’s monthly Tween Program is inspired by her mitzvah project that she is an excellent way to introduce tweens to now thinking about helping to expand the volunteerism, and a chance to meet children idea beyond its current home in Long Island. with backgrounds and lives very different Stay tuned, Westchester! from their own. Sandi Rosenthal, Director longisland.birthdaywishes.org/how-canof Volunteers, says, “The program has been you-help/ the mitzvah project for many 12-year-olds.”

Young volunteers eat dinner together with Opportunities to Help the Hungry residents and then participate in sports, Feeding Westchester provides millions of games and craft activities. The program is meals to the hungry across the county, filling supported by volunteer and recreation staff. a need that becomes greater each year. Staff is Parents are also invited, but not required, happy to work with the youth’s interest and to attend. Many Edenwald residents declare motivation. Jandery DeLaCruz, Volunteer volunteer visits to be the highlight of every Services Coordinator, notes that they have month. many volunteer opportunities listed on Rosenthal welcomes other volunteer their website, and are open to new ways to proposals. Special Interest Activities Sponsors enhance their impact. “Parents and children can share their talents with residents, come in and present ideas, then we set about teaching them chess, gardening, yoga helping to make it happen.” She recalls a and more. Tweens need to bring an adult sports enthusiast who had come in to talk with them, and parents always enjoy the about setting up a fundraising basketball experience as much as the volunteers and game for his mitzvah project, but it could be residents.

jccany.org/our-programs/residential-care/ volunteering/ Helping Our Four-Legged Friends Joanne Witmyer, Director of Volunteer Services, Humane Education/Outreach, and Human Resources notes that the SPCA in Briarcliff has been involved with a variety of mitzvah projects. One temple in the community had a group of children who volunteered together for their bnai mitzvah.

“We offered educational tours of our shelter, and the children created cat toys and dog tug-toys.” Other projects involved creating adoption flyers to spread the word about animal advocacy. Witmyer visits local temples to facilitate craft projects or bake dog biscuits with youth. Children can get involved by helping with one of the SPCA’s many volunteer program areas. Unique opportunities range from playing instruments for the animals to “Journaling with Cats”, a program where volunteers engage in creative writing exercises with and about resident felines. spca914.org/volunteer Samara Fine, Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at Adopt-A-Dog in Armonk, says kids come up with interesting ways to help. Through the Dog Tails program, volunteers ages 12 and up can bring their favorite books to the shelter and read to the dogs. A little practice speaking in front of an audience before the big (bar/bat mitzvah) day couldn’t hurt! adopt-a-dog.org/volunteer/junioryouthvolunteers.html Lots to Do Finding a mitzvah project is a family affair – most organizations require parental accompaniment for tween volunteers – and open to interpretation. Present ideas to your child but let him or her take the lead.

If you don’t find a project that inspires, be creative! Most non-profits are eager for help and willing to work with new ideas initiated by passionate youngsters. There are so many wonderful ways to repair the world. A mitzvah project empowers your adolescent to make a difference!

Elisa Bremner, RDN, is an Armonk-based freelance writer and Nutritionist at both the Pleasantville Cottage Schools (witnessing the tremendous impact volunteers have on underprivileged youth) and Services for the Underserved (where she helps provide healthy meals to the homeless).

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

29

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Westchester Family | November 2018

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November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

31

Ask the Specialist //

Children and Eating Disorders

By Elizabeth Curran, LCPC

E

ating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness and in less than a decade, children under the age of 12 admitted to the hospital for eating disorders rose 119 percent.

While these statistics can be frightening to parents, there are some things you can do to be proactive in the fight against eating disorders, such as understanding the warning signs, knowing how and when to approach your child if you have concerns about weight, and learning the role of the family in the treatment and recovery processes of an eating disorder.

Warning Signs Children commonly experience food preferences as they experiment with different tastes and textures, which can lead to picky or selective eating phases. This can make it difficult for families to distinguish between normal eating behaviors and the onset of disordered eating behaviors.

Families should closely monitor changes in attitude or behaviors in their child related to food, exercise or the way they talk about their body. More specifically, a family can look for increased or decreased interest in food, weight gain or loss not otherwise associated with puberty, increased isolative behaviors or temperamental changes and increased comments about their body. A family member may also notice changes in school performance, so it could be helpful to schedule a session with your child’s teacher for additional observations from outside the home. Trust your instincts and if you are concerned about an eating disorder you should consult your doctor or an eating disorder specialist.

How to Talk to Your Child When talking to your child about concerns of an eating disorder, it’s important to be genuinely curious instead of accusatory or judgmental. It is helpful to speak to facts as opposed to assumptions. Identify specific changes in behaviors so that your child is aware that you are paying attention and care.

As an example, “You used to always join us for ice cream after dinner and it was so nice to hear about your day. Now I noticed you go right to your room, instead of having ice cream with us. What can I do to help you join us again?” Another point to consider is the timing of the conversation to increase

32

Westchester Family | November 2018

the likelihood it will be effective. Try to find a private time outside of a meal when there will be minimal interruptions to have the conversation. Remember, you aren’t expected to be an expert in eating disorders, but you are an expert in your child, so approach this conversation from a place of loving concern and ask questions instead of making assumptions to learn more about how your child is feeling.

What Not to Say An initial approach to take, if you are observing weight gain or weight loss in your child, is to have a conversation about variety and balance in food choices and exercise before discussing weight. Stay away from describing foods as “good” or “bad.”

This conversation should be adapted based on the age of the child. A conversation centered on weight may result in feelings of shame, which could lead to increased eating disorder behaviors. It can be helpful to start a discussion focused on identifying alternative healthy behaviors rather than focusing on the weight.

The Role of the Family The family is the biggest ally in the treatment of an eating disorder. The eating disorder keeps the child from being able to make healthy decisions around eating behaviors.

The family fed the child prior to the development of the eating disorder and is

the most knowledgeable about how to feed the child based on the child’s preference and not the preference of the eating disorder. The family can create consistency and structure in the home to increase the likelihood of recovery. Siblings serve as wonderful cheerleaders and can help their sibling with an eating disorder by offering distractions during difficult times, such as playing a game or simply watching TV together. An eating disorder can impact a whole family and therefore recovery can be more successfully achieved when the family partners together against the eating disorder.

How Parents Can Learn More Eating Recovery Center (ERC) is a national, vertically integrated, health care system dedicated to the treatment of serious eating and related disorders at any stage of the illness. ERC offers treatment programs for all patients, no matter their age or gender, struggling from: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, eating and weight disorder, unspecified eating disorders, as well as comorbid, co-occurring and dual diagnoses.

Elizabeth Curran, LCPC Clinical Manager, Adolescent Program for Eating Recovery Center.

If you suspect your child may be suffering from an eating disorder, you can contact ERC at 877789-5758 or Info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or see eatingrecovery.com.

Let’s Go To ... //

When You Go …

The New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex at Grand Central Terminal

Located just off the Main Concourse in the Shuttle Passage, adjacent to the Station Masters’ Office. The Terminal’s Main Concourse is accessible by wheelchair or stroller from both Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street. It is not accessible from Vanderbilt Avenue.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed for special events and major holidays Admission: Free

with subway-themed merchandise.

Courtesy of the New York Transit Museum

See model trains in motion at the free Holiday Train Show at the New York Transit Museum’s Gallery Annex beginning Nov. 15.

By Stacey Pfeffer

I

’ve always had a fascination with Grand Central Terminal. Its majestic cerulean ceiling in the Main Concourse featuring the zodiac signs, the information booth clock where tourists take selfies and, of course, the delicacies at Grand Central Market.

Luckily, I’m not the only one in love with this beautiful landmark building that is the second most visited destination in New York City after Times Square. My 10-year-old son has also marveled at its grandeur and is a bit of a train buff, so we decided to trek into the city and learn more about its history.

All Aboard With the holiday season in full swing, perhaps your family is taking MetroNorth into the city for time-honored traditions such as the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting or to catch The Nutcracker. Most people breeze in and out of the building built in 1913 on their way to their next destination, but I argue that if you take a bit of time to check out Grand Central Terminal and the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex, you won’t be sorry.

November is the ideal time to visit when the Grand Central Terminal Holiday

Market opens in Vanderbilt Hall on Nov. 12 and runs for six weeks. For the past 25 years, this indoor market features more than 40 vendors with most selling American-made and handmade products using locally-sourced materials or having a socially-conscious business model. It’s a great shopping destination if you are looking for unique artwork, clothing, men’s and women’s accessories, toys and home goods all at different price points.

The 17th annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Transit Museum’s Gallery Annex also kicks off on Nov. 15. Model trains whirl by as they circle around the base of a magnificently-lit tree. While much smaller in scale than the holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden it still is worth a stop, plus it’s free. The display features Lionel trains departing from a miniature replica of Grand Central Terminal on their way to the North Pole and will be set against new artwork by New York City-based artist Ebony Bolt. Bolt, who is a textile designer by trade, finds inspiration in riding the city subway and loves celebrating the diversity of commuters in her sketches. The exhibit runs through Feb. 3. If you have train-loving kids, the Annex is also a great shopping destination

Further Afield For true train buffs and an outstanding deep dive into all things transit-related check out the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn, located in a decommissioned subway station. The museum is full of historical artifacts plus a rotating selection of 20 vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907.

This museum is more of an all-day activity as there is so much to see and do. I still recall how difficult it was to drag my son as a toddler out of this museum. We’ll definitely revisit it now that all my kids are older.

And More While visiting the Annex at Grand Central Terminal, my son and I signed up for a 75-minute docent-led tour of the building.

The tour is given daily by docents from the Municipal Arts Society of New York at 12:30 p.m. and highlights the history and architecture of one of the world’s biggest train terminals. Tickets for children under 10 and visitors with a MetroNorth same-day ticket stub are $20 and are available online at docentour.com or at the ticket booth located in Grand Central’s Graybar Passage.

We loved learning about the Whispering Gallery next to the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant and the luxury trains that used to depart from Grand Central Terminal to Chicago. The tour guide had so many fascinating tidbits about the building and that captured our attention. If your kids love history or trains, don’t miss this tour that is most suitable for children 10 and up. We decided to end our excursion on a sweet note with delicious milkshakes at Shake Shack located on the Lower Level Dining Concourse where your kids can choose from 20 fastcasual restaurants.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer and editor based in Chappaqua.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

33

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Westchester Family | November 2018

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Calendar

November

By Andrea White

Everyone’s favorite pig family comes to life in an oink-tastic show at The Palace Theatre in Stamford on Nov. 9.

Courtesy Photo

Calendar What’s Inside Peppa Pig Live!

Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and surprises! Featuring life-size puppets and costumed characters. 2pm and 6pm Nov. 9. For all ages. $29.50-$139.50. Reservations required.

The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

Editor’s Pick: Celebrate Diwali ���������������������������� 38 Editor’s Pick: Butterfly Conservatory ����������������40 Holiday Happenings ������������������������������������������������ 42 #AnimalEncounters ��������������������������������������������������44 Film Fun ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 45 City Picks ����������������������������������������������������������������������46

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

35

Calendar November //

1 Thursday

✪ The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter. See Editor’s Pick page 40.

● 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. Thursdays, 11-11:45am.

No class on Thanksgiving. For ages 2-9 months. $20 per class.

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

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. A blazing Westchester tradition not to be missed! More than 7,000 jacko’-lanterns are lit up in dazzling displays, complete with sound effects, synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack. Check website for ticket times. TodayNov. 4, 7-11, 15-17, 23 and 24. For all ages. Sunday-Thursday: $22 adults, $16 children 3-17; FridaySaturday: $27 adults, $20 children 3-17; children under 3 free. Reservations required. Van Cortlandt Manor, 535 S. Riverside, Croton.

914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org.

● Museum Minis. Meet up in Toddler Beach for songs, movement, stories and plenty of fun.

Thursdays, 10:30-11am. Closed on Thanksgiving. Ages 18-24 months.

Justin Nicholas

Acrobats transform into all kinds of cool creatures at “Carnival of the Animals” at The Performing Arts Center in Purchase on Nov. 18.

Free with $7 museum admission.

Children 12 months and under free. Reservations not required.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.

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.

✪ Oceans: Our Blue Planet in IMAX. See Film Fun page 45.

2 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,

● ● ● Intro to Spanish Through Music. From “Hola” to “Caballo,” get your little one familiar with Spanish through music, puppets and play. 10:3011:15am. For ages 2 months-4 years. $25. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

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

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

• Information to be considered for the January 2019 calendar must reach us by November 30, 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.

36

Westchester Family | November 2018

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

Fridays, 9:45-10:15am. No class Nov. 23. For ages 1-4. $20 per class. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

3 Saturday

● ● Auditions for “Industry Showcase Night.”

Calling all aspiring performers!

Prepare one minute of material and audition for the chance to

Key to suggested ages

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November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

37

Calendar November // perform in front of New York City’s top agents, managers and casting directors. What you do is less important than showing your personality, so have fun! 10:30am2:30pm. For ages 5-18. Sign up online to audition. Random Farms Kids’ Theater, 77 Executive Blvd., Elmsford. 914-740-1010. randomfarms.com.

Center, 40-2 Radio Circle Dr., Mt. Kisco. 914-232-4843. katonahartcenter.com.

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

● ● Kids’ Workshop.

Make sugar skulls used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead (Día de Los Muertos).

10am-noon. Ages 7-12. Pre-registration required. Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers.

914-375-5100. bluedoorartcenter. org.

● ● Baby Sign Language.

It’s never too early to start communicating with your little one.

This musical class uses songs, stories, games and activities to learn to communicate using signs from American Sign Language. Saturdays, 9:45-10:30am, until Nov. 24. For ages 3 and under. $20 per class. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com. ● ● ✪ Drop-In Clay Class.

Play with clay while spending quality time together as a family.

Professional ceramic artists guide these themed weekly handbuilding projects. No previous experience necessary! Saturdays, 1:30-3:30pm, until Nov. 17. Ages 5 and up. Children under 12 must attend with a guardian enrolled in the class. $30 adults, $20 children 12 and under. Limited spaces go on sale at the front desk at 10am the day of class. Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester. 914-9372047. clayartcenter.org.

✪ Drop-in and Create: Snack Sculpture. Families learn how to create dynamic characters out of snacks inspired by Matt Johnson’s Bread Figure, currently on display in the exhibition “Death is Irrelevant.” Saturdays, 1-4pm, today - Nov. 24. 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. 914-7880100. hudsonvalleymoca.org.

● ● ● ✪ ✖ Family Fun Night. Enjoy racing, bowling, arcade games, crafts, a buffet dinner and meet new friends, too. This event is hosted by Temple Shaaray

38

Courtesy Photo

See the colors and customs of Diwali at a special celebration at the Pelham Art Center on Nov. 18.

Celebrate Diwali.

✪ Mark the Hindu Festival of Lights with an ancient Indian classical dance performance and learn some of the dance moves.

After the performance, take part in hands-on art workshops and receive henna body art. 1:30-3:30pm Nov. 18. For all ages.

FREE. Reservations not required. Pelham Art Center, 155 Fifth Ave., Pelham. 914-738-2525. pelhamartcenter.org.

Tefila of Bedford Corners to support its schools. 4-7:30pm. For families with children from preschool to high school. $20-$65. Reservations required. Grand Prix New York, 333 N. Bedford Rd., Mt. Kisco. 914-6663133. shaaraytefila.org.

● ● ● Family Saturdays @ The Lab. Hands-on activities offer young media-makers the chance to explore, discover and create amazing projects.

This month’s activities focus on light and exposure. 10am-noon.

Recommended for ages 3-13.

Reservations not required. Jacob Burns Film Center Media Arts Lab, 405 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 914773-7663. burnsfilmcenter.org.

Westchester Family | November 2018

✪ 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. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.

● Fox Fables. See City Picks page 46.

● ✪ Kids’ Workshop: Helicopter. Build a custom model military helicopter in this hands-on Veterans Day-focused workshop. Once the “helo” build is complete, your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. 9am-noon. Recommended for ages 5-12. Pre-registration required. Home Depot stores in Mt. Pleasant, Nanuet, New Rochelle, Port Chester, West Nyack, Yonkers. homedepot.com.

✪ Light The Night Walk.

Celebrate, honor and remember those touched by cancer. This walk raises funds in support of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS works to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Enjoy a kids’ zone and fireworks, too.

5-8pm. For all ages. Register online to walk in or raise money for this event. Kingsland Point Park, 299 Palmer Ave., Sleepy Hollow. lightthenight.org. ✪ National Bison Day. See #AnimalEncounters page 44.

● Owl Prowl. Learn about owls and take a brief walk to listen for them. 7-9pm. Ages 10 and up. Pre-registration required.

Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah.

914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

✪ Tim Kubart and the ● Kids Art & Pizza Night.

Enjoy an evening out while the kids spend time creating art and having a pizza dinner. Materials provided. 6:30-9:30pm. For ages 6-11 (grades 1-5). $50. Preregistration required. Katonah Art

Space Cadets. An indie pop dance party for kids of all ages!

Joined on stage by his band, the “Space Cadets” (and a tap-dancing sidekick!), Tim performs songs celebrating real-life kid and family moments and milestones. 1-3pm.

For all ages. $15 and up. Reservations required. Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua. 914-458-5143. chappaquapac.org.

✪ Yonkers Storytellers. Come and have fun with the puppeteers of the Yonkers Storytellers. 2pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required. Barnes & Noble, 2614 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914-771-6400. barnesandnoble.com.

4 Sunday

● ● David Brooks Scavenger Hunt. Embark on an expedition along the Moodna Creek Trail to locate each of exhibition artist David Brooks’ Permanent Field Observations. Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes. 1pm. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Admission: $18 adults, $8 children 5-18, children 4 and under free. Reservations not required. Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Rd., Mountainville. 845534-3115. stormking.org.

✪ Family Art Project: Dances with Leaves. Toss fall leaves in the wind or walk through a giant leaf pile. Find an assortment of freshly fallen leaves to be the subject of fresh, bright prints. 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: Barn & Animal Finger Puppets. Make adorable felt puppets and decorate a barn scene. Class begins with a demonstration of the art project, which is designed to be done by adult and child.

3-4pm. For ages 18 months-5 years. $35 per child, adults free.

Pre-registration required. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914-723-9229. youngatartworkshop.com.

✪ Farmers’ Market.

Browse goods from over 20 unique vendors. Shop and eat local! Sundays, 9:30am-2:30pm, until Nov. 18. For all ages. Reservations not required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

✪ Hidden in Plain Sight.

Meet animals that are experts in the art of deception and play a game to test your skill at concealment. 11am-noon. For all ages. $8. Pre-registration required.

Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-7622912,ext.110. teatown.org.

✪ Jewish Collegiate A Cappella Competition & Showcase. Feel the beat as eight of the top collegiate a cappella teams from the Northeast compete by performing songs in English and in Hebrew. 4pm. For all ages. $18 adults, $10 children.

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

5 Monday

● ● Mommy Meetup. Meet other moms, socialize, have a snack and let your lil one play! 1011:30am today and Nov. 19, 26. For moms with children ages 3 and under. $5. Advance reservations recommended. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com. ● ● 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. barnesandnoble.com.

Watch the balloons inflate!

Saturday, November 17, 3–6pm Summer & Hoyt Streets Sponsored by Point72

6 Tuesday

✪ Fall Breakout Day: Election on the Farm. Cast your vote for your favorite farm animal!

Have a chance to meet and shake ‘hooves’ with some of the candidates, try themed self-guided

BOB THE BUILDER © 2018 HiT Entertainment Limited and Keith Chapman & © 2017 Mattel.

All Rights Reserved; MR. POTATO HEAD © 2018 Hasbro; OCTONAUTS™ & © MEOMI Design, 2018 Vampire Squid Productions, Ltd, a member of Silvergate Media Group of Companies. All Rights Reserved; PADDINGTON BEAR ™ © 2018 Paddington & Co. Ltd.; SHREK™ & © 2018 DreamWorks Animation, LLC All Rights Reserved.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

39

Calendar November // crafts, scavenger hunts and more!

Check website for schedule of activities. 11am-3pm. For all ages.

Free with 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.

● ● ● Nature Strollers. A unique hiking group for families with young children. Join in for a one-hour hike with the little ones, led by a Museum educator. 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. 845534-5506. hhnm.org.

Saturdays starting Nov. 23. Reservations required. Essex Steam Train, 15 Plains Rd., Essex, Conn.

860-767-0103. essexsteamtrain. com.

E d ito r ’s Pi ck

● ✖ Phantom. It’s the classic

©AMNH/R. Mickens

Talk about up close and personal! Examine all kinds of butterflies in a tropical setting at the American Museum of Natural History.

The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter.

✪ School’s Out/Art’s In.

✪ Set your heart aflutter as you mingle with up to 500 iridescent

Drop into the Learning Center on school vacation days to enjoy unique artist-led projects.

Inspired by the extreme jewelry on view in “Outrageous Ornament: Extreme Jewelry in the 21st Century,” each workshop explores design, decoration and wearable art. Check website for specific projects. 10am-3pm today and Nov. 23. For all ages. $10 adults, $10 children. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

butterflies! The beautiful creatures fly among blooming tropical flowers and lush green vegetation in 80-degree temperatures inside a large vivarium. Plus, learn all about butterflies and efforts to protect their habitats. Daily, 10am-5:45pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day. For all ages. General Admission Plus One ticket: $28 adults, $16.50 children ages 2-12, children under 2 free. Reservations not required. American Museum of Natural History, Central Park W. at W. 79th St., New York. 212-769-5200. amnh.org.

● ● Shape Painting. This shape painting craft can be used to help your lil one learn their shapes and colors, as well as paint their latest masterpiece!

9:45-10:15am. For ages 1-3. $10.

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

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ Westchester Knicks. See future NBA stars compete on the court at the County Center! The Westchester Knicks, the NBA Development League affiliate of the New York Knicks, play other D-League teams through March. Check website for specific opponents.

7pm today and Nov. 8, 18, 20, 23, 24, 27. For all ages. $ 12. Reserva-

40

tions required. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914-995-4050. westchester. gleague.nba.com.

7 Wednesday

● ● Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. Connect with other parents over the joys and bumps of parenthood while engaging your infant/toddler in a group setting through music, motor play and stories. Weekly discussions are held on topics relevant to Jewish or Interfaith families.

10:30-11:30am today and Nov. 14, 28. For parents with children under 2. Reservations not required.

Temple Sholom, 300 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich, Conn. 203-8697191. templesholom.com. ● ● Playdoh Time! Have fun and build fine motor skills

Westchester Family | November 2018

while creating with Playdoh. Roll, mold, squish and squeeze using child-friendly tools. 9:45-10:15am.

For ages 18 months-3 years. $10.

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

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

8 Thursday

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. Check website for showtimes. Wednesdays - Sundays, until Nov. 25. Recommended for ages 10 and up. $59-$89. Reservations required.

Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plz., Elmsford. 914592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

✪ Westchester Knicks. See Nov. 6.

9 Friday

✪ May We All Grow Up To Be Children. Childhood 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, 10am4pm, 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. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.

✪ North Pole Express. Take

● ● ● Stories & Puppets.

a magical nighttime journey to the North Pole. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive sing-a-longs, hot chocolate and sugar cookies during this 90-minute ride.

Children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas! Check website for departure times. Today and Nov. 9-11, 15-18, 23-25, 27-30. For all ages. First-Class Car: $66.50, Coach Car: $35.50, children under 1 free if sitting on an adult’s lap.

Prices are $10 more on Fridays and

Join Flor Bromley and her furry friends for imaginative stories and merriment! 10:30-11am today and Nov. 16, 30. For ages 4 months-5 years. $20 per child, $10 per sibling. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

✪ Peppa Pig Live! See page 35.

SKI - SNOWBOARD - TENNIS - SWIM - SKATEBOARDS

10 Saturday

✪ 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 with a special craft. This month’s theme is “Games, Games, Games.”

9:30-11:30am. For all ages. $11. Pre-registration required.

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

✪ Family Art Project: Local Birdies for Wave Hill House. Make bird drawings with colored pencils, oil pastels and templates. Some projects may be added to the Wave Hill House holiday decor. 10am-1pm today and Nov. 11. 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 Tour: Making Hudson Memories. Interact with “What is Missing” by Maya Lin and the environmental gallery, Hudson Riverama, to discover Hudson River species, both past and present. 2:30pm today and Nov. 23. 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.

● ● Kids’ Workshop.

Create fun sculptures with instructor Felicia Perez. 10am-noon.

Ages 7 and up. Pre-registration required. Blue Door Art Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers. 914-3755100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

✪ Lenape of Westchester. Learn what life was like for the people who lived in the area before European settlement by exploring their food, tools, toys and a traditional wigwam. 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.

● ● Morning Farm Chores.

A hands-on farming experience!

Learn the morning routine at Muscoot and help feed cows, collect hen eggs and more! Dress for farm work (long pants and closetoed shoes required). 8am. For ages 8 and up with a parent. $6 per person or $20 for family of 4.

Pre-registration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

✪ Nature Origami.

Create your very own frogs, fish, flowers and other plants and animals out of paper. No experience necessary. 1-2:30pm. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard St., North White Plains.

914-428-1005. parks.westchestergov.com. ● ● Pinkalicious Party. Watch a screening, enjoy a pink cupcake and engage in a craft. Wear something pink!

1-2pm. For ages 4 and up. Reservations not required. Ruth Keeler Memorial Library, 276 Titicus Rd., North Salem. 914-669-5161. ruthkeelermemoriallibrary.org. ● ● ● ✪ RRPH Presents: The Music of The Beatles for Kids. The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. Come play to the classic music of the Fab Four.

11:30am & 3pm today. Recommended for ages 10 and under. $15 in advance, $17 at the door, children under 1 free. Reservations not required. Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre, 145 Westchester Ave., Port Chester. 914-937-4126. therockandrollplayhouse.com. ● Rabbit Hop. See #AnimlaEn-

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counters page 41.

● Rhyme & Read. Get a head November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

41

start on reading skills through this innovative program featuring nursery rhymes set to song.

11-11:30am today and Nov. 17. For ages 2-5. Free with $7 museum admission. Space is limited.

First-come, first-served. Must be present at start of program.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.

11 Sunday

● ● Bread and Butter. Make some bread and butter and learn how these chores used to be done on the farm. 1-2pm. Ages 6 and up. This is a drop off program. $5.

Pre-registration required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914864-7286. muscootfarm.org. ● Family Nature Walk. Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Severe weather cancels.

1pm. For ages 6 and up with an adult. 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. 718549-3200. wavehill.org.

Holiday Happenings

Calendar November //

● ● ● The FunkeyMonkeys. See City Picks page 46. ● Science Sunday. Drop in for hands-on science exploration, with a different theme every month. 11:30am-12:15pm.

Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Free with $7 museum admission. Reservations not required.

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-4215050. discoverwcm.org.

42

The Holiday Train Show, a spectacular seasonal event, has arrived once again at the New York Botanical Garden.

✪ Holiday Train Show. This New York tradition is back! See model trains zip through a dazzling display of more than 175 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves and other natural materials - all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

10am-6pm Nov. 17, 18, 20, 21, 25, 27, 29, 30.

10am-7pm Nov. 23 and 24; 10am-2pm Nov. 28. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $30 adults, $18 children 2-12; children under 2 free. Advance reservations recommended. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

✪ The Polar Express in IMAX. All aboard for an unforgettable holiday ride in this animated film based on the classic children’s book. On Christmas Eve, a magical locomotive takes a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus to the North Pole. Starring the voice talent of Tom Hanks. 5pm Nov. 23-25. For all ages. $11.50 adults, $10.50 children 13-17, $9.50 for children 2-12, children under 2 free.

✪ Sunday Explorers. Drop in for crafts, animal meet and greets, a scavenger hunt and more. Sundays, 11:30am-4pm. For all ages. $12 adults, $6 children 4-17, children 3 and under free.

Registration not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford, Conn.

203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Photo courtesy of The New York Botanical Garden

✪ What is Assemblage?

Discover the many facets of Louise Nevelson’s process by looking closely at City on the High Mountain (1983). Make your own sculpture from wooden scraps and found materials. 1pm. For

Westchester Family | November 2018

Reservations not required. The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St., Norwalk, Conn.

203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

✪ Twilight Tours. Experience Boscobel at its holiday best. See the mansion lit by candles, decorated for a 19th-century Christmas, and resonating with live string music. 3:30-7pm Nov. 23-25. For all ages. $26 adults, $16 children, children under 5 free. Reservations required. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 914265-3638. boscobel.org.

✪ Westchester’s Winter Wonderland. A one-of-a-kind holiday experience close to home! Meet Santa, skate on the outdoor ice rink (skates included), watch the Holiday Circus and a musical light show, hop on your favorite holiday rides and more. Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 23. 5-10pm Nov. 23, 24, 30; 5-9pm Nov. 25 and 29. For all ages. $18 and up. Reservations not required. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway Rd., Valhalla. 914-231-4600. wwinterwonderland. com.

all ages. Admission: $18 adults, $8 children 5-18, children 4 and under free. Reservations not required. Storm King Art Center, 1 Museum Rd., Mountainville. 845534-3115. stormking.org.

✪ Yonkers Philharmonic Family/Education Concert. Enjoy an afternoon of music and culture courtesy of the Yonkers Philharmonic. Concert includes selections from Richard

Strauss, Felix Mendelssohn and more. 3pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Saunders Trades and Technical High School, 183 Palmer Rd., Yonkers. yonkersphilharmonic.com.

12 Monday

real and artificial leaves, flowers and summer foliage embossed into wet clay and create your own one-of-a-kind plate! 10-11am.

Ages 2-5 with caregiver. $15. Preregistration recommended. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203438-4519. aldrichart.org.

Circa

carnival of the animals

Sunday Nov 18 @3pm

✪ Afternoon Studios: String Things. Explore combining yarn and wire armatures in this exciting sculpture workshop.

Wrap, wind and twist materials to create your own creature entirely out of yarn! 2-4pm. For all ages.

Free with admission. $10 adults, children 12 and under free. Reservations not required. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203-4384519. aldrichart.org.

● ● ● ✪ Groove JAM on Veterans Day! A groovy live music experience for a day off from school. Groove’s band of musician/educators lead the way through songs, interactive chants and dances that tap into your child’s own spirit and sparkle.

9:30am & 10:30am. Ages 6 and under. $30 first child, $15 siblings.

Parking is free. Reservations required. Groove@Artistree, 114 W. Boston Post Rd., Mamaroneck. 914834-3383. findgroove.com.

13 Tuesday

● ● Little Playtimes.

Children build their curiosity with LEGO® bricks while parents mingle together. Activities include story time, Animal Bingo and Farmers Workshop. Check website for schedule. 10am-2pm today and Nov. 20, 27. For ages 2-5. $24 for an adult and child, children 2 and under free. Reservations not required. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866-2430770. westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. ● ● Studio Tots: Clay Leaf Plates and Prints. Create a work of art that celebrates the changing colors and seasons as autumn approaches! Use both

14 Wednesday

● Color & Sight Word Sensory Bottles. Play with color, watching beautiful shades mix and separate. With added trinkets, sight words and alphabet letter beads, this bottle craft is a wonderful teaching tool.

9:45-10:30am. For ages 2-4. $15.

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

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com. ● ● Storytime for Toddlers. Meet in the Early Explorers space for stories, music, movement and art. Learn about pollution and ways you can “go green.” 11:30am-noon today and Nov. 28. Ages 1-4. Free with admission. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914963-4550. hrm.org.

Family Fun All Season Long! #PAC1819 Prices range from $20 - $60 Youth tickets (16 +under) are always 50% off!

914-251-6200 www.artscenter.org

PRESENTS

15 Thursday

● Bubble Painting. Blow bubbles onto paper to create beautifully painted bubble art!

9:45-10:30am. For ages 3-4. $20. $15 per sibling. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

NOV. 24, 1PM & 4PM

✪ Macy’s Christmas Windows. See City Picks page 46.

✪ DreamWorks Trolls The Experience. See City Picks page 46.

NOV. 27, 4PM

16 Friday

✪ CATS. See one of the world’s best-known and meow-velous musicals! Presented by the Broadway Training Center of Westchester. 7pm today and Nov.

FOR TICKETS: PalaceStamford.org or 203-325-4466 CO• COMMUNICATIONS Marketing | Public Relations | Design

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

43

#AnimalEncounters

Calendar November //

44

17; 3pm Nov. 18. For all ages. $20 adults, $16 children. $2 additional fee for tickets purchased at the door. Reservations not required.

Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St., Irvington. 914-591-6602. broadwaytraining.com.

✪ LEGO® Star Wars Days.

Channel your inner Jedi for some intergalactic fun. Activities include Star Wars-themed building, a scavenger hunt and photo opportunities with LEGO® Star Wars masterpieces. Costumes encouraged! 10am-9pm today and Nov. 17; 10am-7pm Nov. 18. For all ages. $26.95 and up. Children under 3 free. Advance reservations recommended. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. 866-2430770. westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Courtesy photo

Gobble, gobble! It’s time to learn more about turkeys and maybe see one up close at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum in Cornwall.

✪ National Bison Day. Learn more about America’s largest mammal. These giants weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds and eat up to 50 pounds of grasses a day. See the zoo’s bison family consisting of an adult male and female. 9am-4pm Nov. 3. 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.

● ● ✖ Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Speckled Band. Follow Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on the trail of a classic mystery in this unique performance. Move through the Carriage House and rooms on the first floor (which stand in for Victorian London) and uncover the secrets of the case.

7:30pm today and Nov. 24, 29, 30; 5:30pm & 7:30pm Nov. 17, 18, 25.

For school-aged children and up. $40 adults, $35 children 16 and under. Reservations required.

Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-4481. lyndhurst.org.

Everett Children’s Adventure Garden gets into the holiday spirit with train-inspired fun! Hop aboard a play train and pretend to ride the rails! Hike winter trails and find evergreen trees and shrubs. Make a festive evergreen swag bundle to brighten up your home. Tuesdays - Fridays, 1:305:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5:30pm. Closed Thanksgiving. For all ages. Included in All-Garden Pass. Weekdays: $23 adults, $10 children 2-12; Weekends: $30 adults, $18 children 2-12; children under 2 free. Reservations not required. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd. at Fordham Rd., Bronx. 718817-8700. nybg.org.

✪ Family Art Project: Cornhusk Dolls. Celebrate corn and harvest time! Listen to Native American tales and hear about the power of a talking stick. Then tie and shape dried husks into a single, cornhusk doll or corny doll family. 10am-1pm today and Nov. 18. 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.

✪ Holiday Train Show. See Holiday Happenings page 42.

● ● ● ✪ James and the

● Rabbit Hop! Have a hippity-hoppity good time with Teatown’s rabbits. Make bunny ears and tails to fit right in. 11am-noon Nov. 10. For families with children ages 3-5. $8. Pre-registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

● ● The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales. See Film Fun on page 45.

● ✪ Wild Turkey Trek. Hike the McKeon Loop

✪ Chappaqua Craft and

trail and learn all about this fascinating bird that is so prevalent this time of year. Find out about the turkey’s natural history and amazing adaptations.

10am Nov. 25. Recommended for ages 5 and up. $10 adults, $7 children. Same-day 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.

Gift Fair. Find the perfect gift to give this holiday season. Over 80 vendors offer handcrafted jewelry, original artwork, bath and beauty products, children’s gifts and much more. Free parking at Chappaqua train station. 10am-4pm. For all ages. Free admission. Reservations not required. Robert E. Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St., Chappaqua. chappaquacraftfair.com.

Westchester Family | November 2018

✪ Evergreen Express. The

17 Saturday

Giant Peach: The Musical. A delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure.

Follow James along his wild journey inside an enormous peach.

Performed by an adult professional cast. 7:30pm today and Nov. 24; 2pm Nov. 18, 23, 25. For ages 3 and up. $19-$28. Reservations not required. Yorktown Stage, 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights.

914-952-0606. yorktownstage.org.

● ● Kids’ Workshop.

Express yourself in the abstract with instructor Patricia Stuart.

10am-noon. Ages 4-12. Pre-registration required. Blue Door Art

✪ Kids in the Kitchen: Crostatine alla Marmellata. Make delicious mini tarts and fill them with a choice of jam or Nutella. Then get creative decorating the top. 12:30pm. For all ages. $40 children; $65 adult and child; $40 per additional person. Pre-registration required.

Westchester Italian Cultural Center, One Generoso Pope Pl., Tuckahoe.

914-771-8700. wiccny.org.

✪ Predator and Prey.

Learn all about predator and prey species and their relationships together, followed by some hands-on activities. 1-2pm. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard St., North White Plains.

914-428-1005. parks.westchestergov.com. ● ● ● ✪ RRPH Presents: The Music of The Band for Kids. The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. Come play to the music of rock group The Band. 11:30am & 3pm today. Recommended for ages 10 and under. $15 in advance, $17 at the door, children under 1 free.

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

914-937-4126. therockandrollplayhouse.com. ● Rhyme & Read. See Nov. 10. ● ● ● Third Saturdays. See the latest in contemporary art and participate in a family workshop to create your own plaster three-dimensional structure. 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.

✪ Young People’s Concert.

See City Picks page 46.

18 Sunday

✪ Celebrate Diwali. See Editor’s Pick page 38. ✪ Circa: Carnival of the Animals. The acrobats of Circa Contemporary Circus bring a classical music suite to life. Watch as creatures of land and sea tumble, fly, leap and spin their way through the many wondrous worlds of the animal kingdom.

3pm. For all ages. $13.25-$62.50.

Reservations required. The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914-251-6200. artscenter.org.

● ● Engineering for Kids and their Parents.

Work as a team with your child to create engineering feats out of nature that challenge young minds and inspire big goals. Activities include acorn catapults and miniature nature boats. 2-3:30pm.

For parents with children ages 7-12. Reservations not required.

Cranberry Lake Preserve, 1609 Old Orchard St., North White Plains.

914-428-1005. parks.westchestergov.com. ● ● ✪ Family Sundays: Thanksgiving Tree Centerpiece. Create a Thanksgiving tree for your family’s table. Hang photos or messages of gratitude from the branches. Class begins with a demonstration of the art project, which is designed to be done by adult and child. 3-4:15pm.

Ages 5-12. $35 per child, adults free.

Pre-registration required. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914-723-9229. youngatartworkshop.com.

GKIDS

Enjoy plenty of laughs and a beautiful story in “The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales” at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

Film Fun

Center, 13 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers.

914-375-5100. bluedoorartcenter.org.

● ● The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales. The animals on this farm are particularly wacky: a fox who mothers a family of chicks, a pig who plays the stork and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus.

The three stories offer a sensitive and beautiful portrayal of family and the anxieties of modern life. Parents be advised, there is mild violence and language. Noon Nov. 17 & 18. Recommended for ages 7 and up. $14 adults, $7.50 children 13 and under. Reservations required. Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville. 914-747-5555. burnsfilmcenter.org.

✪ Oceans: Our Blue Planet in IMAX. This

✪ Studio Ghibli Fest 2018:

beautiful new film explores the largest and leastunderstood habitat on Earth: the oceans. From the coastal shallows to deeper, more mysterious worlds, Oceans captures the awesome power and beauty of the sea and also reveals untold stories about the oceans’ most astonishing creatures.

Daily, 11am, 2pm, 4pm. For all ages. 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. 203-8520700. maritimeaquarium.org.

Castle in the Sky. See Film Fun page 45.

✪ Studio Ghibli Fest 2018: Castle in the

✪ Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Perform.

This immersive and educational performance features traditional music, dancers and stories from cultures across the American northeast, southwest and Great Plains.

1-2pm. For all ages. Free with ad-

Sky. See a special English-dubbed screening of this stunning animated film from Academy Award®winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Castle in the Sky is an action-packed story of courage and friendship.

12:55pm Nov. 18. For all ages. $13.50. Reservations required. Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill, 59 Fitzgerald St. at Ridge Hill, Yonkers. 800-315-4000. showcasecinemas.com.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

45

mission. $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.

✪ Turkey Time. Discover alittle more about turkeys before their big day! Make a craft, listen to a story and take a short hike to learn about their natural history.

11am-noon. For all ages. $8. Preregistration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

City Picks

Calendar November //

✪ Weekend Admission.

Courtesy photo

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! 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.

Have fun monkeying around during The FunkeyMonkeys concert at The Jewish Museum on Nov. 11.

● Fox Fables. This WonderSpark Puppets adaptation of an Aesop’s Fable is about a fox who loses his precious tail, and with it, his identity. He tries to be several other animals instead before realizing the moral lesson of this ancient story. 11am & 1pm Nov. 3 and 4. Recommended for ages 3-6. $12 adults, $10 children. Reservations required. 14th Street Y, 344 E. 14th St. New York. 212-780-0800. 14streety.org. ● ● ● The FunkeyMonkeys. Groove and giggle to the hilarious antics and soulful sounds of the FunkeyMonkeys. This supergroup of professional musicians, comedians and teachers delivers a one-of-a kind performance. 11:30am-12:30pm Nov. 11. Ages 2-8. $18. Reservations required. The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St., New York.

212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

✪ Westchester Knicks. See Nov. 6.

19 Monday

● ● Mommy Meetup. See Nov. 5.

● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. See Nov. 5.

✪ Macy’s Christmas Windows.

Be there as the iconic holiday windows are unveiled! The displays, titled “Believe in the Wonder of Giving,” share a tale of friendship, family, adventure and teamwork with a new hero named Sunny the Snowpal. 6pm Nov. 15. For all ages. FREE. Reservations not

20 Tuesday

● Toddlers’ Tuesday Morning Storytime. Join Barnes & Noble booksellers for a story and coloring activity every week in the Children’s Department. Tuesdays, 11am. For toddlers. Reservations not required.

Barnes & Noble, 2614 Central Park Ave., Yonkers. 914-771-6400. barnesandnoble.com.

ence. Enter the world of DreamWorks Trolls with an all-new, immersive, interactive experience. Travel through Critter Creek, enjoy dancing in Poppy’s 3-D Party Room, meet your favorite Trolls and more. Weekdays, 10am-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-8pm, Nov. 15 - Jan. 6, 2019. For all ages. $40. Children under 2 free. Reservations required. 218 W. 57th St. New York.

800-844-3545. trollstheexperience.com.

✪ Young People’s Concert. The New York Philharmonic kicks off its season of Young People’s Concerts (YPCs) with “Dancing Across the Universe - The Waltz,” featuring waltzes and other dances by Mozart, J. Strauss II, Tchaikovsky and others. Arrive early for YPC Overtures, when children can meet Philharmonic musicians and try out orchestral instruments. 2pm Nov. 17. For all ages. $15 and up. Reservations required. David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, 10 Lincoln Center Plz. New York. 212875-5656. nyphil.org.

✪ Oceans: Our Blue Planet

tory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter. See Editor’s Pick page 40.

22 Thursday

in IMAX. See Film Fun page 45.

✪ The Butterfly Conserva-

✪ May We All Grow Up To Be Children. See Nov. 9.

46

✪ DreamWorks Trolls The Experi-

21 Wednesday

✪ Westchester Knicks. See Nov. 6.

required. Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th St. New York. 212-695-4400. macys.com.

Westchester Family | November 2018

✪ DreamWorks Trolls The Experience. See City Picks page 46.

23 Friday

● ✪ ✖ 3rd Annual Holiday Market. Shop directly from local Etsy artisans and makers. Browse through jewelry, pottery, hand-painted ornaments, accessories and much more.

Kids can stop by the arts & crafts

THEATRE table. A portion of sales benefit the Friends of the Ossining Public library. 11am-5pm today; 10am4pm Nov. 24. Reservations not required. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining. 914-9412416. ossininglibrary.org.

free. Reservations not required.

Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-4481. lyndhurst. org.

â&#x153;Ş The Polar Express in IMAX. See Holiday Happenings page 42.

â&#x153;Ş Afternoon Studios: Make Your Own Emoji. Draw inspiration from your favorite emoticons in this workshop inspired by emojis! Design symbols that convey emotion, represent a favorite food or faces that make you giggle! 2-4pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children 12 and under free.

Reservations not required. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield, Conn. 203438-4519. aldrichart.org.

â&#x153;Ş Beaver Moon. Celebrate the beaver moon with an evening hike through the forest to Vernay Lake to look and listen for nocturnal creatures under the light of the moon. 7-8:30pm.

For all ages. $8. Pre-registration required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org.

â&#x153;Ş Holiday Kick-off! Enjoy Thanksgiving weekend at the Hudson River Museum. Activities include a family art class, a family tour, a dance workshop, crafts and more. Check website for schedule.

Noon-5pm today and Nov. 24. 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. 914963-4550. hrm.org.

â&#x153;Ş Holiday Opening Weekend. Enjoy the lavish holiday decorations at Lyndhurst at your own pace without a guided tour. Make family memories and take pictures throughout the wonderland of holiday vignettes. 10am-5pm today and Nov. 24, 25. For all ages.

Online: $18 adults, $16 children 6-16; On site: $20 adults, $18 children 6-16; children under 6

â&#x153;Ş Santa Special. A special train ride with some special guests! Enjoy a 60-minute journey aboard festive railway cars adorned with vintage decorations and keep that camera handy for the moment Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive for a visit. 9:30am, 10am, 11am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1 pm today - Nov. 25. For all ages. First Class Car: $40; Coach Car: $25; children under 1 free if sitting on an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lap. Reservations required. Essex Steam Train, 15 Plains Rd., Essex, Conn. 860-7670103. essexsteamtrain.com.

WINNER 2018

HOLIDAY 2018 FAMILY EVENTS MUSIC, DANCE & FUN FOR ALL AGES HOLIDAY JAM & FOOD DRIVE

WITH EMILY ANGELL & FRIENDS Thu, Nov 29 @ 7:30pm

THE KLEZMATICS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Happy Joyous Hanukkahâ&#x20AC;?

Lyrics By Woodie Guthrie Thu, Dec 6 @ 7:30pm

MAMARONECK CHORUS A fresh take on holiday standards Sat, Dec 8 @ 4pm & 7pm

NUTCRACKER DREAM An all new, all Westchester version of the ballet classic Sun, Dec 16 @ 2pm & 5pm Sat, Dec 22 @ 3pm & 7pm

THE PAPER BAG PLAYERS m l;Ń´bm oŃ´b7-Â&#x2039; $u-7bŕŚ&#x17E;omÄ´ Wed, Dec 26 @ 11am & 1:30pm

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO

â&#x153;Ş Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Out/Artâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In. See Nov. 6.

EMELIN.ORG | 914.698.0098 153 LIBRARY LANE, MAMARONECK

â&#x153;Ş Thanksgiving Weekend at the Wildlife Education Center. Visit with live animals and find out what they had for Thanksgiving Dinner. Enjoy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meet the Animalsâ&#x20AC;? presentations and shop for nature-themed holiday gifts. Noon-4pm today - Nov. 25. For all ages. $5 adults and children 3 and up, children under 3 free. Reservations not required.

Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Wildlife Education Center, 25 Boulevard, Cornwall. 845-534-5506. hhnm.org.

â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? â&#x2014;? 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. 3pm. For ages 7 and under. Reservations not required. Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry. 914-693-6100. chabadrt.org.

â&#x153;Ş Twilight Tours. See Holiday Happenings page 42.

â&#x153;Ş Westchester Knicks. See

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.â&#x20AC;?

-THE NEW YORKER

Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200

For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849

New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com G ill llii B bbl Sh

Nov. 6.

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

47

Calendar November // ✪ Westchester’s Winter

Harvest Time. Gather fall leaves, cones, pods and seed heads. Weave them together with other materials from the gardens and meadows to create a decorative wall hanging celebrating the bounty and beauty of the season. 10am1pm. 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.

Wonderland. See Holiday Happenings page 42.

✪ The Wizards of Winter.

A holiday rock event featuring former members of the TransSiberian Orchestra and other rock industry veterans. The Wizards of Winter perform a rock opera titled Tales Beneath a Northern Star.

8-10pm. For all ages. $40-$65.

Reservations required. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com.

✪ Festival of (Laser) Light.

You’ve never seen a laser show like this! It starts with a single dot and builds with lighting effects and music, culminating with a giant menorah lighting you won’t soon forget. 4pm. For all ages. $25 adults, $20 children 12 and under.

Reservations required. White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Pl., White Plains. 914-328-1600. wppac.com.

24 Saturday

✪ A Charlie Brown Christmas. The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they mount a play, save a tree and uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

1pm & 4pm. For all ages. $25$40. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

● ● ● ✪ James and the Giant Peach: The Musical.

See Nov. 17.

● ● ✖ Sherlock Holmes:

✪ Drop-in and Create: Snack Sculpture. See Nov. 3.

● ● Free Crafts for Kids. Drop in and make something fun. Materials and templates provided. 11am-3pm.

For ages 3 and up. Reservations not required. Lakeshore Learning Store, 969A Central Park Ave., Scarsdale. 914-472-1820. lakeshorelearning.com.

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

Club meets every fourth Saturday of the month. 11am-noon. For all ages, children 12 months and under free. Free with $7 museum admission. Reservations not required. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy., Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Courtesy Photo

Visit a galaxy far, far away without leaving Westchester! LEGO® Star Wars Days are Nov. 16-18 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester.

● ✪ Wild Turkey Trek. See

✪ The Great Jack

26 Monday

Nov. 6.

O’Lantern Blaze. See Nov. 1.

✪ Pack Chat for Kids. This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children.

Kids learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and their important role in the natural world. Plus, visit the Ambassador Wolves and possibly the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves as well.

2pm today; 11am Nov. 25. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Pre-registration required. Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914-753-2373. nywolf. org.

25 Sunday

✖ After the Turkey Hike.

Walk off those extra pounds gained from the Thanksgiving feast. The Overlook Trail, one of Teatown’s more remote trails, offers a good workout and some views too! This is a moderate hike with some steep sections. Wear hiking boots and take water and a snack. 10am-noon. For adults. $8.

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

✪ Family Art Project: ✪ Westchester Knicks. See

48

The Adventure of the Speckled Band. See Nov. 16.

Westchester Family | November 2018

Natural Weavings for

#AnimalEncounters page 44.

✪ Classic Holiday Mansion Tours. See Lyndhurst mansion transformed into an extravagant wonderland of holiday splendor.

Dozens of Christmas trees are expertly decorated and designed to complement the elegant period furnishings within the rooms of the house. This onehour tour visits the main two floors of the mansion. 10am-4pm today and Nov. 29, 30. For all ages. $20 adults, $18 children 6-16, children under 6 free. Advance reservations recommended.

Lyndhurst, 635 S. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-631-4481. lyndhurst. org.

27 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. 914-2263082. drafthouse.com.

● ● Little Playtimes. See Nov. 13.

✪ The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. The timeless classic and three other Eric Carle stories make their way off the page and onto the stage.

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, this production features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets.

4pm. For all ages. $15.30-$32.

Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford, Conn. 203-325-4466. palacestamford.org.

✪ Westchester Knicks. See Nov. 6.

28 Wednesday

● Roll a Ball Painting. It all starts with one ball in a blob of paint. Patterns begin to emerge as your little artist rolls the ball around a contained space.

9:45-10:30am. For ages 2-5. $20. $15 per sibling. Pre-registration required. Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe. 914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com. ● ● Storytime for Toddlers. See Nov. 14.

29 Thursday

● Chloe’s Baby Gym. See Nov. 1.

✪ A Christmas Carol. A musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic with a surprising

new twist! Featuring the timeless characters and traditional carols you know and love, this production is a wonderful holiday treat. Check website for showtimes. Today and Nov. 30.

For all ages. $59-$89. Reservations required. Westchester Broadway Theatre, One Broadway Plz., Elmsford. 914-592-2222. broadwaytheatre.com.

Schedule Your Annual Physical

• Comprehensive care from birth to age 21 • State of the art pediatric office • Convenient on-site parking

• Spacious child-friendly waiting area • Extended evening & weekend office hours • Most insurances accepted

Susan Meisler, M.D. • Hilary Smith, M.D. Lisa Mandelker, D.O. • Debra Etelson, M.D.

145 Huguenot Street, Suite 200 • New Rochelle, NY www.pasw4kids.com • 914.235.1400

✪ Holiday Train Show. See Holiday Happenings page 42.

30 Friday

✪ Creative Community: Imagine it! After School.

Drop-in and enjoy interactive pop-up activity stations, gallery games and art projects around the KMA. 3-5pm. For all ages. Free with admission. $10 adults, children under 12 free. Reservations not required.

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

● Creative Community: Stroller Tour. Enjoy a lively conversation inspired by the art on view, then nosh on light snacks while socializing with newlymade 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 $10 admission. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah. 914-2329555. katonahmuseum.org.

✪ Westchester’s Winter Wonderland. See Holiday Happenings page 42.

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2018-10-10 4:12 PM

Westchester Family

✪ Wreath Making. Work with

The Digital Edition

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WestchesterFamily.com

November 2018 | WestchesterFamily.com

49

Last Bite //

Suzy Scherr

With one secret ingredient potatoes turn out extra fluffy and perfectly golden.

Dreamy, Crispy Roasted Potatoes

By Suzy Scherr

M

ake holiday cooking a family affair by recruiting your kiddos to help make this simple-yet-irresistible side for any upcoming feast. Little ones will love scrubbing the spuds and older kids — with supervision — can even help peel and chop. And because they love when we let them in on a good secret, be sure to mention that this recipe includes baking soda, a surprise ingredient that makes the potatoes extra fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside!

Serves 4

50

Westchester Family | November 2018

Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice 1/2 cup kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon pepper Instructions: 1. Place a large sheet pan in a cold oven, then preheat the oven to 500 degrees.

2. In a large pot, bring eight cups water to boil.

3. Add potatoes, salt, and baking soda. Return the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook the potatoes for five minutes.

4. Drain the potatoes in a colander and shake vigorously to roughen edges. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and toss with one tablespoon olive oil and pepper. Working quickly, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven and pour the remaining one tablespoon oil onto the surface. Arrange

the potatoes on the sheet in an even layer.

5. Bake until potatoes are crisp and skins are deep golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through roasting.

6. Let cool on sheet for five minutes and serve.

Excerpted from The Baking Soda Companion © 2018 Suzy Scherr. Published by The Countryman Press, a division of W.W. Norton & Company.

Suzy Scherr, author of The Apple Cider Vinegar Companion, The Baking Soda Companion, and The Honey Companion is a personal chef, writer and culinary instructor and busy Westchester mom with a knack for finding new ways to make being in the kitchen or at the table exciting, fun and accessible. Scherr teaches, cooks for and cooks with adults and kids, making delicious, healthy meals that utilize new products, unfamiliar ingredients and unique ways of incorporating everyday items.

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