Queens Family - September 2020

September 2020

newyorkfamily.com

Apple Picking spots!

“Little Kid, Big City” Mom

Beth Beckman on Why She Loves New York

Coping in the age of COVID Tips for kids and parents

It’s time to visit the Empire State Building!

Welcome to Oakwood Friends School!

On September 14th, Oakwood launches the Fall semester!

With health and safety our overarching policy, we welcome students, boarding and day, grades 5-12, for our 5-day, in-person programming, including academic and extracurricular.

Protocols meet and exceed all NYS health and safety standards and guidelines.

• Staff fully trained to engage students both in-person and remotely. Ample classroom and socially distanced instructional spaces in multiple outdoor classroom locations and newly constructed interior classrooms • SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) integrated into programming; full-time school counselors to support students in- and outside the classroom • Social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion central to community For complete details about our Health & Safety Protocols, and 2020 life at Oakwood, go to: OakwoodFriends.org

Join our Virtual Open Houses Tues Sept 29 • 7:00 PM and Tues Oct 13 • 7:00 PM Upper School Day & Boarding Programs (5 and 7-day) Middle School Day Program 22 Spackenkill Road, Poughkeepsie, NY For more info or to join us, write or call: admissions@oakwoodfriends.org (845) 462-4200

Discover! oakwoodfriends.org

Virtual Virtual acting acting classes classes for for Kids Kids && Teens Teens

A creative outlet A creative outlet for for ages ages 4-18!

4-18!

Musical Theater Musical Theater Film Film Comedy Comedy Sketch Sketch Scene Study Scene Study Technique Technique Radio Plays Radio Plays & more! & more!

Limited spots! Register now: atlanticactingschool.org Limited spots! Register Register now: now: atlanticactingschool.org atlanticactingschool.org September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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contents

September 2020

NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 34

pg. 16

pg. 20

pg. 32

FEATURES 12 | Back To School Our roundup of ready-made kids’ lunches 20 | Style We chatted with Alexis Kristiana’s on her Black-owned vintage online shop Liquid Gold Vintage 32 | Beth Beckman: Mom in the Know Beth Beckman, founder of Little Kid, Big City, and co-founder of FOMOfeed Kids on the city she loves!

34 | Family Day Out Our roundup of the farms open during COVID-19 for fall apple picking 38 | Family Fun We have all the details on visiting the iconic Empire State Building

Directories 14 | Activities & Classes 28 | Education Directory

Stories & columns 6 | Editor’s Note September New York, Baby 8 | Mom Stories Why I am sending my Autistic son to school 16 | Real Estate Eye on the suburbs 24 | Ask The Expert Tips for parents and kids on how to cope with emotions as we head back to school in the age of COVID-19

on the Cover Photo: Ana Gambuto | anagambuto.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

Advantage Junior Programs Tennis for every level! Play it safer at 3 fantastic locations!

Players ages 5 and up learn to serve, rally and play “real tennis” customized for kids!

Players 7 and up love this blend of group lessons, special events and more!

Committed players learn to strategize, play and excel at competitive tennis –up to USTA tournament level.

Get in the game—the safer way! Fall classes start in September.

Choose your location and sign up today!

Convenient locations across NYC QuickStart Tennis - Paul Fontana, 646.884.9649 Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club - Milos Vojvodic, 212.594.0554 Roosevelt Island Racquet Club - Steve O’Keefe, 212.935.0250, ext 812

New York Tennis Club For Indoors Contact Mark Keye: 718.239.7919 ext 1 markkeye@advantagetennisclubs.com For Outdoors

Details at advantagejuniorprograms.com

Contact: 718.239.7919 ext 2 admin@newyorktennisclub.com

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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Editor’s Note

NewYorkFamily.com Publisher: Clifford Luster Executive Editor: Donna Duarte-Ladd Digital Editor: Katarina Avendaño Senior Adviser: Susan Weiss Digital Director: Erik Bliss Partnership Managers: Erin Brof, Mary Cassidy, Shelli Goldberg-Peck Ad Operations Manager: Rosalia Bobé Art Director: Leah Mitch Web Developer: Sylvan Migdal Graphic Designers: Arthur Arutyunov, Connie Sulsenti

Nina Gallo Photography

New York, Baby!

We are heading back to school. And yes, for the millionth time, it is different, weird, bizarre, and hard — it has been really challenging in many ways. Some of your friends are moving away, and we get it. If this period has taught us anything, we all have to do what is best for our families. No judgments.

What many of us do know about New York; it is a tough city to shake off. Sure, things are whacky right now, but this is a resilient city.

So this month we have answers. Yes, we are providing solutions where we can. For lunchtime for our remote school kids, we have Ready-Made Kids’ Lunches (page 12).

While many of us are taking deep breaths while we enter into a historic school year, The Emotional Scientist (page 24), Dr. Marc

Brackett shares how we and our kids can cope in the time of COVID-19.

And let’s not forget that Fall is around the corner, and we have a list of the best Fall Apple Picking (page 34) in New York.

Lastly, as we go into this new school year, we want you to know all that this city offers.

This month’s cover mom, Beth Beckman, of Little Kid, Big City and Fomofeed Kids tends to quietly stay out of her gorgeous photos and posts, but we managed to capture her at the iconic Empire State Building (page 38). And in her cover feature Mom In The Know (page 32) she shares on her new book and all the spots we can enjoy in and around NYC.

Donna Ladd Executive Editor

Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Courtney Ingalls, Regan Mies, Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Jenna Fanelli, Katrina Makayan, Marta Rybczynski

Contact Information

ADVERTISING: (718) 260-4554 Advertising@NewYorkFamily.com Circulation: (718) 260-8336 Tina@NewYorkFamily.com

Address: New York Family Media/Schneps Media 1 MetroTech Center North, Third Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

President: Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO: Joshua Schneps Group Publisher: Clifford Luster

New York Family has been awarded the PMA Gold Award for Excellence both overall and in Website Design

2020

New York Family is published monthly by Queens Family Media, LLC.

get in touch Share your feedback and ideas about family life in the city!

Email us at editorial@newyorkfamily.com and tag us at #newyorkfamily

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

Reproduction of New York Family Media in whole or part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. ©2020 Queens Family Media, LLC

T T THE WINDSOR SCHOOL T THE WINDSOR SCHOOL T Established in 1969 Established in 1969

Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools

LE AR N TO DAY. LE AD TO M O R ROW. LE AR N TO DAY. LE AD TO M O R ROW. A Private College Preparatory School for Students in Grades 7 – 12 A Private College Preparatory School for Students in Grades 7 – 12

Applications Being Accepted for Immediate Enrollment in Grades 7-12 -------------------------------------------------------Limited Seats Available!

Affordable Tuition · Generous Scholarship and Financial Assistance Offers · Flexible Tuition Payment Plans Available

CLICK HERE for a Virtual Tour of the School.

4 In-Person Instruction Five Days a Week 4 Maximum of 10 Students per Class 4 Proper Social Distancing per CDC Guidelines 4 Enhanced Air Filtration System School-Wide

37-02 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11354 • (718) 359-8300 • www.thewindsorschool.com September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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mom stories

Why I’m Sending My Autistic Son to School When it comes to school plans, my choices are very limited

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

S

ince coronavirus entered the hemisphere, I have been walking a tight rope when it comes to my child’s special needs. The first two months of the COVID shutdown, my four-year-old son regressed in severe extremities. Within weeks of quarantine, he ended up in the hospital, was diagnosed with a compulsive disorder, and I was labeled by the very person I chose to advocate for him a failure as a mother (this is another story, and this person has since been replaced). Never mind, he is on the ASD spectrum, and the doctors (who were saints) explained how his compulsion led us to the hospital. It was on me, not my husband, who also parents our children.

The mother is the one who is expected to be the ‘super’ parent. I have now labeled this time as one of the roughest periods of my life. And I’m not alone. Stat news recently shared that “Years ago, a University of Wisconsin-Madison study showed that autism mothers experience levels of stress comparable to those of combat soldiers — and that’s without a global pandemic.” Yikes.

My child tends to be in his bubble, happily, but as social interaction is necessary for all children’s growth, it is especially crucial for children with Autism. After the hospital stay, quarantine, and negative COVID tests, my son went to daycare during the school break in the hope that socialization would

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help with his developmental regression. He exhausted the staff. I was politely told not to return; the daycare workers were unable to ‘handle’ him. Many parents with special needs kids hear these words more often then we’d prefer. The truth is he is not a lot to handle; the daycare workers were not equipped or educated in special needs to understand a child with autism. I have learned not to take it personally. Most children have to find the right school fit, and during a pandemic, watching a child with special needs is pretty extra.

When it comes to kids with special needs, it takes a team of experts to teach the child. A strong squad sees his/ her strengths and builds on them to make this beautiful human’s life, one of value.

We all know as parents that having a teacher that ‘gets’ our kid means we are going to have a great school year.

However, our child health trumps even a good school experience in the time of COVID. We all have had to decide how to proceed with our children’s education here in New York. When it comes to returning to school and sending my son out in COVID, there are no pods or yurts where my son can safely learn. After speaking to my son’s IEP coordinator and teachers regarding going back to school — the decision was as an overwhelming yes for this is the appropriate route for us to take.

Fortunately, my son is in a small class that will be even smaller this year. I do not foresee any crowded hallways such as the viral tweet that Georgia student Hannah Anderson shared. Not cool, North Paulding High School!

So in a few weeks, most of our kids will either be remote or blended learning. And the gist of it all is I have no judgment on how a parent decides their child’s educated path this school year. What I do know is when you or I see parents sending their kids to school in the next few weeks, or heading to their ‘pod’ know we are all genuinely doing the best we can. This is not ideal for anyone; let’s work on being there for each other, judgment aside.

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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Openi Septem ng ber 14 with o classe nline s only !

New York

family

favorites TO P 5 2019

After-School Program NY State Accredited Language Program

• Low tuition • No previous German necessary • Minimum age: 6 years

• Manhattan location: Upper East Side • Locations also in Franklin Square and Garden City (Long Island)

Classes start second week in September For more information see: www.German-American-School.org German Lessons Since 1897

German is for everyone! for more information email: kidslearngerman@aol.com or go to german-american-school.org 10

NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

New York FamilY partNer

German-American School: An American Success Story Given the health challenges in 2020 German-American School is also responding to the pandemic: starting Sept. 14 classes will be taught online only!

T

he German American School was founded in 1851 by refugees from Germany fleeing political persecution following the revolutions that swept Europe in 1848. Their aim was to teach German to the children of their immigrant community as well as help to maintain a link to the motherland. The original German-American School taught reading, writing, singing and German history. Between 1859-1898, the school had as many as 600 pupils who learned their lessons in classrooms on Orchard Street.

The first President of the German American School in 1892 was none other than famed piano manufacturer William Steinway, and the goal of the school at the time was to offer free supplemental education to gifted, but financially disadvantaged immigrants. By 1910, it was common for New York Public Schools to offer German instruction, and enrollment

in the German American School declined.

In 1911, the German American School was officially recognized by the New York State Board of Regents, and to this day, the School offers a “Regents” diploma upon completion of the 10th Grade, before continuing to Advanced Placement classes.

The impact of World War I and World War II led to a decline in German study, but with the strong support of parents, the German American School maintained its presence in the city and even grew its student body. The School started a lending library, dropped the singing, and added geography and the study of literature.

By 1985, the German American School was ready to adjust its approach to serve a broader population, and the focus changed from the children of German immigrants, to any student from First Grade through 10th Grade eager to learn German.

The School now reflects New York’s amazing ethnic diversity and has a student body who value the impact that being bilingual will have on their growth and economic future. This means that the School uses English in the classroom when necessary, especially in the lower grades.

German -American School has 200 children enrolled in its three locations: Manhattan, Garden City and Franklin Square and has responded to the pandemic by offering online instruction this year. (classes are on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Fridays).

Even with the current challenges the school is remaining true to its original mission: to provide German instruction at an affordable price.

To find out more information about German-American School’s programs please visit german-american-school.org or call 212-787-7543.

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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back to school

Ready-Made Kids’ Lunches No matter where your kids are doing their learning, we’ve rounded up some easy meals

By Jenna Fanelli & Donna Duarte-laDD

W

e know you keep hearing it over and over again. This school year is going to be different. It is the ‘new normal.’ And parents are amazing; we adapt, we make it work.

And whether your kids are participating in blended learning or remote — the kids’ lunchtime in some form is on us.

So, we’ve rounded up some great ready-made kids’ lunches and snacks: some take just a minute to heat up at home, and others that can come ready to eat. The best part — these are kid-tested and approved! *Please keep in mind that not all products may be Tree nut, milk, wheatfree, please read the packaging before purchasing.

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In-Store ReadyMade Lunches Most schools are closing the cafeteria, meaning no hot lunches. For some kids, they are going to be required to eat at their desks. If your child is at one of these public schools, they can do a grab-and-go lunch. And most schools have gotten creative, offering meal kits and deliciously nutritious meals.

However, kids often get bored about school lunch, even during preCOVID times, and these meals are great to add to the school lunch mix, whether at home or in the classroom.

If you are home, these are easy meals that require no heating or fast heating. If you are dealing with multiple kids or working remotely and need to be time-efficient, these are affordable meals to feed the kids this year.

Good & Gather™Lunch Kit Target’s in house brand of lunch kits offer yummy lunch kits offering Smoked Turkey & Cheddar Cheese and Uncured Ham & Cheddar Cheese Lunch Kit, to name a few kids’ favorites.

The turkey is raised without antibiotics and growth hormones, and the ham has no added nitrates or nitrites, making this an easy, healthy lunch choice you can feel good about.

Price: $2.79-$2.99

Lunchables Lunchables has always been a kid-friendly favorite. They’re available at most grocery stores, easy and fun, and there are great options to choose from offering a multitude of offerings such as Lunchables with Juice, Lunchables Uploaded, Lunchables Bruncheables, and more. From chicken kabobs to Extra Chessy Pizza, there are many options for the pickiest of kids this school year.

Price: $2.69- $3.79

Happi Foodi Beef Brisket Give your taco-lover this super tasty and straightforward pack of seasoned shredded beef brisket, diced onions, Peppadew peppers and cotija cheese in white corn tortillas.

Price: $3.98

Kid Cuisine Kid Cuisine meals can be heated in the microwave or oven and feature longtime favorite amongst ready-made kids’ lunches such as Bikini Bottom Chicken Breast Nuggets Meal, which features breaded, white meat chicken for a slam dunk meal your little one will enjoy.

Each frozen meal comes with macaroni and cheese, corn, and vanilla pudding with graham sprinkles on top.

Price: $1.98

Ready-Made Lunches f�r Delivery Listen, we all want to be able to pick the herbs from the garden and bread the chicken into the nuggets ourselves. But we’re busy!

Delivery meals are yes, an extravagance, but we found two services that provide nutritious meals that not only the kids will love, but so will the parents. Also, from our research, these plans were cost-effective, and meals were well thought out, just like moms!

Yumble Yumble is quite aware of its audience. The meals are delivered in a fun box have cool names like Class Cheese Ravioli, Say Cheese!

Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets and more. But they also know what parents want, which is high-quality meals that mom doesn’t have time to make. Meals such as the Class Cheese Ravioli, Say Cheese! Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets come in a chef-crafted tomato sauce that is packed with pureed veggies and lentils to give a boost of Vitamins A, C, and E, and features a side of green beans. Refreshing tricky recipe add-ons that mom (or dad!) does on the sly for her dishes are part of these meals; expect to find their signature hiddenveggies cauliflower puree cheese sauce. Meals are microwavable and ready in 60-90 seconds!

Price: Starting at $5.99/meal

Nurture Life Nurture life provides meals for babies, toddlers, kids, teens & adults. Meals are nutritious with balanced portions, so your kids get to the right nutrients. Our testers loved the Cheesy Pesto Tortellini with Chicken Breast & Carrots — with mini tortellini, the favorite little cheesy pasta pockets are tossed in a nut-free pesto that is blended with spinach. Grilled chicken breast and baby carrots round out the dish with a pop of protein and a bit of crunch.

And Veggie Ragout Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella- ragout features nine different veggies, and a surprising pack of protein from lentils blended right into the sauce! Tossed with fun spiral whole wheat noodles and topped with fresh mozzarella, this meal feels familiar while keeping it nutritious.

Price: $7.99- $8.99

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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Activities Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Advantage Junior Programs Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club 212.935.0250 Gabe Slotnick: gslotnick@ advantagetennisclubs.com or call Roosevelt Island Racquet Club 212.594.0554 Chuck Russell:crussell@ advantagetennisclubs.com Get safely in the game this fall – with Advantage Tennis Junior Programs! We’re all about kids’ tennis for ages 5 and up – customizing the game for age, ability and fun! Advantage QuickStart players use smaller racquets and slower-bouncing balls to help them learn to rally sooner and start enjoying the game ASAP! It’s tennis that’s accessible, friendly and fun from day one. For players ages 7 and up, there’s Advantage Junior Development—an instructional and competitive curriculum that helps develop stroke technique, basic footwork, conditioning and more.

Team play, tournaments and special events make it a well-rounded experience.

Sign up today at www. advantagejuniorprograms. com.

Atlantic Acting School atlanticactingschool.org education@atlantictheater.org Ages 4-18, Fall Virtual Classes for Kids & Teens Founded as an ensemble of impassioned students in 1985, Atlantic has grown into a powerhouse Acting School and a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning OffBroadway Theater Company.

For young creative minds, our after-school and weekend programs are dedicated to nurturing the talents of kids and teens! This fall, we invite your young ones aged 4-18 to play, create, and form lifelong friendships – all from the

comfort and safety of your own home. With 30+ classes varying from musical theater to sketch, improv, scene study, film/TV and more, we’ve got something for everyone!

Save 10% when you register

by September 6 with code “FALLEARLYBIRD”.

German-American School 212-787-7543 german-american-school.org German-American School’s after-school German language programs serve children in NYC and Long Island.

For 2020-21 classes are on line - so kids anywhere can learn German from the safety of their home! With a curriculum that services grades K through 10, this is the only German-American afterschool program accredited by the New York State Board of Regents. They offer once-per-week afterschool German language programs beginning with basic alphabet and phrases through comprehensive grammar, culture, history and conversation. Apply for school year enrollment. See the registration form on their website.

Kids at Art 1412 Second Ave. New York, NY 212-410-9780 kidsatartnyc.com wendy@kidsatartnyc.com For over 20 years, Kids at Art has provided the perfect environment for nurturing, non-competitive art programs where children can learn and create freely. During COVID we are, of course, offering our now-popular online art classes as well as limited sized in-studio classes. Our art classes for kids focus on the basics of visual arts. We also host the most creative and

fun birthday parties in town!

In addition to the wide variety of art projects available, we offer karaoke and disco parties hosted by a fabulous DJ! In addition, we now are offering Art and Trivia Virtual Parties! From a portfolio class for teens to art classes and life drawing sessions for adults of all ages, Kids at Art has something for everyone!

Kids at Art is now making our space available for MicroSchools and pod classes. Call for Availability!

Mark Morris Dance Group Fort Greene 3 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 718-624-8400 mmdg.org The Mark Morris Dance Center has created a robust dance and music program that continues to bring high-quality, inclusive programming to students of all ages, with and without disabilities. The schedule includes live Zoom classes in a wide variety of dance styles, as well as community and family workshops, all filmed from their dance home, the Mark Morris Dance Center.

Genres for ages 6-18 include ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap, and West African. They also offer creative dance for the little ones, ages 4-6, and adaptive dance for kids with special needs. The popular Parent & Toddler Movement workshops will be available on demand. Register on their website.

Noel Pointer String Music Program Noel Pointer Foundation 718-230-4825 247 Herkimer St., Brooklyn. NY noelpointer.com Virtual Classes and in Person.

“A not-for-profit since 1995

We’re so Social

that dramatically enriches the lives of children by developing string music education programs for under-served communities in NYC. Through professional training, performance opportunities and college placement assistance, NPF enhances a student’s cultural and academic experience, infusing them with a positive sense of who they are and a boundless sense of what they can become. Empowering children one note at a time by offering music enrichment programs in violin, viola, cello, piano, double bass, guitar, ukulele, and voice, after school and on weekends, NPF is now offering not only inperson classes, but virtual and hybrid programs as well.”

Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts 718-951-4111 bcpc@brooklyn.cuny.edu BCPrepCenter.org The Brooklyn College Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts offers Private Lessons and Group Classes at affordable rates in music, theater and dance, for children and teens of all levels.

The Prep Center is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive community, and has provided a nurturing and fun setting where our professional artistteachers develop children’s skills in the performing arts to their fullest potential.

Enrollment for the 30week school year program is underway- running September to June. All Fall classes will be taught virtually in innovative methods to continue our performances through various online mediums during the 20202021 school year.

Follow us @newyorkfamily on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and tag us #newyorkfamily in your NYC adventures!

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September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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Real estate

Eye on the Suburbs Family-friendly towns to check out now!

By Serena norr

M

oving to the suburbs is something that’s always on the mind of New York City parents.

While there are so many options, it can be challenging to figure out the right town for your family that’s suitable for your needs and budget.

It’s no easy feat, but we’re excited to share insight from several trusted real estate agents about some of the hottest suburbs for families to relocate to right outside of NYC. Discover more below:

Westfield, NeW Jersey A classic town for modern families, Westfield is renowned for its charming downtown area, excellent school system, and convenient commute via train or bus to New York City. This includes a bustling (and walkable!) downtown has a ton of shopping and dining options Frank Isoldi with 450 stores, restaurants, and upscale boutiques.

Westfield is also known for their prestigious school system with 10 public schools and tons of amenities with access to 211 acres of parks, golf courses, and recreational facilities. The area also offers buyers picturesque homes that range in style from Victorian to Colonial-style as well as modern homes.

To find your dream home in Westfield, New Jersey reach out to Frank D. Isoldi, a broker sales associate affiliated with the Westfield East office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, who has been working to help families for 14 years. A lifelong resident and second-generation native of Westfield, Frank can help families find exactly what they are looking for and answer any questions they may have about the area.

256 Kimball, Westfield, NJ, Coldwell Banker

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frank d. isoldi: 908-233-5555 / frankisoldi@gmail.com

MONTCLAIR GLEN RIDGE BLOOMFIELD My expert team and I have helped countless city dwellers seamlessly transition to the suburbs.

First, to find the right community.

Then, the right home. Let us help you.

AMY

OWENS REALTOR

PASSIONATE. EXPERIENCED. DEDICATED TO YOU.

201-396-2927 amy@amyowensteam.com REMOTELY CURIOUS? FOLLOW ME:

amyowensrealtor

amyowensrealestate September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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ReAl estAte

Montclair/ Glen ridGe, new Jersey For classic homes dating from the late 1800’s to 1930’s (and modern additions), look no further than Montclair and Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Renowned for their treelined streets, parks and vibrant Amy Owens downtown area with restaurants, galleries, live music and special events, Montclair and Glen Ridge have excellent public schools and are a short 30 to 50 minutes to Penn Station via the Midtown Direct train lines or bus options to Port Authority.

For assistance with this exciting move, buyers can reach out to Amy Owens of Keller Williams who has been the go-to for all things real estate, specializing in New Jersey commuter towns since 2003. Formerly a Garment Center Executive and Upper West Side Resident, Amy and her family moved to Glen Ridge in 2002 and have since become an active member and proponent of her community. She also has first-hand knowledge of the home restoration process having restored an 1860’s Victorian as well as a 1907 Craftsman Tudor in Glen Ridge. Amy noted, “My attention to details and to motivating all parties makes me

Keller Williams successful as a realtor. I enjoy taking care of the extras for my clients, whether it’s meeting with a contractor, hiring a cleaning staff or helping to stage a property for sale.” In addition to buying, Amy and her team also has relationships with investors, contractors, tradesmen and local connections which can be a great benefit to buyers and sellers. amy owens: 201-396-2927 / amy@amyowensteam.com

Maplewood, new Jersey Maplewood has been a popular relocation town for former city dwellers that is renowned for being within close proximity to NYC. The charming town is also home to several parks and a lively downtown filled with restaurants, shops, bakeries, and coffee shops. The schools are also excellent Caroline Farnsworth with six public schools in the district.

And for commuters, the time from NYC to Maplewood can’t be beat where it is one of the fastest direct train rides into New York City and only 15 minutes to the Newark International airport!

When looking for a home, reach out to Caroline Farnsworth of Coldwell Banker in Maplewood, NJ. A resident of 15 years in Northern New Jersey, she will work with buyers to help them find the best home for their families based on their needs and budget. And her resume surely shows her illustrious accomplishments, including the New Jersey Association of Realtors Circle of Excellence Award, the Top Sales Agent in her office for four years, and being the recipient of the Five Star Agent Award.

34 Kensington, Maplewood, NJ, Coldwell Banker

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caroline Farnsworth: 973-698-0737 / caroline@carolinefarnsworth.com

winninG tHe Bid On your new home

I

n today’s competitive marketplace, having the right Realtor makes all the difference in winning — or not winning — the bid on your new home. Homes in desirable towns and neighborhoods in the suburbs are getting multiple offers. Realtor Caroline Farnsworth knows what it takes to win the bid! Utilize her 15 years of experience and excellent reputation within the industry to help you get the home that you want. ★ “We were nervous about getting the house we wanted because there were so many offers.

Caroline guided through the offer process and we won the bid!” – J. R. ★ “Caroline is the epitome of professionalism.

From our first meeting with her through to closing she was always available to answer all of our questions and provided a wealth of information about the process.” – J. M. ★ “My nickname for Caroline is “Superwoman” because she truly has a gift. If there was a superpower called real estate sales, Caroine is your superhero. I recommend her highly!” – E.B. I know these towns on the train line and can help find the right house in the right neighborhood for you. Please reach out today and email, call or text me today at 973-698-0737!

Caroline Farnsworth RealtoR SaleS aSSociate coldwell BankeR Realty

973-698-0737 caroline@carolinefarnsworth.com carolinefarnsworth.cbintouch.com NJAR Circle of Excellence Award Winner 2011-2019 September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

19

Style

The Mom Behind Liquid Gold Vintage Alexis Kristiana’s Black-owned online shop for nursing and breast-pumping moms

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

A

nursing mom’s wardrobe may change from ‘before baby’ to ‘after’ — fast becoming an array of deep v-neck tees and camisoles. Easy on, easy off. In the beginning, this is perfectly fine, as it is all about accessibility.

Then style or rather the desire for a sense of fashion creeps in. With COVID, many moms are wearing relaxed pieces (read: stretchy) more than ever. As we navigate kids and quarantine life, this has made sense. However, as we enter into another school year of COVID life, moms want their style back. This is especially true for nursing moms who are in a bit of a double whammy dressing during this time.

For nursing moms, style in non-pandemic times can be a challenge. New mothers are dealing with how the style fits their bodies and functions in their life. Finding a wardrobe balance is essential, and balance is key when adding pieces that infused and elevate your wardrobe.

Special enough to go with your comfy jeans or over your nursing top while you have a zoom meeting or a social distancing mom meet up this is

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

Ann Marie Damashek For Successful Real Estate YouraReal Estate Resource andExperience Guide in Westchester Ann Marie Damashek is an energetic, positive, no-nonsense real estate professional who prides herself on being honest, trustworthy, and knowledgable in the Westchester County real estate market.

You can expect: A skilled negotiater Deep commitment to clients Personal and knowledgable service that is genuine A Neighborhood Specialist familiar with local communities, home values, and price trends Advice and guidance throughout the entire process bb BoWO ^bdzp Vdz WaldosBbs Ws Wp sd bM |dto MoOBa VdaO do UOs the best offer for your property. She is fully commited to providing you with a level of service that will make your real estate experience as stress-free as possible. Wether you are thinking of buying or selling real estate you want a knowledgeable, successful agent on your team who will help you achieve your goals.

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September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

21

“We need breastfeeding clothing that makes us feel empowered, confident, and stylish.”

where Liquid Gold Vintage, a Black mom-owned and operated curated vintage for the nursing mamas enters the picture. This well-curated site caught this former fashion director’s eye for being out of the box style that isn’t what ‘others’ think nursing or pumping moms should be wearing.

Moms are sexy, stylish, and wearing something showcased on Liquid Gold Vintage celebrates women.

We recently chatted with Brooklyn mother, Alexis Kristiana, owner and founder of Liquid Gold Vintage, a Curated Vintage shop for the nursing (and breast pumping ) mama.

What inspired you to found Liquid Gold Vintage?

I’ve always had a deep love for stand out vintage finds, and I found myself shopping for a lot of pieces that were nursing friendly after giving birth to my son.

I was struggling to find nursing pieces in stores and online that made me feel like myself and resonated with my style. I didn’t want to sacrifice style to be able to nurse comfortably. So I started looking for my own vintage pieces one day and it turned into an “I could make this into a business” moment.

The nursing clothes that are available to us on the market are just completely outdated and don’t reflect the waves that have been made in the breastfeeding community.

I wanted to see clothes out there for the breastfeeding mamas that reflected that change. We need breastfeeding clothing that makes us feel empowered, confident, and stylish, so I went out and started curating pieces that would be that change.

What are some of the key styles and fits that a nursing and breastfeeding mom should look for?

Easy access to that liquid gold is the name of the game here. You want to look for pieces that button-down easily, nothing with teeny

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

tiny buttons that will be hard to get open with a fussy eater. Think medium to big size buttons.

Anything that has snap closures in the front too are great, along with making sure the fabric isn’t too lightweight and can withstand any breast milk leakage that will and can occur! Being mindful to also stay away from fabrics that are itchy and can be uncomfortable for your nursing little ones.

Think soft cottons, blends, etc.

Liquid Gold Vintage is curated, how does a

piece make it into the collection?

First I take into consideration the uniqueness of the piece. Is it stand out enough? Will it make some breastfeeding mama feel better in it during her breastfeeding journey?

Then I test out the functionality of it. I make sure it’s easy to nurse or pump in and that’s it’s comfortable for not only mom but got your little you’ll be nursing.

Lastly, I inspect the garment and its quality, making sure it’s worth adding to the shop!

Virtual Open House Dates (all from 9:00-10:30am): 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/6, 12/7, 12/14, 1/11, 1/25, 2/8.

Williamsburg Charter High School (WCHS)

Still accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year.

Hybrid and Remote Learning Available!

WCHS offers: • Advanced Placement (AP) and Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA) classes • Special Education (SPED) and English as a New Language (ENL) services

• Student-driven course selection • Social emotional supports • Visual and performing arts, extracurricular activities, and athletics

Visit www.thewcs.org to

APPLY NOW 198 Varet Street Brooklyn, NY 11206 admissions@thewcs.org

347-217-6995

Apply for 2021-2022 on our website on or after September 8, 2020. Families will be invited to enroll based on the date of their application, so applying earlier is better!

Mixed-age half-day sessions (8:30-11:30am) for children who are 2 and 3 years old, and mixed-age full day sessions (8:30am-3:00pm) for children who are 2 through 5 years old

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

23

ask the expert

the Emotion scientist Dr. Marc Brackett talks about how to cope (and help kids cope) in the COVID-19 age

By Hester ABA

A

s parents, however we’ve personally been affected by the COVID pandemic, we are all suffering from some form of emotional burnout.

We’re heading into an uncertain fall, with schools “reopening,” but plenty of stress and anxiety lying ahead, so we sat down for a chat with Dr. Marc Brackett, Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and member of Mayor de Blasio’s 45 member Education Sector Advisory Council, for a check-in on how we can feel, understand and manage our emotions, and those of our children.

Dr. Brackett is also the author of Permission to Feel (which we recommend all NYC moms and dads grab a copy of) which features a system which has been adopted by schools across New York City, called RULER, a high-impact approach to understanding and mastering emotions.

How can we support our children’s emotional wellbeing during this pandemic, when we as parents might be struggling with our own?

If you have the mindset that you have to be the role model for my child, it changes your attitude about your feelings. Some people have a mindset that their anxiety makes them weak. Other people say, “My anxiety is an experience that I’m having. It may not be pleasant, but it doesn’t have to take over my entire life.” What I try to do is teach parents how to shift their relationship with their stress and anxiety, to give themselves the permission to experience the anxiety, without allowing the anxiety to have power over them.

We also experience feelings about our feelings: meta-feelings. I’m a father. I’m a mother. I can’t be anxious, that’s bad. And that’s not true. So, the first step is shifting your mindset about your anxiety. The

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

Horacio Marquinez

Dr. Marc Brackett, member of Mayor de Blasio’s education sector advisory Council and author of Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive. second is labeling it properly. Because it may be anxiety. It may be stress. It may be that you’re overwhelmed. And each of those words has a different meaning. Anxiety is about uncertainty. Stress is about having too many demands on you, and not enough resources. When you’re overwhelmed, you just have so much on your plate and you just can’t function. On the surface, those things seem the same. But they’re not, because the strategies that we would use to help a parent manage overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious are different.

When we look at strategies for dealing with those emotions, the first is managing physiology. We’ve got to help parents deactivate, because with any of these emotions, if you’re driving yourself out of your mind with negative talk, like, “This

is never going to end” and “I can’t take it anymore” and “What am I going to do about it that’s going to put you into a place of heightened arousal, which is going to make your brain go into fight or flight mode. If we can teach people how to deactivate through breathing exercises, or through taking a walk, or just giving yourself some space, then the brain becomes available for cognitive strategies that can be useful. Research also shows that you can distance yourself from your feelings by saying your name and then a phrase. So for example, “Mark, you can get through this.”

Or “Mark, you’re stronger than you think.” Positive affirmations actually do help to shift thinking.

You can also engage in what’s called ‘reappraisal’ which is where you teach yourself how to tell a different story. If you have catastrophic thinking around COVID, you can say to yourself, “Let’s take a look at this from a different perspective. We’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves. We’re using masks. We are distancing. So the truth is we are pretty safe.” These are core strategies that parents need to use for themselves, and they also have to help teach their kids those strategies.

How much do you think it’s appropriate for parents to talk about our emotions surrounding COVID with our children?

It all depends on what your face looks like, what your body language looks like, what your vocal tone looks like, and how you demonstrate your ability to regulate the feeling. So if I walk into my house and say, “I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to freak out.

Oh my goodness, everybody’s going to die,” your kids are going to be off the wall. The more you catastrophize, it’s contagious.

Negative emotions have a contagion effect. But if I walk in and say, “You know honey, daddy’s worried about the Coronavirus. A lot of people are sick and we want to make sure that we don’t get sick. And

so we’re going to make sure that we distance from others. When we go outside, we’re going to wear our masks. And we’re going to have talks or conversations about it every night to make sure that we’re supporting each other, so that we can get through this together.”

Totally different experience.

Is it helpful or unhelpful for parents to share when we are going through a difficult time emotionally, with their children?

Children are listening and children are watching. So if you don’t tell them, they’re going to know anyway. Research shows that sometimes the more you suppress the feeling, the more it shows up in your facial expressions in weird ways. So you don’t want to be a nervous mess and say, “No, daddy’s fine. Daddy’s fine.” They pick up on that quickly.

The most important thing is that when you’re communicating your feelings to your children, let them know that you are able to manage them effectively and that you’re not looking for them to take care of you. We want to normalize that life is filled with positive and negative emotions. Otherwise what

we tell them is that when there’s a crisis we don’t talk about it. And so what kids grow up learning, is if they’re feeling fear and anxiety themselves, we suppress those feelings, which is the worst thing we can do for children’s healthy development.

How does a conversation sound where you’re introducing language around feelings and emotions with your children?

You’re at the dinner table, or you’re at breakfast, and you make it a ritual to just check in with everyone. So you’d say, “You know honey, daddy’s feeling pretty excited today. I’ve got this great meeting at work.

I can’t wait to meet with this new client because I’m excited about this thing.” It’s about making sure that as a parent, you are showing your child that you experience all emotions. And then it becomes normal.

Then there’s no taboo, there’s no fear, there’s no anxiety. And then you can ask them to describe how they’re feeling.

How will masks and online communication affect our efforts to understand the emotions of others?

The only way to really know how someone is feeling is to ask them. So we have to create rituals around checking in with people, because certainly wearing masks is going to hide a lot of our ability to express. I mean the eyes are revealing, but not enough.

We have a tool called the Mood Meter, which is in use at 400 New York City schools every day. The Mood Meter is a tool to say, “Hey, everybody, let’s just check in our feelings. What color are you in today?

Yellow, red, blue, or green. All right, what’s your word?” And then the teacher can see the range of feelings that our kids are experiencing, then help kids. The same thing applies at home. You can say, “Hey honey, where are you today?” “Oh, daddy’s in the red.” “Why are you in the red daddy?”, “Well, because I’m really upset about this and XYZ. What about you?”

In schools, the Mood Meter is a poster board. We also have a virtual app for schools where teachers can put it onto Google classroom, or they can use our own platform. And kids can virtually check in, anonymously or with their names. Parents love the tool.

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

25

ask THe experT

How can we teach our children the words for various feelings and emotions and the differences between them?

As part of RULER, we developed the Feeling Words Curriculum. The goal is to make sure children from preschool all the way up to their middle and high school years develop a full language to describe their inner experience. We teach preschoolers the basic words like happy, sad, calm and angry. For upper elementary and middle school, they learn words like alienation, apprehension, hopelessness.

The design of the Feeling Words program includes teachers and students sharing their own stories around feelings, and it can be linked to the curriculum. So kids can use it to analyze characters in social studies and in poetry. Then they go home and teach their parents the words. And so they’re having conversations with their families around feelings. And then finally, they get into conversations like, “Well, what do you do when you have these feelings?”

If you do this every year of your academics, by the time you’re in high school, you’ve got hundreds of words and dozens of conversations around how to regulate, and we find that it really does impact children in a very positive way.

How will your work around RULER and emotions be pivoting to deal with these (groan) unprecedented times this school year?

So all the schools that have adopted RULER are going to go deeper with the work this year, of course. We have created amendments and extra strategies to support them through COVID, and also to help think through how to use Ruler to support more culturally responsive pedagogy, as well as to support difficult conversations around race.

We want to make sure teachers understand there are possible implicit biases associated with reading children’s emotions, and to be engaging in deep reflection before they attribute an emotion to a child.

There is a bias associated with White people identifying Black people’s emotions.

White individuals are more likely to attribute anger for example, to a neutral black male’s facial expression. And so teaching people that that’s a possible bias is very important, because it’ll make people pause and reflect, and maybe ask the question before saying something like, “Why are you angry” or before even thinking that the person is angry,

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

“We have a tool called the Mood Meter, which is in use at 400 New York City schools every day. The Mood Meter is a tool to say, ‘Hey, everybody, let’s just check in our feelings.

What color are you in today?’” they’re going to second guess and say, “You know what, this may be my implicit bias operating here right now. I’m not going to assume this, I’m going to actually find out how the child is feeling.”

As an emotion scientist, have you been surprised by your own feelings during the COVID pandemic?

I would never have anticipated my own anxiety during this crisis. Here I am, supposedly an expert in this space, and I’ve struggled with my anxiety. And even a lot of my anger about what’s happening in the world. And so I’m working on it. I’m reflecting on it. I’m thinking about how I can appraise things in different ways to support my own health and wellbeing. I think if we think of this as life’s journey, we put less pressure on ourselves to be perfect at it right away.

As parents, we also just have to work at always trying to be the best possible role model for our kids. And when we mess up, we’ve got to be comfortable apologizing.

And when our kids mess up, you’ve got to be comfortable forgiving. Otherwise there’s no room for error, and there’s a lot of error that’s going to be made in this work. And relationships have ups and downs. Let’s normalize the fact that everybody messes up, but that doesn’t mean that we have to dislike each other, or make each other feel bad. It’s a way to bond, by sharing that I feel bad about what I said and did.

What final words of advice would you like to share with New York parents at this time?

We want to give children permission to feel all emotions. And so that’s an important distinction versus trying to get them to not feel negative emotions and feel more positive emotions. With that said, we do want a greater balance of positive to negative emotions. So we don’t want to spend 70% of our day in that deep blue or high red, because that’s not good for our physical and mental health. We just don’t want to have a mindset that the negative emotions are bad. They’re signals. They’re information that we need to attend to and help people out.

And that means, secondly, that we really all need to strive to be, as I like to say, emotion scientists, as opposed to emotion judges. Curious explorers of our own and other people’s feelings, as opposed to critical judges who think we know how people feel.

So by adopting what I call the emotion scientists’ mindset, we become open to our own and others’ feelings, and we become helpful in terms of thinking through options to manage our emotions.

For more insights from Dr. Marc Brackett, pick up Permission to Feel, out in paperback now, or visit www.moodmeterapp.com to download the Mood Meter app to use with your children at home. You can also listen to Dr. Brackett’s recent appearance on Brene Brown’s “Unlocked” podcast, which is a wonderfully enjoyable conversation.

FAMILY SPEECH CENTER

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718-488-0200 • 150 4th Avenue • www.parkslopekidsdental.com September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

27

Education Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Rivendell School provides a warm, creative environment where children develop independence, respect for each other, and a lifelong love of learning.

An inclusive Montessori school for children 2-6 serving the Park Slope/Gowanus community for forty years 277 3rd Ave. (bet. Carroll & President Streets)

718-499-5667

http://www.rivendellnyc.org/admissions.html

2020 - 2021 Register Now for Pre-K 3 to 8th Grade

ABC Infant & Toddler Center & ABC Child Center 109 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 718-389-9004 info@abcchildcenter.com www.abcchildcenter.com Providing safe, age-appropriate, and stimulating programs for children from ages 3 months to 4 years, while fulfilling their need to laugh, learn, play, make new friends, and discover new things.

Child care for Infants & Toddlers, ages 3-24 months and Preschool for children ages 2-4 years. Full Day, Half Day Programs & Drop-off Care are available. Open yearround, Monday-Friday, 8am6pm with rolling admission.

Email for more information or to schedule a tour.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower (PreK– Grade 2) 138 Willoughby St., Brooklyn, NY 917- 473-1615 brooklyn-admissions@ basisindependent.com

BASIS Independent Brooklyn (Grades 3–12) 556 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY 917- 473-1615 brooklyn-admissions@ basisindependent.com BASIS Independent Brooklyn, a PreK – 12 private school, will open a second campus for fall 2021 at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn that will serve students in PreK–grade 2. This stateof-the-art facility will be thoughtfully designed to welcome their youngest learners to the BASIS Independent Brooklyn curriculum and community. The school’s flagship campus in Red Hook will continue to be home to students in grades 3–12.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is accepting applications in grades PreK–10 for fall 2021.

Dillon Child Study Center @ St Joseph’s College 239 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 718-940-5678 sstrautcollard@sjcny.edu dillon.sjcny.edu Offering half- and full-day, mixed-age programming

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

for 2.9 - 4.8 year olds in an atmosphere where children are free to express their feelings and ideas. Children learn through play, developing confidence, competence and dispositions for future learning. The toddler, preschool and kindergarten programs offered here are led by NYS certified teachers and assisting them in the classroom are students from SJC’s Department of Child Study. The laboratory preschool is composed of modern, spacious classrooms and parents are encouraged to observe their child’s interaction with teachers and classmates.

Ember Charter School for Mindful Education, Innovation and Transformation Elementary, Middle & High School 616 Quincy St., Brooklyn 500 Macon St., Brooklyn (718) 285-3787 www.embercs.org Ember offers a K-12 learning experience with an innovative culturally responsive and trauma-informed educational and human development program focused on empowering young people to become social entrepreneurs, engineers and global leaders.

With our expansive progressive, holistic and global program, we’ve integrated a unique teacher-lead approach into our school to inspire and drive positive economic, socio-emotional and cultural outcomes within the communities we serve.

Great Oaks Charter School 38 Delancey Street 212-233-5152 GO-NYC@greatoakscharter.org Great Oaks Charter School – New York City (GO – NYC) is located on Manhattan’s culturally rich and diverse Lower East Side. We opened our doors in 2013 where students are provided with a high-quality, rigorous education, which includes foreign language and the arts. Currently we serve students in grades 6-8 and will open our first High School in August

14

20

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average class size

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interscholastic athletic teams.

clubs, including signature programs in Mock Trial and Model UN

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home languages

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Attend an

We are The Kew-Forest School.

Open House

Our community

nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.

2021-22 Admission

PRESCHOOL – GRADE 12

faculty holding advanced degrees

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Our educators

Wednesday, September 30 Saturday, October 24 Tuesday, November 17 Saturday, December 12

inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.

Our students

support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.

RSVP at kewforest.org/OpenHouse

119 -17 U N I O N T U R N P I K E F O R E S T H I L L S , N Y 113 7 5 718 . 2 6 8 . 4 6 6 7 W W W . K E W F O R E S T. O R G

Our World Neighborhood Charter School 2 135-25 79th St, Howard Beach, NY 11414 www.owncs.org/own-2 Kindergarten through Grade 4 Free Public Charter School in School District 27 Visit Our Website To Learn About Our Great School • Rigorous Academic Curriculum • Spanish Beginning in Kindergarten • Study of World Cultures • Pillars of a Positive Community • Arts & Music Integrated Into Curriculum • Individualized Learning • Free Breakfast & Lunch

For Additional Information Contact: Lucille Ranchor Admissions Coordinator

646-415-2775 admissions@owncs.org

• Kindergarten (1:1 Student iPads) • Grades 1-4 (1:1 Student Laptops)

“Teaching students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners” September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

29

Education Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

2021 with 9th grade. GO-NYC provides a safe and nurturing environment for all students.

English Language Learners and students with IEPs receive admissions preference in our lottery. In addition to our strong and professional teaching staff, we have a partnership with AmeriCorps and employ 40+ fulltime Fellows. Every GO-NYC student is provided with two full periods of individualized, small group instruction from a GO-NYC Fellow. Support includes small group English Language Arts and mathematics instruction as well as social and emotional support.

The Kew Forest School

REGISTER NOW Urban Dove Team Charter School Brooklyn

119-17 Union Turnpike Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-268-4667 kewforest.org Established in 1918 and having celebrated its centennial this past year, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent co-ed, college preparatory school in Queens. With 70+ nationalities represented on campus and 30+ languages spoken at home, the School provided a safe nurturing, and intellectually vigorous environment for students in Preschool through Grade 12.

For more information, please contact: Brad Walters, Director of Admission, admission@kewforest.org,

Urban Dove Team Charter School

Eligible Applicants Are: • Graduating 8th graders who repeated a grade in middle school • 9th graders who have less than 8 credits • 10th graders who have less than 18 credits • All students must be 16 years or younger at the time of acceptance UD Team Brooklyn is moving to: 1256 E. 21st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210 as of Fall 2020. Visit urbandove.org to Enroll.

Questions? Call: (917) 588-1002

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NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

1256 E. 21st St., Brooklyn, NY 917- 588-1002 www.urbandove.org Urban Dove Team Charter Schools are completely unique and innovative alternative sports-based high schools for over-aged, under-credited youth that combine a rigorous academic curriculum with a hands-on, real-world vocational program, and an award-winning college and career readiness program that strives to give each graduate a high school diploma, a foundation for higher education, and the job skills needed to

enter the workforce. New students must be 16 years old or younger, have already attended 9th grade, and have completed less than 8 core credits. Visit www.urbandove.org to apply!

Oakwood Friends School 22 Spackenkill Road Poughkeepsie, NY 845.462.4200 www.oakwoodfriends.org On September 14th, Oakwood Friends School launches the Fall semester with in-person programming, academic and extracurricular, with highly-advanced safety protocols to keep students learning and growing – academically and socially!

Founded in 1796, guided by Quaker principles, Oakwood educates and strengthens young people for lives of conscience, compassion and accomplishment with social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion central to community. Grades 5-12, boarding & day programs available. Easily reachable from NYC and Westchester via Metro North to Poughkeepsie. Visit website for full details re: VIRTUAL Open Houses and Campus Tour.

Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools OWN 1 Elementary School, 3612 35th Avenue, Astoria OWN 1 Middle School, 31-20 37th Street, Astoria OWN 2 Elementary School, 135-25 79th Street, Howard Beach Admissions: 646-415-2775, admissions@owncs.org owncs.org Our World Neighborhood Charter Schools (OWNCS) educates students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. The educational philosophy is based on inquiry, active and experiential learning, and social justice. OWNCS is committed to providing strong educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.

They believe in the importance of creating socio-

economically and culturally diverse schools. OWNCS is committed to an educational philosophy based on inquiry, active and experiential learning, and social justice.

Through a literacy-based, integrated and standardsdriven curriculum that encourages community and honors diversity, OWNCS students receive the broad education they will need to meet the academic and social challenges of the best New York City High Schools, and indeed, to thrive in today’s world.

Rivendell School 277 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 718-499-5667, ext. 14 rivendellnyc.org This pre-primary Montessori school provides a respectful, inclusive community, helping children feel powerful and confident as learners and as social and emotional beings. Toddler, half-day and extended day programs are available for ages 2 to 6. Rivendell School offers beautiful Montessori classrooms, an excellent student/teacher ratio, and a warm, cooperative atmosphere where children learn o work and play.

Sacred Heart Catholic Academy 115-50 221st Street, Cambria Heights, NY 718-527-0123 shcach.org At Sacred Heart Catholic Academy a school of one in Faith, working together with reverence for God and with respect for one another.

The Academy strives to instruct, instill and inspire each other to be productive Catholic members of society.

Students learn the values and traditions of Faith as they are incorporated in each and every academic and extracurricular activity.

Each child is encouraged to discover and appreciate his/her personal worth and value to the community of God’s people. The school strives to provide students

with opportunities to develop their fullest potential and the ability to honestly evaluate their own efforts and accomplishments through daily challenges.

Science, Language & Arts International School Main Campus: 9 Hanover Place, Brooklyn, NY Early Childhood Campus: 132 4th Place, Brooklyn, NY 718–636–3836 slaschool.org SLA’s immersion programs are French: Nursery (age 2) through Middle School; and Mandarin: Nursery (age 2) through Grade 1, expanding to Middle School by 2023.

Their model is based on the hands-on integration of science with visual arts, language immersion, and math. A projectbased, science-fueled interdisciplinary focus allows children to make connections, work independently and collaboratively, and solve problems creatively.

Join our ever-growing Ember family!

Now Accepting Applications for K-12

Enroll Today!

Williamsburg Charter High School 198 Varet St., Brooklyn, NY 347-217-6995 thewcs.org admissions@thewcs.org The Williamsburg Charter High School unites youth, families, staff, teachers and the community at large in providing young people with the tools necessary to make sense of the world, preparing them in their journey to become citizens of the local and global community.

Young people accomplish this through participation in a liberal arts education that includes language, literature, writing, science, history, mathematics, the visual and performing arts, technology and explorations in disciplines designed to teach justice, independent thinking, respect and compassion for themselves and others as well as the skills of critical thinking, communication and research.

To learn and grow the “Ember Way” is to do so with love and culture, family and community, empowering healthy minds, bodies and spirits in every way, everywhere we go.

Elementary, Middle & High School 616 Quincy St. 11221 500 Macon St. 11233 (718) 285-3787 www.embercs.org EmberCharter September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

31

Mom in the Know Beth Beckman, of Little Kid, Big City and FOMOfeed Kids, on the city she loves!

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

explore with their children. It’s why we live here, right? The culture and experiences here are worth every penny.

Over the years our account has grown into a love letter to the city. Showcasing New York and inspiring others to get out and explore is amazing...but honestly, I just consider myself lucky that each day I get to wake up in the world’s greatest city. e our community in the photos — always crediting their amazing explorations and helping to showcase them discovering the city.

Our platform has been getting incredible traction, and we have had many ask us for more locations. We will soon be spinning this off into its own entity and to other big cities across the country. It’s an exciting time...Stay tuned!

Y

ou have seen writer, explorer and photographer Beth Beckman’s gorgeous New York pictures. If not through her Instagram and website Little Kid, Big City! Certainly through FOMOfeed and FOMOfeed Kids, which she co-founded.

This perpetual non-sleeper lives in Manhattan with her husband, 7-year-old son, and their Mini Dachshund, Hotdog. Beth obsessively researches NYC and shares it all with us. As an editor, what I appreciate about Beth is in one post, she gives the reader a wealth of information. You want to drop everything and run to that spot kids’ in tow — pronto!

We know we are going into a school year and most likely a year where how we live comes with some significant changes; however, we live in the best city in the world, and Beth an admitted culture addict, shares how we can enjoy New York City and appreciate the beauty of a city we adore.

You love to explore, have you always had wanderlust? What inspires you to explore a city?

I love exploring and discovering a new destination, and have a major addiction to wanderlust. I grew up in Wisconsin and for many years my family didn’t have the means to travel or explore often, but I was always curious about the world out there. Then at a young age there were a few unfortunate events where I lost a few close family members. Tragic events change perspective, and for me this completely cemented my lifelong wanderlust and need for exploration. Every day is a gift, and I believe every day should be lived to its fullest. My goal is to see and explore as much as possible, and to make incredible memories while doing it.

Start spreading the news….! While in college I had a unique opportunity to move to New York through school. I signed the contract’s dotted line without ever even stepping foot in NYC. There was no question. I knew it was where I

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wanted to be, and I never looked back.

For me, I have always been inspired by discovery, and believe that researching a destination can be just as exciting as the trip itself. We love traveling, and when we book a trip I find myself enthralled with excitement, and immediately deep-dive into research on the destination to see what we can discover in person. From travel books to blogs, Instagram to TikTok, I scour the internet and grab as much information as I can get my hands on. I consider myself an “experience seeker,” always on the lookout for cultural and unique experiences at each destination. It could be an exotic locale or nearby neighborhood. To me all exploring is amazing, and equally stimulating.

Discovering them in person is thrilling, and endlessly inspiring.

There are amazing things to discover out there, and in New York, these discoveries change and refresh on a daily basis. From museums, parks, activities, and incredible art...

We are so lucky — this is our backyard! The culture here is incredible, and all of this makes it a magical place to raise kids. When I started my blog my life mission was (and continues to be) to inspire others to get out there and

There are still restrictions on where we can visit, what are some of your favorite social distancing spots for parents to take kids?

I’ve been *really* impressed to see how New York City has pivoted so quickly to social distancing measures. There’s been some really creative measures and adaptations — here’s a few of our current favorites: Domino Park and Madison Square Park: O Marks the Spot! Both locations have recently debuted social distancing lawns, where the park has painted large circular spots six feet (or more) apart on the grass. The spots are meant for families or friends to gather within, to help keep their social distance from others while relaxing on the grass. Great for adults and it actually works quite brilliantly for kids, as these painted lines do help to keep little ones within the area too.

Pier 17: The Pier 17 Rooftop has just launched The Greens — an open air seating arrangement that gives visitors their own personal mini lawns. Perfect for New Yorkers who don’t have a backyard — each lawn has (contactless) food service, an umbrella and chairs, and an amazing view of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. They

also rent separate Gaming Lawns where your family can play unlimited yard games (think giant Jenga and toss games) for a specified time period. These lawns are insanely popular — reservations are essential, be sure to book in advance!

Drive-In Movie Theaters: It’s been the summer of the Drive-In Theater, and this trend is going to roll right through fall and early winter. Skyline Drive-In NYC is located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and offers great movie classics as well as a selection of familyfriendly favorites, and a jaw dropping view of Manhattan. No car? No problem! They just opened walk-in seating for those without a vehicle.

Rockefeller Center: Rockefeller Center has many “family favorite” stores, that in these times of COVID have no lines nor tourists, making it a great time to explore these iconic destinations. Mask up and head over to The LEGO Store, Nintendo and FAO Schwarz — all of which are all within a couple blocks radius. Don’t miss the famous BIG Piano during your visit!

As we enter into a COVID school year, kids will need to be out more than ever. What are a few of your top New York spots for kids?

We have learned that outside is best when dealing with these crazy times of COVID. The good news? There are endless green spaces and outdoor destinations in NYC to explore. Here are a few favorites: Governors Island: It’s only 8 minutes away by ferry but it feels like it’s hundreds of miles away from the city. Wide open spaces, historical elements, and the view from the waterfront is epic! Be sure to try the twisting and turning slides, and then climb The Hills for a tip-top view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. There’s also an Urban Farm you can tour on weekends.

Prospect Park: Brooklyn’s backyard oasis has endless things to do with kids. Try fishing on the lake and going on a nature hike, and there’s a “secret” waterfall near the Ravine! LeFrak Center at Lakeside is currently open with many fun rental options — such as paddle boats so you can explore the waters of Prospect Park Lake.

Photo by Ana Gambuto

Beth’s children’s travel adventure book series, Little Kid, Big City! was acquired by Quirk Books and will be hitting shelves in Spring of 2021. The literary adventure kicks off in her home of New York City, and then London, and continues on to other big city titles across the world.

Brooklyn/Queens Family

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Family Day Out

Fall Apple Picking!

S

ummer is coming to a close and apple picking will soon be in full gear for 2020. With school starting any day now and many kids reverting back to being at home for remote learning, what better way to get out of the house than by heading to one of these farms to pick juicy apples? Pick fresh apples and make classic apple cider, pie, and more!

Although apple picking is a fall-favorite activity for many families, we are still in the middle of COVID and things will look a little different this year. Many farms are requiring face masks, reservations, and some are not allowing strollers. Make sure to check the farm’s website before visiting and review its safety guidelines.

We recommend visting websites or calling for COVID updates and guidelines before visiting.

One Hour and Under

Demarest Farms demarestfarms.com 244​Wiermus​Road,​Hillsdale,​NJ​07642 201­666­0472 (40​min​from​Midtown)

Starting September 5th (approximate date), you’ll be able to taste the first of fall’s harvest!

Step foot in the orchards and start picking delicious apples for your seasonal pies, ciders and more. Some of their tasty apples include Cameo, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Mutsu (Crispin), Red Delicious, Snap Dragon and Zestar. $7 per person (age 2 and over), which includes free parking and entrance to the apple orchard. You must make a reservation for a date and time to visit the farm. Strollers must me left at home.

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Hillview Farms 223​Meyersville​Road,​Gillette,​NJ 908­647­0957 (50​min​from​Midtown)

Make the trip to Hillview Farms to pick seasonal apples starting September 1st. You can’t go wrong with the classic red apple, but make sure to take home a few other delicious options, such as Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathan, Macoun, McIntosh and Stayman/Winesap. Open 9 am – 6 pm (field closed to the public at 5 pm), daily.

One Hour to One Hour and a Half Dr. Davies Farm drdaviesfarm.com 306​NY­304,​Congers,​NY​10920 845­268­7020 (1​hr​&​10​min​from​Midtown)

Warm apple pie days are here! Visit Dr. Davies Farm starting September 7th to pick apples for all your delicious fall desserts. You will be able to pick from 4,000 trees, with 20 different varieties of apples, spanning over 55 acres. Bring the whole family, even the dog, for a great outing that everyone will enjoy for the fall season. Guests are required to wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing. Open 10 am – 4 pm, daily.

Riamede Farm riamedefarm.com 122​Oakdale​Road,​Chester,​NJ​07930 908­879­5353 (1​hr​&​20​min​from​Midtown)

With 40 types of apples, Riamede Farm is opening its apple-picking gates on September

NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

3rd. Get a taste of their first batch of ripening apples, or check out the other varieties as they begin to ripen over the course of the fall season. Face coverings are required for entry.

Open 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard harvestmoon​farm​ andorchard.com 130​Hard­ scrabble​Road,​ North​Salem,​NY​10560 914­485­1210 (1​hr​&​20​min​from​Midtown)

Be part of the excitement at Harvest Moon for their biggest time of the year. This familyowned and operated apple orchard will be welcoming their main harvest with a variety of delicious apples available for picking beginning September 5th. Bring the family to visit the orchards as well as their farm store that has farm-raised meats and dairy products. Store and orchard open Friday – Sunday for apple picking by reservation only from 9 am – 5 pm. Store will be open MondayThursday from 9 am – 6 pm.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm stuartsfarm.com 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY 10527 914-245-2784 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

Since 1828, Stuart’s Fruit Farm has been a proud family-operated farm.

This fall season, bring your family along for the beginning of the apple-picking season where there will be an array of apples to choose from! Apple picking begins September 5. Open 10 am – 5 pm, daily.

Alstede Farms alstedefarms.com 1 Alstede Farms Lane,

Chester, NJ 07930 908-879-7189 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

Alstede Farms invites your family to pick their crisp, seasonal apples for the fall season. Kids will be thrilled to see and learn how food grows as they pick their own for a healthy snack. Bring home this delicious fruit for making traditional homemade apple pie, cider and delightful pastries. Choose from over 50 different varieties. Don’t forget to check out the other fun activities offered on the farm, such as the tractor-drawn wagon ride, seeing the sunflower field and more! Tickets must be purchased online, in advance, utilizing time slots. Ticket become available 24 hours in advance.

Apple Ridge Orchards appleridgeorchards.com 101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-987-7717 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Kick off the fall season by visiting the most scenic and rustic pick-your-own farm. Just 60 miles from New York City, you can pick from a variety of 20 different apples throughout the Hudson and Warwick Valley. Have a fun and educational experience as you spend time at the orchards picking. They even have dwarf trees that little ones can reach! Face coverings are required and strollers are not allowed.

Open to the public from 9 am – 6 pm on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays.

Lawrence Farms Orchards lawrencefarmsorchards.org 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-4268 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Take a drive to Lawrence Farms Orchards and make it a family day out! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the farm and have a blast picking a variety of apples such as Ginger Gold, Zestar, Ozark Gold and Gala available now. Face coverings are required. Open 9 am- 4 pm, daily.

Admission is $5 per person, children under 2 years old are free. Season passes available.

Barton Orchards bartonorchards.com 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570 845-227-2306 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Switch up your typical weekend plans and take a family car ride to Barton Orchards.

September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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Family Day Out

These apples are known for being the best in the area with over 120 acres of apple trees to pick from. Apple picking starts here from the middle of August through November. As we move through the fall season, a variety of different apples will be available for picking, such as Early Golds in August, Jona macs in September, and Ida Reds in October. And, to make sure that you have the freshest apples, Barton’s Orchards rotates picking areas around the farm! In order to pick apples, you must purchase a Barton apple bag that day.

Open 11 am – 6 pm on Sundays to Wednesdays and 11 am – 8 pm on Thursdays to Saturdays, from August-November.

ber and October.

Open 9 am – 4:45 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, by reservation only.

Over an Hour and a Half

Masker Orchards maskers.com 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-986-1058 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Apple Dave’s Orchards appledavesorchards.com 82 4 Corners Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-772-1242 (1 hr and 40 min from Midtown)

Masker Orchards is a go-to for family-friendly apple picking in the Hudson Valley region (you can even bring the dog). Drive right to the trees with your family and then get lost in the massive orchard picking a variety of apples (picking poles are also available) and taking in the views and foliage. With 14 varieties of apples ripening throughout the season at Masker Orchards, you’re sure to find all of your family’s favorites; and to help make sure of this, they put together an approximate ripening guide. Admission, parking and bags are free and apples are $29.95 per bag (but you can eat all the apples you wish as you pick for free). With COVID-19 changing many things, most of the Family Fun Area activities will be closed. Pony rides, the maze, live music, haunted house and food stands will not be available, so the farm encourages you to bring your own picnic lunch. Opening day for the apple picking season is September 5 and goes into early November. Open 9 am-5 pm, daily.

Opening Labor Day weekend, start your picking at Apple Dave’s Orchards and take home a variety of apples like McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, Jonagold, Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, Macoun, Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. You can also visit their farm store where they have freshpressed apple cider, apple donuts, pies, flowers and seasonal items. Apple picking starts Labor Day Weekend on September 5 and has acres upon acres perfect for social distanced picking.

Fishkill Farms fishkillfarms.com 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 845-897-4377 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Fishkill Farms has been part of the Morgenthau family for over 100 years and invites your family for the apple picking season.

This 270-acre apple orchard offers a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year that you can pick. Socially distant picking is available by reservation only, so be sure to check their website before visiting. Stop by for their apple season in the months of Septem-

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Harbes Family Farm harbesfamilyfarm.com 715 Sound Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952 631-298-0800 (2 hrs from Midtown)

The star attraction at the 78-acre Harbes Family Farm is the breathtakingly beautiful apple orchard. Featuring 27 different varieties, the orchard uses an innovative trellis system to grow apples that are within reach of even the smallest of hands. Prices vary from $10 per person for the Early Bird Special (three lb bag) to the $22 per person Apple Lovers Big Bag Special (12 lb bag). On weekends and holidays they offer pig races, singing hayride tours, and hosted interactive activities. Plus, Harbes Barnyard Adventure (a paid admission area of Harbes Family Farm) has eight acres of family-friendly attractions where you can discover farm animals and chicken and bee observatories as well as enjoy the Gnome Hedge Maze, trike track, Jumbo Jumpers, sports zone and so much more. Reopening on Saturday, September 5, the farm reminds you to bring face coverings

NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

and observe social distancing when visiting.

Bishop’s Orchards bishopsorchards.com 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437 203-453-2338 (2 hrs from Midtown)

Bishop’s Orchards takes pride in growing the highest quality fruits to enjoy year after year from their family to yours. They grow over 20 varieties of apples that suit all your needs for cooking, gifts, or a quick snack on the go. At their pick-your-own locations, bags are free and you pay for what you pick by the pound.

Bishop’s Orchards also recently opened their new ice cream stand, featuring delicious flavors, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and their specialty, the Bishop’s Blitz! The farms will be following the pick-your-own procedures which goes more into detail on their website. It ensures proper distancing, sanitation and safety.

Hank’s PumpkinTown hankspumpkintown.com 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976 631-726-4667 (2 hrs from Midtown)

Hank’s PumpkinTown in Water Mill, NY is well-known to families for its amazing apple picking and over 30 acres of fall family fun! It costs $25 to pick one peck (about 10 pounds of apples), after you’ve had your fill of picking, wander over to the wooden playground, maze park, face painting, and gem mining.

The Market has yummy, freshly baked pies, cookies, cupcakes, candy apples and everpopular cider donuts. The farm will be open for apple picking on September 12. Be sure to check their Facebook Page for weekly updates on what’s available for picking.

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September 2020 | Brooklyn/Queens Family

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family fun

Visiting the Empire State Building It’s time for a unique “New York for New Yorkers” experience

By Regan Mies

A

ccording to a 2011 Cornell study, the Empire State Building is the most photographed building in the world. A poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects named it “America’s Favorite Building.” Built in the year 1930 and towering at an incredible 1,454 feet, the Empire State Building is a beloved staple of the New York City skyline. As the city moves forward with its Phase 4 reopening plans, now might be a better time than ever to safely visit one of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks with your family.

On a clear day, visitors can see six states from the Empire State Building’s observatories. From the 86th Floor Observatory, enjoy 360-degree views and have fun spotting Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and many more of New York City’s distinctive landmarks. On the building’s brand-new 102nd Floor Observatory, gaze through floor-to-ceiling windows for breathtaking vistas.

Not only does a trip to the Empire State Building offer a once-in-a-lifetime view of the city, it also provides your family the chance to learn something new! The Empire State Building is home to a number of brand-new exhibits located on its 2nd and 80th floors.

You and your kids will be swept up in history while learning about the building’s original site in the 1920s and its remarkable 13-month construction from 1930-31. The Modern Marvel exhibit showcases the steps taken by the Empire State Building that have led it to become a world leader in sustainability and efficient energy. With exhibits about celebrities and King Kong to exhibits about the Empire State Building’s light shows and its original elevators, there’s an experience to interest everyone!

Through its international #HeroesShineBright campaign and music-to-light shows,

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the Empire State Building has honored first responders and shone as a beacon of hope during the Covid-19 crisis. Now, they’re doing everything they can to ensure their exhibits and observatories are safe for you and your family. New protocols have been put in place for employees and visitors so that the Empire State Building can adhere to all official city and state guidelines.

Anthony E. Malkin, the Chairman, President and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, is confident “that New York is resilient and that our future holds promise.” As New York City begins to reopen, Malkin remains positive.

If you and your family haven’t visited the Empire State Building, there’s no time better than now: “The reduced capacity and lack of tourists from out of town will create a unique ‘New York for New Yorkers’ experience.”

Here’s what they’re doing: • Crowds will be prevented as ticket purchases shift to online, timed reservations.

• The Empire State Building Observatory is currently open from 11 am to 11 pm.

• Capacity will initially be reduced by more than 80%, allowing groups to distance by more than 18 feet.

• Guests will be required to wear facial

NewYorkFamily.com | September 2020

coverings for the entirety of their visit.

• Mask-wearing and distancing will be monitored by CCTV and staff.

• Guest protocol will include a contactless temperature check, and visitors’ temperatures must be under 100.4 degrees.

• Signage, distance markings and hand sanitizers have been implemented throughout Empire State Building spaces.

• Observatories and exhibits are suited to a one-way flow of traffic.

• Interactive exhibits, like those with touch screens, have been transformed into touchfree experiences.

• Enhanced cleaning methods have been put into effect, including Overnight Electrostatic Disinfectant spray of the entire observatory space and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

• A recent $165 million renovation included the implementation of MERV 13 air filters, state-of-the-art air purification that reduces the risk of virus transmission.

• New employee protocol includes training, masks, gloves and contact tracing.

Visitor tickets can be reserved online at esbnyc. com. Child tickets start at $36. Adult tickets start at $42.

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