Issuu

October 2021

newyorkfamily.com

Fall Bucket List!

Moms + Friendship

Lindsay Stuart, Edil Cuepo & Alexis Barad-Cutler share the importance of community & how mom friends get us through the everyday grind of parenting

High School Listings!

WHAT’S UP DOC?

MEET

’S NEWEST

TEAM OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

DR. PIÑERO DR. MARTINEZ INTERNAL MEDICINE NAME

•Orlando Antonio Piñero Briceno

SPECIALTY TRAINING

•PGY-3 Internal Medicine Residency at St. Barnabas Hospital (SBH) •Medical School: Universidad Central de Venezuela, Luis Razetti School of Medicine. (Medical Surgeon) •Degree in Music

PERSONAL INTERESTS •Music composition •I play the viola

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

•Spanish (Native) & English •Venezuela

DR. BADIPATLA DR. CASTELLANOS GASTROENTEROLOGY

NAME

SPECIALTY

TRAINING

•Stephanie Martinez •Pediatrics

•Internal Medicine

FROM

PEDIATRICS

•Residency: Lincoln Medical Center; Bronx, NY •Medical School: Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC); Sto. Dgo., D.R.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

•I enjoy Romantic Comedies, Action Movies, Drama and Thriller TV

•Avid fitness enthusiast •Spending time with Family and Friends

LANGUAGES SPOKEN •Spanish & English

FROM

•The Bronx (Native)

•Kanthi Rekha Badipatla •Gastroenterology •Fellowships: - Gastroenterology - Geriatrics •Chief Resident, Internal Medicine Residency Program •Medical School: Andhra Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences, Visakhapatnam, India

PERSONAL INTERESTS •Discovering and trying different cuisines •Exploring kids’ activities •Making new friends

INTERNAL MEDICINE NAME

•Yaritza Castellanos De Belliard

SPECIALTY

•Internal Medicine

TRAINING

•Internal Residency Program: Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn NY •Medical School: Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra, Santiago, D.R.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

•Serving my community •Educating and understanding my patients’ needs

LANGUAGES SPOKEN

•Spanish (Native) & English

FROM

•Dominican Republic

•English & Telugu

FROM

•India

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

CALL 718.220.2020 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! ALLERGY • AUDIOLOGY • BEHAVIORAL HEALTH • CARDIOLOGY • DENTAL • GASTROENTEROLOGY • GENETICS • GYNECOLOGY • OBSTETRICS • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • OPTOMETRY • ORTHOPEDICS • NEUROLOGY (PEDIATRICS ONLY) • PODIATRY • PHYSICAL THERAPY •RADIOLOGY • RHEUMATOLOGY • SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY • VISION THERAPY

• 260 East 188th Street • 2021 Grand Concourse • 4487 Third Avenue • 2101 Quarry Road • 2016 Bronxdale Avenue | Suite 301

718-220-2020

www.uchcbronx.org

contents

October 2021 NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 14

pg.34

pg. 36

FEATURES 10 | Books 10 children’s books that celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 14 | Education The scoop on NYC school tours: what to know and how to approach them 32 | Toys Educational toys perfect for Fall playtime 34 | Fall Our family fall bucket list is here 36 | Cover Moms – Moms + Friendship Alexis Barad-Cutler, Edil Cuepo, and Lindsay Stuart on the importance of community and mom friends

Stories & columns 4 | Editor’s Note October- Reconnecting

pg. 10

pg. 32

Directories 18 | High School Listings

6 | Ask the Expert Teaching your kids to set boundaries 28 | Family Fun Kid-friendly hikes in and near NYC 30 | Ask the Expert Lifecoach and author Kristen Glosserman shares strategies on reconnecting with your partner 38 | Education Tutoring and Learning Support

on the Cover Photo: Michelle Rose Photo | michellerosephoto.com Hair & Makeup: Buffy Hernandez | buffysaintmarie.com Produced by: Donna Duarte-Ladd Cover Writer: Cris Pearlstein | crispearlstein.com Production Asst: Courtney Ingalls

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Editor’s Note

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

October - Reconnecting Many of us are back at it, routine, that is. And with most kids back to in-person schooling, lessons and reflections are happening. Teaching Your Kids to Set Boundaries (page 6) is a worthwhile read for parents to help their children figure out their space and limits with peers. Speaking of being back at school, we have a helpful piece, The Scoop on NYC School Tours (page 14), that shares both virtual and in-person school tours and how to navigate both! Let’s not forget about having fun; we have our Fall Bucket List (page 34) to remind us of all the activities and things to do in NYC.

Lastly, we did a thing this issue. We took our vaccinated team, met up with the coolest (and vaccinated) moms, took rapid COVID tests, and shot the cover. This month’s cover story, written by Cris Pearlstein- moms Alexis Barad-Cutler, founder of Not Safe For Mom Group, Lindsay Stuart, owner of Glam Expressway, and Edil Cuepo of Rockaway Baby (page 36), share on having a supportive community, everyday parenting, and how moms friends are everything. Donna and New York Family Media

Editorial Contributors: Jana Beauchamp, Cris Pearlstein, Mia Salas Editorial Interns: Maya Laidler, Erin Yoon

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

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

ask the expert

Teaching Your Kids to Set Boundaries Tips for creating healthier and more fulfilling friendships By Christina Furnival

ach morning we send our children to school with a cheery message that goes something like, “have fun and be nice.” In hopeful anticipation, we await their endof-day report where they share stories of a fun-packed day of structured learning, loving friendships, fun playground games, and warm-hearted belly laughs. Fortunately, this happens most of the time. But there are times when our children come home deflated because another kid left them feeling down. If this is occurring with some frequency, we may need to help our children set boundaries to develop fulfilling friendships. What do we say and do? If you’re feeling lost on positive steps to take, I am here to help. This topic was all too common when I worked in community mental health providing therapy to children, adolescents, and their families. Friendship concerns are experienced by almost everyone. Relationships are complex! The good news is, this means a lot of good research has been done, and effective ways to work through these challenges have been identified. One such conclusion is that being able to set healthy boundaries is necessary for healthy relationships. Let’s explore boundaries and why are they important. As well as three tools for you to help your children build healthy and fulfilling friendships. (Spoiler alert…these work the same for adults too!) Boundaries and their Importance When we think of a boundary, we often envision a physical limit or barrier such as a crosswalk to safeguard pedestrians, clothing to shield skin from the elements, or a gated fence to define and protect a property line. Relational boundaries are less visible and more complex. To help, let’s use a physical boundary example to get to the heart of the matter. Imagine you have a beautifully manicured lawn and garden which you love and value. You invest lots of time to prune, water, and nurture the flora. But your green oasis currently doesn’t have a fence. This means that Fido, the neighborhood marker-

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

of-all-the-territories, can visit any time he wishes. He walks all over your grass and does his business wherever he chooses. He isn’t intentionally causing you hassle, but without a boundary, he does not know that he is not wanted on your lawn. As a result, YOU are left to clean up his waste. You are left stewing inside about your garden being destroyed and how annoying it is to clean up after someone else’s pet. With reflection, you decide to protect what’s meaningful to you by setting a boundary, and you have a fence installed. Now, Fido can clearly see that your yard is no longer for his gallivanting. You’ve set a physical boundary, making your wishes clearly known, allowing you to really take pride in what’s yours and feel the relief of your property being respected. Just like a physical fence set the boundary in the example above, when it comes to relationships, our words present the limit. A relational boundary has to be expressly spoken and defined so that your friends, family, or bosses will not be the metaphorical

Fido on the lawn of your life. To put it concisely: A healthy relationship boundary is a firm, but flexible, spoken expectation you set with another person to clearly define what you find acceptable (or not) in their actions towards you or others. The need to set healthy boundaries stems from our wants, preferences, feelings, comforts, and values. For example, if you value keeping the floor of your home free from dirt and germs, especially with a little one crawling around, you may have a house rule of removing shoes before you enter. When guests come over, you get to decide if that is a boundary you want to extend to them or not. Boundaries provide clarity by erasing ambiguity, allowing you and the relationship to be authentic. By setting healthy boundaries you construct the framework for a mutually enjoyable friendship, offering freedom to demonstrate love and respect for one another. Many people, especially those who are particularly empathetic, caring, and giving, express having a hard time setting boundaries

HELP WITH DEPRESSION

GRIEF SUPPORT

Mental Health ALL FOR

CRISIS SUPPORT

SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

24/7 COUNSELING

CONNECT TO CARE: 1-888-NYC-WELL (1-888-692-9355) or visit mentalhealthforall.nyc.gov No matter who you are. No matter what you need. NYC is here for you. October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Ask the expert

because they don’t want to be seen as “mean” or aggressive. Healthy Boundaries Demonstrate Assertiveness, not Aggression In reality, and as the latest research tells us, the opposite is true. Setting a boundary is not mean; it actually shows kindness to both yourself and your relationship. It says that you value yourself and how you want to be treated, and you value the relationship enough to be honest and respectfully direct. Further, boundary-setting is related with better assertiveness and having higher selfworth and self-love. In that way, it is easy to see why not having boundaries is problematic. By not acknowledging and voicing our thoughts, values, and feelings, we are setting ourselves up for a failed mind- reading experiment. We silently and secretly hope (or even expect) that another person will be able to know us well enough to read our hints, tone, or gestures. This almost inevitably leads to miscommunication, discontentedness, and resentment. Ironically, aggression usually appears because of a lack of boundaries. When boundaries have not been set, an individual may tolerate unwanted behavior until, ultimately, they explode! Angry outbursts can be avoided by respectfully and assertively setting boundaries before you reach your boiling point. The very act of setting healthy boundaries prevents aggression. Teaching Boundaries to Children The ability to set healthy boundaries is necessary, and possible, at all ages and stages. By supporting your children to learn about and set boundaries, you are opening them up to a lifetime of healthy and fulfilling friendships and relationships. So high five to you for reading this article. I recommend these three tools for parents, teachers, and other trusted adults. 3 Tools to Set Healthy Boundaries for Fulfilling Friendships 1) Foster your child’s social-emotional abilities Setting a boundary begins with your child’s awareness of their feelings, and the ability to describe their feelings and express what they need. To do this you can: Play games that explore feelings. My favorites are Bright Spots Therapeutic Fun games. Try “sportscasting” to your child. This

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

A healthy relationship boundary is a firm, but flexible, spoken expectation you set with another person to clearly define what you find acceptable (or not) in their actions towards you or others. means that you narrate what you see them experiencing and feeling. This also means validating your child’s experiences. For example, at a family party, you notice that your child doesn’t want to hug a specific auntie. You could reflect with them, “When your aunt asked for a hug, I saw that you turned your body away from her and you looked downwards. It looked like you felt unsure or uncomfortable. I want you to know that I am proud of you for listening to your feelings. You do not have to hug anyone that you do not want to. In the future, you could use your words to say ‘No, thank you’ to be even more clear.” 2) Get specific about healthy relationships It is easy to forget that our children don’t always read between the lines of what we say. We may label friends as “good” or “best”, but we may not have actually explained what relational elements and behaviors earn those esteem labels. Specifically, explain to your child what a good friend says, how they act, what they do, and how your child will likely feel when they are with such a friend. For example, “A good friend says things like ‘Let’s play’ or ‘I like you’, and they share, take turns, and use their words to solve problems. When you spend time with a nice friend, you feel happy and loved.” It’s important that our kiddos know that words and actions should be aligned. And similarly, be specific when explaining what a not nice friend might say or do, as well as how they might make your child feel. For example, “An unkind friend may say, ‘You can’t join us’ or ‘I don’t like you’, and they may call you names or exclude you. When you spend time with an unkind friend, you might feel sad, confused, and hurt.” 3) Model boundary-setting Our children are sponges and so often learn more from our actions than words. The better that we parents model boundarysetting in our own lives, the more naturally our children will mimic our healthy lead. Now, this may require you to assess your own boundary-setting skills. Are there

situations in which you have shied away from setting a boundary that would now be a great example to your child? If so, maybe you speak to your child about the problem, and what boundary you will set. For example, let’s imagine you have a friend who has a habit of not giving you their full attention when you’re speaking. It has always bothered you, but you’ve never actually spoken up about it. You could explain to your child your boundary-setting plan, “When I have something to say, it’s important to me that the person I speak to is listening. So I am going to let my friend know that I will wait until they are available to listen before I speak.” And then your child can witness as you set the boundary. Our kids are always watching how we act and handle challenges, and by modeling boundaries, our children will more deeply understand their power. Setting healthy boundaries can feel challenging to do, especially at first and if you aren’t used to speaking up for yourself. The same will be true for your children, but they have you to cheer them on and to support their growth. These tools are simple to understand but require intentional repetition and practice. Please know that I believe in you; you’ve got this! Remember, you’re giving your children a gift that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. They and their developing sense of self, confidence, and healthy friendships will thank you! Christina is a wife and mom to two wild and wonderful kiddos, a licensed psychotherapist (LPCC), the founder of her website ChristinaFurnival.com and therapeutic motherhood blog Real Life Mama, and a children’s book author of a social/emotional wellbeing series, Capable Kiddos! Check out her timely and topical book “The Not-SoFriendly Friend — How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships”, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Worksheets to accompany learning can be found here — these age-specific worksheets on friendships and boundaries.

High School Where your future begins...

Open House Saturday, October 23rd 10:00 am - 1 :00 pm

Rosalie Alvarado, MD and new mom Joetta C. with her daughter

TACHS Code: 214 AP

Honors

Regents

Up to 24 College Credits

COMFORT

SHAHRAM RAZMZAN, MD

Portfolio Assessments Internships & Mentoring

IN KNOWING I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE

Clubs & Sports

NEW state-of-the-art STREAM Center & NEW Digital Art and Animation Lab

SUZANNE GREENIDGE, MD

Contact: Gina Nieves, Admissions Director gnieves@stbarnabashigh.com 718.325.8800 ext. 20 425 E. 240th St. Bronx, NY 10470

www.stbarnabashigh.com

5 STAR MATERNITY AWARD

DMITRY GERBER, MD

Large Private Riverview Suites Award-Winning Obstetrical Care VIP Experience Infant Safety Program

LILLIAN BERDICHEVSKY, MD

Serene Post-Partum Recovery Neonatal Level II Intensive Care Nursery JANUSZ RUDNICKI, MD

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

EDWIN PAN, MD

NOT SHOWN: Melissa Groves, MD Khaled Hassan, MD Sarla Khushalani, MD Luis Maturana, MD Molham Solomon, MD Vivian Sone, MD

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

books

10 Children’s Books that Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month By Maya LaidLer

s kids grow up they learn more about the world around them. They also learn more about themselves and or their classmates’ heritage as this is a big part of growing into their own identity and connecting with their community. Celebrating Hispanic heritage teaches kids that their culture is something to take pride in and commemorate as a part of who they are. Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month this year, with educational kids books that will have your kids learn about Hispanic heritage in a fun engaging way. The Life of – La Vida De Selena by Ariana Stein

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Age: Newborn- 4

Teach your kid about one of the most iconic Latina music singers of our time, Selena Quintanilla! This simplified bilingual book will convey her inspiring biography in an easy-to-understand and relatable way. They will learn about her favorite food, pizza, and who she cherished the most in the world, her family and fans. Chicano Jrs Mexican Adventure by Raúl Jiménez Age: 3-18

Chicano is a young boy visiting Mexico for the first time to see his family. Follow his adventure, his cultural shock, and escapades in traveling! This bilingual children’s book can help your kid study language while

learning about Mexican culture through the eyes of a Mexican-American kid. The book is bright, colorful, and eye-catching! Dreamers by Yuyi Morales Age: 4-8

With lyrical text, brief autobiographical essays, and detailed illustrations, this picture book memoir looks at the gifts migrants bring as they move to a new country. It is a story of the things you always hold on to no matter where you go: your resilience, your dreams, your hopes, and your history. A Spanish language version, called Soñadores, is also available. Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor Age: 4-8

Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic Supreme Court judge, writes a book encouraging kids to ask questions and embrace their own uniqueness. The story follows her childhood story of being diagnosed with diabetes and other kids with different struggles as they all work to build a community garden.

isn’t sure how to answer this constantly asked question, and by asking her Abuelo and receiving an unexpected answer, she learns about self-acceptance, identity, and belonging.

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juan Martinez -Neal Age: 4-8

Join Pepe goes to the Hispanic Day Parade with many of his friends for a grand celebration of culture and identity. With so many cultures such as Mexican, Dominican, Panamanian, Colombian, Honduran, Nicaraguan, Chilean, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Cuban represented at the parade, kids can see their own traditions and arts illustrated in a fun celebration of their heritage.

When learning how to write her name, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela discovers just how many stories of her ancestors are packed into it and learns just how perfect her name is for her. This book does a great job of explaining to kids the uniqueness of names and will be sure to leave them asking similar questions about their own names. Where Are You From?/ ¿De dónde eres? by Yamile Saied Méndez Age: 4-8

Being asked “where are you really from” can be a startling question for kids. This lyrical picture book tells a story of a young girl who

Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage by Tracey Kyle Age: 4-8

Waiting for Biblioburro by Monica Brown Age: 5-8

Ana, a Colombian girl who loves reading but only has access to a few books in her small village meets a traveling librarian. With more books than she can dream of, she is even encouraged to create her own! This story incorporates a few Spanish words which

make it great for a read-aloud and teaches the universal value of reading. How Tia Lola Came to Stay by Julia Alvarez Age: 9-12

Miguel meets his quirky charismatic Tiá Lola who arrives from the Dominican Republic to help his Mami after his parent’s divorce. His tiá seems to weave a magical spell of love that Miguel and his family desperately needed. Miguel learns to love his eccentric tiá and appreciate his experience of living in two cultures. Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight by Duncan Tonatiuh Age: 12 and up

Perfect for older kids, Undocumented tells the story of Juan, a hard-working immigrant from Mexico that came to the U.S without papers. Exploited and underpaid as a busboy, he risks everything to stand up for himself and his community. This inspiring tale will teach kids about the injustice of exploitation, the bravery and strength of immigrants, and the importance of standing up for yourself and others.

JOIN A COMMUNITY OF YOUNG LEADERS Prep for Prep partners with families to build the foundation for academic, social, and leadership success for students of color. If you have a child currently attending 5th, 6th, or 7th grade in a New York City public, parochial, or charter school, apply now! For questions, please call (212) 579-1470. ÚNETE A UNA COMUNIDAD DE LÍDERES JÓVENES HOY Información está disponible en español

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

AECISCHOOLS.ORG

AECI CHARTER SCHOOLS NETWORK Great schools. Right here in the South Bronx.

CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES

CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION • • • •

95% GRADUATION RATE 100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATE SMALL CLASS SIZES EVERY STUDENT RECEIVES A LAPTOP

AECISCHOOLS.ORG ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR

FALL 2021! APPLY NOW! 12

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

AECISCHOOLS.ORG

AECI CHARTER SCHOOLS NETWORK Escuelas excepcionales. Aquí mismo en el sur del Bronx.

CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES

CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND INNOVATION • • • •

95% ÍNDICE DE GRADUACIÓN 100% ÍNDICE DE ACEPTACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA CLASES PEQUEÑAS TODOS LOS ESTUDIANTES RECIBEN UNA COMPUTADORA PORTÁTIL

AECISCHOOLS.ORG

¡DOS ESCUELAS SECUNDARIAS ACEPTANDO SOLICITUDES PARA

EL OTOÑO DE 2021! APLICA YA

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Education

The Scoop on NYC

SchOOl TOurS By Mia SalaS

here are many steps in the school search process, but one of the most important ones is the tour! Looking for a school can definitely be challenging especially for us NYC parents. There are so many factors to consider to make sure that the school is a right fit for our kids. And as schools open up more, the COVID-19 guidelines for tours have also shifted. That’s why, we’re going to focus on the school tour to make sure you know what to look for on your tour, the scoop on virtual vs. in-person tours, and more. Overview of school tours You may be wondering why a tour is important in the first place. What can a tour really tell me about the school that I didn’t already read online? The truth is, a lot! Whether virtual or inperson, you get a feel for the environment. A school can seem great online, but once you’re walking through the hallways or seeing inside the classrooms, you could realize that it’s not quite the right fit for your child’s personality. And vice versa — so we recommend not discounting a school just by your online research, because a tour may just change your mind. A tour is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions. Getting your questions answered through an online portal or via email/phone can be a bit of a back-andforth process, but on a tour you have plenty of people — whether that be teachers, administrators or tour guides — accessible to get your questions answered on the spot. Finally, tours are often coupled with (or you can register on the same day for) open houses and information sessions, where you can learn even more about the school. These may include topics such as student support,

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Yalow’s New K-5 Campus!

Yalow’s Nuevo Campus 1-5

650 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451

347-735-5480

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Education

STEM, fine arts and more. So now that we know why tours and other visits to the schools you’re considering are important, let’s dive into the differences between in-person and virtual tours. During the pandemic, schools quickly shifted to virtual tours, which could mean anything from pre-recorded videos to a more live, 3D tour experience, depending on the school. But as we gradually move into a world of less restrictions, many schools now offer inperson tours again. If you’re debating between virtual vs. in-person tours, here’s a quick breakdown on what they offer: Virtual tours The obvious benefit of virtual tours is that they’re convenient! No need to schedule a date and time or move around your work schedule to attend. No need to pick the perfect outfit out for the day or stress about prepping your family. Virtual tours are low pressure and easy to attend, which makes them a much better option for some families. In fact, there are still some schools that are only offering virtual open houses or meetings with admissions. The one caveat is that some schools do host live virtual tours and open houses, in which case you would need to choose a date and time and join your scheduled session. But even still, you can do so from the comfort of your own home! While you may be concerned about not getting the “feel” of the school if you go with

School Tour FAQ Should I bring my kids on the tour? This is dependent on the school! Some schools specifically ask that you not bring your kids on the tour, while others welcome your whole family. Keep in mind that tours can be long, and you want to make sure you can stay focused and get all your questions answered. We all know how restless kids can get sometimes, so if you the school allows kids on the tour, consider whether your child will benefit from attending and if they can stay engaged for that long. Will going on a tour increase my chances of getting accepted to the school? Yes and no. Most tours are not evaluating your family, but it always helps to show

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

the virtual option, NYC schools have worked hard to ensure that virtual tours feel as real and comparable as in-person. This includes options such as 3D tours, live chats for questions, live sessions and more, all based on the same experience as in-person tours. In-person tours Many schools are back to offering in-person tours, so what are the pros here? First, you have more direct access to teachers, administrators, and other families. We all know that virtual encounters can sometimes be awkward — only one person can talk at a time and it can be difficult to get your thoughts or questions in when there’s other people on the call. With an inperson tour, you can chat with other families or pull an administrator aside for a quick question. In some ways it’s more formal because you’ll be interacting with a lot of different people at the school, but it’s also more casual in the way you can ask questions and chat. The most obvious benefit here is that you’ll physically be in the classroom and facility spaces, so you can see for yourself what the school’s environment is like. If you’re considering an in-person tour, be sure to check the school’s specific guidelines, as some schools are only offering in-person tours for families who already applied and others have very limited inperson availability. We recommend booking soon if you’re thinking of doing an in-person tour!

interest! Not only are tours and open houses helpful opportunities for you to learn what you can about the school, they also show the school that you did your homework. You’re interested in the school, and you took the time to check it out. Should we dress up for an in-person tour? Be yourself! While we recommend dressing nice, it’s also important that you bring your authentic self to the tour. Try not to stress too much about your appearance, because the tour is about you and what you can learn about the school (not vice versa)! What are good questions to ask on my tour? First, ask whatever is important to you. Think about your priorities: is financial aid top of mind? Is class size super important?

Tour Checklist

Whether you do a virtual or inperson tour you are going to want to take notes. There is so much you are seeing and listening to at once, that you may not remember what you’re specifically looking for. That’s why, we put together a brief checklist of some of our top things to look for on school tours. Ask yourself these questions as you go and check off the boxes! ❏ Does the school feel supportive and encouraging? ❏ Did the teachers I meet seem like the right fit for my child? ❏ Did the teachers seem enthusiastic and positive? ❏ Would my child be excited to enter this classroom? ❏ Is the class size small/big enough for my child? ❏ Was there technology used in the classrooms? ❏ Are there dedicated spaces or outlets for student support? ❏ Do the administrators seem passionate about the school and its mission? ❏ Can I see my child making friends with the other students at the school? ❏ Did I leave feeling excited about the school?

After you come up with questions from there, we also have a few that are always good to ask: Is after/before-care an option? What kind of academic support is available? What extracurricular activities are offered? Will my child have leadership opportunities here? What does the admissions process look like from here? How are families kept up-todate with what’s happening at school? This is not a comprehensive list, but some questions to get you started! If I don’t go on a tour, should I still apply for the school? Sure! While tours are definitely important, if you have a good feel for the school already, it doesn’t hurt to apply. You can also attend an open house, meeting with admissions, or just chat with other families that you know already at the school.

Their

Brilliant

future starts here! World-class academics academ & whole-child learning rni approach e ta F in d a Z a r e n l schoo yo u !

Zeta is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year for Pre-K - 5th Grade!!

1260 Franklin Ave. Bronx, NY 10456 www.motthallcharterschool.org

The mission of the Mott Hall Charter School is to prepare our scholars in mind, body, and character to succeed in top high schools, colleges, and careers by becoming inquisitive, open-minded, and compassionate citizens of the world.

The Mo� Hall Charter School is S�ll Accep�ng Applica�ons for 6th, 7th and 8th Grade for the 2021-2022 School Year Scan code or go to h�ps://mo�hallcharterschool.schoolmint.net to apply The Mo� Hall Charter School is accep�ng applica�ons for the 6th and 7th grade, also accep�ng waitlist applica�ons for 8th Grade for the 2021-2022 school year. We will also provide bussing for the incoming 6th graders. For more informa�on, please contact Erica Flores at eﬂores@mo�hallcs.org or 917-991-9139

RISE TO THE CHALLENGE! October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

High Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement AECI - NYC Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering & Construction Industries

while offering many careerspecific classes and support as well.

646 Brook Avenue, Bronx 646-400-5566 aecicharterhs.org

American Dream Charter School - HS

AECI 2 - NYC Charter High School for Computer Engineering & Innovation 424 E.138th St, Bronx 646-741-7470 aeci2charterhs.org AECI Charter High Schools offer an academic program that provides students with a foundation of the necessary skills, knowledge and practical experience to pursue a path leading to college and/or a career in architecture, engineering, construction, computer engineering or innovation industries. Both school’s offerings focus on providing a rigorous college preparatory sequence of classes while also preparing students for success in their chosen careers. AECI Schools emphasize science and math proficiency, effective communication and critical thinking skills through a standards-based curriculum

403 Concord Avenue, Bronx 718- 924-2809 theamericandreamschool.org/ apply The American Dream Charter School develops academic excellence in both Spanish and English for grades 6-12, preparing students to excel in college and become leaders in their communities. The school cultivates a welcoming, encouraging environment for English language learners and immigrant students in the South Bronx. Through their dual-language program, they strive to maintain the scholars’ native language and develop their English language skills as it is proven to accelerate language learning. They also strongly believe that through Project-Based Learning, their students can create projects that resemble real-life situations while hitting on the core standards required for success in high school, college, and

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

beyond. Now accepting applications for middle school and high school applicants, visit the website below to learn more or Apply now.

Cardinal Spellman High School 1 Cardinal Spellman Place Bronx 718-881-8000 x206 admissions@cardinalspellman. org cardinalspellman.org Cardinal Spellman High School is the premier, co-educational, college preparatory, Catholic high school in the New York Metropolitan Area. Each student is prepared for personal success in college and life through various programs of studies and activities. Graduates are awarded millions in college scholarships and go on to attend top-tier and Ivy League schools across the nation. In addition to the strong academic foundation, the school also gives their students the opportunity to develop strong social skills while receiving support in a nurturing environment. Visit cardinalspellman.org to book

an Open House Tour.

Fordham Preparatory School 441 East Fordham Rd., Bronx 718-584-8367 fordhamprep.org/admissions A Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school located on the campus of Fordham University offering individualized study for highly motivated young men through honors and Advanced Placement courses beginning in freshman year. Qualified students may also take classes at Fordham University. A program of retreats, days of renewal and a 4-year service program provide a rich experience for students in preparation for college and for life. The athletics program includes 18 varsity sports and offers over 60 clubs and activities. Student diversity is one of the special features of Fordham Prep, with the school striving to include qualified students of limited financial resources by providing substantial financial assistance. The school offers an education that emphasizes faith, scholarship, and service, an education that

A Real Catholic High School That Prepares You: To attend the best colleges, To be successful in this world, To be with God forever in the next world.

268 TACHS CODE JOIN US FOR OUR

FALL OPEN HOUSES

Sunday October 17th 3PM-6PM Tuesday October 26th 6PM-8PM

Scan for online application.

Please register at www.themontfortacademy.org

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

High Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement shapes a lifetime.

International Leadership Charter High School 3030 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx 718-562-2300 ilchs.org The International Leadership Charter High School is a highperforming, academically rigorous college-prep. It is a tuition-free institution that aims to prepare the young men and women of the Bronx not only for the demands of higher education but also for leading productive and meaningful lives. International Leadership scholars represent some of the world’s future leaders. The school’s vision over the past 15 years has been to change lives and transform communities. The school offers a martial arts program designed to improve mental focus and concentration and an inclusive learning environment that promotes high academic expectations for all.

Preston High School 2780 Schurz Ave., Bronx 718-863-9134 prestonhs.org

Established in 1947 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion as an all-girls private Cathiolic college-preparatory school. They have a longstanding tradition of academic excellence and commitment to empowering young women to become compassionate leaders for change. They offer a broad and challenging curriculum, the support of a diverse, faith-centered community and a commitment to Christian service. The co-curricular program includes honor societies, service clubs, choirs and special interest groups. Those interested in growing artistically have many options including the school musical produced by the Preston Players. The Athletic Department sponsors varsity and junior varsity teams -including soccer, basketball, softball, cheerleading and volleyball (2019 NYC division champions). Their goal is to help students become women of dignity, honor, respect and compassion.

Sacred Heart High School Yonkers 34 Convent Ave, Yonkers

DISCOVER HOW PRESTON CAN CHALLENGE AND INSPIRE YOU!

914-965-3114 sacredhearths.org Sacred Heart is a co-educational school in Yonkers, founded by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in 1923. The school is Middle StatesAccredited and follows New York State Regents guidelines. College-level courses are offered in English, business management, precalculus and astronomy through an association with Westchester Community College. Advanced Placement courses include biology, English and calculus. The athletic program includes volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball and track. Activities include drama club, art club, culinary club, music club, campus leadership, student government and choir. Enrichment programs include international travel and campus ministry. Open house: Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 21, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; www. sacredhearths.org.

Saint Barnabas High School 425 East 240th Street, Bronx

718-325-8800x20 Stbarnabashigh.com Saint Barnabas High School is an all-girls Catholic, college preparatory school in the northeast Bronx, offering academics for every learner from AP/Honors, College Credits, Regents, and Support Services with a variety of extracurricular clubs and sports. SBHS develops confident, capable, young women from diverse backgrounds, helping them to reach their fullest potential. Brand new state-of-the-art STREAM Center. Accessible by car, bus, train, MetroNorth from all boroughs and Westchester. Contact Gina Nieves, Director of Admissions at 718-325-8800 x20 gnieves@stbarnabashigh.com. TACHS# 214. Open House: October 23, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

St. Catharine Academy 2250 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx 718-882-2882 Scahs.org St. Catharine Academy has been preparing young women in the Mercy tradition for

LEARN Preston’s exceptional academic program challenges and inspires students to reach their greatest potential. EXPLORE 7YLZ[VU VɈLYZ ]HYPV\Z L_[YHJ\YYPJ\SHY

WYVNYHTZ PUJS\KPUN 1= HUK =HYZP[` ZWVY[Z HZ ^LSS HZ V]LY JS\IZ IHZLK VU HJHKLTPJZ PU[LYLZ[ HUK ZLY]PJL

VISIT Join us at our OPEN HOUSE L]LU[Z [V TLL[ faculty and students, and learn about Preston’s curriculum and student life. IN PERSON: Sun., Oct. 24 (11am - 2pm) & Mon., Oct. 25 (6- 8pm)

BECOME A PRESTON PANTHER! Enter TACHS Code 219

࠮ -HP[O JLU[LYLK ]HS\LZ IHZLK JVTT\UP[` ࠮ ! Z[\KLU[ [V [LHJOLY YH[PV ࠮ (7 JSHZZLZ HUK K\HS JVSSLNL JYLKP[ JSHZZLZ ࠮ 4 PU ZJOVSHYZOPWZ H^HYKLK [V [OL JSHZZ VM

PRESTON HIGH SCHOOL EST. 1947

A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion

^^^ WYLZ[VUOZ VYN ࠮ ,?; :JO\Ya (]LU\L )YVU_ 5@

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A RAVEN

Fall Open House

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 • 12 PM - 3:30PM College Preparatory Curriculum Honors Division 100% College Acceptances Individualized Course of Study Advanced Placement Courses State of the Art Technology Three new Science Labs Two new Computer Labs Music and Art Studios College Counseling Championship Athletic Teams

Intramural Sports Extracurricular Clubs and Activities Community Service Program St. Raymond Cadet Core Leadership Development Program Fitness Center Batting Cages Fully Air-Conditioned Classrooms

Chromebook Program College Credit Program with Pace University

AFFORDABLE TUITION Tuition Frozen for all Four Years

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships and Financial Aid Available

www.straymondhighschool.org • 718.824.5050 x106 2151 St. Raymond Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 For more information email admissions@straymondhighschool.org

TACHS EXAM CODE 115

OPEN HOUSES OPEN HOUSES OPEN HOUSES OPENHOUSES HOUSES OPEN

OCT 1616 10AM-2PM OCT 10AM-2PM OCT 16 10AM-2PM 10AM-2PM OCTOCT 16 16 10AM-2PM OCT 2121 6PM-8PM OCT 6PM-8PM OCTOCT 21 21 6PM-8PM 6PM-8PM OCT 21 6PM-8PM EXCELLENCE IN CO-EDUCATION EXCELLENCE IN CO-EDUCATION EXCELLENCE IN CO-EDUCATION EXCELLENCE IN CO-EDUCATION EXCELLENCE IN CO-EDUCATION

College Level AP, AP, College Level andand AP, College Level and AP, College Level and Honors Courses Honors Courses Honors Courses

Honors Courses States Accredited Middle States Accredited AP,Middle College Level and Middle States Accredited

Middle States Accredited Full Sports Program Honors Courses Full Sports Full SportsProgram Program

The Sacred Heart Players Full Sports Program Middle States Accredited The Sacred Heart Players The Sacred Heart Players Theatre Group The Sacred Heart Players Full Sports Program Theatre Group Theatre Group Extra -Group Curricular Activities Theatre Extra - Curricular Activities Extra - Curricular Activities The Sacred Heart Players and and More! Extra - More! Curricular Theatre Group Activities and More!

and ExtraMore! - Curricular Activities

34 Convent Avenue Yonkers,NY NY10703 10703 34 Convent Avenue Yonkers, 34 Convent Avenue Yonkers, NY 10703 914.965.3114 sacred hearths.org 914.965.3114 sacred hearths.org 34 Convent Avenue Yonkers, NY 10703 914.965.3114 sacred hearths.org 34 Convent Avenue Yonkers, NY 10703 914.965.3114 sacred hearths.org 914.965.3114 sacred hearths.org

TACHS #312 TACHSIDIDID#312 #312 TACHS TACHS ID #312 TACHS ID #312

and More!

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

High Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Eligible Applicants Are: 16 years old or younger and Rising 9th graders who repeated a grade in middle school or 9th graders with 8 credits or less or 10th graders with 18 credits or less

college success, leadership, and engagement in the world community since 1889. They offer a rigorous academic curriculum, including Advancement Placement Courses, Regents Courses, and Academic Honors. With pride they report that their graduates have earned over $130 million in college academic scholarships and grants since 2014.The school welcomes young women of all faiths and backgrounds. Learn more about St. Catharine Academy at scahs.org.

St. Raymond High School for Boys 2151 St. Raymond Ave, Bronx 718-824-5050x106 admissions@ straymondhighschool.org straymondhighschool.org St. Raymond High School for Boys is a Catholic High School, founded in 1960, offering a college preparatory curriculum that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of all students, encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to relate to the world. St. Raymond offers programs to students of varying academic ability levels, including honors, advanced placement and college credit. In addition to outstanding academics, St. Raymond has always been known for its championship athletic teams, extensive intramural sports program, and diverse extra-curricular activities. Enrollment 500; 97% of graduates attend college; Principal Judith Carew; Tuition $8,050 and $590 fees. Fall Open House: Sunday, October 17 – 12 pm – 3:30 pm.

St. Raymond Academy for Girls 1725 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx 718-824-4220 Straymondacademy.org St. Raymond Academy, a Catholic high school for young women in an urban setting, inspires students to reach their God-given potential in a safe, supportive and diverse environment. Through a state-approved curriculum and extracurricular activities, they encourage their students to seek value and truth. By empowering them with an education that promotes a commitment to excellence,

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

self-discipline, and strong Christian values, they challenge their students to become successful and accountable in a dynamic society. To learn more about the school, they invite you to attend their upcoming open house or take a virtual you on their website. TACHS code: 220.

The Montfort Academy 125 E. Birch Street, Mt. Vernon 914-699-7090 themontfortacademy.org The Montfort Academy is a small, private, co-educational classical Catholic high school that offers a timeless, foundational, inspirational, and transformational education. Students study Philosophy, Theology, Latin, Greek, Logic & Rhetoric, and the Great Books to help them think clearly, write well and speak confidently. While it is classical in foundation, it is forwardthinking in application with classes like Astronomy and Astrophysics and Economics and Foreign Policy. Proudly Catholic, the curriculum helps to form mind, body, and soul. Students regularly engage in Socratic discussions in the classroom to help them learn to think more deeply about the most important issues. .As the #1 diverse school in Westchester County, Montfort is surprisingly affordable, too.

Urban Dove Team Charter Schools UD Team II Bronx 671 Prospect Ave, Bronx 646- 341-0079 A unique and innovative alternative sports-based high school for over-aged, undercredited youth that combines a rigorous academic curriculum. An award-winning program that strives to give graduates a foundation for higher education and job skills needed to enter the workforce. Eligible applicants: graduating 8th graders who repeated a grade in middle school, 9th graders with less than eight credits, and 10th graders plus who have less than 18 credits. Students must be 16 years old or younger at the time of acceptance. Visit urbandove.org to apply!

Friday, October 22nd starting at 5pm or Tuesday, October 26th, starting at 3pm Register at www.straymondacademy.org Virtual Tours available on our website

CARDINAL SPELLMAN HIGH SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE

OCT. 24TH, 11AM-3PM OCT. 26TH, 5PM-8PM

*FILL OUT AN INQUIRY AT CARDINALSPELLMAN.ORG FOR A FAST PASS TO SKIP THE LINE! One Cardinal Spellman Place Bronx, NY 10466 718-881-8000 X 206

TACHS CODE 303

@SpellmanBX

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

family day out

Apple

Picking 2021

pple picking in New York is in season until end of October and if you have yet to check off from your fall to do list we have a useful round-up of farms in and near NYC! Although apple picking is a fall-favorite activity for many families, we are still battling COVID, which means there might be certain restrictions still in place. Make sure to check the farm’s website before visiting and review its safety guidelines. One Hour and Under Demarest Farms 244 Wiermus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642 201-666-0472 (40 min from Midtown)

Starting September 5th (approximate date) you will be able to pick some delicious apples! 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. Hillview Farms 223 Meyersville Road, Gillette, NJ 908-647-0957 (50 min from Midtown)

Make the trip to Hillview Farms to pick seasonal apples. You can’t go wrong with the classic red apple, but make sure to take home a few other delicious options, such

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

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.

that everyone will enjoy for the fall season. At this time, masks are not required for vaccinated guest and reservations are strongly suggested since walk-in slots are limited. Open 10 am – 4 pm, daily.

One Hour to One Hour and a Half

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

Dr. Davies Farm 306 NY-304, Congers, NY 10920 845-268-7020 (1 hr & 10 min from Midtown)

Warm apple pie days are here! Visit Dr. Davies Farm 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

With 40 types of apples, Riamede Farm has opened its apple-picking! Get a taste of their ripening apples, or check out their other varieties as they begin to ripen over the course of the fall season. Farm Passes are required for entry and should be purchased prior to arrival. Open 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily.

(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 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 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY 12550 845-562-4268 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560 914-485-1210 (1 hr & 20 min from Midtown)

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

Be part of the excitement at Harvest Moon for their biggest time of the year. This family-owned and operated apple orchard is welcoming their main harvest with a variety of delicious apples. 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 Monday-Thursday from 9 am – 6 pm.

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! Masks do not have to be worn in the orchard but are required in all facility buildings. Open 10 am – 5 pm, daily. Alstede Farms 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930 908-879-7189

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. Open 9 am- 4 pm, daily. Admission is $5 per person, children under 2 years old are free. Season passes available. Barton Orchards 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. 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 October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

family day out

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 Thursdays and 11 am – 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, from August-November. Masker Orchards 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990 845-986-1058 (1 hr & 30 min from Midtown)

Masker Orchards is a go-to for familyfriendly 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). Apple picking season goes into early November. Open 9 am-5 pm, daily. Fishkill Farms 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 September and October. Open 9 am – 4:45 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, by reservation only.

Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, Macoun, Fuji and Golden Delicious apples. You can also visit their farm store where they have fresh-pressed apple cider, apple donuts, pies, flowers and seasonal items. Apple Dave’s Orchard has acres upon acres perfect for social distanced picking. Harbes Family Farm 715 Sound Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952 631-298-0800 (2 hrs from Midtown)

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

Start your picking at Apple Dave’s Orchards and take home a variety of apples like McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, Jonagold,

Bishop’s Orchards 1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT

Over an Hour and a Half

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

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, they offer 8 quart bags for $22 and 1/2 bushel bags for $40. Bishop’s Orchards also has an ice cream stand, featuring delicious flavors, sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and their specialty, the Bishop’s Blitz! Hank’s PumpkinTown 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 ever-popular cider donuts. The farm will be open in September 16th, so be sure to check their website for more updates.

RETURNING NOVEMBER 5TH! Clowns • Characters Face Painting • Balloon Art • Magic Games • Cotton Candy • Popcorn Paint Nites for Adults & Kids too!

Party Room available for Birthday & Baby Shower Celebrations! Call (917) 579-0867 to book your party today! /ConfettiPartyPlace /ConfettiPartyPlace 3190 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461

“

“ INGENIOUS

BUBBLE WIZARDRY ”

Check out our new site!

-THE NEW YORKER

We’ve given our New York Family website a major makeover

Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200

For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849

Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters!

New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com

Now Open • Register Today Newly-renovated children’s ﬁtness facility Programs for all age groups from toddlers to teens

ninjagymnasticsfactory.com

CAMPS Broadway Entrance: 420W. 238th St.

CLASSES

PARTIES

914-343-3903 info@ninjagymnasticsfactory.com

Riverdale Entrance: 3660 Waldo Ave.

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Family Fun

Kid-Friendly Hikes In and Near NYC By Katarina avendaño and donna duarte-Ladd

all is full of fun activities to enjoy as the season changes from warm to cool. The weather is already starting to chill down a bit and soon the leaves will begin to change colors. A hike is great for a family day out and although this season we still need to keep a bit of distance due to COVID (check the website for all safety measures) the hiking grounds are open. That is why we have rounded up some nearby familyfriendly hikes that anyone at any skill level can achieve!

Greenbelt Conservancy – Staten

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Island, NY The Nature Center Trail, 700 Rockland Avenue, Staten Island NY 10314 1 mile

Start your hike off at the wooden bridge on the eastern edge of the Nature Center grounds called Mitchell Crossing. From there, you’ll embark on a journey that leads you to a native fern garden that stretches out under a canopy of beech and birch trees. This hike is even for the tiniest of hikers with leveled terrain and short distance! Open daily, from dawn to dusk. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir – Central Park, NY Bridle Path, New York, NY 10128

1.7 miles

A hike within NYC? There are no mountains or natural lakes nearby, but Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir makes a great option when you need a little city escape without ever leaving. This loop is 1.7 miles and is a common place for New Yorkers to run, walk, hike, or just enjoy the changing of the leaves. Accessible yearround. Tenafly Nature Center Red, Yellow and White Trail Loop – Tenafly, NJ 313 Hudson Ave, Tenafly, NJ 07670 2 miles

Located not too far away from New York City are several trails that you can venture out on

at Tenafly, New Jersey. Kids will love seeing the various types of birds in the area as you walk along the several paths covered with fall foliage! Flat Rock Brook Loop – Englewood, NJ 473 Cape May St, Englewood, NJ 07631 2 miles

Another hike that is not too far from the City is located right in Englewood, New Jersey. Enjoy the foresty scenery along a two-mile path that picks up in elevation at around 270 feet. This trail welcomes all skill levels and is accessible all year-round. Black Creek Preserve – Esopus, NY Winding Brook Road, Esopus, NY 12429 2 miles

This kid-friendly hike is a fairly easy one to do with the family that has a few uphill climbs you’ll have to power through. It’s all worth it though because the kids will have a blast crossing the giant suspension bridge that runs along the creek and the Hudson River shoreline. Hike through the forest and see a variety of endangered species, such

BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL THE PRINCETON REVIEW

fall colors as you walk, run, or bike along the partially paved trail. You can even bring the dogs along if they stay on their leashes. Accessible year-round.

as blueback herrings and alewives as they travel from the ocean to the Black Creek and deposit their eggs. Spook Rock via Gory Brook and Witch’s Spring Trail – Sleepy Hollow, NY Tarrytown New York, Sleepy Hollow Rd, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 2 miles

Jack Harrington and White Whiteplains Greenery – White Plains, NY 33 Gedney Way, White Plains, NY 10605 2.5 miles

This may be considered a moderate hike, but there is a whole lot of adventure and historical context packed into this trail! Explore foresty greenery from the legends of Sleepy Hollow and Washington Irving’s writings. As you venture through the paths, you’ll run into a witch’s shelter that seems to always be rebuilt by an unknown source.

Take a nature trip, go running, road biking, or follow the trail along the railroad line. Have a fun family day out exploring the White Plains and even bring your family dog along for the trek as long as they have their leash on.

Tibbetts Brook Park Loop Trail – Yonkers, NY 322 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701 2.2 miles

Spend the day at Croton Gorge Park that spans over 97 acres of property. Venture out to see impressive views of the dam and spillway when you take the trail with direct access to New York State’s Old Croton Aqueduct. Click here for the latest cancellations and COVID updates at this park.

If you are wanting to stay close to the City and do not want to venture out too far, this 2.2-mile hike located near Yonkers makes the perfect fit. Enjoy the woodsy scenery of

BEST NATIONAL UNIVERSITY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Croton Gorge Park – Cortlandt, NY 35 Yorktown Rd, Cortlandt, NY 10520

BEST NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY THE PRINCETON REVIEW

I N S C H O L A R S H I P S & G R A N TS AWA R D E D A N N UA L LY

A P P LY TO DAY AT L I U. E D U/A P P LY

October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

ask the expert

Reconnecting with Your Partner Lifecoach and author Kristen Glosserman shares strategies By Donna Duarte-LaDD

e all know that we were a bit at times on autopilot during the height of the pandemic. You and your partner got through this challenging time, and like most of us, did the best you could. We took each day as it came. We put one foot before the other. There were those times we let things slide since we were in one space together with nowhere to go. But now school is back in session, and while COVID is still a factor in our lives, we are starting to get back to normalcy. And, gasp, your partner is getting on your nerves again. This is all part of ‘getting back to normal.’ And now that we have space both mentally and figuratively, the regular life stuff is hitting us again. We connected with expert Life Coach and author (If It’s Not Right, Go Left) Kristen Glosserman on getting back to a healthy relationship with the one you love. As kids return to school and new variants pop up, making for the uncertainty of our next steps, how can couples get back to connecting without being in survival mode? Connecting, really connecting, with your partner is like anything else: if it’s important to you, then you’ll have to allocate time and energy to it. So, if you have found that partnership was de-prioritized over the last year or two, you want to bring it back to the top of the list. Remember, it’s about energy; wherever we put energy is where it will grow. My husband and I have designated one night of every week as our date night. I talk about this, and how “Love is a Choice” in my new book, If It’s Not Right, Go Left. As a couple, Marc and I are very consistent with our date night, giving each other one night a week alone, just the two of us, where we can have that space every couple needs. With back-toschool, so much of parents’ energy goes into

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

the children and their schedules and needs. I know every parent is completely tuned in to that right now. Still, it is important not to lose sight that you still have a partner, and that area of your life still requires energy and effort. On our date nights, Marc and I stay conscious of the direction of our conversation, agreeing to talk about something other than the children or work. We’ve managed to create a discipline around our communication. It’s a practice, like yoga, and it’s something you start small and keep getting better at. Whenever we catch ourselves slipping in a negative direction, we use healthy, positive communication to stay close instead of drifting apart. Just by using positive language with your partner, you really can control the energy dynamics. The other night, my husband and I were bickering, and the next morning we both said, “I want love.” It works. For date night inspiration, why not try: • A new activity together, like going for an after-dinner walk or jog. • Playing tennis or going bowling, just to

shake things up a bit. • Trade places in the kitchen, where Marc is awesome. I have my traditional favorite repertoire, but he challenges me with newto-me recipes, such as Beef Wellington or cooking up a whole fish. • Try to adjust your mindset and get on the same wave as your partner. Remember, it’s about the shared experience more than anything else. So be spontaneous, and jump in the car for a miniadventure; just a short distance from your home base, there could be something new and exciting worth checking out. COVID made it hard to travel, so Marc took us exploring nearby in the Hudson Valley, where we discovered some amazing places together. After 20 months of total togetherness, how can couples maintain a healthy relationship as couples spend more time apart? I think it’s about finding the value and benefit in change, any change. Change is hard, and change is good: that’s an important lesson in my book. So this newest change—more time apart instead of total

togetherness—can be a good thing if you choose for it to be. Just think, now we have an opportunity to be on our own, to put a little more energy into our individualism and independence. Then, we can come back together and share that experience with our partner. It’s healthy when we choose to see change as a positive; that’s a great mindset. In any partnership, too much time together or apart—or anything too extreme—doesn’t benefit anyone. So yes, we got used to a lot of togetherness, and maybe it was too much. Embrace change by recognizing that there has been something beautiful about all this time together, and now it’s OK to do things differently. Recognize that there will be less time together, and choose how best to spend that limited time. YOU get to choose. Now, we can focus on the quality, not the quantity, of our time together. We can make those together moments count! I recommend that you choose one night to be a family and stay home and cook. We like to do that with an early, cozy dinner on Friday or Sunday. Where will your moments be? How will you enjoy the time together you do have? Choose those moments because if we don’t choose, they won’t happen. With everyone’s schedules altered and in flux, we may have to create some new traditions… great! Change is hard, and change is good! At the end of each chapter in my book, I give readers ThinkWork, my version of homework for grown-up success. So ask yourself these questions: • How can this time apart be beneficial to me? • What do I want to accomplish on my own? • What would I like to create more space for? • When is the best time for us all to come together? When communications have ceased between a couple, how can they begin to speak to each other again? Relationships—even the really good, strong ones—will go through highs and lows. I know, I’ve been married 15 years. Whenever we drift apart, it’s essential to have the hope and the belief that we can come back together again. And we do that by having small, achievable goals. It might be something as simple as bringing your partner a cup of coffee or tea, asking if they need anything when you’re running out to the store, or offering to assist with something they’re working on. Communication is the

Photo Credit: Aletiza Photo

Kristen Glosserman with her family. bedrock of any relationship, and questions are a great way to get couples connecting again: Do you need anything? Can I help you today? That line of questioning can restart the communication and get a couple talking. Just the other week, Marc and I found ourselves at a real stand-off. The realities of back-to-school pressures were getting the better of us. After a day or two of “drifting,” I wanted to move us back together and in a positive direction. So I stayed up late and wrote my husband a letter. It’s a tactic I often use when trying to initiate a makeup. These are the guidelines I always follow: • Be genuine in your outreach. • Remain kind. • Explain your position and be willing to move forward. • Don’t expect anything in return. Feel lighter with the knowledge that you’ve done your part in moving the situation in a more positive direction, and watch how things slowly resolve themselves. Try it and see! Many couples have shared that they were on autopilot during the height of the pandemic, and problems are resurfacing. How does a couple know when it is time to see a therapist? You can choose to move things in a healthy and positive direction. However, if the communication is breaking down and the two of you can no longer work together effectively, then it may be time to get help. And help can come in many forms; it may be a neighbor or marriage counselor, a

psychotherapist, or life coach. Whoever you consult for help, remember the “change is good” mindset, view this challenge as an opportunity to move your relationship in a healthy, positive direction. The title of my book is If It’s Not Right, Go Left: I believe that when things aren’t right, it’s time to do something different. Whenever the two of you are not making progress—when you’ve tried to connect, have asked each other questions, creating small goals together yet not meeting them—then the progress, the hope, the joy of the partnership are just not happening because the communication has broken down. Get help. And by the way, help is not a failure; it’s a win because now we’re getting back on track, moving in a positive direction. Getting help is one of the strongest, smartest things you can do in any situation, but especially this one. Glosserman found her true calling, Life Coaching, while overcoming a difficult time in her late 20s. She holds Coaching Certifications from the Institute of Life Coach Training, New York University, and Wharton. Glosserman has coached executives from Wall Street to American Express- among others. A Positive Discipline Parent Educator and proud mother of four, Glosserman brings her relatable approach to parenting into her practice, providing practical, straightforward advice that works. A partner with her husband Marc in the hospitality business Hill Country Barbecue Market, Glosserman is completing her first, soon-to-bepublished book If It’s Not Right, Go Left. Follow her on Instagram @kristenglosserman. October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Educa�i�nal

FALL TOYS BY JANA BEAUCHAMP

s families nest into fall, we have been learning from the toy experts about educational, calming, and fun toys for kids of all ages. These picks are perfect as kids’ who may still be transitioning back to school. Check out some of our favorites, as we have toys that fit all budgets!

Tech Toys That Teach Pixicade is as simple as Draw, Snap, and Play with their exciting new app-based video game design system that provides a unique play experience for kids to turn their artwork into playable video games and then share them. Families will love that it was developed in part by an NYC public school teacher; that the three colorful interactive books have over 100 game examples and 30 learning activities for hours of fun instruction offline; and there are seven game types teaching a variety of skills, including literacy, problem-solving, rapid prototyping, and logic. Pixicade.com, $24.99

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Green Games Family-owned Adventerra Games teach kids real-life tips for how to help our environment with fun and engaging games like Hungry Bins, Recycle Rally, PowerHaus, WaterGame, and Global Warming. Families will love that they are made from eco-friendly products and teach about the environment through play! Kids will love learning while having fun through STEM games like PowerHaus that teaches kids they have real power to fight climate change by moving through the game and deciding which habits to change and which appliances and home improvements are better for your wallet and the world. Adventerragamesusa.com, $19.99

STEM Toys Families will love National Geographic Toys’ innovative, hands-on science and STEM kits. Kids will love The National Geographic Super Gross Chemistry Set with 45 different super gross experiments to try, like making a jar full of creepy eyeballs; boiling boogers and creating snot bubbles; making atomic pee and farting slime; watching goo defy gravity; and more. Kids will love learning about polymer science, chemical reactions, pH science, phosphorescence, and biology, all while having a total blast! Additional STEM sets like the Amazing Reactions Chem Set and Rock Bingo will rock kids’ worlds. Amazon.com,Starting at $24.99

Learning through Crystal Fairy Fun Crystalina light-up fairy dolls combine the empowering energy of crystals with LED lights, blending collectible dolls with cool lights and role play! Each Crystalina doll embodies a crystal element and aura, including Turquoise (Healing), Rose Quartz (Love), Amethyst (Wisdom), and Aventurine (Luck). Each doll comes with a kid-wearable crystal-shaped amulet that pass colorful “crystal powers” like wisdom and confidence in the form of LED light patterns back and forth between the doll and the amulet. We love that the dolls come with brushable hair and a variety of skin tones to reflect diversity. $12.99

Squish Stress Away Toys Kids will love the sweet and savory Squishmallow Food Squad featuring the lovable Carmelita the S’more and her collectible, delectable friends like Bernardo the Burrito, Tex the Taco, Bernice the Boba, Sinclair the Avocado Toast, and Clara the Ice Cream Sundae. Families will also love the smaller, budget-friendly Squishville Mystery Mini Plush. This adorable and squishy assortment features everyone’s favorite Squishmallows plush characters in a mini 2-inch size. Kids will love these mystery miniSquishmallows plush toys that come with a fashion accessory they squeeze into and mixing and matching fashions. Squishmallows. com/ Starting at $4.99

Match, Make, and Mix In just three easy steps, match, make & mix Color Fusion, a custom nail polish maker can create up to 200 custom colors in either a shimmer style or glossy style finish, allowing kids to create up to 120 manicures or pedicures, and match their nails to your favorite outfit or accessory. Families will love that the Color Fusion Nail Polish Maker uses water-based nail polish formula and is removed by scrubbing hands with warm soapy water. Along with the companion app, kids will love to up their nail game with custom matching colors and unique nail art designs since, with a library of over 200 colors, the possibilities are endless! Target.com, $24.99

Sensory Toys Dimpl Pops and Dimpl Pops Deluxe are perfect for the elementary set who are going crazy over sensory/fidget toys. Kids love the Dimpl Pops board of 18 rainbow dimpl bubbles to poke and pop over and over. Parents love that it encourages fine motor skills, sensory learning, and calmness and is perfect for travel, relaxing at home, sensory discovery, and learning. Plus, it is 100% food-grade silicone, BPA-Free, fully safety tested, and hand washable. Kids also love the keychain version, Simpl Dimpl, which comes in multiple colors and designs, and has gone absolutely bonkers on TikTok. Kids love to clip it to their backpacks and play with it during class. Fatbraintoys.com, starting at $12.99 October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Fall

Bucket List Get started on the season with our ultimate to-do list for New York families

By Donna Duarte-LaDD

all is here, and there is no better place to be than New York City. And while COVID is still very present, unlike last year, we can finally get out. So head over to see a Broadway show, go on a hayride, or perhaps make a family road trip. Whether it’s hopping on the free Staten Island Ferry to get a sneak peek of Lady Liberty or using your Culture Pass to visit a museum- New York has many things to do! So go apple picking or hop on the train for a closer adventure, we have the ultimate fall bucket list for the season! City Fall Foliage Head over to Central Park, where the park’s 18,000 trees turn into a beauty of fall hue; the best part is that seasons change a bit later in Central Park. Official Fall Foliage Map can be found here at centralparknyc.org/activities/ guides/where-to-find-fall-foliage-in-centralpark. Enjoy Hot Chocolate While Levain Bakery cookies are iconic, their hot chocolate is also a treat. This is the perfect cold-weather treat made with hand-shaved Valrhona dark chocolate and the steam milk of your choice. Ride a New York Carousel Head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park and, for $2, take a ride on Jane’s Carousel while enjoying the East River; if it isn’t too chilly, pack a picnic and break for lunch before heading home. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge If you have done this walk before, then you know-walking the Brooklyn Bridge is not only one of the most iconic things to do in New York; it is gorgeous. So don’t forget the camera or phone as you can also check your holiday card off the list with this adventure.

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Go to the Top of Rock The entire family will appreciate our gorgeous city even more at seventy floors up with the stunning views of the city that can be seen from Top of Rock. There are three floors (67th, 69th, and 70th) where you can check out picturesque views of both the Hudson and East Rivers and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and Chrysler Building. See a Broadway Show Broadway is back, so hop on a train and take in some big Apple favorites like The Lion King, Aladdin, Harry Potter, and The Cursed Child, which are kid-friendly and helps support the theatre district. Visit the Lego Store Check out the new-ish Lego Store on Fifth Avenue location (636 Fifth Avenue), where kids will have a fun experience at the brick Lab or customizing a Minifigure at The LEGO Minifigure Factory or just doing the free stuff and enjoying the store. Fall at Prospect Park Spend a fall day and enjoy nature and pockets of woodlands at Prospect Park. Visit Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park Zoo, or take the kids on the Carousel Carousel ( the only wheelchair accessible Carousel in the nation) located at Prospect Park’s Children’s Corner or head over to one of the parks seven (!) playgrounds. The Great Jack O’lantern Blaze Visit the Hudson Valley and go back to the 18th century at Van Cortlandt Manor 525 S Riverside, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520. With a magical night of more than 7,000 pumpkins that light up the landscape in what is The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, the events run until November 17th but hurry, they sell out fast. Culture Pass is Back Culture Pass is back after being on hold

during the pandemic. Museums require vaccinations, and if you are 13 and older with a Brooklyn, Queens, or New York Public Libray card, you can reserve a pass for free admission to many of NYC’s museums, public gardens, and more! Take a Gondola Ride or Row Boat on the Central Park Head over to Loeb Boathouse and take a Gondola or rowboat ride. Boats are $20 per hour (CASH ONLY) and $5 for each additional 15 minutes, with a $20 cash deposit; boats hold four people per boat. Gondola rides are $50 per half hour and need to be reserved in advanced 212.517.2233. Boats are available until November with weather permitting. Located at Park Drive North, E 72nd Street. Make it Fashion: Dior Exhibit Visit the Brooklyn Museum’s Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibit for a mom (or dad!) day out and a dose of French culture. Learn about the history and legacy of the House of Dior via haute couture garments, photographs, archival videos, sketches, and more. Harry Potter Store Take your wizards to the Harry Potter Store, where they can visit three stories of 21,000 square feet of magic and have an in-store experience via digital technologies that integrate with the Harry Potter Fan Club app. Drink Apple Cider Is it even Fall if you don’t enjoy some cliche treats, like hot apple cider? Pick a cup up at your local farmers’ market this season. See a Movie Outdoors See a Drive-in Movie. Head over to Skyline Drive-In and watch one of their familyfriendly movies. Do not have a car? Check out their outdoor seating!

busy city life. East River Ferry Ride the East River Ferry and explore NYC check out Governors Island, South Brooklyn, and more! Summit One Vanderbilt Take in the beautiful city skyline from 1,000 feet in the air! The new Summit One Vanderbilt is the newest skyscraper opening on October 21st that allows visitors to look over NYC in their all-glass enclosed elevator and transparent glass sky-boxes. Walk the Highline Explore the Highline, one of the hands-down most fun-filled free outdoor spaces in NYC. This elevated park, built on an abandoned train, is perfect for a stroll, yummy eats, and a warm drink when the food court is open. Visit AMNH The American Museum of Natural History is always fun, and frankly, exploring the museum never gets old. The best part is New York residents decide what they pay for general admission. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Check out 20,000 square feet of a gorgeous light and sound experience. Showcasing the artist’s most compelling works in incredible installments and the main attraction projects his work in 360 degrees. Queens County Farm From pumpkins, mazes to livestock, the Queens County Farm is not far from the city and an easy way to enjoy the outdoors. Tea at the Plaza If looking for a splurge head over to The Palm Court In Plaza Hotel. Waiters are happy to see you and are incredibly accommodating. Kids will love the English cucumber sandwich, cookie, and cream Oreo macaroon, all topped off with pink cotton candy.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Explore The Brooklyn Botanic Garden after dark while walking through their illuminating light display, Lightscape. This colorful experience is put together across a one-mile trail of the gardens and showcases 18 works of light art! Lightscape opens on

November 19th, but tickets are on sale now. Little island at Pier 55 Visit the Little Island off of Pier 55 for a unique public park experience. This small island uses stunning architecture and landscaping to create a peaceful escape from

See the Statue of Liberty via The Staten Island Ferry Get on the Staten Island Ferry, first because it is the Staten Island Ferry and it’s aweinspiring–––; secondly, it has one of the best views of The Statue of Liberty, and it is *FREE*. Catch it at the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan. October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

You Can Sit With Us Lindsay Stuart, Edil Cuepo, and Alexis Barad-Cutler share the importance of a supportive community and how our mom friends are the people who help us get through the everyday grind of parenting

By Cris Pearlstein

aving worked in fashion magazines for over a decade I’m not easily starstruck, mostly because when you work with celebrities you quickly learn they are human beings, just like anyone else. But I don’t work in that industry anymore so now I get excited about a different type of person: moms. These days nothing gets me more starstruck than a cool mom with something to say, who is honest and open about her experience as a mother. Being assigned this story was my version of being backstage at the Oscars. The three women on this cover have a lot in common: they all have multiple kids, they are all New Yorkers, and they were all moved to create something to fill a void they saw in their lives. Alexis Barad-Cutler founded Not Safe For Mom Group, a social platform that describes itself as “a mom group for the uninhibited” where you can “ask anything, say everything, and be anonymous” because she was censored as a parenting writer. Lindsay Stuart, a former makeup artist and HSN host, opened Glam Expressway, a fun boutique she felt was missing in her DUMBO neighborhood. And Edil Cuepo, who, in an effort to gain external validation for her choice to quit her job when her daughter was born, started Rockaway Baby, a website and community that honors, celebrates, and features the stories of SAHM’s everywhere. These moms not only have a lot in common with each other, but they have a lot in common with all of us. They each rely heavily on their communities to support them, their friends to keep them sane, and their own instincts to mother in the way that feels right to them. IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME ALEXIS: “About 10 years ago I was writing about motherhood for a lot of different outlets, and I was known for talking about

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

the stuff that no one else would. A lot of people thanked me for saying what they were thinking but wouldn’t say out loud. It was really satisfying to use some of the more traumatic events of becoming a new mother, which at the time had made me feel very alone, as an opportunity to connect with other women and help them feel better about what they were experiencing. I wrote a piece about looking for a babysitter online, likening it to online dating—the outlet, a super-cool mom-focused website, took it down after a wave of comments proved the story to be controversial. I was angry. I began experimenting on Instagram and I secretly created a page called Not Safe For Mom Group that felt like an extension of the kind of writing I was doing. When that outlet censored me I just felt like all of this we’re here for you, mama stuff we were being sold was a lie, and I felt it was especially unfair to the young moms who were coming up. I then decided to go live with my Instagram page—I wanted it to be a repository for moms to let things out, a place where we would not be silenced, and where we can say what’s on our minds without being told it’s controversial. When you’re a mom, you’re still just a regular person, and you may have thoughts that aren’t always maternal and nurturing. You can be a mom and be loud and angry also.” LINDSAY: “I always loved fashion in high school and university (I was voted best dressed!) but I never claimed to be a fashion expert. I just always felt like I could recognize what women like, how they want to look, and how they want to feel. As a makeup artist I was trained in color theory so that definitely helped, and being on live TV with HSN taught me how to talk to different people. I always felt like all the stores in DUMBO were so high-end and not relatable for me as a mother with four children. As moms we’re spending money on activities and extracurricular stuff for the kids, we’re

putting them first, and we’re not necessarily chasing down the next designer thing that’s on trend. So in 2017 I opened my store—we sell a mix of fun, statement pieces. We have a little something for everyone.” EDIL: “My website all started from the shame I felt after deciding to leave my career to stay home with my daughter. The old me would have gone back to work in a heartbeat, but by 12 weeks I was completely changed. Every day looked the same the first year I was home, and I felt lost and unproductive no matter how exhausted I was at night. And since it was wintertime with a newborn I had long periods of isolation. Even when I knew in my heart it was worth leaving my job to raise my daughter, I still craved external validation. The same support and recognition working moms got I wanted as a SAHM. I wanted to find moms who’d been in my shoes to tell me I made the right decision. I couldn’t find a community that did exactly that so I created it—my website is a space that honors and spotlights a mother’s decision to stay home because that decision is a BIG DEAL. We may not always be showered and dressed, but we work just as hard as any CEO.” SELF-CARE IS FAMILY-CARE ALEXIS: “The people in the NSFMG community have really helped my life and my parenting, but the bigger the group grew the harder it was on my psyche, and the harder it was on my family because I was carrying the emotional weight of a lot of people’s pain. During Covid I had to take a lot of mentalhealth breaks because it was just so sad, people were really suffering. There were a lot of situations where the mom had a job and was taking care of the kids, and the dad didn’t have a job, and the kid was sick, and the mom was a teacher, and they had an aging parent to care for—almost everyone writing in every day had this kind of life filled with real-life challenges. My three team members have

friends, have date nights, have a well-balanced life. I think balance is the key to happiness in motherhood. If you work too much you’re going to feel guilty about not being there for your kids, but if you’re with your kids too much, let’s face it, you’ll go crazy.” EDIL: “As a stay-at-home mom with a husband who works full-time and is in law school, I don’t get a dedicated day to practice self-care, instead it’s sprinkled throughout my week. It comes in small doses, and it’s often done alongside my kids—it’s listening to The Daily podcast, when the baby is napping, it’s going for a walk, it’s journaling, it’s staying up late to watch crime or reality shows, or it’s keeping myself engaged by helping a friend out with marketing for their business. These moments are superimportant to me, they’re how I tell myself ‘I love you and I see you’. I know that if I can’t take care of myself no one else will. Also, when I do these things I’ll say it out loud so my daughter is aware—I’ll say, “I really love this book so I’m going to sit and read now” or “my body could use some fresh air, let’s go for a walk.” I want her to know that I do things for myself, too, even when it’s not big and obvious. I want her to grow up knowing how to love and care for herself.”

Photo by Michelle Rose Photo

become a lifeline for me, we text all day long. It was hard to make the investment to hire help and grow my team, but I feel these things in my body and I don’t do too great with that. Since they all came from the community, I knew I could trust them—they’re so hardworking and smart, I feel so lucky. Our community manager took over the DMs, she’s the one who interacts with our community. I used to live in our DMs, reading until 5am sometimes, responding, writing to people

in crisis, and she’s now my boundary. She’ll send me the ones I need to respond to or flag, but it’s pulled me out of those bad places. I need to be strong for the community, I need to be able to lead it. When I wasn’t strong the community wasn’t strong.” LINDSAY: “Mothers tend to lose themselves, because we always sacrifice for our children, but you have to remember while you’re doing what’s best for your children you still are a whole person—you need to see your girl-

WORDS OF WISDOM ALEXIS: “I can’t stress how important it is to take advantage of all the opportunities there are to make mom friends. Go to a playground and strike up a conversation, or go to a class. Filling your days with things to do gives them some meaning and gives yourself some routine. The endless days with no other human interaction is a recipe for disaster, depression, and sadness. They don’t all have to be your best friends, you just need people to hang out with.” LINDSAY: “I know a lot of people are not going to like hearing this but don’t take advice from people who don’t have children. I had an actual argument with a friend over this, she was hurt and said, “I feel I can advise because I’ve been a child.” I made the analogy that we’ve all been in a car, but we’re all not driving it. I block out anything from a person who hasn’t experienced motherhood.” EDIL: “For any new mom who might be in the same place as I was back then, feeling shame surrounding their decision to stay home, my blog is there. The stay at home mom stories I’ve collected are there to empower, enlighten, and, most especially, make a mom feel less alone. Never underestimate the power of self-love, stories, and community.” October 2021 | Bronx/Riverdale Family

Education Prep for Prep

Learning Support for Your Child is Here T he last two years of school have been challenging. And what we have learned thus far is the resilience of fantastic educators, schools, and of course, our kids. While there have been hurdles, this is understandable; we have never dealt with a pandemic (!).

Here are a few signs that may mean your child needs some learning support • They seem frustrated, more so than ever, and are vocally sharing that they cannot understand a specific subject • Their teacher has expressed that your child

may have a learning challenge

Learning Support comes in many different forms NYC has it all, from intensive tutoring for those experiencing learning challenges to those who offer coaching and enrichment classes to help children fulfill their highest potential. Some tutoring and enrichment programs provide scholarships, so make sure to check out what they offer to decide which service is the best fit. There is assistance out there, once you have chosen your resource, reach out to plan out your child’s education guidance and support!

163 West 91st Street New York, NY 10024 212-579-1470 prepforprep.org Prep for Prep develops ethical and effective leaders who reflect our diverse society. We help students enroll and thrive in top independent schools (commonly known as private schools) in New York City and boarding schools across the Northeast. Prep provides free academic preparation, mental wellness support, and career exploration for students from middle school through college. Life-changing opportunities for your child include arts and entrepreneurship programs, paid internships, leadership retreats, college guidance, and access to a network of nearly 4,000 highly accomplished alumni who are leaders in their fields. Applications are now available for public, parochial, and charter school students in grades 5 to 7 in the NYC metropolitan area.

Check out our new site! We’ve given our New York Family website a major makeover Visit newyorkfamily.com to check it out and sign up for our weekly newsletters!

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

talks 12 Must-watch for parents We’ve got a list of top-notch experts to speak on timely parenting topics and dish out essential advice. Break the cycle of parental burnout, transform your relationship, learn the latest science on child development and more with our free New York Family Speaker Series.

D�n’t mis� �u�! One quick registration gets you access to the entire lineup. Register now:

newyorkfamily.com/speakerseries

For additional questions or sponsorship opportunities, please email us at speakerseries@newyorkfamily.com

Where

fun takes

T H G I FL Welcome to the Ü³×¦¹ × Ż¦º ÀÀÍŻ å º×ÜÍ ŻÊ Í±ň With attractions that cater to any level of adventurer, there’s something fun for everyone. Here your mini warriors can conquer obstacles, show gravity who’s boss and have a blast any day of the week. Let ‘em fly during open play or take their next birthday party to new heights at Urban Air Adventure Park!

@Ê ºŻ ¦³ìŻ ÀÍŻ@Ê ºŻJ³ ìŻ º Ż ¦Í×¤ ìŻJ Í×¦ ÑňŻŻ ³³Ż ÀÍŻ'º Àň South Hackensack 69 Wesley e Street, t, S South Hackensack

201-212-6454 2 01-21 -2 - 454 45

AvenelŻ A ven

1600 Saint Geo 16 G Georges ge Av Avenue, ve Avenel

732-640-8847 40-

Milltown M lto tow own wn wn 39 396 96 6 Ryd R Ryders de ers L er Lane, an ne e, Ryders Cro Ryde Ry Crossing ss sin ng gS Sh Shopping hopp ping Center, Milltown

732-286-1994 32 2-2 28 8 19 86 99 94

æææŋZÍ º ¦ÍJ Í±Ñŋ À¹ ¦º ÀƬZÍ º ¦ÍQ%ŋ À¹