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October 2021

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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

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contents

October 2021 NewYorkFamily.com

pg. 12

pg. 26

pg. 28

FEATURES 10 | Books 10 children’s books that celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 12 | Education The scoop on NYC school tours: what to know and how to approach them

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

Directories 14 | High School Listings

18 | Family Fun Kid-friendly hikes in and near NYC 22 | Education Tutoring and Learning Support

24 | Real Estate Moving to the suburbs and finding your dream home

30 | Mom Hacks Easy Halloween snack dishes by Catherine McCord of Weelicious

28 | Cover Mom- Moms + Friendship Alexis Barad-Cutler, Edil Cuepo, and Lindsay Stuart on the importance of community and mom friends

pg. 20

6 | Ask the Expert Teaching your kids to set boundaries

20 | Toys Educational toys perfect for Fall playtime

26 | Fall Our family fall bucket list is here

pg. 10

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 | Queens 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 12 ), 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 26) 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 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 28), 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

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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

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October 2021 | Queens 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

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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.

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October 2021 | Queens 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

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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

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October 2021 | Queens 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

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

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.

October 2021 | Queens Family

High Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Garden School 33-16 79th Street Jackson Heights, NY 11372 718- 335-6363 info@gardenschool.org Gardenschool.org Founded in 1923 to meet the need for a highquality, individualized, and independent school in Queens. Compared with that of other independent schools in the metropolitan area, their low tuition makes it a realistic option for a broad spectrum of families. The student body reflects the rich and diverse Queens community. Thousands of families have put their trust in Garden School, and nearly 100 years of success with students prove that their trust has paid off.

school in Queens, educates the hearts and minds of young men and women following the educational and spiritual vision of Blessed Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The Congregation of Holy Cross also sponsors six colleges and universities in the United States, including St. Edward’s University, the University of Portland, Stonehill College, King’s College, Holy Cross College, and the University of Notre Dame. Graduates have a competitive edge regarding scholarships and programs when applying to these colleges, as these schools are aware of the quality education students receive at Holy Cross.

Holy Cross High School

The Kew Forest School

26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing, NY 718-886-7250, ext. 524 admissions@holycrosshs.org holycrosshs.org Holy Cross High School, a Catholic college preparatory

119-17 Union Turnpike Forest Hills, NY 11375 718-268-4667 kewforest.org Established in 1918, The KewForest School is the oldest independent co-ed, college

preparatory school in Queens. Their mission states, “We are The Kew-Forest School. Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world. Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices. Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.” The School offers on-site, hybrid, and remote learning for students in Preschool through Grade 12. Their next Open House is Saturday, October 24. For more information, please get in touch with the Director of Admission & Tuition Assistance at admission@kewforest.org.

Mary Louis Academy 17621 Wexford Terrace Jamaica Estates, Queens 11432 718 297-2120 tmla.org A Catholic college preparatory academy for young women founded in 1936 sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood and rooted in their charism

of unity, reconciliation, and inclusive love embracing all of creation, emphasizing intellectual, social, and spiritual growth. The dedicated teachers, academic quality, outstanding facilities, and committed students create an unparalleled school spirit. The central focus is academic achievement, and the students excel. The accomplished faculty teaches a wide variety of college-level and Honors classes, including Advanced Placement courses beginning in 9th grade.

Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School 71-06 31st Ave., East Elmhurst, NY 718-898-3800, ext. 11 msgrmcclancy.org An outstanding co–educational college preparatory high schools in Queens. Guided by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart traditions, students are offered a comprehensive academic program that exceeds the New York State curriculum requirements. Opportunities

Holy Cross High School OPEN HOUSE

October 17, 2021 • 12pm - 4pm Advanced Registration Required RSVP online at www.holycrosshs.org/RSVP Educating the Hearts and Minds of Young Men and Women • 13:1 Student to teacher ratio • Over 42 Honors and AP Courses Offered • 50 Electives • 30 Athletic Teams • 37 Clubs and Organizations • Over 1,000,000 dollars invested in our STREAM program • Every incoming freshman is provided with a Chromebook and full access to the Google Apps for Education • Class of 2021 earned over $15million in academic scholarships • 100% graduation rate *Only families with reservations will be admitted

For more information contact Mrs. Andrea Aloi @ 718-886-7250 x 524 or email admissions@holycrosshs.org 14

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

October 2021 | Queens Family

High Schools Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

are provided for college credit courses, AP classes, and a challenging Honors Program. The co-curricular program of clubs and activities offers students social, cultural, and creative experiences. Celebrating over 50 years of Catholic education in Queens, the school is permanently chartered by the State of New York and fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. [TACHS CODE:#017]

Saint Demetrios High School 30-03 30th Dr., Astoria, NY 718-728-1754 sdprep.org This school was established in 1956 by Greek-Americans who had settled in Astoria. Accredited by the NY State Department of Education (Board of Regents) and the Ministry of Education of Greece, the high school provides a college preparatory education while also promoting Christian values of service and charity

to the community. A class size of approximately 15 students allows for individualized and personalized attention by the faculty. Synchronized remote learning is also available. Tuition is affordable, and qualifying students may receive merit and athletic scholarships. Graduates are accepted to some of the finest colleges/universities, including NYU, Fordham, Macaulay Honors (CUNY), SUNY, Cornell, Columbia, and Yale. The School was recently ranked one of the top private schools in NYC by Niche.com.

St. John’s Preparatory School 21-21 Crescent St., Astoria, NY 718-721-7200 stjohnsprepschool.org St. John’s Preparatory School has been paving the way for Leaders of Tomorrow for over 150 years. The school is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and instilling the principles and values of the Catholic Faith in a positive, nurturing

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

environment. A rigorous academic curriculum, engaging spiritual program, meaningful service experiences, and extensive extracurricular opportunities establish a strong foundation for life. Advanced Placement courses are offered in all subject areas. St. John’s Prep has an academic affiliation with St. John’s University. The Baccalaureate Program allows qualified students at the Prep to complete their senior year of high school at the University. The school building features well-equipped science laboratories, state-of-theart computer labs, wireless capability, smartboards, library, band room, art room, an auditorium, chapel, guidance center, gymnasium, weight room, outdoor track, and retreat center.

St. Raymond High School for Boys 2151 St. Raymond Avenue, Bronx NY 718-824-5050x106

admissions@ straymondhighschool.org www.straymondhighschool.org St. Raymond High School for Boys is a Catholic high School, founded in 1960, offering a college preparatory curriculum which 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 – 12pm – 3:30 pm

Saturday, October 16, 2021

YOU OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021

Join us for one of our in-person sessions at The Mary Louis Academy’s Annual Open House Session 1: 10am-12pm Session 2: 12pm-2pm Session 3: 2pm-4pm 176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432

Phone: 718-297-2120

Please pre-register for our Open House at www.tmla.org WWW.TMLA.ORG @WEARETMLA

TACHS/CHSEE #016

October 2021 | Queens 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

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

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. 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

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

October 2021 | Queens 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 | Queens 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 (!).

may have a learning challenge

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

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.

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October 2021 | Queens Family

Real eState

Moving to the

Suburbs

Find your dream home in one of these towns By Mia SalaS

ooking to move to the suburbs? Or just love browsing dream homes as a pastime? We’ve got the scoop on some of our favorite suburban towns. We all love NYC, but the city life may not be right for every family. The suburbs offer a calm escape from the hustle & bustle of NYC, while still offering you an easy commute route for work or your day trips. We’ve even included some towns a bit further from NYC (such as ones in CT) for those that

don’t need to be in NYC every day, and might want to be closer to other cities like Boston. Much like NYC neighborhoods, each suburban town, no matter the distance from NYC, has a unique personality. Get to know what makes these towns special, including fun facts, school district breakdowns and even featured listings!

Maplewood, NJ Maplewood is very well-known for its diversity & inclusion. Whether that’s in culture, lifestyle or ethnicity, Maplewood is proud to cultivate a diverse community that welcomes all families. “Maplewood is a town that has everything and is a proverbial melting pot and prides itself for ‘inclusion’”, says agent Mark Slade. Fun fact about Maplewood is that it has the only downtown in all of NJ without a traffic light! The downtown area is a prime destination for shopping and dining at amazing restaurants. Maplewood is also super convenient: the NYC train station is in the center of town and offers Midtown Direct service to NY Penn Station, and you can also switch over to downtown access or drive just a short 20 minutes home later at night. As parents, we know how important the school district is when looking for a 14 S Pierson Road, Maplewood NJ / Mark Slade, Keller Williams home. A bit about Maplewood schools: Maplewood shares a school district with its neighboring town South Orange. There are several elementary having other families over. The master bedroom is a nice size, and schools distributed across both towns, but then all schools feed into there’s both a full bath on the second floor and a powder room on one high school that is centrally located to both towns. the first. With the added convenience of being near the NYC trains Curious about the featured listing at 14 S Pierson? We love the and Maplewood Village, this listing is great for smaller families large kitchen with the beautiful center island that is perfect for who need easy access to NYC.

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Real Real estate estate

FairField, CT Westfield, NJ Parents,for Known you’ll theirlove amazing this one: beaches, Westfield music is and farmer’sfor known markets, its award-winning Fairfield, CTschools! is a beautiful Just and vibrant recently, it was place named to raise as your one of family. the best “Along Fairfield’s school districts 5 miles inof NJLIbySound Niche. Coastline But there’s are a5 lot beautifully more that preserved Westfield and boasts: pristine “Westfield beaches. Fairfield has so much also to hasoffer Lakefor Mohegan young families,” which offers hiking says agent trails, Frank the calm D. Isoldi, of a lake “I would for swimsay the ming, top 3 things and a sprinkler that attract padbuyers for thetolittle move one,” says agent here are the Anne vibrant Frewen downtown, of the Vanderblue the award team. Bring winning schools your and family thetobeautiful one of the parks over two dozen and playgrounds.” farmer’s If markets your kids on Sundays, love their right in the outdoor time, center thenofWestfield town. There’s is theeven place local farms for your where family your because kids can thesay parks hi toand baby chicks and you playgrounds really can get are farm-fresh amazing. Westfield eggs. As for music, also allowswe easy loveaccess the Fairfield to the city, Theater beingComonly pany 22 miles (FTC), from “which Manhattan. hosts everything There’s a train from jazz to rock station righttoincomedy town and in an several intimate bus setting, stops. 10 sherwood Farm Road, Fairfield Ct / the Vanderblue team 279 Watchung Fork, Westfield NJ / Frank D. Isoldi, Coldwell Banker a livefact Fun performance about Westfield: is always did within you know arms that reach,” adds Westfield hasAnne. a connection The downtown to the Addams area is always busy with locally run cation options in Fairfield, both private and public, so you’ll have lots to boutiques family? That’s and new right!restaurants, Charles Samuel so you’ll Addams simplyornever “Chill” runas out hisoffriends fun choose with your from family to make willsure surely that beyour an adventure child is sethere! up for success. things him, called to dowas as a born familyonorJanuary on a date-night. 7, 1912 inAnd Westfield, if you’reNew a bitJersey. historyThe The featured listing here home at 10 is located Sherwood at 279 Farm Watchung Rd is the Fork colonial in the heart that obsessed family Addams like us,moved then you’ll around appreciate but settled that on theElm hamlet Street, of Southport and rumor is truly of Indian has Forest. it all. There’s We’re obsessed 4 full bedrooms, with the Colonial 4.5 baths, style, flexand spaces if it has partitofSamuel has Fairfield: wasthere’s caught period breaking architecture into a house such on as the Dudley GreekAve Revival, when for office/workout, always been your dream a finished to havebasement, a pool, then and you’re a 19-foot in luck! fireplace! The pool is Italianate, he was a kid. Second “ThatEmpire house etc. on Dudley With the and added one bonus on ElmofStreet beingisonly said50to Talk about beautiful onspacious this tiered and lot,cozy. and the Conveniently home even located has a fully to functioning downtown miles be thefrom inspiration NYC with for the 3 Metro famous North ‘Addams train stations Family and house’”, easy says highway Frank Fairfield, bar. If youryou family haveloves the benefit hosting of holidays enjoying andyour otherpeace events, butthen popping this is access, D. Isoldi. Fairfield But don’t is the worry, perfect Westfield suburban is not escape. haunted, Therebut are Halloween plenty of eduintoplace the townfor whenever you. you feel like it.

Maplewood, NJ MuttoNtoWN, NY Known for its Maplewood is very nature well-known preservesfor and its diversity &estates, stunning inclusion. Muttontown Whether that’s is anin culture, lifestyle upscale, but down-to-earth or ethnicity, Maplewood (quite is proud to literally as cultivate you’ll beasurrounded diverse community by that welcomes beautiful landscapes all families. and “Maplewood rolling hills!) is a town place to live. that It’s has considered everything and one isofa proverbial the wealthiest melting towns potin and America prides itself by for ‘inclusion’”, Business Week,says andagent it hasMark over Slade. 550 Fun fact acres of fields, about Maplewood woodlands,isponds that it and has the only estate grounds. downtown Muttontown in all of NJprides without a trafficon itself light! its history: The downtown there’s area evenisan a prime destination online Kid’sfor Zone shopping whereand your dining kids at can amazing catch up restaurants. on all the fun Maplewood facts about is also the super convenient: town. “A great neighborhood the NYC traintostation live is in the in,” says center agent of town Batuland Morbi. offers “There’s Midtown Direct service hundred of miles to NY of Penn hiking Station, and horse and you can also trails, and switch its libraries over to downtown are a gateway access or drive to a multitude just a shortof20 exciting minutesmaterials, home later at night. As parents, programs and services we know of all how ages!”. important the schoolconveniently Located district is when in Long looking Island, for a 14 s Pierson Road, Maplewood NJ / Mark slade, Keller Williams home. A you’re pretty bit about closeMaplewood to the city schools: and there’s Maplewood the LIRR and shares access a school to parkways. district with The 2 Pen Mor Drive, Muttontown / Batul Morbi, Compass its neighboring school district town is award-winning, South Orange.and There are several elementary havingNY other families over. The master bedroom is a nice size, and schools it’s particularly distributed known acrossfor both its towns, excellent but then all schools feed into there’s both a full bath on the second floor and a powder room on one high sports teams school and that after is centrally school activities. located to both towns. the first. With shopping and more, the added andconvenience you can easily of being accessnear the LIRR. the NYC And trains Curious The beautiful about listing the featured here islisting located at 14 at S2 Pierson? Pen Mor We Drive. love the and Maplewood there’s even a pool Village, and tennis this listing court, is so great your forfamily smallerdoesn’t families have largelocation The kitchen with is great thebecause beautifulyou’re centersuper island close thatto is restaurants, perfect for who to leave needthe easy house access to to have NYC. some outdoor fun! October 2021 | Queens 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 | Queens 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 | Queens Family

mom hacks

Easy Snack Dishes for

Halloween

recipes by catherine Mccord of Weelicious

f looking for a fun way to celebrate Halloween with fantastic main dishes or snacks Catherine McCord of Weelicious and One Potato never disappoints with her creative recipes. Think spooky deviled eggs and wrapped mummies that are simple and most importantly loved by kids. Whether you are hosting a small Halloween party or make snack time a bit spooky for the kids, we have some of Catherine’s most fun and spooktacular recipes!

DevIleD egg sPIDers (makes 12 spiders) Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 10 mins Ingredients • 6 hard boiled eggs • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise) • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 15-20 whole pitted olives (black, green, or kalamata)

MuMMy Dogs (serves 8) Prep Time: 10 mins, Cook Time: 15 mins Ingredients • 8 veggie, turkey or beef dogs • 1 recipe pizza dough Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 2. Line a cookie sheet with foil and lightly grease with cooking spray. 3. Cut the pizza dough into 8 even strips using a pizza cutter or knife. 4. Stretch each piece of the pizza dough until it’s about 4 times the length of the hot dog. 5. Starting at the top, wrap the pizza dough around the hot dog until it’s completely covered allowing a small space for the face. 6. Place the wrapped hot dogs on the cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes. 7. When the hot dogs are cool, dot the ketchup and/or mustard with a toothpick for the eyes. 8. Serve. Accompaniments ketchup, mustard

NewYorkFamily.com | October 2021

Preparation 1. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place in a mixing bowl. Add the mustard, mayonnaise, and salt to the yolks and mash together with a fork. 2. Using a piping bag or sandwich bag with the bottom tip cut off, pipe the egg yolk mixture back into the center of the egg white. (You can also just spoon the egg yolk mixture back into the egg white) 3. Slice 12 olives in half lengthwise. Place one half, cut side down, on top of each deviled egg. 4. Slice the remaining olives in half again lengthwise and then into 4 slices to make the legs. 5. Place 3-4 legs on each side of the olive halves on top of the deviled eggs. Accompaniments How to Boil An Egg: weelicious.com/2014/07/29/how-to-boil-anegg-video/

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