Westchester Family Welcome Home 2019

welcome home Westchester Family

A Guide to Everything Westchester 2019/2020

Making New Friends The Mom Version

52 Awesome Things to Do for FREE!

New Kid On The Block

Introducing Your Child to a New School WestchesterFamily.com

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contents

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

welcomehome 2019/2020

Brought to you by Westchester Family

6 A Letter from the Editor

New Arrivals

8 New Kid on the Block: Introducing Your Child to a New School 12 Making New Friends: The Mom Version

Let’s Explore

18 Quintessential Westchester: 12 Classic Must-Dos 22 Have Stroller Will Roll 26 52 FREE Things to Do in Westchester 34 Month-by-Month Fun 44 Everyone Gets to Play: Special Needs Recreation 46 Westchester Park Pass

Real Life

48 Feed Me, I’m Yours 50 To Kondo … or Not to Kondo?

54 Safety First & Last welcome home Westchester Family

A GUIDE TO EVERYTHING WESTCHESTER 2019/2020

MAKING NEW FRIENDS

On The Cover

14 Making New Friends: The Mom Version 26 52 Awesome Things to Do for FREE! 10 New Kid on the Block

The Mom Version

52 Awesome Things to Do for FREE!

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Introducing Your Child to a New School WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM

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Cover by ShutterStock

Welcome Home | 2019

Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@schnepsmedia.com co-Publisher/Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com Calendar Editor Marissa Rodriguez calendar@westchesterfamily.com ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@schnepsmedia.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531

Westchester Family (ISSN 1043-6774) is published monthly by Queens Family Media LLC. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the Publisher. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. Editorial submissions are welcome.

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Editor’s note

Welcome to Westchester Are you considering a move to Westchester County, have you just made the leap, or perhaps you have already grown some roots here? No matter how you fit into this County,Welcome Home: A Guide to Everything Westchester, was created as a is a valauable resource guide.

I’ll admit to being in love with Westchester. I was born here, in what was once called Mt. Kisco Hospital (now Northern Westchester Hospital). Raised in Yorktown Heights, I went through the entire school system from K through 12. Yes, I spent some years in Manhattan after college, but eventually I came back home. The call of family was great, as was the call of green grass, good schools, quality medical care, and a community that my family could call home.

Making any kind of move is tough. You worry about your child being the new kid in town and what if you don’t make new friends?

That’s where we come in. Read our articles dedicated to these specific subjects and get some practical insights on how to survive and thrive in your new community.

That’s enough mulling over the “what ifs.” What you need to do is take action.

Our section, Let’s Explore is devoted to get you and your family out the door and into life in Westchester. Start by checking off all the 12 must-do activities in “Quintessential Westchester” and you’ll be on your way to falling in love with the county. Have a baby or one on the way? Check out “Have Stroller Will Roll” — a perfect way to meet new mommy friends. Have you spent a bundle on the move and are watching your cash flow?

You can still have fun — check out our “52 Things to Do for Free” article.

If you’re a planner our “Month-byMonth Calendar of Fun” lets you look ahead.

Families that have children with special needs find support, education, and encouragement in our county. We’ve devoted space to special needs recreation programs and playgrounds because “Everyone Gets to Play.”

Living in Westchester has many benefits and one of them is the Westchester Park Pass,

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Welcome Home | 2019

find out just how valuable that pass is. You have a real life to get on with so take a look at our practical articles on food sources and safety information. And because organization is both a parent’s nightmare and dream, have a chuckle with “To Kondo … or Not to Kondo.”

Remember Westchester Family is here to inform, support, and encourage you as you embrace parenting and life in our county. Sign up for our weekly newsletter at westchesterfamily.com. It’s loaded with great weekend happenings and articles just for you.

Our website is another valuable tool. Check in any time of the day or night. Look for our magazine at your child’s school, daycare center, after school activity, or doctor’s office. Or give me a call at 914-381-7474, ext. 207 or drop me an email, jean.sheff@westchesterfamily.com, and I’ll tell you where you can find Westchester Family magazine in your town.

Welcome to Westchester — let’s have fun!

Jean Sheff Co-publisher, editor

2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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New arrivals

New Kid in Town Transitioning to a new school

By Denise Morrison Yearian

M

oving can be a daunting experience for everyone, especially children.

So how do parents navigate the journey and help children adjust to a new living situation?

Be Enthusiastic about the Upcoming Change If you are excited and confident, your children will be too.

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Welcome Home | 2019

Review the Route

Make a trip to the school before your children’s first day. Point out landmarks and turns. If they will not be taking the bus, tell them where you will drop them off and pick them up.

Visit the School

Call and ask if you can meet the teachers and see the classrooms prior to your children’s first day. In the classrooms, point out cubbies and lockers. Show your children where the nearest bathroom is and how to get to the main office and school nurse. Ask about school supplies and the lunch program.

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2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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New arrivals

Reading Resources to Help Children Prepare for a Move For Young Children: • Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move, by Judith Viorst, Atheneum, 1998.

• The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day, by Stan and Jan Berenstain, Random House, 1981.

• Goodbye House, by Frank Asch, Aladdin Paperbacks, 1989.

• The Leaving Morning, by Angela Johnson, illustrated by David Soman, Houghton Mifflin, 2005.

• Moving, by Fred Rogers, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1987.

Adjust the Clock

If you have gotten out of a routine because of the move or summertime, adjust your children’s schedules so they get a good night’s sleep and have plenty of time in the morning to prepare for school.

Create Routines

Establish new routines so your children fall into the groove of school. Find a place in your new home for your children’s backpacks. If your children have homework, make sure it is done at the same time in the same location every day.

Get Library Cards

This may not be on the top of your priority list but teachers often require children to check books out of the library. Soon after school starts, go to the library and get your children their own library cards. Even if you are busy, try to spend a few minutes each day reading to your children to foster literacy and spend quality time with them during this stressful time.

Prepare Yourself

Whether you realize it or not, sending your children to a new school may create some

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Welcome Home | 2019

For Older Children: • Anastasia Again! by Lois Lowry, Yearling Books, 1982.

• The Moving Book: A Kids’ Survival Guide, by Gabriel Davis, First Books, 2008.

personal apprehensions. Be careful that your children do not pick up on any anxieties you may have. If you are excited about this new beginning at school, your children will probably be too. Note there may be some separation anxiety the first few days you leave your children in a new setting. Encourage them to take this new step and remind them you will be there when their school day is over.

Arrange a Play Date

Find someone in your children’s classrooms who you can arrange a play date with. This will give them a familiar face when they walk into their classrooms every morning.

Make Extra Time

At the end of the school day, set aside extra time to talk with your children about their school experiences — who did they meet, what did they do, what were their teachers like? Sharing these experiences will be memorable and build a good foundation for later communication.

Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and mother of three children and four grandchildren.

2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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New arrivals

Will I Make Friends?

The mom version By jean Sheff

Y

ou’ve made the big move, now what? Never mind worrying if your kid will make friends — kids are resilient.

Moms tell us that one of their top fears about moving is whether they will make friends!

Been there “I loved living in New York City, but the kids were getting older.

I had lots of friends that were leaving the city, and it was either get a larger apartment or a house in the suburbs,” explains Laura Martel.

Martel grew up on Long Island but had spent 20 years in New York City. Then one year ago she and her husband packed up their two girls, Mia, now 10, Alexa, now 6, and the contents of their East 50’s apartment to venture north to Rye Brook.

Martel says she had three big concerns for herself. “First, would I make new friends?

I sort of imagined everyone had been in this small town for a long time and they had their good friends — you know, no room for one more. How do you break in?” Because she was leaving her job for a bit she also worried that she would be bored. Getting around was a concern too. “It sounds funny, but I was worried about all the driving. I do drive, but in the city I walked everywhere. I would walk four to five miles a day — and it was great exercise too.”

Many moms have been in her shoes.

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Hilary Liebenstein also grew up on Long Island, but was in the city for 12 years, and finally 18 months ago she put down roots with her husband and two children Luke, now 5, and Charlie, now 2 1/2, in Westchester. “I was so fortunate, in the city I met a wonderful group of women and I had such a great network of friends,” says Liebenstein.

Although she thought moving to the suburbs was a natural progression at this life stage she was still concerned how she would fare without her support network.

“I wondered, how am I going to meet new

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New arrivals

friends, and maybe even — I don’t want to meet new friends I like the friends I have just fine,” says Liebenstein.

We get it Kori Sassower, the founding principal of The Kori Sassower Team, a group of five real estate professionals, understands exactly what these women are feeling. “Mothers often express the fear that they won’t be able to make friends,” says Sassower. “Generally this isn’t as much a concern for dads who, more often than not, keep their city job and make the commute.”

Martel agrees, “My husband was more than ready for the suburbs, then again he commutes into the city for work, where I was leaving my job as a New York real estate agent to get the family established in our new town.” Liebenstein, whose husband was also more ready for the move than her, makes the commute one or two days a week as she still works in finance in the city. “I’m very lucky my firm has an office here in Westchester,” she explains. “It’s a big help.”

Sassower says moms have all sorts of work schedules these days — some are commuting full time to the city, others part time, and some look for new work in the community so one parent can be closer to the children.

“Dads are so much more involved — you see them not only on the ball fields but at school drop-off and pick-up and after-school events, yet it is still the mom who generally takes care of the social calendar and planning play dates for the kids,” she says. Both moms we spoke to agreed.

Sassower’s team keeps in mind that families, and especially moms, need more than just a house to purchase. “If a family is moving from the city they are used to having everything at their fingertips,” says Sassower. “We give each new client a detailed list of what they need to know about their new town. We aim to answer their needs.

What’s their lifestyle — what will they need?

Drycleaners, nail salon, after-school classes for the kids, pediatrician, organic food?”

They go one step further and address the mom friend issue up front. “We pair up a mom with a few other moms in town —

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Welcome Home | 2019

Left to right: Alexa and Mia Martel in their Rye Brook backyard. “They were so used to going to NYC playgrounds and sharing the monkey bars with everyone there,” says their mom Laura. Finally they had their own!” someone who has children that are similar ages, or someone whose expecting if they are,” says Sassower. “When you’re new in town it’s like being a college freshman — everything is new and you have no anchors, but it just takes connecting with one or two people to start making you feel comfortable.”

Sassower gets pleasure out of connecting moms. “I remember I connected two moms and no more than six months later I see them in pictures together with their kids on Facebook. It’s a good feeling,” she says.

What helped?

Martel says just having kids in school is huge help. “My kids walk to school so I walk with them in the morning and you met other moms doing the same. Then as you are waiting to pick the kids up at the end of the day it’s easy to chat with the other moms

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New arrivals

waiting too,” she says.

She also set up a few playdates for her kids before school started. “I was more nervous about how my oldest daughter would adjust as she had an established group of great friends,“ she says. “But everyone has been so welcoming here — the playdates before school started were very helpful. It means a lot if your kid can recognize a few faces.”

She’s also meet people when she signed her daughter up for after-school dance class.

Liebenstein says that having children is a huge help as a means to meeting new friends.

“I was surprised how quickly we all adjusted and made friends, people have been so inclusive whether it’s with the kids or just as couples,” she says. She also had some friends of friends connect her with families in her town and that was a big help. “We’ve also met good friends through the community daycare and pool, my husband even has a group of local guy friends — it’s all come

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together much quicker than I thought, especially with juggling our work schedules and family life.”

Martel would agree and puts a time frame on her experience. “I say it takes about one year to get adjusted,” she says. “In the beginning I felt a little lost, but before you know it it’s your community.” She looks back on her three big concerns and chuckles. “I am not bored, driving is not a big deal at all, in fact my car is now my second home and I have met amazing families — everyone is so welcoming and open to getting to know someone new! I am so pleasantly surprised.”

So if you are thinking about making the move or have just made it the odds are you will make friends —and good ones. Martel sums it up, “One year out and we are all doing well — even me!”

Jean Sheff is co-publisher and editor of Westchester Family.

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Welcome Home | 2019

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2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Let’s explore

Quintessential

Westchester 12 Classic Must-Dos

By Jean Sheff

T

here are many distinct venues and events that help create the Westchester County we all love. These 12, in no particular order, are quintessential Westchester. Complete this list and you’ll have the bragging rights that you indeed know Westchester County.

1. Rye Playland At Rye Playland there are more than 50 rides for children, youngsters, and adults, free entertainment, beach, pool, boardwalk and pier, lake boating, picnic area, mini golf, and indoor ice-skating. Fireworks are displayed every Wednesday and Friday evening during July and August. There is always something happening along the boardwalk, from big band music and dancing to a free concert series. ryeplayland.org.

2. The Kensico Dam Plaza This historic dam that was completed in 1917 has a 9-11 memorial, scenic picnic areas, a playground, and extra wide paved paths that are great for the youngest cyclers. The Dam Plaza is also the location of the summer Heritage Festivals, a July Fourth fireworks celebration and many other concerts, outdoor movies, and fitness classes. parks.westchestergov.com/kensicodam-plaza.

3. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Known as the “tri-state area’s biggest, most electrifying fall event,” this seasonal favorite features some 7,000 illuminated jack o’lanterns all of which are designed and carved onsite by a team of artists assisted by more than 1,000 volunteers. Held on the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, The Blaze, as is it commonly called, has grown each year. Every family needs their Blaze photo! hudsonvalley.org/events/blaze.

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4. Muscoot Farm This early 20th-century interpretive farm is open yearround and offers a full schedule of fun for families. And it’s free. Stop by just to stroll the grounds and meet the animals or visit on the weekend for the Farmers’ Market, a Morning Farm Chores program, a History Hike Art Show, Story Craft, and any number of other family-friendly seasonal workshops and programs. muscootfarm.org.

5. Yorktown Grange Fair Since 1923 Westchester families have been attending this agricultural fair held in September. A true classic, the fair celebrates county life with exhibitions of livestock and poultry, mainstage attractions, nightly music, midway games, and a mile-long parade of vintage tractors, trucks, and vehicles.

There are rides too! Enter to win a Best in Show ribbon in 10 disciplines including needlework, baking, LEGO, and new in 2019, a Rabbit Show. yorktowngrangefair.org.

6. Caramoor Summer Music Festival Every summer Caramoor, the former county estate of Walter T. Rosen and Lucie Bigelow Rosen, is home to the Caramoor Summer Music Festival. The familyfriendly Festival features performers that are leaders in the disciplines of classical, jazz, roots, and other music genres. Families often picnic on the gorgeous grounds before show time or buy goodies from food trucks and dine al fresco on picnic tables. caramoor.org.

Photo by Gabe Palacio

7. Bicycle Sundays on the Bronx River Parkway This event is one of Westchester’s longest-running and popular recreational programs. Participating in Bicycle Sundays is a great Westchester tradition. Bike, jog, or skate a 13.1-mile loop on the Bronx River Parkway when it’s closed to vehicular traffic on select Sundays in May, June, and September. parks.westchestergov.com/featuredevents/bicycle-sundays

8. Pick-Your-Own Apples A visit to an apple orchard to literally pick-your-own is a time-honored tradition for area families. The Westchester Family September issue features a complete list of nearby orchards. Many offer hayrides, kids’ activities, and fresh cider donuts! Westchester orchards include Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard and Outhouse Orchards in North Salem, Stuart’s Farm in Granite Springs and Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights. harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com; outhouseorchardsny.com; stuartsfarm.com; wilkensfarm.com.

2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Let’s explore

9. Historic Hudson Valley Take your wee ones to the many venues that celebrate local history in a fun and approachable way. The Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) is a not-for-profit educational organization that restores and preserves Hudson Valley historical sites of national distinction. The HHV is comprised of Kykuit, the John D. Rockefeller Estate; Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s home in the mid-19th century; Union Church of Pocantico Hills, a country church with stained glass windows by Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall; Philipsburg Manor, an 18th-century historic house; and Van Cortlandt Manor, a historic home capturing life just after the American Revolution. hudsonvalley.org.

10. Lyndhurst Mansion Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, Lyndhurst, is one of America’s finest examples of Gothic Revival mansions. Families can take a guided tour of 19 elaborately decorated rooms in the mansion’s interior as well as enjoy summer outdoor Sunset Jazz Concerts, Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst – a celebration of crafts from across the country, and the popular Halloween-themed, Jay Ghoul’s House of Curiosities and other seasonal events. lyndhurst.org.

11. Pepsico Sculpture Garden Marvel at the 45 pieces of outdoor sculpture as you walk the lightly-pebbled paths through the well-tended landscape at the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Garden at the PepsiCo world headquarters. The collection includes works from major modern sculptures including Rodin, Moore, Calder, and Giacometti. Kids love the larger than life sculptures and appreciate the wide-open space where they can run freely. Picnic tables and bathrooms are on-site. pepsico.com/sculpture-gardens.

12. Westchester Children’s Museum Born from a grass roots initiative, the Westchester Children’s Museum offers 6,500 square feet of interactive handson exhibits. Vibrant and colorful galleries overlooking the Playland Boardwalk and Long Island Sound entice kids to have fun in this restored historic landmark building. Exhibits allow visitors to create a roller coaster, work with KEVA Planks, and to explore wind tunnels and sand. There’s also a cozy, quiet area to enjoy books and share stories. Spaces for creating works of art or engineering inventions are scattered throughout the Museum. Learn more about the special Museum programs, such as Museum Minis, Drop-In Art Workshops, and the Makers & Shakers Afterschool Club by visiting the website. discoverWCM.org.

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Welcome Home | 2019

TES A R TED 4 AND 5 N U O DISC LE FOR 3, LAB R OLDS! I A V A YEA

2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Let’s explore

Courtesy photo

Stroller Strides is an exercise program for mom and baby and a friendship-building outing all in one.

Have Stroller Will Roll

I

f you are new in town making friends is important. There’s no official welcome wagon these days, so much of it is up to you. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to meet your new neighbors and expand your circle of friends.

If you have a little one, here are some ways to get active, let baby see the world and meet other neighbors at the same time.

Lil Chameleon. Part consignment store, part community center – that’s Lil Chameleon.

Meet other moms at the many events hosted here. You’ll find kids’ activities, Mommy Meet Ups, Parent & Me storytimes, baby gym, music classes, and more. Hang out in the Café for a quick bite and a playdate! 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe.

914-346-5148. lilchameleon.com.

Mommy & Me Yoga. Staying active is easy with pre/postnatal yoga and Mommy & Me Yoga classes. Meet other parents while getting or staying in shape. Yoga Haven, Tuckahoe and Scarsdale. 914-337-1437. yogahaven.com.

Museum Stroller Tours. The popular Stroller Tours program allows parents to take a tour of the museum with babies in strollers.

Coffee and breakfast snacks are included.

Once a month, parents with their babies and pre-toddlers are invited to the museum before it opens to the public for a discussion and

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some fun with art. There are also concerts, lectures and art programs for all ages.

Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Rte. 22, Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

Nature Strollers. A hiking group for families with babies, toddlers and young children. The one-hour hike follows gentle trails set in the beauty of nature. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 174 Angola Road, Cromwell. 845-534-5506. hhnaturemuseum.org.

Stroller Strides. A stroller fitness program that incorporates power walking with intervals of strength and body toning.

Classes offered at Kensico Dam in White Plains, Pierson Park and Tarrytown Fitness Center in Tarrytown, and The Westchester Mall. Taught by certified fitness instructors.

It’s a class designed for fitness but also includes friendship building and tons of fun. Your first class is free! Other exercise programs also available. Call Kristen. 914-9773038. fit4mom.com/programs/stroller-strides.

Swim Class. Make a splash and get your infant or toddler used to the magic of swimming. Parents get in the pool with their child in group-classes where you can meet other like-minded adults. Club Fit, Jefferson Valley and Briarcliff Manor. 914-762-3444, 914-245-4040. clubfit.com.

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2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Let’s explore

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Free Things to Do in Westchester

By Jean Sheff

W

hether you’ve just moved to Westchester (yes, moving can be expensive) or have been here for a bit, entertaining the family can be costly. Fear not, there are so many absolutely great things to do here that cost nothing. That’s right zero, nil, nada, all for free! Read on for these thrifty, keep-everybody-happy, finds.

If you are looking for even more free fun be sure to check our daily Calendar of Events in print or online at westchesterfamily.com.

We always offer free and low-cost activities for families.

1. Visit Muscoot Farm in Katonah to see the baby animals or participate in a family craft class. Admission and many events are completely free.

2. Westchester Library System. There are 38 library branches in Westchester all with amazing free programs for families. Find library storytimes, craft programs, movie days, live performances, and a wide variety of special events. Check out your town’s library and several others too!

3. Stop by the Barnes & Noble Storytime in Yonkers for Toddlers’ Tuesday Morning Storytime where kids hear a story and enjoy a coloring activity. In the Mohegan Lake store enjoy Storytime with Mr. Ben for stories, songs, and crafts.

4. The Home Depot Kids Workshop lets kids build a project (think birdhouse, putting green, frame) for free! Stores in Mt. Pleasant, Nanuet, New Rochelle, Port Chester, West Nyack, and Yonkers participate.

5. Ride the North and South County Bike Trail. Walk, scooter, or bike along these 36.2 miles of paved, multi-use trails that are ideal for families.

6. Bezak Science Barge in Yonkers hosts free Arts & Science Sundays from July through October. Kids ages 5 to 12 can

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The Westchester Library System offers a wide variety of free programs for families. participate in hands-on workshops such as Pirate Day, National Fossil Day, or Miniature Pumpkin Painting.

7. While many libraries have exceptional programming, The Trove, the children’s library at the White Plains Public Library is a treasure chest of activity finds including age-appropriate storytimes, movies, drop-in art events, multi-lingual storytimes, and tech offerings.

8. Wave Hill in the Bronx offers free grounds admission from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Saturdays! Stroll the 28-acre botanical garden that includes an herb garden, aquatic garden, conservatory, and flower garden.

9. Bicycle Sundays are a great Westchester tradition. Bike, jog, or skate a 13.1-mile loop on the Bronx River Parkway when it’s closed to vehicular traffic on select Sundays in May, June, and September.

10. Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4

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Living in Westchester offers may chances to enjoy nature and get down on the farm — stop by Muscoot Farm for a free dose of green living. p.m. See their Explore the Farm 3.5-mile trail map on their website.

11. St. Paul’s Historic Church National Historic Site in Mt. Vernon hosts a variety of special programs celebrating local history including Revolutionary War encampments, holiday music concerts, and educational talks.

12. Play Days@Jay allows kids to explore the Discovery Centers, walk the grounds, and participate in a hands-on activity at the John Jay Homestead in Katonah.

13. Visit Kensico Dam in Valhalla. Take in the amazing dam and enjoy the park and Plaza. Good areas for toddlers biking with training wheels, a nice playground, picnic areas, bathrooms, and there are free Heritage Festivals throughout the summer.

14. Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary in Rye hosts many nature-themed programs ideal for family entertainment. Park at Playland. May through October, parking fee $10.

15. Each year the Yonkers Philharmonic, Young Artists Concerto Concert presents a program performed by the High School winners of the Annual Young Artists Concerto Competition as they perform with the Yonkers philharmonic – yes, enjoy it all

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for free in Yonkers.

16. Local Farmers’ Markets are a great place to pick up fresh veggies and fruit, but many also feature family entertainment. The Pleasantville Market offers live music and kids’ events and the market at Muscoot Farm gives kids an opportunity to see the animals.

17. Kathyrn W. Davis RiverWalk Center, a 1926 riverfront bathhouse turned riverbased education and recreation center, offers a place to picnic and free programs like Beachcombing at the RiverWalk Center with nature educators.

18. PepsiCo Sculpture Garden. Marvel at the more than three-dozen large works of sculpture as you walk the lightly-pebbled paths through the well-tended landscape.

Picnic tables and bathrooms are onsite.

19. ArtsWestchester is an amazing resource for many fun and cultural events throughout Westchester – many of which are free. Look for the new ArtsMobile schedule – a mobile van equipped with art supplies that brings free art programs to kids all over Westchester.

20. The Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation hosts many nature-themed events that are free. Examples

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include Vernal Pond Exploration, Firefly Festival, and Turtle Day. Parking $10. With Westchester Park Pass, $5.

21. Philipse Manor Hall Historic Site offers free family programs that teach about Colonial Life. At the free Colonial Games Day kids get to try on reproduction clothing and play popular games from the Colonial period.

22. Teatown Lake Reservation allows families to get up close and personal with nature with a wide variety of free programs including Butterfly Count and Moth Magic.

23. Lakeshore Learning Store in Scarsdale offers drop-in craft workshops every week. Materials and templates are provided.

24. Pelham Arts Center hosts an annual Chinese New Year’s Celebration and other cultural events throughout the year – all for free.

25. Stop by Cranberry Lake Preserve and meet the animals in the Nature Center.

26. Untermyer Park & Gardens in Yonkers offers plenty of green paths to stroll as well as a free Outdoor Music Concert Series each summer and their Grand Holiday Illumination festival of 80,000 holiday lights each winter.

27. Hike Turkey Mountain in Yorktown for some wonderful summit views at 831 feet to the Croton Reservoir and dam, the Hudson River and the New York City skyline as well as Bear Mountain and the Hudson Highlands.

The climb can be steep at times so it’s best for older kids.

28. Jefferson Valley Mall has reinvented their free public events. There’s now Sunset Markets with food trucks, vendors, and a Kids’ Fun Action Area plus a Kids’ Corner Book Nook, Free Hatha Yoga classes, a free Summer Science Program, and more to come.

29. Check for free museum passes at your library branch. If you are a member you can score tickets to a variety of locations, some branches have free passes to MoMa, Bruce Museum, Intrepid, Hudson River Museum, Stone Barns, Neuberger Museum of Art, Katonah Museum of Art, and discount tickets to Maritime Aquarium.

30. The Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase is free to all the first Saturday of

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The Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie offers a great opportunity for family exercise and amazing views. every month. (There may be a $6 parking fee.) The Museum itself is always free for children ages 12 and under and adults pay $5.

31. The Westchester, the mall in White Plains now has Play, a children’s play area.

Located on the top floor near the Food Court and Connect tech center, this free activity center offers families a place to stop and play. Parking costs $3 for up to three hours.

The Mall also hosts free seasonal events throughout the year.

32. Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture distributes free weekend passes at 31 Westchester libraries. Check to see if your library participates.

33. Walkway Over the Hudson is located just north of Westchester County in Poughkeepsie. This 1.28-mile long walk on an old railway bridge offers great views. You can bike, walk, or scooter along and strollers are welcome as are dogs on-leash. Expanded wooded trails beyond the Walkway are now also open. In the summer, family-friendly Movies Under the Walkway are also free.

34. There’s a lot to do at Bear Mountain State Park. Visit the Trailside Museums and Zoo ($1 donation suggested), take a spin on the merry-go-round, take a hike or have a picnic. Parking fee $10 per car.

35. Katonah Museum of Art hosts a Free Admission Day each year, look for their announcement. And the Museum has a dropin Learning Center with art projects set up for kids in connection with the exhibit. Children under age 12 always enter for free, there is a $10 adult admission.

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36. The Bronx Zoo offers free general admission all day on Wednesday! It’s a huge venue with lots of animals and attractions so plan to spend the entire day. Not all attractions are free. The parking costs $15.

But with an adult ticket generally going for $22.95 and a child’s ticket $14.95, a family of four going on a Wednesday would save $75.80.

37. Nature’s Discovery Playground at Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale is open from dawn to dusk and admission is free to the playground and the grounds of the Nature Center. The ongoing weekend program Teaching Trails: Weekend Walks for All Ages is a free guided walk by specially trained “Trail Ninjas” that share information on trees, plants, wildlife, and seasonal changes. Story Walk is another free program ideal for young children, stroll through the Native Plant Meadow and then hear a story and take a short hike.

38. The New York Botanical Gardens is free all day Wednesday and from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, this does not include the Conservancy, or special exhibitions. Picnics are allowed on Daffodil Hill and the Clay Family Picnic Pavilions.

39. North Kensico Christmas Light Show, located from 19 to 25 N. Kensico Avenue in White Plains, is a neighborhood, computerized light show with more than 10,000 lights on 144 channels all synchronized to music.

40. Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers has plenty of free fun for families.

Meet Santa Claus, enjoy a free Children’s Storytime on Wednesdays, see Summer Films outdoors and take in the Outdoor Concert series – all for free!

41. Lasdon Park & Arboretum is home to a small Veterans Museum, which is free and open to the public. Stroll the grounds and explore several of the marked trails. The Trail of Honor features sculptures that take visitors through our nation’s history.

42. Apple Stores provide free tutorials and lots of techy equipment to try out for free.

Find Apple stores at The Westchester Mall in White Plains and Ridge Hill in Yonkers.

43. Hudson River Museum in Yonkers

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The world-famous Bronx Zoo is free on Wednesdays. hosts a variety of free events and programs.

In the summer there are free evening hours on Friday and Saturday featuring a free planetarium show.

44. Stop by Scattered Books in Chappaqua and meet the bunnies Acorn, Oatmeal, and Pumpkin. Storytimes with the bunnies is offered every Tuesday.

45. Go sledding! In your back yard, at your local park, or some golf courses allow families to sled for free. Gedney Park in Millwood has a popular slope. There’s also a nice playground there.

46. Croton Point Nature Center houses exhibits of flora and fauna, information on local Native American history and handson activities for kids. There are four miles of Hudson River shoreline to explore. You can even see Bald Eagles here in the winter.

Parking $10. With Westchester County Parking Pass, $5.

47. National Park Fee-Free Day allows families to visit National Historic Sites for free on five days in 2019 - Jan. 21, April 20, Aug. 25, Sept. 28 and Nov. 11. These venues

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participate: Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site; Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site; Martin Van Buren National Historic Site; Sagamore Hill National Historic Site; Saratoga National Historical Park; and Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.

48. Free Fireworks extraveganzas abound in Westchester. Come July Fourth the County can’t get enough of them. See fireworks shows for free at Kensico Dam, Cross County Shopping Center, the White Plains Independence Day Celebration, the Ossining Independence Day Fireworks, the Mamaroneck Fireworks Spectacular as well as other celebrations in Tarrytown, Peekskill, and New Rochelle.

49. Ridge Hill Shopping Center offers tons of free fun. Try Family Gardening Days and let the kids get their hands in the dirt and have fun, or attend the free Movie Mondays, an outdoor movie series in the summer. You

can stop by the children’s play sculpture any day. Parking from $3 to a maximum of $9.

50. Watch a parade! Take up the oldfashioned fun of watching a live parade.

Westchester features parades on Memorial Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Columbus Day and others like the Bedford Fire Department Annual Parade – for kids who like fire trucks this is a big hit!

51. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie designates the third Saturday of each month as Family Free Night so families can visit and have fun for free from 5 to 8 p.m. The evening is intended for children up to age 6, and children must be supervised at all times by their parents.

52. Playgrounds! Every city, town, and hamlet in Westchester has a playground. Visit neighboring towns and explore what they have to offer. Leonard Park in Mt. Kisco, Reis Park in Somers and Saxon Woods Park in White Plains are well regarded.

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Fun Month-by-Month

January

The Emelin Theatre offers children’s theater experiences such as Seussical.

A musical show based on the children’s stories by Dr. Seuss. The Emelin has a Family Series featuring new works for children each year. Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck. 914-6980098.emelin.org.

Winter Wolves. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families. Visit any season and meet Ambassador Wolves Alawa, Nikai, and Zephyr as well as critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.

In the winter guests can enjoy hot beverages in a woodstove-heated classroom, but dress for cold weather.

Wolf Conservation Center. 914-753-2373. nywolf.org.

February Black History Month programs are offered free at this National Historic Site.

In the past Professor Janet Neary of Hunter College explored slave narratives from the 19th century and their connection to the work of African American artists and writers today. St. Paul’s Church, N.H.S., 897 Columbus Ave., Mount

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Vernon. 914-667-4116. nps.gov/sapa/.

The Hudson River EagleFest is a popular event. More than 150 bald eagles spend the winter along Hudson Valley’s waterways and the Annual Teatown EagleFest is the perfect way to celebrate these winter visitors. Events include: Eagle Shows, Bird Walks, Viewing Sites, Bus Tours and various children’s activities. Croton Point Park, 1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson. 914- 762-2912, ext. 110. teatown.org.

March The Royal Hanneford Circus is a traditional three-ring circus with fun for the whole family, this circus is headlined

by Grandma the Clown and features tigers, elephants, performing bears, hire wire acrobats and much more.

Westchester County Center, 198 Central Park Ave., White Plains. 914-995-4050. ticketmaster.com.

Sugaring Sunday is a popular event at Teatown Lake Reservation. Find out about tapping, collecting, boiling and bottling this wonderful natural sweet stuff. Naturalists are available in Warren’s Sugar House sharing facts and

Photo by Joan Marcus

Shorey Walker as the Cat in the Hat in Seussical at the Emelin Theatre. folklore about this sweet time of year.

Another event built around the maplesugaring season is Teatown’s tasty Pancake Brunch. Attendees can enjoy a stack of hotcakes, maple syrup, coffee, sausage and other seasonal delights.

Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining. 914-762-2912, ext.

110. teatown.org.

April Birds of Prey programs are often led by naturalist Jim Eyring. Families can learn about these majestic birds and see them up close. Spring is also a great time to see baby animals at the farm. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-8647282. muscootfarm.org.

2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Photo by T. Charles Erickson

Introduce your children to The Bard through his fanciful comedies performed by the pros at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

The Stroller Tour at Katonah Museum of Art allows parents, grandparents and caregivers to soak up culture while pushing a stroller. This interactive exhibition tour is designed for adults with children under 18 months of age. Following a light breakfast, participants view and discuss the paintings, drawings, prints and mixed media works that comprise the museum’s current exhibit. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Rte. 22, Katonah. 914-2329555. katonahmuseum.org.

May Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party at the Botanical Garden’s beautiful Azalea Garden is the picturesque spot for this special outing for Mom! The whole family can enjoy live music, casual picnicking and craft projects, all surrounded

by New York’s most beautiful floral landscape. Kids can fly kites, create giant chalk drawings and make Mother’s Day cards, while celebrating mothers in this beautiful garden setting. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Neuberger Museum of Art contains modern, contemporary and African art. Permanent collections, plus more than a dozen changing exhibits each year, hands-on workshops, concerts,

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family festivals and dance performances are perfect for family entertainment.

Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 914-251-6100. neuberger.org.

June Phillpsburg Manor visitors tour the 300-year-old house, participate in hands-on activities of the 19th century, see the working gristmill and learn about the day-to-day lives of the Manor’s former inhabitants. Phillipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow.914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org.

White Plains Outdoor Arts Festival allows families to enjoy art in a beautiful, tree-lined setting at this free outdoor arts festival. Paintings, photographs, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry and more are on display and available for sale. The weekend also features children’s art workshops and unique food vendors. Tibbits Park, 1 North Broadway at Main St., White Plains. whiteplainsoutdoorartsfestival.com.

July Kensico Dam Music Fest and Fireworks celebrates the summer holiday with patriotic music, family-friendly entertainment and spectacular fireworks. Free admission and parking. Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla.

914-328-1542. westchestergov.com.

Theater O is Westchester County’s most exciting theater school.

Located in Ossining, Theater O offers classes for students, pre-k through adult, in a variety of Theater Disciplines.

Including: acting improv directing design playwriting musical theater and more.

Questions? We love them.

Check out the website www.theatero.org Or call 914-487-4322 Or email info@theatero.org Or stop by Theater O at 25 State Street Ossining, NY 10562.

BRINGING YOUR FAMILY TOGETHER At the Rye Y, families have fun together at monthly special events, parent and child classes, family swim and family gym time.

Fall program registration starts Aug. 7 for Members and Aug. 14 for Non-Members. Classes start Sept. 7.

Details & program guide at www.ryeymca.org RYE YMCA 21 Locust Ave., Rye 914-967-6363 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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The creatively landscaped garden on the grounds of the PepsiCo campus is the site of a wonderful outdoor collection of large sculptures.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside features guides authentically dressed in 1800s garb as they lead tours around this elegant estate, which was the home of noted author Washington Irving.

The mansion, as well as the beautiful grounds featuring a view of the Hudson River, makes for a wonderful afternoon of exploring and history. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, 3 Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown. 914-631-8200. hudsonvalley. org. westchestergov.com/parks.

August Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is held on the beautiful grounds of Boscobel Mansion, a Federal-period house. The open-air theatre tent overlooking the Hudson River is the site for a summer series of performances.

The river and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for exuberant and accessible performances of Shakespeare favorites. Boscobel House and Garden, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. 845-265-9575. hvshakespeare.org. boscobel.org.

PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens. The creatively landscaped garden on the grounds of the PepsiCo campus is the site of a wonderful collection of the

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works of major twentieth century artists. Stroll the grounds, take a picnic, and let the kids explore open space.

The Sculpture Garden is open and free to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. PepsiCo Sculpture Garden, 700 Anderson Hill Road., Purchase. 914-2533150. pepsico.com.

September Apple Picking. You can easily get apples in the food store but here in Westchester County pick-your-own apples is a timehonored tradition. Some farms also offer hayrides, petting zoos and apple cider donuts. Call ahead to ask about picking hours, crop availability, and prices to make sure your family has the best experience possible. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem. 914-485-1210. harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com Hands-On Day at the Farm. Weekend activities can include egg collecting, meet the bees and a pig walk. Activities are lead by educators throughout the day. Stop at the Blue Hill Café and Grain Bar for an al fresco lunch. See the events calendar on their website for more details. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, 630

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October Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

More than 90 renowned children’s book authors convene in Chappaqua for this annual celebration of literacy and community! Kids and families get to meet their favorite authors. Books for the entire family, from toddlers to teens, are available and can be signed by the authors and illustrators. The festival also features arts and crafts activities and delicious food from local restaurants and food trucks. Bell Middle School, 50 Senter St.,, Chappaqua. ccbfestival.org.

Halloween is big in Westchester, with more activities that you can possibly do in one season. One of the most popular events, The Blaze, held at historic Van

Cortlandt Manor, features some 5,000 individually hand-carved illuminated jack o’ lanterns and is not to be missed!

Families walk the grounds and see super-sized dinosaurs, pirates, flying ghosts, a likeness of Dracula, an undersea aquarium and more — all created out of carved jack o’lanterns. Van Cortlandt Manor, 535 South Riverside Ave., Crotonon-Hudson. 914-366-6900. hudsonvalley. org/historic-sites/van-cortlandt-manor.

November Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny are examples of live stage performances for children held throughout the year as a Music Hall/Music Without Borders co-presentation. Tarrytown Music Hall, a landmark theater built in 1885, welcomes 85,000 visitors every year, including tens of thousands of children. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main St., Tarrytown. 877-840-

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Meet the Animals on Saturdays allows families to visit some of the nature center’s animals. A naturalist presents an informative program that lets visitors get up close and even handson! Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

December Holiday Train Show is a fun-filled holiday tradition for the whole family. Watch trains zipping around replicas of New York landmarks, all made from natural materials. New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx. 718-8178700. nybg.org.

Westchester Ballet Company: The Nutcracker is a holiday favorite for

Photo Courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

The Holiday Train Show is a family tradition at The New York Botanical Garden. all ages and just one of the many Nutcracker performances in our area.

Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. 914-995-4050. westchstergov.com.

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42

Welcome Home | 2019

(914) (914)

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Let’s explore

Everyone Gets to Play Special needs recreation The joy of movement, the health benefits of exercise and the camaraderie of sports are important to all children, including those with special needs.

For additional classes see the tab, Special Needs, on our website, westchesterfamily.com.

Saxon Woods 1800 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck.

Saxon Woods offers Andy’s Place Playground, a wheelchair accessible playground for children of all ages and abilities.

Angelfish Therapy Various locations. 203-545-0024. angelfishtherapy.com.

This program gives children a fun, challenging and motivating environment for therapy. Done in the water, children practice movements and integrate sensory information step-by-step.

Backyard Sports 75 South Broadway, Suite 453, White Plains. 304-4052. byardsports.com.

Danny Bernstein offers special needs classes in soccer and basketball for children in pre-K to 8th grade. This childcentered program is staffed by qualified professionals.

Green Chimneys 400 Doansburg Road., Brewster. 845279-2995. greenchimneys.org.

Green Chimneys offers innovative animal-assisted and nature-based activities for children with special needs.

The Miracle League of Westchester mlwny.org.

Miracle League at Ridge Road Park

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Welcome Home | 2019

The Miracle League program matches players with a volunteer buddy who makes sure everyone has fun and nobody gets hurt. in Hartsdale is a rubberized baseball field with painted-on lines and field dimensions for a safe surface. Baseball is played using the buddy system.

Moving Wheels & Heels Steffi Nossen Central Studios,216 Central Ave., White Plains. 328-1900. steffinossen.org.

An integrated dance class for students of all abilities who gather to explore the joy of movement.

NorWest 293-D Furnace Dock Road., Cortlandt Manor. 737-4797. nor-west.org.

Therapeutic recreational programs for children with disabilities ages 5 and up.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding 845-669-8235. pegasustr.org.

Therapeutic horseback riding and related activities. Programs held in Pleasantville, Brewster and Greenwich and Darien, Conn.

Yogashine 7-11 Legion Dr., Valhalla. 769-8745. yogashine.com.

Specializing in developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Kids enjoy playful, centered movement, learn and create postures, build strength and mental focus, develop self-calming and cooperation skills.

Play

Parties

pies Group Thera s

Zen Zone Sensory Gym is a new mindfully designed indoor play and learning space for children of all abilities and learning styles.

all aboard! childcare education center

A place for everybody!

Zen Zone Sensory Gym

2055 Albany Post Road Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520 zenzonegym.com Zen Zone also provides 914.737.ZONE(9663) a memorable setting info@zenzonegym.com for birthday parties!

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583

• Family Owned & Operated • Infant & Toddler “Hands-On” Developmental Curriculum • Pre-K Curriculum designed to meet NY Standards for Kindergarten Readiness

NY State Licensed Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

www.allaboardchildcare.com

Nursery School & Summer Programs For Children 18 months through Age 5

www.sstte.org | 914-723-3001

All Aboard

All Aboard

On-the-Hudson, LLC 255 North Highland Ave. Ossining, NY 10562

At Valhalla, Inc. 400 Columbus Ave. Valhalla, NY 10595

(914) 923-1700

(914) 741-1500

Schedule Your Back to School Physical

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Comprehensive care from birth to age 21 State of the art pediatric office Convenient on-site parking Spacious child-friendly waiting area Extended evening & weekend office hours Most insurances accepted Susan Meisler, M.D. • Hilary Smith, M.D. Lisa Mandelker, D.O. • Debra Etelson, M.D.

145 Huguenot Street, Suite 200 • New Rochelle, NY www.pasw4kids.com • 914.235.1400 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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Let’s explore

Save with the Westchester County Parks Pass A Westchester Park Pass is available to all Westchester County residents, ages 18 and up for $90 and is valid for three years. The holder may bring up to four adult guests and up to five children ages 17 and younger. Residents must apply in person at several area locations including County Offices in Mt. Kisco and White Plains, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River and Playland Park in Rye. In summer months passes are also available at pools and golf courses.

The pass is required to use countyowned parks, pools, beaches, the tennis courts at Tibbets Brook Park and the boat launch at Glen Island Park. The Park Pass also offers savings at six countyowned golf courses, venue parking fees and county summer camp programs.

A Family Park Pass is also available for $180 that covers two adults and two children (ages 12 to 17). All family members must apply in person together.

You might also like to inquire about the Season Swim Pass, which in addition to the Park Pass allows entry into four Westchester County pools.

Westchester County parks and nature centers offer free family-friendly educational nature programs on weekends, hiking, walking and birding. See westchestergov.com/parks-passes for a

complete list and detailed information.

Blue Mountain Reservation 183 Watch Hill Road, Cortlandt Manor, 862-5280.

Cranberry Lake Preserve Old Orchard St., North White Plains, 428-1005.

Croton Point Nature Center Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson, 862-5297.

Edith Read Sanctuary, Playland Pkwy.

Rye, 967-8720.

Lenoir Preserve Dudley St., Yonkers, 968-5851.

Marshlands Conservancy Rte. 1, Rye, 835-4466.

Trailside Nature Museum Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Rtes. 35 and 121 South, Cross River, 864-7322.

There is a $10 parking fee for Croton Point Park, Ward Pound Ridge (Trailside) and Edith Read Park (Playland), with a Westchester Park Pass, parking is $5. westchestergov.com/parks.

Ardsley Community Nursery School & Summer Camp 21 American Legion Dr • Ardsley (914) 693-4932 www.acns.us

Innovative and Engaging Jewish Learning

Best Hebrew School

• Small Class Sizes and Specialized Resources • Holiday Celebrations and Family Programs • Community Connections are Created and Nurtured • Serving Students Pre-K Through Grade 12

Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El Hebrew School bit.ly/BestHebrewSchool | 914-725-5175

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Welcome Home | 2019

✓ AM and PM classes for children 2-5 ✓ Enrichment programs in dance, music, art, science, nature and yoga ✓ Weekly and hourly rates ✓ Diaper friendly ✓ Beautiful outdoor play area ✓ Local field trips

Celebrating over 50 Years of fun!

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Experienced Teachers • Serving Children 2 months–14 years • Field Trips • Stimulating Environment • Flexible Schedules • Beautiful Campus Setting

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2170 Saw Mill River Road Elmsford, NY

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914 346 346 5148 5148 914 914 3465148 5148NY 10707 914 346 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe, NY 10707 10707 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe, NY

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real life

Feed Me, I’m Yours Farmers’ markets, CSA’s and alternative food stores Farmers’ Markets Let your children pick their own fruits and vegetables at a farmers’ market. If they do, there’s a better chance they’ll eat them.

Markets generally open in May or June and close in November. Some markets, such as the Pleasantville Market, move indoors making fresh food available year-round. You’ll also find music and fun family activities happening at many locations.

Cold Spring Farmers’ Market. Shop for a variety of fresh produce and items such as honey, breads and cheeses. Best of all, take in the amazing view. Boscobel admits shoppers to the grounds for free (usually $7) so explore the gardens and plan a picnic.

Boscobel House & Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9D, Garrison. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. csfarmmarket.org.

Gossett’s Farmers’ Market. Open year-round this market showcases local vendors that bring their freshest produce and food items every weekend.

1202 Old Post Road (Rte. 35), South Salem.

914-763-3001. gossettbrothers.com Muscoot Farm Farmers’ Market. See the animals, enjoy the farm, participate in family activities and shop too! There are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables plus items such as gluten-free desserts, milk, olive oil and even pickles. See a sheep shearing demonstration on opening day!

51 Rte. 100, Katonah. Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. muscootfarm.org/farmersmarket.htm.

Ossining Farmers’ Market. There’s fresh produce plus meats, dairy and seafood at this popular market. Check the website for updated list of vendors and which items are in season. Family activities make it a fun outing for everyone. Use the parking lot on the corner of Spring and Main Streets, Ossining.

Corner of Spring and Main Sts.,

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Welcome Home | 2019

Ossining. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtoearthmarkets.com.

Note: Down to Earth Farmers’ Markets are also held in the towns of: Larchmont, New Rochelle, and Rye. Pleasantville Farmers’ Market. Find more than 40 farmers and food purveyors plus live music, weekly children’s events and culinary events.

Memorial Plaza at the Pleasantville Train Station, Pleasantville. Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org.

Rochambeau Farm. Open Wednesday through Sunday Rochambeau sells veggies that come right from their garden. They also sell specialty products like pastas, baked goods, crackers, meats, poultry, home and beauty goods nuts and more. Kids like to visit the animals on the farm, including goats, chickens and pigs.

214 West Patent Road, Mt. Kisco. 914-2418090. rochambeaufarmny.com The TaSH. The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers’ Market (TaSH) hosts some 30 vendors who sell fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, poultry, craft spirits, farmhouse cheeses, and more. They also host cooking demos, art projects, kid’s activities and have a shopper rewards program.

Patriot’s Park, Rte. 9,Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. tashfarmersmarket.org.

CSA’s Get your share of healthy eating by signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Hilltop Hanover Farm. New this year the Hilltop Hanover CSA allows you to purchase a share and then select your own items at their farm stand. Choose when you want to shop, chose produce or extras like fruit,

courtesy photo

Items come literally from farm to table at Fable: From Farm to Table in Ossining. eggs, meats, honey, baked goods and other products. Small share $400, large share $700. The farm stand is open Fridays and Saturdays.

1271 Hanover St, Yorktown Heights. 914962-2368. hilltophanoverfarm.org.

1311 Kitchawan Road, Ossining. 914-8620205. fablefoods.com.

Fable: From Farm to Table. Purchase a Farm Card and spend it like cash throughout the year in their market. Pick out your own items, which is not just limited to produce. You’ll find artisanal breads, cheeses, herb-infused oils and jarred tomatoes. Sign up for their newsletter to see the seasons best buys.

Greens Natural Foods markets can be found in Briarcliff Manor, Eastchester, Mt. Kisco, and Yorktown Heights. greensnaturalfoods.com.

Markets There are also the more traditional markets with an emphasis on healthy food items.

Whole Foods Market can be found in Chappaqua, Port Chester, Yonkers and White Plains. wholewfoodsmarket.com.

Serving the Larchmont area for 40+ years Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Licensed by New York State Office of Children and Family Services

OFFERING PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2 TO 4

For more information about the 2019-20 school year contact: abelluzzi@lacny.org Address: 60 Forest Park Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538 | Phone: 914-834-3984 Website: http://lacpreschool.com 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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real life

To Kondo … or Not to Kondo?

Wise words on organization

By Katy Winter

O

rganization is on everyone’s minds with the release of the Netflix series Tidying Up, starring the organizational guru, Marie Kondo. This adorable Japanese woman sweeps into people’s homes, closes her eyes for an uncomfortable period of time while she welcomes their home, and then empties all the contents of their closets onto the bed.

Then as quickly as she enters their lives, she leaves so they can get to work. In each episode you see at least one member of the family having a mental breakdown. There are tears of guilt, tears because they don’t want to let go, or maybe tears because she left before anything was cleaned up. I started a professional organizing business six years ago. I doubt I would have a business if I left my clients with mountains of clothes on their bed. How does she get away with it?

Joy, really?

I read Marie Kondo’s best selling book, The Art of Tidying Up, when it first appeared on the bookshelves in America five years ago. Like everyone else, I was entranced with the phrase, “Does it spark joy?” But does everything in your house need to spark joy?

Do your light bulbs, batteries, household cleaning products, even furniture that is practical, but not necessarily the perfect aesthetic, spark joy? I imagine people all over

50

Welcome Home | 2019

For over 25 years, World Cup Gymnastics has been providing programs to establish a solid fitness foundation for a healthy and active start to a child’s life and an opportunity for every child to discover their inner champion through the sport of gymnastics.

Plannin� � Length� Famil� Vacatio� or � Quic� Getawa�?

Call us to schedule a boarding reservation for your furry family members

Where East meets West with Compassionate Care SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Photobiomodulation Therapy Acupuncture with Dr. Annie Viano Homeopathy with Dr. Michele Yasson Cryo-Surgery Nutritional Support Alternative Cancer Therapies All-Natural Flea-Tick Prevention Pain Center Surgery & Dentistry Pet Boarding Now Offering On-Site Canine Obedience Classes

845-227-PAWS earthangelsvet.com 44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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real life

America staring at simple items, like a vase, totally stumped at whether it sparks enough joy. The overall concept is sweet. We want to surround ourselves with things we love.

And when reviewing items, it is important to connect with your impulse judgments. Yes, I like it, or no, I don’t, instead of hemming and hawing over everything. Realistically, households are filled with more practical and non-emotional items. The important questions are: Will I use this item? What is its purpose? Where do I want it to live so I can access it when needed?

All at once?

Then there’s the directive to take out every single item and review it all at once. This can be very overwhelming and can cause panic.

In my experience, it is important to tackle a project you can realistically handle. Instead of emptying the entirety of your closet, make a realistic schedule based on what works for your life. Decide how much time you can dedicate each day to organization. If it’s only an hour a day, then further break down the major categories. Instead of all your clothing, start by reviewing all your jeans, then all your pants, then all your short sleeve shirts and so forth. The goal should be finishing each section before you take out the next section.

You need a place to sleep at night – a massive stack of clothes on your bed is not desirable.

The order?

The KonMari Method encourages tidying by category in this order: clothes, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items. She starts the editing process with the least emotional items and then progresses to more difficult decisions like sentimental items or photos. However, I’ve found the mission is better accomplished by tackling what bothers you the most.

Some people are absolutely overwhelmed by paper and need to get the paper in control before they can move on to another category.

Each individual lives life differently and has their own needs or desires for their house.

Take time to assess what you would like to accomplish. What is your goal for your house? Pick a start date, make a schedule of

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allotted time to devote to organizing, and the rest will fall into place.

Don’t get me wrong. Marie Kondo is an absolute role model for us all. Yet there are multiple options to organizing a house.

Still, she is just so darn tiny and cute. I want to pocket her smile and take it with me wherever I go. Thank you Marie Kondo for inspiring our nation to take on the challenge of organizing. She sparks joy for me, but someone might want to consider hiring a professional organizer before emptying a whole closet onto a bed.

Katy Winter is a professional organizer and pantry stylist based in Chappaqua, N.Y. She founded Katy’s Organized Home believing in a practical and minimalistic approach, she helps clients streamline their homes and simplify their lives through successful home editing. katysorganizedhome.com.

With over 30 years of experience as educators, school administrators, and as consultants, we customize our services to meet the needs of our K-12 students and their families.

• Private Day and Boarding School Placement – We help students find the right school setting through a personalized and strategic approach to the admissions process.

• Educational Advising – We create educational options and a plan of action for parents to meet their child’s needs.

• College Advising – We help develop a clear strategy to make the college planning process manageable. We review student transcripts, resumes, test results, and discuss student interests and preferences to help create a college list and a plan of action.

• College Applications/Essays – Our goal is to know our students’ unique qualities, gain a clear understanding of their interests and motivations in order to guide them through the application and essay process.

• Academic Tutoring – Our experienced teachers specialize in specific subject areas and are trained in various techniques for grades PreK-12.

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19 East Elm Street, Greenwich, CT 06830 • 203-661-2483 • www.brownsec.com 2019 | WestchesterFamily.com

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real life

Safety First & Last

W

hen raising a family your ultimate concern is safety. Knowing where to reach out for help when you need it is paramount. Here are some resources available to you in Westchester.

Westchester County Health Department health.westchestergov.com Poison Control Center Hotline Emergency toll-free: 800-222-1222 NYC Regional Poison Control Center: 212-689-9014 Safe Kids Westchester-Rockland safekids.org/coalition/safe-kidswestchester-rockland Led by Ardsley Police Department, 914693-1700

Area Hospitals Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Valhalla, 914-592-7555. blythedale.org Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains, 914-597-2500.burke.org Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Conn., 203-739-7000. danburyhospital.org Four Winds Hospital, Katonah 914-763-8151. fourwindshospital.com Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, Conn.

203-863-3000. greenwichhospital.org St. John’s Riverside Hospital, Dobbs Ferry, 914-693-0700. riversidehealth.org St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Yonkers, 914-378-7000. saintjospehs.org St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, Harrison, 914-967-6500. stvincentswestchester.org Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Valhalla, 914-493-7000. mariafarerichildrens.org Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital 914-632-5000. montefiorehealthsystem. org Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital 914-664-8000. montefiorehealthsystem.

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Welcome Home | 2019

org NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, Cortland, 914-737-9000. nyp. org/hudsonvalley NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, Bronxville, 914-787-1000. nyp. org/lawrence NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Division, White Plains 888-694-5700.nyp.org Northern Westchester Hospital, Mt. Kisco, 914-666-1200.nwhc.net Phelps Hospital, Sleepy Hollow 914-366-3000.phelpshospital.org Westchester Medical Center, White Plains, 914-493-7000. westchestermedicalcenter.com White Plains Hospital, White Plains 914-681-0600. wphospital.org

Area Medical Groups CareMount Medical 914-232-3135, Bedford Hills 914-232-3135, Katonah 914-241-1050, Mount Kisco 914-962-5060, Yorktown See website for other locations, caremountmedical.com Pediatric Associates of Southern Westchester, PC 914-235-1400. New Rochelle pasw4kids.com Village Pediatric Group, PLLC 914-771-7070, Tuckahoe villagepediatricgroup.com Westchester Park Pediatrics 914-761-1717. White Plains westchesterparkpediatrics.com Scarsdale Medical Group 914-723-8100. scarsdalemedical.com

MORE THAN A BIRTHDAY WISH. A DREAM COME TRUE.

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To learn more about the world-class advanced pediatric care available at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, visit us at MariaFareriChildrens.org.

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Client NewYork-Presbyterian Job NYMG 6153 Live 7” x 9.5”

Users Jovan Sekulovski / FreelancerProd Current Date 8-16-2019 2:09 PM Creation Date 8-16-2019 2:07 PM

Art Director Copywriter Account

Emily x227