Westchester Family - March 2020

march 2020

westchesterfamily.com

Dylan Lauren

CEO, mom, and Bedford fan!

Our Party Issue!

Tips from the pros

119

March Activities

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide

SUMMER FUN FOR KIDS

WHAT

An energetic and exciting well balanced summer activities program of sports, recreation, and education designed to meet Challengers from Ages 3-14.

WHERE

THORNTON-DONOVAN SCHOOL •www.td.edu 100 Overlook Circle • New Rochelle, NY 10804 • (914) 632-8836

WHEN

• Summer 2020 • Ages: 3-14

WHO

A staff of certified teachers and experienced counselors under the direction of Annemarie Licini-Paris, Administrative Assistant, Thornton-Donovan School.

RATES

NO. OF WEEKS

REGULAR RATES

($700 Per Week)

7 6 5 4 3 2 1

RSUMMER EMMUS 2CHALLENGE 5 EGNELLAH52 C

Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks

LTHORNTON-DONOVAN OOHCS NAVONOD-NOTSCHOOL NROHT ,e100 lcriC koolrevO 001 Overlook Circle, 4New 0801 Rochelle, YN ,ellehcNY oR 10804 weN 6Phone: 388-236(914) )419(632-8836 :enohP 6Fax 397-(914) 675 )4576-7936 19( xaF uwww.td.edu de.dt.www

WP-GCI0342617-01

• 7 weeks • July 6th - August 21st • 8:45am - 3:45pm • Co-ed

$4,900 $4,200 $3,500 $2,800 $2,100 $1,400 $700

SUMMER

*EARLY *EARLY BIRD CHALLENGE 52 BIRD BIRD RATE! SUPER SAVER THORNTON-DONOVAN SCHOOL st (Paid in full by May 1 ) (Paid in full by April 1st) 100 Overlook Circle, $4,165 $3,675 MAXIMUM SAVINGS New Rochelle, NY 10804 $3,780 $3,570 Phone: (914) 632-8836 $3,255 Fax (914) 576-7936$3,080 $2,660 $2,520 www.td.edu $2,037 $1,974 $1,386 $1,372 No Discount No Discount

OPEN HOUSES:

Sunday, March 15, 2020 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday, April 19, 2020 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

**EARLY, EARLY BIRD SUPER SAVER must be paid in full by Wednesday, April 1st. *EARLY BIRD SUPER SAVER must be paid in full by Friday, May 1st.

:SESOPEN U100 OH N EPO Circle, New Rochelle, NY • 914.632.8836 • www.td.edu HOUSES: Overlook

0202Sunday, ,51 hcraM ,yadn15, uS2020 March mp 02:00 0:4 - pm mp -04:00 0:2 pm 0202Sunday, ,91 lirpAApril ,yadn uS2020 19, mp 02:00 0:4 - pm mp -04:00 0:2 pm

March 2020 | Westchester Family

3

contents

March 2020 volume thirty | number three

departments 6 Editor’s Note 8 Events & Offers 9 Bits & Pieces 26 Spotlight: BAr/Bat Mitzvah

Hottest Trends and Adding Meaning

30 ASK THE SPECIALIST

Do You Have Mommy Wrist?

32 LET’S GO

Sloomoo Institute

46 Last word

Reusable Shopping Bags

calendar

Family Activities for March 202035

features 10

Living the Sweet Life Dylan Lauren dishes about her life as CEO of a candy empire, raising twins and a rescue pup, plus relaxing in Bedford. Learn about her favorite candy and her recent book-signing event at The Bedford Playhouse.

14 24

35

Top Pick: Bisa Butler: Portraits

38

Editor’s Pick: Jurassic World Live

40 Editor’s Pick: Free Camp Fair 41

Animal Fun in Winter

42 #StPatricksDay 43 Get Artsy 44 City Picks

How to Hire a Face Painter Here are seven inside tips from a face painting pro! Learn everything you need to know about finding just the right artist — at the right price — for your child’s party.

Why Day Camp?

Great reasons why these camps are great for your child. Perhaps you should sign up now?

advertising

16 Party Directory 20 Camp Directory 27 Bat/Bat Mitzvah Listings

Coming Next Month MARCH 2020

on the cover 10

Dylan Lauren

14

Our Party Issue

35

February Activities

26

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Guide

WESTCHESTERFAMILY.COM

Dylan Lauren

CEO, mom, and Bedford fan!

OUR PARTY ISSUE!

Tips from the pros

119

March Activities

Cover Photo: Courtesy Image

BAR/BAT MITZVAH GUIDE

4

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Special Needs Find quality resources for children with special needs. Whether it’s a recreation program, advice on IEPs or Special Needs Trusts, we help parents along the journey.

Montessori Education Is the Montessori form of education the right choice for your child? Find out what Montessori is all about.

Plus … Westchester Family’s awardwinning searchable calendar for families and much more!

Look for it starting March 26!

PRESENT THE 2ND ANNUAL

BAY PLAZA 5K RUN/WALK

JOIN THE RACE TO HELP THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SAVE LIVES FROM CANCER.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 REGISTRATION 8AM | START TIME 9AM START/FINISH LINE: BAY PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER JCPENNEY PARKING LOT REGISTER AND DONATE TODAY: WWW.ACSDETERMINATION.ORG/BAYPLAZA5K

EARLY REGISTRATION THROUGH FEB. 29

FOLLOW THE QR CODE TO REGISTER OR DONATE NOW!

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MORE THAN 150+ STORES & RESTAURANTS!

MallatBayPlaza.com

#2020inStyle

Bay-Plaza.com March 2020 | Westchester Family

5

Editor’s Note

President Victoria Schneps-Yunis CEO Joshua Schneps Group Publisher Clifford Luster cluster@schnepsmedia.com

Westchester Family WestchesterFamily.com Publisher Hester Aba hester@newyorkfamily.com co-Publisher/Editor Jean Sheff edit@westchesterfamily.com

Courtesy Image

Calendar Editor Marissa Rodriguez calendar@westchesterfamily.com

Vote in the 2020 Westchester Family Family Favorites contest and be entered to win a twonight getaway for a family of four to The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark!

ADVERTISING SALES Account Managers LynnMarie Hanley lynnmarie.hanley@westchesterfamily.com

We Know You Have a Favorite!

Nina Spiegelman nina.spiegelman@westchesterfamily.com

The Westchester Family 2020 2020 Family Favorite Awards is open for voting — and our ballot is easier and quicker to use than ever before.

Take five minutes to give a shout out to your favorite family-friendly places to thank them for their excellence and to let others know just how good they are. We will publish the results in our June 2020 issue.

We’d like to thank you for participating so just complete the voting form and you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize a two-night Getaway for a Family of Four at The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark.

Just 90 minutes from New York City, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark presents a modern-meets-mountain family adventure, featuring 324 all-suite accommodations, eight distinct restaurants and bars, rejuvenating spa and fitness center, and an 80,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark.

Heated to a toasty 84 degrees year-round, New York’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark delights underneath a transparent roof complete with more than 10 slides and water adventures boasting daring drops and gnarly waves, not-so-lazy river and indoor-outdoor

pools. The adventure continues indoors with a ropes course, rock climbing, arcade games, mini bowling, laser tag, and VR experiences.

Check out everything Kartrite has to offer at kartrite.com. Blackout dates apply. Valid until Dec. 31, 2020.

Ready to vote? Enter now at Westchester Family.com/Family-Favorites Once you have voted, enjoy all the great articles we have for you this month including our interview with Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar and seven inside tips on How to Hire a Face Painter for your next birthday party. We also have a review of Sloomoo, the hot New York City slime venue, and tips for a great bar/bat mitzvah.

Don’t forget — attend the Westchester Family Camp Fair on March 7, 2020 at the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester from noon to 3 p.m. Sign your kids up for camp before it’s too late!

Happy spring, Jean Sheff Co-Publisher, Editor

PRODUctION Art Director Leah Mitch production@schnepsmedia.com Production Staff Arthur Arutyunov Connie Sulsenti DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Roberto Palacios 718-260-4531

Please recycle this magazine.

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

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

Westchester Family 1 Metrotech Center Brooklyn NY 11201

Feedback 6

© 2020 Queens Family Media LLC All rights reserved.

Share your feedback and ideas! Email us at edit@WestchesterFamily.com.

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

C on t u s to a c t v a cla isit s s!

Discover the joy of making music together with your family!

Chappaqua · Scarsdale · Tarrytown slsbmusic.com

Pictured: Razvan Stoian and Jillian Linkowski Photo by: Claudio Rodriguez

slsbmusic.com

HEADLINERS

Mama Foundation for the Arts Ladies of Hip Hop Festival • Battery Dance Company Other Performances by American Liberty Ballet • Uko Snowbuny • Loryane Ogay A fundraiser to benefit United Way’s 211 and Bravehearts

Dare 2B Free hopes to raise awareness about foster care in Westchester Photo by: Loreto Jamiling

Hosted By

Sherry Davey Named

“Top 10 Comedians in NYC” www.sherrydavey.com

SUNDAY APRIL

FOSTER A CHILD, CALL 211 198 Central Ave., White Plains, NY 10606

19

2020

TICKET $ 35

Fundraiser to benefit Brave Hearts and United Way 211

6 : 30PM-8 : 30PM

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.uwwp.org/event/dare-2b-free/, at the Westchester County Center box office or at ticketmaster.com.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

7

events & Offers

Win a Family Getaway!

Just 90 minutes from New York City, The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark presents a modern-meets-mountain family adventure, featuring 324 allsuite accommodations, eight distinct restaurants and bars, rejuvenating spa and fitness center, and 80,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark. Heated to a toasty 84 degrees year-round, New York’s biggest indoor waterpark delights underneath a transparent roof complete with more than 10 slides and water adventures boasting daring drops and gnarly waves, not-so-lazy river and indoor-outdoor pools. The adventure continues indoors with ropes course, rock climbing, arcade games, mini bowling, laser tag and VR experiences.

All this can be yours if you win the Grand Prize in the Westchester Family Family Favorites contest.

Simply fill out the Family Favorites

Courtesy Image

Imagine your family enjoying a Family Getaway for Four at Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark.

Enter the contest now to win!

Fvoting form letting us know your favorite shops, venues and classes in Westchester and you will be automatically entered to win this Family

Getaway for Four to The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark.

Enter now at WestchesterFamily. com/Family-Favorites

You’re Invited: Westchester Family’s 2020 Camp Fair Have you signed your children up for summer camp? To help make the process easier and more efficient we would like to personally invite you to attend the free Westchester Family 2020 Camp Fair.

Here’s your chance to meet the directors and representatives for some of the best day camps, sleepaway, and specialty camps all under one roof.

There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions and get a real feel for each individual camp. Sending your child to camp is an important step, let us help you make an informed decision.

Children are welcome to attend!

2020 Westchester Family Camp Fair: March 7, 2020 from Noon to 3 p.m.

YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, 515 North St., White Plains.

REGISTER TODAY AT: WestchesterFamily.com/CampFair

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Bits & Pieces

The Definitive Guide to Music Lessons Children love music. At some point, either because of a school program or your child’s individual interest, the topic of music lessons will be center stage for your family. In either case, parents can do a lot to set their children up for success.

Founder and CEO of Harrison School of Music and the New City School of Music, Samuel Faraci, has teamed up with Cassandra Faraci, Psy.D., and Marty Fort a guitarist, music instructor, and university music professor to write The Definitive Guide to Music Lessons (Expert Press, 2019. $17. 95) Faraci’s two music schools teach more than 600 students every week from ages 4 and up on the piano, guitar, drums, voice, violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet, and ukulele. His expertise means he knows what works and what doesn’t when teaching music.

In this book, Faraci and his associates happily share their lessons learned so that you can help your child on their musical path. Faraci, a parent of two children, knows how busy life can get so he quickly gets to the heart of the matter.

The book covers the benefits of music lessons, myths about musical skills, and how to know if your child is ready (or not ready) for music lessons. There are also insights on how to choose a teacher, renting vs. buying an instrument, safety, and recitals, as well as insights on specific lessons.

Learn what to expect during the first lesson, how to measure progress, and for especially for parents — how to handle the ‘practicing’ dilemma. This book offers invaluable advice on how to make music a positive part of your child’s life. The book is available on Amazon.com.

Courtesy Image

Kids can play with Melissa & Doug toys at the Westchester Children’s Museum!

Visit Melissa & Doug Town Attention parents! If it’s possible Westchester Children’s Museum (WCM) just got even better. Now the Museum’s Gift Shop features Melissa & Doug Town, a variety of interactive play experiences and complimentary toys that encourage role playing from a child’s scale and perspective. Find toys, games, arts & crafts materials, books, dress up sets, STEM kits, on-the-go games, cuddly animals, magnet dolls, and WCM souvenirs.

Children can go pretend shopping at Fresh Mart, a mini grocery store, or care

for animals at the Animal Care Activity Center. At the 1950s Star Diner kids can play chef, patron or server. We loved the Star Diner jukebox and milkshake maker!

The Gift Shop is open when the Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.

Access to the Gift Shop does not require Museum admission. You might consider becoming a WCM member as members receive 10% discounts on purchases!

Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org

100.7 WHUD’s Family Fun Festival The largest free kids event is coming to Pace University’s Goldstein Fitness Center on Saturday, April 4th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be plenty of activities for all members of the family to enjoy!

You’ll have the opportunity to play with small and friendly animals, enjoy live entertainment, and kids can enjoy obstacle courses and inflatables from Party Time Rentals while parents have

the opportunity to scope out several educational vendors. Make sure to stop by the Westchester Family booth and say hello! And remember to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to The Pantry at Mt. Carmel in Verplanck.

Admission for kids under 13 is free, adults $10.

Family Fun Festival, Goldstein Health, Fitness & Recreation Center, Pace University, 861 Bedford Road, Pleasantville. wdud.com.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

9

Living the

Sweet Life Dylan Lauren dishes about her life as CEO of a candy empire, raising twins and a rescue pup, plus relaxing in Bedford

By Stacey Pfeffer

D

ylan Lauren, the Founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar, was having a busy day as she sat down for a phone interview with Westchester Family this winter. The mom of 4-year-old twins, Cooper Blue and Kingsley Rainbow, is preparing to open a new store in Honolulu. She also had a book signing event coming up at the Bedford Playhouse and is working on revamping her e-commerce website.

It’s enough to make one’s head spin but Lauren’s enthusiasm and energy for all things candy is palpable over the phone. As the youngest of fashion royalty Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky Ann Low-Beer’s three children, (she credits her mom by the way for her sweet tooth), Lauren fell in love with candy at a young age and vividly recalls watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory repeatedly throughout her childhood. It wasn’t just the taste of candy that Lauren loved but also the beauty of it — the packaging, the delicate crystals of rock candy, and the swirly colors of giant lollipops.

Lauren’s background in art history is evident when you walk into her colorful candy emporiums at any of her New York area locations whether it’s her flagship store on Third Avenue or her hip hop-influenced outpost with light up candy columns on Union Square West. She also scouts out other trendy locations to expand her brand, which

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

include a Hudson Yards shop, her mini candy bar store in East Hampton and even a store north of Westchester County at Woodbury Commons.

We chatted about the inspiration for her coffee table book, Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life, and Dylan’s Candy BarN her foundation to help rescue animals, plus the perpetual balancing act of forging ahead with a successful career while carving out family time.

Q. Tell us about your book, Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life. Why did you create it?

I love candy but not just the flavor of it.

I love the aesthetics of it — the bright colors, the shapes, sizes, and textures too. I wanted people to experience candy in a different way and celebrate it.

Q. Did you know you always wanted to work in the candy business?

I knew I wanted to do something creative and run my own biz. I always made handmade gifts using candy — so originally I thought maybe I’ll sell my candy art.

Q. You opened your first store in 2001 right after 9/11 and now are opening up your 26th location. What have you learned in almost 20 years of business?

I need a team who loves, lives, and breathes candy. I need people who will stay true to the brand.

The stores I’ve seen that are succeeding in retail offer more than just the opportunity to shop for a product. That’s why I am so big on the concept of “retail-tainment” and we offer a lot of special events at our stores.

Q. How do you decide what candies to sell in your store?

There are all these candy trade shows that I go to. We are looking for things that are unusual like edible roses for Valentine’s Day or a two-foot chocolate bunny for Easter — an aesthetic that is beautiful, creative, and not run of the mill.

Q. Why did you start your animal rescue foundation, Dylan’s Candy BarN? We have a rescue dog named Jersey who originally comes from Puerto Rico. We got her when she was four months old from an area there called Dead Dog Beach and I learned that in certain parts of the world, animals are treated really horribly.

We had such a great experience adopting her but there is still a stigma around rescue animals. Some people think they are badly behaved. It’s not true.

There are so many animals that need homes so we host adoption events, where customers can interact with shelter animals and have a positive experience. We’ve had a lot of these events at our stores in New York, Chicago, and Miami and we made a lot of matches where the animals now have a place

Courtesy photo

Founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar, Dylan Lauren, with Jersey, her rescue dog.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

11

to call “home-sweet-home”.

Q. Do you sell pet candy?

Yes, we have both animal-themed candies for humans and candy-themed products (both edible and non-edible) for pets. A percentage of proceeds go to Dylan’s Candy BarN. Q. How do you balance raising Cooper and Kingsley who you call your “Twinkies” with your career?

It is hard and my work is my baby too.

When I am at work, I try to focus on that but when I am home with them, I concentrate on them. The good thing is that they know I work in a candy store and they like that. We hold a lot of birthday parties in our stores for their friends, which they get to go to so I can be with them at work.

Photo by Peter T Michaelis

Dylan Lauren with her fans (above) at her recent book signing at the Bedford Playhouse.

Dylan’s Candy Bar stores (below) are a feast for the eyes.

Q. Do they eat a lot of candy?

They are really healthy eaters and like their vegetables. I think everything in moderation is fine. I also teach them that candy can be enjoyed in other ways besides eating it. So, we do a lot of art projects using candy as the medium. A lot of those crafting ideas are on our website. I also have given them candy-themed items that we carry in our stores like robes and pillows.

Q. What do you like to do to together as a family?

We live in the city but come up to Bedford [where Lauren’s parents live] on the weekends. I love being out in nature here whether going on a run or walking with the kids and our dog Jersey. We also have rescue horses up here so we like to go visit them and feed them carrots and apples. We love Muscoot Farm too, where we go to see all the animals, and we love going to Rockin’ Jump.

Q. What are your favorite candies?

My candy favorites are red and gummy.

I love Swedish Fish. I like cherry and bubble gum flavors more than chocolate actually.

Q. So is that how you stay so svelte working in the candy business?

I run a lot and just did a strength training session this morning. I work out most days.

Q. Tell us some of your childhood memories about candy and how that inspired your business?

I remember when my older brothers went to sleepaway camp and being so envious of them. We strolled the supermarket aisles and

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

bought them giant bags of Tootsie Rolls and I wanted that too. Camp is such a special place and when I got to go to camp I still remember my days at the candy canteen.

Soon we will be holding camp-themed events in our stores where customers can choose personalized candy baskets, get candy-themed apparel like goggles and towels plus play camp fireside games and eat s’mores. We also offer personal shoppers who can help with Visiting Day purchases, especially if your child has any nut allergies or other special dietary considerations.

Q. The news is depressing lately. Do you think we need candy now more than ever?

I think we always need candy. It is synonymous with good times — like baby

showers and weddings but also sad times like the Jewish ritual of shiva when someone passes away.

Q. Would you ever open a store in Westchester?

I’m not sure. I have thought about opening a store in Greenwich. No matter what, we need stores to be in an area with a lot of walk-in traffic.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer/editor living in Northern Westchester with her three kids and rescue dog plus a menagerie of ducks, deer, and chipmunks in her backyard. When she isn’t meeting deadlines, she can be found running with her dog or trying to concoct an edible meal for her family.

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______________________________________________________________ Saint Barnabas High School ~ 425 East 240th Street – Bronx, NY 10470 www.stbarnabashigh.com / Reach us by car, bus, train or Metro North March 2020 | Westchester Family

13

How to Hire a

Face Painter 7 inside tips for a great party

By Margie Nugent

Y

ou have the whole birthday party planned and now your child tells you they really, really, really want a face painter.

So you find yourself frantically searching the internet for face painters in your area. You freeze in a moment of panic as hundreds of web pages scream at you from the vastness of the World Wide Web. First, take a deep breath and remember this is the fun stuff in life. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming if you are prepared. Based on my solid 12 years of experience as a professional face painter, and a mom, I am going to share with you my top seven inside tips on finding the best artist for your birthday party, plus the one important thing you should avoid.

So here are Margie’s Dos and Don’ts for selecting a skilled, professional, and enjoyable face painter for your event.

1. Review your guest list and count every child over the age of 3. This is the number of children you will mention in your request for a quote - and be honest. Thinking that not every child will get painted is a gamble equivalent to thinking not every child will eat pizza. Not every child will eat a full slice but some will eat more than you thought. You don’t want to book the wrong amount of time and be disappointed on the day of your party if the artist cannot stay to accommodate all of the children attending the party.

2. Be realistic about the time it will take. The

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

average number of guests an experienced professional face painter can paint in an hour will be between 10 and 12. This takes into account the decision-making process of a sugared-up 4-year-old, repainting a crying tiger and being challenged by your 12-year-old to paint something no one has ever heard of before.

3. Narrow down your options. Ask your friends, ask the other moms at school, ask on local mom’s groups on social media and read articles like this one. Follow up with the names that come up a lot. You’ll want an artist that is highly recommended and has a lot of repeat customers in your community. If you are trusting someone to come into your home you’ll want to do a little pre-qualifying before you start asking for quotes.

4. Know your numbers. The average price varies based on the artist’s experience. In our area, you can expect a quote from $125 to $150 an hour. Be wary of numbers much lower and much higher. You are paying for quality specialty products for the use on skin, experience, speed, variety of designs, travel, insurance and a whole lot of dedication and patience. This is hands down the best job you can ever have but there are expenses to running a sustainable business and if someone is charging $50 an hour chances are they will not be available next year for your next event.

5. Ask questions. There are two important questions you should ask your potential artist. First, confirm that they carry liability insurance and can provide an additional

insured certificate if requested by your venue. Also ask about products. Only skin safe professional cosmetics and glitter should be used for face painting. Never ever put acrylics on the skin as it can cause rashes and contact dermatitis. Craft store glitter is never acceptable only .008 Hex cut polyester or biodegradable is safe for the use on skin.

6. Be prepared for your quote. Put all the relevant information in your email, this should include the date, time, location, number of guests, and any special requests or questions you have. This cuts down on the need for back and forth emails and it will save a ton of time. Your artist is also better prepared to discuss availability and give you a quote. If you want to chat ask to schedule a phone call. Scheduling time to speak means both of you will be available to speak.

Weekends are the absolute worst time to call a face painter because well … they are painting.

7. Go to contract. When you have come to an agreement and have received a contract you should read it, approve it, and send it back with your retainer. You are not on the calendar if you have inquired but haven’t committed. You just went through all that trouble to find the right artist available on the right date at the right time — do not lose them now! You may not be the only quote the artist has out for the date you want and the first contract back gets preference. You do not want to start all over again, or worse, call to see where the artist is the day of your event and find out you never booked it.

And the number one mistake you can make is sending out the invitations without booking your artist.

If you have chosen one of the most requested dates for face painting and the invitations have gone out, you run the risk of disappointing your child as well as your guests when all the best artists are already booked. You will have no choice but to take what you can get.

So as soon as you have an idea that you

are going to start planning a date, get in touch with your artist and check availability and go to contract before you send out the invitations.

Through this whole process remember a great party is a collaborative event. The time you put in before will make your day run smooth and you will be able to relax and enjoy the big day. When it’s over you will have great pictures, amazing memories, and 365 days to plan the next one!

Margie Nugent is the owner of Making Faces Parties Inc. located in Mount Kisco, N.Y. For the past 12 years she has made her living making kids and parents happy as a professional face painter. Her work has been featured on the Today Show, at various movie openings for Twentieth Century Fox, and at party venues and private homes throughout Westchester.

She travels nationally to Face and Body Art conventions to teach other artists how to be the best they can be.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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party Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

Party Directory Special Advertising Supplement Dave’s Cast Of Characters 914-235-7100 davescast.com Featuring characters, DJs, clowns, magicians, face painters, balloon sculptors, and fun food carts. New: Photo Booths. Featured inflatable rides include: Cliffhanger Slide, Wild One, Kong’s Revenge and Batman Challenge obstacle courses, Big Kahuna and Wild Rapids water slides, Spiderman Velcro Wall, Castles, 5-in1’s, Toddler Units, Carnival Games and much, much more.

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

16

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

Événements LLC 255 Huguenot St. New Rochelle 929-216-0885 evenementsrsvp.com info@evenementsrsvp.com Événements is an event planning company proudly serving Westchester and the tri-state area. Their desire is to help you create an event that “evokes the emotion of pure elation” by delivering your personal story and vision of life in a fun and affordable way. Specializing in weddings, religious events, showers, birthdays and much more, founder Carline Jean-Pierre and her team uses their passion for fine

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

detailing and spirit to enable Événements to create the event of your dreams. As a fashion industry professional with more than 15 years of project management experience, she has a keen eye for merging the best of flavor and positive energy.

Regardless of budget, Carline will provide one-onone consultation to help you make your event truly unique and special.

Girl AGain Boutique 4 Martine Ave., White Plains 914-358-1460 girlagain.com American Girl fans can indulge their passion - for less at Girl AGain boutique. Find great deals on refurbished AG dolls including historical characters, Girl of the Year, and Bitty Baby; plus AG furniture, outfits, and accessories. Find new and

used AG books and advice books such as The Care and Keeping of You, for girls ages 8-12. They host fun workshops and birthday parties for girls ages 7+.

Girl AGain gift certificates available.

Gymcats Gymnastic Center 1 Odell Plaza, Yonkers 914-965-7676 gymcats.net Let Gymcats Gymnastics host your child’s next birthday party! Their private, energetic parties are filled with trampolines, inflatables, foam-filled pit, climbing ropes, and much more! Thier interactive party hosts will make sure it’s a birthday your child and their guests will be sure to never forget. All of their parties are private, in their fully equipped, temperature controlled facility. For ages 3 and up! Party times book up

Engaging live music makes the best parties! Our fun performers strum and drum with kids aged 6 months to 6

Kids Flip for a WORLD CUP

r ty a P s c i t s a n Gym

A High Note Above the Rest!

Ask About Special Needs!

Experienced, Nurturing, Teachers Fun-Filled Classes Music, Movement & Friends Age-Specific Curriculum

Celebra ting 30+ yea of makin rs g music and me mories family favorites TO P 5

TOP 5 2016

2019

Online Enrollment!

Pleasantville | Scarsdale | White Plains Bronxville | Dobbs Ferry | New Rochelle | North Castle

914-771-7000

musicalmunchkins.com

ty Today r a P r u o Book Y

Call 914-238-4967

 Flip, jump and bounce through our state-ofthe-art gymnastics facility with our experienced instructors.  Enjoy a private party room with customized menu choices.  Choose one of our many great packages and themes.  Parents sit back and relax while our instructors and party supervisors do the work!

Custom Themes including

NINJA

are available

Chappaqua · NY www.worldcupgymnastics.com

10% OFF

We will cater to your:

Event Planning and Styling Service www.evenementsrsvp.com

We Bring your Story and Vison to Life!

Weddings • Christenings Birthdays • Children Parties Corporate Events Event Location Scouting Day of Coordination Needs And many more!

Proudly serving Westchester and the Tri-State area.

Contact Evenements LLC. at 929.216.0885 info@evenementsrsvp.com PROMO CODE: WEST10

For events booked. Expires May 2020

March 2020 | Westchester Family

17

party Directory | Special Advertising Supplement

MAKE-A-MOVIE PARTIES Ages 7-12

Katherine Perry Videographer

914.533.7294

perryproductions.net • kperryennis@yahoo.com

$

ONLY

275!

CALL FOR DETAILS

fast so don’t delay and let them make your child’s next birthday an AWESOME one!

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

ISG Gymnastics Parties 151 Crotona Ave., Harrison 914-835-0010 isggymnastics.com Fun, fun, fun! Having a birthday? How about a gymnastics party! No experience necessary. A fun-filled, unique way to celebrate a very special day with 4,000-square-feet of fun – and it’s all yours.

Trapeze bar, trampoline, balance beam, bars, tumbling, rings, bouncycastle and more are sure to make sure every attendee has a blast! All ages, 1 through teens. Ageappropriate program and equipment. Birthday parties at ISG are always private allowing the birthday child to really enjoy each and everyone of their guests!

Make-A-Movie Parties

Your online resource for all things parenting

WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting.

Visit us online today!

914-533-7294 perryproductions.net Make-A-Movie Parties for children ages 7-12. Katherine Perry, videographer of children’s parties for more than 15 years, supplies costumes, props, improvisational direction and videotaping - you supply the talented actors!

Themes include Action Adventure, Rock Video, Talk Show, Wacky News or your child can write their own movie! Call or email today! kperryennis@yahoo.com.

Margie Nugent

WestchesterFamily.com

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Making Faces Parties

914-714-8069 Making Faces Parties is an out of the box, creative face painting, balloon twisting and henna design company.

Their skilled work makes them in high demand among the tri-state’s pickiest of moms, children, tweens and teens alike. They use only the best skin safe, hypoallergenic and top quality products. They have a huge selection of art to choose from including their unique designs. From small home parties to large-scale events they are the specialists in party art.

They are fully insured, offer packages and welcome special requests from their customers. And most of all we are easy to work and book with.

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

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

Pine Brook Fitness 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Book your next party or event at Pine Brook Fitness and have a celebration to remember. Your party can be hosted at one or a combination of their three facilities (The Rock Club, New Rochelle Racquet Club, The Studios). Large or small, formal or informal, join them for your next party!

Play Connection 650 Lee Blvd.

Yorktown Heights 914-214-4278 localpartyvenue.com Play Connection in Yorktown Heights, New York has an event venue for every age and any kind of celebration.

They leave no detail

incomplete because they know that you have a busy schedule. All you have to do is show up and have fun with your guests. Parties options: free play arcade room, personalized video signs, inflatables, pinatas, games, interactive party hosts!

Rockin Jump - Mt Kisco 333 N. Bedford Road Mt. Kisco 914-743-5730 rockinjump.com Take your child’s birthday party to the next level by hosting it at Rockin’ Jump in Mt Kisco, NY. Invite their best friends for some high-flying fun and an unforgettable birthday party experience at The Ultimate Trampoline Park ®. Let Rockin’ Jump’s dedicated staff handle all the details and cleanup while the birthday boy or girl and their party guests focus on having fun. Rockin’ Jumps birthday party packages include 90

Bat/Bar Mitzvah Birthday Party Sweet Sixteen Graduation Party

minutes of jump time and a private party room for birthday festivities.

World Cup Gymnastics 160 Hunts Lane, Chappaqua 914-238-9267 worldcupschools.com Make your birthday extra special by spending it at World Cup Gymnastics, where kids are allowed to be kids. Jump on trampolines and air castles, flip on the Tumble Trak and swing into our foam and ball pits, then settle down in a private party room to enjoy more birthday fun with friends and family. There are two gyms … one is designed with special equipment for children age 3 and under and the other is for bigger kids. Parents can choose one of their great packages, then sit back and enjoy while they do the work!

Special Packages Available: Henna Airbrush Glitter Tattoos Twisted Balloons Black Light Painting Face Painting Bling Bar Fully Insured Excellent References Custom Designs Available

Book early don’t wait!

914-714-8069

www.makingfacesparties.com

Historical Dolls Truly Me Dolls Girl of the Year Bitty Baby 2XWÀWV Furniture Books Workshops Wednesday - Friday, 11am - 5pm Sat. 10am – 5pm | Sun. 11am – 4pm

4 Martine Ave. White Plains | 914-358-1460 |

GirlAGain.com

BOWLING BIRTHDAY PARTY

BIRTHDAY PARTIES All of our Parties are Private.

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

Age 3 & Up. Book Early!

GYMNASTICS CLASSES

HOMEFIELD BOWL

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914.969.5592 · www.homefieldbowl.com 938 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers

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for Beginner thru Advanced

WINNER 2018

Our goal is to build a physical and mental foundation for ALL sports and to promote athleticism and good health through participation in gymnastics.

“We specialize in beginners.”

At Equalize Fitness

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

(914) 965-7676 | www.Gymcats.net March 2020 | Westchester Family

19

Meet the Camp Directors Special Advertising Supplement

Are you considering a new school, program or activity for your child? If so, it’s important that you learn more about the director. The director sets the tone of the entire organization, shapes the curricula and teaching process and is responsible for the actions of the staff.

Let us introduce you to some local directors.

Patrick Letourneau CAMP ARMONK at ARMONK TENNIS CLUB 546 Bedford Rd., Armonk, NY 914-273-8124 armonktennis.com Patrick Letourneau returns for his fourth year directing Camp Armonk. Patrick is a math teacher at the Ramaz School in New York City, as well as the head coach of the boys varsity soccer team. He was a standout soccer player at Colgate University and served as a coach at its youth academy.

Jared Gelb and Phil Rainone, CoDirectors Matt Kaufman, Associate Director Arthur and Natalie Kessler, Executive Directors CAMP RAMAQUOIS 30 Mountain Road., Pomona, NY 845-354-1600 ramaquois.com Their Directors Team has more than 180 years of experience directing at Ramaquois. The 44 acres contain nine heated pools, spray park, seven tennis courts, a five-acre lake, 60+ indoor buildings, gymnastic pavilion, air-conditioned dining room, age-appropriate fields, workshops (ages 3 to 15) and optional trip program for students entering 3rd-10th grades.

Campers develop lasting friendships and new skills.

Anthony Vaglica THE CHAPEL SCHOOL SUMMER 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org After steering TCS’s Explorer Program (ages 7-12) toward unprecedented growth for the past four years, Anthony has now taken over as Director of the The Chapel School’s Summer Program, including the CARE Bear Program for ages 3-6. He is still a Phys. Ed. Teacher, Varsity Head Baseball Coach and Faculty Adviser to the High School Athletic Council at Bronxville Schools, and Anthony now brings many successful years of teaching, coaching (soccer, basketball, baseball, cross country and softball) and administrative experience to the entire program.

20

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Vinny Alexander HARVEY SUMMER CAMP 260 Jay St., Katonah harveycavaliercamp.org With more than 20 years in camp administration, Vinny has been director of the Harvey Camp since 2016. Campers design their own schedules, choosing from more than 80 activities including theater, dance, music, fine arts, swimming, ice skating, gymnastics, sports, science and more, all taught by professionals in state-of-the-art facilities on the 125-acre campus.

Daniel Gruza Rock Climbing Camp at The Rock Club 130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-633-7625 climbrockclub.com Daniel has been climbing and instructing for five years, and this will be his third summer running Camp TRC. The massive indoor facility and 45-foot walls create a unique and unforgettable camp experience. In addition, various games and activities both on and off the wall make sure the days are never dull. Go to the gym anytime and see how much fun climbing can be.

Anissa Osorio Saint Barnabas High School’s Summer Enrichment Academy 425 East 240th St., New York, NY 718-325-8800 stbarnabashigh.com aosorio@stbarnabashigh.com Saint Barnabas High School’s Summer Enrichment Academy (SEA) is a three-week program for girls in grades 6-8 that runs from June 30th-July17th, 2020. The morning is dedicated to improving math, English and reading skills while also preparing for the TACHS Exam required for entrance into Catholic high schools. Students are also be introduced to Latin, Greek and robotics and wil participate in sports and other enriching activities.

Open House April 4

10 am – 2 pm

award winner 2017 inspectors choice!

Open HOuse MarcH 14tH frOM 1-4 pM • suMMer 2020

celebrating 47 years

Primary (Grades K-3) Choice (Grades 4-9) Offering Stimulating Courses Like: • Computers • Swimming • Robotics • Project Runway • Digital Photography • International Cooking • Baseball • Soccer • Grand Prix Racers • & Much More!

(Grades 1-9) Located at

Maria regina hs, hartsdale

Transportation & Extended Day • Hot Lunch included

SquirecampS.com • 914-328-3798 March 2020 | Westchester Family

21

Meet the camp Director | Special Advertising Supplement

Ms. Vanessa Morales HUDSON COUNTRY MONTESSORI SCHOOL 340 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, NY 914-636-6202 hudsoncountry.org info@hudsoncountry.org A different kind of summer camp experience for campers ages 18 months through 12 years old. Hudson Country Montessori has been offering a fun and safe summer camp for over 45 years. In this unique eight-week summer program, campers have the opportunity to learn about themselves and the natural world around them. Activities include swimming (on premise pool), sports, science, technology, cooking, art, field trips, music, dancing, and more (indoor/outdoor activities on three country acres). Their success can be attributed to the team of professional counselors and low counselor-to-camper ratios. Flexible schedules, extended hours (7:30am - 6pm), busing, and catered lunch are available. Register Today!

Alla Zaydman OASIS CAMP Dobbs Ferry 914-712-5054 alla@oasischildren.com Alla has been the camp director for over 10 years. Alla’s passion for camp comes from her own childhood camp memories and the desire to have child have a magical, fun and safe summer. She focuses on programming, safety and service for each family and each child as an individual. Oasis Camp offers a well-rounded and fun summer for 3-15 year olds by providing a mix of swim instruction, arts, athletics and special events, all overseen by professionals who love camp and pride themselves on taking care of each child as if they were their own.

Matt Davanzo SQUIRE CAMPS Maria Regina High School, Hartsdale, NY 914-328-3798 squirecamps.com Matt Davanzo is the owner/director of Squire Camps, which offers two different camps with four distinct programs for grades K-9. Squire Advantage Camp: children customize and design their own schedule from a list of over 50 courses. Squire Sports Camp: Tennis and an All Sports Academy. Adult certified teaching staff. Airconditioned classrooms. Hot lunch, swimming included.

Transportation available.

Annemarie Licini THORNTON-DONOVAN SUMMER CHALLENGE DAY CAMP 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836 td.edu Founded in 1968, the Summer Challenge has been a source of joy, entertainment, and enlightenment for boys and girls ages 3 to 14. There is a 1:6 counselor-to-camper-ratio and fully certified summer staff. Lunch, door-to-door transportation included. Starting their 52nd year Mon., July 6, 2020. Open House: Sundays, March 15 and April 19, 2020 from 2 to 4 pm.

22

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Let Biomes Be Biomes

SUMMER CAMP 2020 JUNE 22 - AUGUST 14

Summer Fun Activities

SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR OR VISIT US ONLINE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT THE PROGRAMS

SUMMERCAMPS CCAMP AMP ARMONK

A premier sports and enrichment experience for children entering grades K-5, featuring fun and instructive MULTI-SPORT and MAD SCIENCE programs.

ARMONK INT’L TTENNIS ENNIS ACADEMY

Focused instruction for elite and casual players ages 6-17, with ADVANCED and JUNIOR camps to suit each player’s individual tennis needs.

;67>Ã&#x160;" '+ > '( A> +&' %A> >49;96>\>=46?5<:?8456>\>000?(+&' %-" $,?!'&I,.&&"+G!(&), March 2020 | Westchester Family

23

whole group cheers them on because the whole purpose of the game being played at camp is to be part of a team and work together to succeed.”

Making friends Duffy says that camp is one of the best places to form friendships. “Children are together all day and enjoying fun activities. They sing songs, swim, talk over lunch and play games and sports together in a relaxed environment that feels very different than school.”

Why Day Camp?

Great reasons why these camps are beneficial for your child

BY JESS MICHAELS

C

onsidering day camp for your child?

Day camp is often your child’s first steps towards independence and can help your child develop important life skills and interests that will last a lifetime. Not to mention day camp is just FUN! From swimming to arts & crafts to special event days, camp packs a whole lot of excitement into just a few weeks over the summer. Check out these great reasons why day camp can be so beneficial for your child.

Independence Being away from you, even if just for the day at camp, allows your child to work on skills without your assistance and to explore their interests all by themselves. As a result, children gain confidence that they can do things on their own. Katie Duffy, Director of Camps for Asphalt Green in Manhattan says, “From taking the bus to and from camp to getting changed for swimming independently without the help of mom and dad, campers are practicing independence daily and feeling good that they have conquered something on their own.”

Communication With children spending hours each day engaged in screen-based activities, it’s no surprise that children have lost the art of

24

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

communicating face to face and being able to recognize the emotions of others. Gordon Josey, Director of Breezemont Day Camp in Armonk, NY comments, “I believe that camp 20 or 30 years ago was nice to do but wasn’t as necessary as it is today. Camp is a place for children to disconnect—where children can just talk and laugh with each other, practicing face to face communication. You can be smartest kid in school but if you don’t know how to communicate and listen to others, you aren’t necessarily going to be successful in the 21st century.”

Community Camp is an intentional community that your child is instantly welcomed into.

Campers and staff share rituals and traditions unique to the camp which helps everyone become part of a tight knit and supportive community. “We have a dedicated group of people who work full time as camp professionals and only think about camp. It’s how we are able to create the culture and community we have,” says Josey. Gordon explains that camp is about team building and creating a safe place for children to try something new or hone skills they have already been working on.

“Whether it’s a child who plays baseball during the school year and just hit a home run or the child who struggles athletically but just hit the ball off the T in T ball, the

Play The American Academy of Pediatrics states the importance of play in promoting healthy child development and believes it allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity and physical and cognitive, and emotional strength. “Unfortunately, today’s children no longer play,” comments Josey. “Whether it’s because of social media and video games or we as parents no longer let kids just go outside and knock on a neighbor’s door to play, camp is where a child can play the way we played as children.

Expert instruction Want your child to get quality sports instruction this summer? Many day camps offer expert sports instruction while also allowing your camper to participate in traditional camp activities like arts & crafts and archery. “One of the best parts of camp is that children are exposed to so many different sports and activities, which allows kids to realize what they like,” says Josey.

“Along with traditional camp activities, we offer expert instruction for our sports with a tennis professional teaching tennis and a NCAA Basketball pro teaching basketball, so if you are looking for quality sports instruction, it can be found at day camp.”

Confidence School is great for learning math, reading and writing, but not every student walks away from the school day feeling confident.

What’s so great about camp is that there are no tests or scores— only activities designed to help children build confidence. “Confidence comes in different ways at camp. When a camper performs in the camp talent show and gets a loud round of applause or when a child sets the goal to move up a swim level and then achieves it, they are gaining confidence and walking away feeling good about themselves,” says Duffy.

Family Owned & Operated since 1973 Experienced Counselors

Licensed by the Health Department

Serving children 2 monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;14 years of age Age appropriate activities including: tween trips, bowling, swimming, golf, drama, sports, water slide, zip-line, climbing wall, arts & crafts, computers, air castle and more!

Open House March 21st 10-1pm

Call for a Tour and Appointment! 914-592-3027 2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford, NY www.AcresOfAdventureSummerCamp.com

Welcome Class of 2024!

SCHOLARSHIP: Maria Regina High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school that is committed to a holistic approach in the education of young women offering a wide range of Advanced Placement and Honors Courses.

SERVICE: MRHS provides service opportunities to all students challenging them to respond to the crucial needs of today's society.

Your online resource for all things parenting

SPIRIT: With over 25 student clubs and organizations as well as varsity/JV athletic teams, there is something for every student.

WestchesterFamily.com provides a rich array of local resources, useful content, directories and interactive tools to help families meet and celebrate the challenges of parenting

Visit us online today

WestchesterFamily.com

500 West Hartsdale Avenue | Hartsdale, NY 10530 (914) 761-3300 | www.mariaregina.org

March 2020 | Westchester Family

25

Spotlight: Bar/Bat mitzvah

will no doubt have worked up an appetite.

Having some sort of exit treat after the event, whether it’s candy, a donut wall, or even hotdogs from a food truck, is a hot trend.

Photography by Peter Oberc

Entertainment is being amped up at bar and bar mitvah’s with innovative and interactive experiences, including virtual reality stations.

The Hottest Trends in Bar and Bat Mitvahs for 2020

By Janine Clements

I

f you want a bar or bat mitzvah celebration that is the talk of the town, it’s all about doing something different, so it stands out from the rest on the circuit and keeps kids engaged. We talked to two top event planners who know all there is to know about bar and bat mitzvah parties. Here’s the lowdown on the hottest trends for 2020.

Advice from the pros Susie Mordoh of Greater Than We, greaterthanwe.com, a Tarrytown-based event company and Best of Westchester winner shares her insights.

• Whether the chosen venue is a country club or a modern industrial-looking event space, people are opting for a cool, club-type vibe with a sophisticated and more informal, loungy style. We are seeing a combination of high tops, low tables, and couches instead of the usual formal dinner table setting and LED lighting everywhere.

• Customized food stations with different types of cuisine from Asian to Greek are replacing the traditional way of plating and serving food at tables. The options are

26

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

•

•

•

•

limitless and the focus is on maximum creativity and over-the-top displays. Food could come in cute containers or you could have an interactive dessert station for sweet-toothed kids.

As well as roving boomerang booths, Instagram-worthy specialized backdrops for the photo station are in demand. This could be a Boxwood hedge backdrop with benches and seating, a giant swing to sit on, or a scene from a favorite TV series.

Assigning hashtags to events so photos can be shared instantly on social media is increasingly popular.

Balloons are making a big comeback, but they are displayed in a much more artistic way. Enormous, eye-catching sculptures are being used as stunning ceiling treatments or entrance treatments, and balloon drops at the end of the night are a rising trend.

Entertainment is being amped up in a bid to keep kids engaged all evening and we are seeing more and more innovative and interactive experiences, including virtual reality stations, silent discos, and black lights in the party room at the end of the evening.

After a night of dancing, younger guests

Melissa Rosenblum from Gourmet Advisory Services, gourmetadvisory.com, an NYCbased event planning company that organizes more than 100 bar and bat mitzvahs every year across the tri-county area gives us the scoop.

• Parents want an event to be as turnkey as possible because this means less hassle and it’s ultimately better on your budget.

When it comes to picking a venue, they are choosing places that offer a one-stop-shop solution with all-inclusive packages so everything from the catering to the music is taken care of.

• People are obsessed with branding. Logos are cool, wearable, and useable, and are being accompanied with taglines or clever plays on words to make it more fun.

Branding can be found on everything from the napkins to the giveaways. It’s on decals on walls, furniture, and even the dance floor too.

• Photomontages are making a comeback and the focus is on telling the story of the bar or bat student and capturing all their interests. As well as video clips to music and interviews with families and friends, a special “mazel tov” message from a favorite athlete, singer, or actor is the latest craze.

We are seeing them projected onto giant LED walls that act as backdrops for dance floors.

• Dance floors have evolved so much and are becoming a central feature of the event.

They are being wrapped in all sorts of colors and designs and printed with images that transform them into football fields or basketball courts. This all enhances the party atmosphere. It can be carried on around the room, onto the walls, or lightup bars for a multi-dimensional effect.

Interactive LED dance floors are also huge.

• Low-tech games at the beginning of the evening are having a surge in popularity, but are becoming more group-oriented to encourage the kids to interact with each other. We’re seeing over-sized table tennis tables that take up to 10 players, inflatable activities for multiple guests at a time, and six-person air hockey.

Janine Clements is a Westchester-based freelance writer who loves a good party.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Listings

Special Advertising Supplement

Événements LLC

Pine Brook Fitness

255 Huguenot St. New Rochelle 929-216-0885 evenementsrsvp.com info@evenementsrsvp.com Événements is an event planning company proudly serving Westchester and the tri-state area. Their desire is to help you create an event that “evokes the emotion of pure elation” by delivering your personal story and vision of life in a fun and affordable way. Specializing in weddings, religious events, showers, birthdays and much more, founder Carline JeanPierre and her team uses their passion for fine detailing and spirit to enable Événements to create the event of your dreams. As a fashion industry professional with more than 15 years of project management experience, she has a keen eye for merging the best of flavor and positive energy. Regardless of budget, Carline will provide one-on-one consultation to help you make your event truly unique and special.

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1019 pinebrookfitness.com Book your bar/bat mitzvah at Pine Brook Fitness and celebrate by climbing the walls at The Rock Club or hitting the courts at The New Rochelle Racquet Club and have a celebration to remember. They can accommodate up to 200 guests. Large or small, formal or informal, join them for your next event!

Funtime Amusements 914-773-1320 funtimeamusements.net One of the most highly referred event companies in Westchester, Funtime is a one-stop-shop for your event needs. Whether it’s a wedding, company picnic or house party, 40 plus years of experience ensures it will be a great event. They own, operate and maintain their rides, games and equipment for the highest safety.

Now celebrating their 25th anniversary! That is why they can say, “Don’t worry, be very happy.”

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Rockin' Jump Mount Kisco! �������������������������������������� ������������������������ ���������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ��������������

Rockin jump /Mt. Kisco 333 North Bedford Road Mt. Kisco 914-915-8723 rockinjump.com Celebrate an unforgettable event at Rockin’ Jump Mount Kisco! Invite friends to join in on the high flying FUN and create some amazing memories. Rockin’ Jump has the perfect staff who are dedicated to make sure your event goes smoothly, from set-up to clean-up. Visit them and book your birthday party, group event, or bar/ bat mitzvah TODAY! Don’t forget to mention this AD to get a FREE upgrade.

Lisa Prawer - Bergen County, NJ www.thetallislady.com info@thetallislady.com

The Tallis Lady 201-321-4995 thetallislady.com info@thetallislady.com Find beautiful, handmade and exquisite tallitot and other religious pieces from Lisa Prawer, the Tallis Lady.

Whether you are looking for a tallit for a bar or bat mitzvah, tallit clips or a one of a kind kippah, the Tallis Lady has it all. Each piece displays incredible artistry and will be cherished for years.

w w w. F u n t i m e A m u s e m e n t s . c o m

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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Spotlight: Bar/Bat mitzvah

Adding Meaning to Bar & Bat Mitzvah Ceremonies

By Stacey Pfeffer

B

edazzled sneakers, swanky swag for the kids, signature cocktails for the adults – today’s modern b’nai mitzvah in the 914 are a far cry from the celebrations of our parent’s generation. While the party may have many details, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that what comes before the party, the bar or bat mitzvah, is both a religious ceremony and a rite of passage that should be imbued with significance. We spoke with three local clergy members who offer advice on how to make this special moment in time more meaningful for families.

Focus on the process Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe, the Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, a Reform synagogue, believes that all too often families tend to equate Jewish education with b’nai mitzvah preparation.

“It can be viewed as a teach to the test model with the ceremony being viewed as a one-off event and the graduation taking place with that child’s time on the bimah that day. It is a dangerous model,” warns Jaffe. “I am less interested in what happens with the student on the bimah and more interested in the long-term meaning from the process (which takes on average a year to prepare for) and how that student emerges through the process,” says Jaffe.

Rabbi Stacy Bergman is an independent rabbi unaffiliated with a synagogue who conducts roughly 30 to 35 b’nai mitzvah ceremonies a year throughout the tri-state area. She also places a strong emphasis on the process. When she meets with families initially she explains, “This is a moment in time where I want the kids to work hard enough to feel they have accomplished something and that they deserve to be celebrated. I want them to look back on the experience and somehow feel transformed.”

At Conservative Temple Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale led by Rabbi Adam Baldachin, each family meets with him at least four times during the process which he calls a “journey” and those families have monthly b’nai mitzvah workshops where they have

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deeper conversations about what it means to be a bar/bat mitzvah and what that means for that child’s Jewish identity. “I want the students to think what does it mean to be a Jewish adult within the larger context of community?”

The communal aspect of the ceremony For anyone who has ever attended a bar/bat mitzvah ceremony, it is easy to observe that this is also a communal celebration. “This is a moment where the community comes together to support the child and help that child emerge to be the leader they can be. The ceremony is also an opportunity to see the child in a different light for school friends, adds Baldachin.

Rabbi Jaffe hopes that the bar/bat mitzvah child learns to feel comfortable within a synagogue environment and consider the synagogue community as their home. As students prepare for their ceremony, he asks them to think about how

this process will be useful in their lives going forward.

“I ask them on the day of your ceremony when you are leading the congregation in Hebrew and reading from the Torah, what do you think is happening at a synagogue in France? I want them to understand that they are engaging in a global celebration of Jewish identity that transcends not just time but also space. The foundational blocks of the Jewish people are learned through the b’nai mitzvah process so that if that same student studies abroad in Madrid during college and enters a synagogue, they will feel comfortable and welcome in that space and be treated like family instead of a tourist.”

All of the rabbis interviewed emphasized how important it was for them to develop a personal relationship with the bar/bat mitzvah child and their family. Bergman said the many meetings she holds with the families prior to the big day help her understand family dynamics. “I am thoughtful as to how we should include those family members in the service whether they say a blessing at the service or pass the Torah to many generations of the family present during the ceremony. I think of ways to personalize each service.”

Looking at the bigger picture “There is an ancient phrase that I use often during this process that essentially says out of pain comes reward,” explains Baldachin.

His synagogue offers a lot of support so that the child’s anxiety and stress is minimized.

“We want the child to see that when they are committed to something and they put in the effort to something that seems unattainable, it is actually achievable.”

“I like to couch the bar/bat mitzvah as an opening ritual or springboard to guide the child through adolescence, a formative time in the child’s life. The bar/bat mitzvah ceremony will push them out of their comfort zone but also teach them about their own strength and build confidence. It is a moment to say we love you, we believe in you, we are thrilled for you – you are not alone. There is an entire community and world that values you,” sums up Jaffe.

Stacey Pfeffer is a writer/editor living in Northern Westchester with her three kids and rescue dog plus a menagerie of ducks, deer, and chipmunks in her backyard. When she isn’t meeting deadlines, she can be found running with her dog or trying to concoct an edible meal for her family.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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ask the specialist

Do You Have Mommy Wrist?

Treatment and prevention for thumb tendonitis

and more an “aggravation of a painful condition that is already present,” Badia says.

Conservative therapy approaches such as anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and splinting are normally the first lines of treatment for the condition. However, surgery may be required in cases of persistent disease and pain, Badia says.

Most recently, in a December 2019 study published in Musculoskeletal Surgery, investigators state that “surgical release of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis remains the gold standard treatment.”

Badia agrees. “The surgical procedure is easy to perform and readily done on an outpatient basis.”

Recovery is quick, with patients having immediate use of their hand, although the return to heavy manual work or sports-related activities, including workouts in the gym, might be delayed two-to-three weeks,” he states.

By Alejandro Badia, M.D.

B

ecoming a mother has its share of joys and challenges.

Now it seems like it has its share of pain as well, specifically for women with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a thumb-tendon disorder. The disorder can mean sheer pain, according to orthopedic surgeon Alejandro Badia, M.D., who says the condition limits a person’s ability to grasp, grip, and pinch; inhibits the use of the hand; and limits the range of motion in the wrist.

Mommy wrist De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is characterized by inflammation and swelling of two main tendons that pass through a narrow tunnel located on the thumb side of the wrist and control thumb movement, explains Badia. He is a specialist in treating musculoskeletal disorders of the hands, wrists, and other upper limbs.

Named after Swiss surgeon Fritz de Quervain, the disorder is sometimes referred to as “mommy wrist” because it occurs eight-to-10 times more frequently in women and its development is linked to post-partum hormonaland fluid-shift changes — not to activities involving carrying, changing or feeding the new baby, as some experts contend, Badia states.

“Hormonal changes after a woman gives birth can lead to thickening and water retention of the tenosynovium, the sheath covering the thumb’s tendons, which are located in what is an anatomically-tight tunnel or compartment,” he says.

Experts concur. For example, authors of a report in the journal, Hand, contend that “soft-tissue edema, fluid retention, and ligamentous laxity are common effects of pregnancy, [and these] can impact the [body’s] inflammatory response” and lead to conditions like thumb tendonitis.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes tendons as “rope-like structures that attach muscle to bone and are covered by a slippery thin soft-tissue layer — the synovium.” The synovium is what enables

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

the thumb tendons to glide readily through the tunnel. Any swelling or thickening of the tendons impacts their movement and can cause pain, says Badia.

Symptoms and treatment Common symptoms of the disorder are pain and swelling at the base of the thumb or on the thumb side of the wrist, a sensation of “sticking” or “snapping” when moving the thumb and difficulty or pain, including pain that travels up the forearm, when attempting to grasp or “pinch” something forcefully.

Physicians can diagnose the problem using ultrasound or simply applying physical pressure to the affected area by causing deviation of the wrist while maintaining the patient’s thumb in a fully flexed position, a technique called Finkelstein’s test.

Some scientists believe that advanced technology, including frequent use of the thumb to punch out text messages or play video games, is one reason for a growing prevalence of de Quervain’s tenosynovitis — or tendonitis.

At least one medical journal has referred to the problem as “texting tenosynovitis.” But repetitive movements involving the thumb, including work-related activities like extended typing on a computer keyboard, gardening, and carpentry are less a “cause” of the disorder

Prevention Of course, the best treatment for de Quervain’s tenosynovitis is prevention, Badia says. He offers these tips to limit risk for developing the disease: • Avoid awkward or unnatural wrist positions and alignments when engaged in work or recreational activities.

• Take frequent breaks from tasks requiring repetitive movement.

• Do exercises to enhance the strength and mobility of wrist joints and hands.

• Use other fingers, not just the thumb, for keystrokes when typing or texting.

• Follow the guidelines of good nutrition and get ample sleep. A healthy lifestyle helps keep joints, ligaments, and tendons lubricated and can provide them with the necessary nutrients to repair and rebuild themselves.

“Above all, for any joint problems or other musculoskeletal disorder, contact an orthopedic specialist,” Badia emphasizes.

Alejandro Badia, M.D., FACS, is a hand and upper-limb surgeon and founder of Badia Hand to Shoulder Center and OrthoNOW®, a walk-in orthopedic care clinic. He specializes in treating all problems related to the hand and upper extremities. drbadia.com.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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Let’s go

Slime of

the Times

The new Sloomoo Institute in Soho features a DIY slime bar and lots more sensory fun

By Hester Aba

S

loomoo Institute, New York’s first and only slime “museum” in Soho, Manhattan, has been generating a ton of buzz among moms and dads searching for fun indoor things to do with kids in New York.

We went to check out this new venue to see whether it lives up to the hype and to understand whether a whole experiential space dedicated to slime could entertain both me and my 9-year-old daughter.

Your arrival Sloomoo, which is located on Broadway near Canal Street Subway Station, is in a regular storefront, meaning you can see inside from the street. However, you don’t get a sense of just how big the 8,000 square foot space is until you “check-in,” as only Sloomoo’s retail area is visible from the outside. You can enter the Sloomoo store to purchase slime and slime accessories (yup, that’s a thing) without needing a ticket.

After checking in with a welcoming staff member, you are given a sticker with your “slime name” which is just your name with all the vowels changed to “oo”, so my name was “Hoostoor”. All Sloomoo staff members are dressed in colorful jumpsuits covered in cute patches (also available for purchase). Once you receive your sticker, you can line up to enter the main experience space as they (sensibly!) control the flow of people to ensure the space doesn’t get overcrowded. Visitors are encouraged to sanitize their hands before playing with any of the slime exhibits, and you can then set off on your slime journey.

What you’ll find Different masses or lumps of slime are displayed in sink-like ceramic containers around Sloomoo Institute, each with the type of slime, color, and scent noted on a caption on the wall next to it. You can reach

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in and play with the slime, and kids do this enthusiastically, with the adults around me being a lot more tentative. It’s definitely enjoyable from a sensory perspective though as my daughter’s default speed setting through any kind of museum is “sprint,” I couldn’t slow down and enjoy playing as much as I would have liked!

Aside from the individual slime stations, there are several other fun components to Sloomoo Institute, including a glow-in-thedark slime tent, an EEG machine where you can see your brain “on slime” and an area where (if you buy a premium ticket) you can have slime rain down on you while the Sloomoo song is played. Or as we decided to do, you can just watch other people getting slimed, which is much more enjoyable!

Your chance to DIY The highlight of the Sloomoo Institute for us was the 150-foot “DIY bar” where you can custom-create your very own slime to take home. You start by picking your texture of slime by touching un-colored samples, which is when you realize that the different slime exhibits were actually opportunities to discover what your favorite kind of slime is.

My daughter and I chose the “glossy” slime type, which actually ended up being a little bit sticky, so I’d probably recommend trying a different type. After you’ve chosen your slime texture, you’re handed a plastic tub with your plain slime in it, and move along to choosing the scent for your slime.

Demeter Fragrance Library has provided all of the scents for the slime bar, so they’re genuinely delightful, and if you’re not under too much pressure from people behind you in line, it’s fun to smell many before making your choice and some of the fragrance is dropped into your tub! Next up is choosing the color for your slime, which you can do from a color menu from around 40 different options.

The powdered color is also popped into your tub. Then you can choose “charms” for your slime, which was genuinely confusing and my daughter got a bit upset at the idea of getting these really lovely charms covered in slime so we ended up not choosing any at all. I think the charms really only work if you have chosen clear slime initially, otherwise, you’ll just end up with hard, lumpy pieces in your slime. I felt that was the one part of the Sloomoo experience that didn’t quite make sense, or perhaps just wasn’t communicated very well.

The Sloomoo Institute has a window to the street, and extends to a huge 8,000-squarefoot space that includes a glow-in-the-dark slime tent (above) and the walkable “Lake Sloomoo” (right).

Once you’ve made all your choices, you’re ushered into a room with different desk stations to mix up your slime, which is done by hand with an assist from another jumpsuit-clad team member. At this stage, both my daughter and I did get some slime and color on our clothing, so I’d recommend not wearing your very best clothes to Sloomoo, and wearing sleeves that can easily roll up. Slime will come out of clothing with a bit of vinegar, or you can just do as I did and wait for it to try before picking it off.

More fun After we had finished making our slime, we headed to an area where you can actually take your shoes off and walk on slime. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it at first but my daughter insisted, and it was surprisingly pleasant if you don’t think too much about other peoples’ feet!

The final stop before heading out is to

walk through the gift shop where you can buy slime and slime accessories (little packs of glitter and balls for example that you can mix in with your slime). We had been in Sloomoo for almost exactly one hour, which I think would be about the average if you were moving at a reasonably swift pace. My daughter gave it two thumbs up and said she had loved it. She has also played with her slime several times since we visited.

From my point of view, it’s a fun outing for a special treat, and as an adult, there is definitely enough to keep you engaged. Sloomoo has started doing adult-only “Sip and Slime” events as well as events incorporating CBD which I can imagine being very fun!

Hester Aba lives in Brooklyn with her two daughters and dachshund Nutmeg. She is the

Creative Director-at-Large for New York Family and also runs her design agency Delilah Creative.

She loves traveling, fitness, and dim sum.

When You Go …

Sloomoo Institute 475 Broadway, between Broome and Grand Streets, New York, N.Y. sloomooinstitute.com Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission: General admission, $38, includes an 8-ounce custom slime.

Additional $30 for the Sloomoo Falls Experience where clothing gear is supplied and slime rains down on you.

Tickets: Available online at sloomooinstitute.com.

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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WESTCHESTER FAMILY NEW YORK FAMILY

YOU’RE INVITED Meet the directors and representatives of some of the best day camps and sleep away camps all under one roof.

Sending your child to camp is a big decision — make sure you select the right camp!

Children are welcome to attend.

MARCH 7, 2020

YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester 515 North Street, White Plains From Noon to 3 p.m.

To register and see which camps are attending visit: WestchesterFamily.com/CampFair 34

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

calendar March

By Marissa Rodriguez

The Princess, 2018 Cotton, chiffon, lace and satin 70 x 46 in. (177.8 x 116.8 cm) Collection of Bob and Jane Clark

Bisa Butler: Portraits The exhibition “Bisa Butler: Portraits” features 25 vivid and larger-than-life textile pieces that capture African American identity and culture. The vibrant portraits of African American life and the tales the quilts tell are largely based on photographs from which Butler takes inspiration. She creates a story around each image and in her choice of fabrics she uses texture, color and the cultural origin of the cloth as part of a personal iconography that makes statements about society and identity. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10am-5pm; Sundays, noon-5pm. March 15-June14. For all ages. $10 adults, $5 students, children under 12 free. Reservations not required.

calendar What’s Inside Editor’s Pick: Jurassic World Live ���������������38 Editor’S Pick: Free Camp Fair ���������������������� 40 Animal Fun in Winter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 #StPatricksDay �������������������������������������������������42 Get Artsy �����������������������������������������������������������43 City Picks ���������������������������������������������������������� 44

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

March 2020 | Westchester Family

35

calendar

march

1 Sunday

● ● CMS Kids, Who is Brahms? See City Picks page 44.

✪ Extreme Maple Sugaring.

Get access to the behind-thescenes maple operation. Help collect the sap run of the day, see how much syrup has been made so far for the season, and learn how get from sap to syrup. After, partake in a maple syrup taste test challenge and try a variety of infused maple syrups. End the day with ice cream topped with maple syrup. 3-4:30pm.

For all ages. $8. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd. Stamford, Conn. 203-3221646. stamfordmuseum.org.

● ● ● Family Sundays: Totem Pole. Each member of your family can choose and create an animal that represents them. After, combine them into your family totem pole.

3-4pm. Ages 2-8. $25/child.

Reservations required. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914-7239229. youngatartworkshop.com.

✪ Playtime at The Palace: Bossy Frog. The Bossy Frog Band thrills young audiences with their interactive, over-thetop, banjo-driven, costumecharacter-dancing musical performance. The Bossy Frog Band includes Jeffrey on lead vocals, banjo and guitar, Alice the hula-hooping fiddler, Joe

Dario Trevino

Learn some Spanish during the creative and interactive show, 1 2 3 Andres. See March 14. on bass and costume characters Bossy Frog, Monkey and Crabby.

3pm. For all ages. $12.50.

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

2 Monday

● ● The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites. Three beloved stories

by Eric Carle, award-winning children’s book illustrator and author, are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly. High up in the sky, “Little Cloud”

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

Calendar Submissions & Approvals: For Print: • Send to calendar@westchesterfamily.com.

Include: Dates, times, location, address, event description, ages, cost, phone, website.

• Information to be considered for the April 2020 calendar must reach us by March 31, 2020.

For Online Calendar: • Visit WestchesterFamily.com. Click the “Post Your Own Event” link beneath the calendar image on our home page and submit your event. Online postings appear approximately 48 hours after approval.

Please call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations of all events.

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

playfully transforms into various creatures, including a sheep, an airplane, and a shark. “The Mixed-Up Chameleon” is bored with his life, but following an adventurous trip to the zoo he realizes that there is value in his own unique self. 10am & noon. Ages 3 and up. $11.25 $42.50. Reservations required.

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

Key to suggested ages

● baby & me ● toddler ● preschool ● elementary

school

● older kids ✪ families ✖ adults

MARCH

W O R L D

C L A S S .

R I G H T

H E R E !

1 2 3 ANDRÉS

WITH US

SAT, MAR 14 @ 11AM & 1:30PM

Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés get the whole family dancing and learning, in Spanish and English. All ages

FOR HEALTHY MOMS AND STRONG BABIES

MARCH

THE PEKING ACROBATS®

SUN, MAR 29 @ 1:30PM & 4PM

Two babies die every hour in the U.S. And about every 12 hours a woman dies as a result of complications from pregnancy. It’s not fine.

But together we can do something about it.

WITH US

MARCH

FOR HEALTHY MOMS AND STRONG BABIES

WITH US

World renowned acrobatic troupe of stage, television and film.

All Ages

JUDY MOODY & STINK SUN, APR 19 @ 11AM & 1:30PM

Hilarious new musical adventure based on award-winning book series

by Megan McDonald. Ages 4+

Two babies die every hour in the U.S. And about every 12 hours a woman dies as a result of complications from pregnancy. It’s not fine.

But together we can do something about it.

Peckham Industries, Inc.

MARCH

FOR HEALTHY MOMSFOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO AND STRONG BABIESEMELIN.ORG | 914.698.0098

WITH US

Two babies die every hour in the U.S. And about every 12 hours a woman dies as a result of complications from pregnancy. It’s not fine.

But together we can do something about it.

FOR HEALTHY MOMS AND STRONG BABIES Two babies die every hour in the U.S. And about every 12 hours a woman dies as a result of complications from pregnancy. It’s not fine.

But together we can do something about it.

APRIL 26, 2020

SAXON WOODS POOL WHITE PLAINS REGISTRATION 9:00 am WALK 10:00 am

Experience xp perien nc Something Real

For Kids of All Ages Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sunday, March 1, 3pm

SIGN UP at MarchforBabies.org

APRIALP2R6 20020 IL, 2260 ,2

SAXONSAW ONOWDOSOPDO OOLOL XO SP AIPTREIW LPH 2L6 ,EI2N 0LS 2A0INS I T P WH A SAXON WOODS POOL

PLAN INS:00 am REGW ISHTIT REA WTAILO K 109 :00 am REK GI1 S0 TR:A ION 9:00 am WAL 0T0 am WALK 10:00 am

REGISTRATION 9:00 am

SIGN UP at MarchforBabies.org

SIGN UP at MarchforBabies.org

SIGN UP at MarchforBabies.org

Three beloved stories by Eric Carle come to life through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. Ages 2+

A Cappella Live!

Sunday, March 15, 3pm

The Filharmonic + Committed + Blake Lewis + Women of the World Four top a cappella acts on one stage, from the producer of Pitch Perfect and The Sing-Off. Teens & tweens

Treehouse Shakers The Boy Who Grew Flowers Sunday, March 22, 3pm

Dance-theatre adaptation of the popular children’s book uses shadow puppetry, music, and movement to tell a magical story of diversity, empathy, and individualism. Ages 4+

Black Violin Friday, March 27, 8pm

Dynamic, stereotype-smashing duo on violin & viola, plus DJ and drums. Classical boom. Teens & tweens

A Simple Space Gravity and Other Myths Saturday, May 2, 7pm

Seven acrobats push their physical limits in this performance that is simultaneously raw, frantic,and delicate. Get up close to the action with on-stage seating! Ages 6+

Regional partner National partners

National partners

Regional partner

Tickets for kids 16 +under are always 50% off the regular price!

Regional partner © 2019 March of Dimes

© 2019 March of Dimes

914-251-6200

www.artscenter.org

© 2019 March of Dimes

partners

Regional partner

March 2020 | Westchester Family

37

calendar

march

artscenter.org.

required.Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St. Port Chester. 914-9372047. clayartcenter.org.

Editor’ s Pick

✪ Weekly Winter Walks. No need to hibernate.

Drop in for a relaxed, guided tour that connects with nature.

9:30-10:30am. Today and March 9. For all ages. Reservations not required. Sheldrake Environmental Center, 685 Weaver St. Larchmont. 914-8341443. sheldrakecenter.org.

● ● Home Depot Kids Workshop. A hands-on workshop where all children get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a workshop apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. 9am-noon. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Home Depot, 3101 E. Main St. Mohegan Lake. 914-528-1539. homedepot.com.

3 Tuesday

● ● Bruce Beginnings. Bruce Beginnings takes the youngest visitors through the museum and gets them exploring various art collections. Children hear a story and do a related handson activity. 11-11:45am. Today and March 10, 17, 24 & 31.

Ages 2-5. Free with museum admission, $10 adults, $8 children. Reservations required.

Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Greenwich, Conn. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org. ● Caregiver and Me Pop-Ins. Toddlers have fun with a farm story, craft, and a walk through the farm. 11am-noon. Today and March 10, 17 & 24. Ages 3-5. $5.

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

4 Wednesday

● ● ● Dr. Seuss Day. Celebrate this special day with some Dr. Seuss stories, crafts and a Dr. Seuss snack.

3:45-4:45pm. Ages 4 and up.

Reservations required. Irvington Public Library, 12 South Astor St. Irvington. 914-591-7840. irvingtonlibrary.org.

Courtesy photo

Be part of the action during the Jurassic World Live Tour.

Jurassic World Live ✪ Jurassic World Live Tour is a live entertainment experience for the entire family that is rooted within the Jurassic World franchise complete with life-sized dinosaurs, heroes and villains. Throughout their journey, heroic male and female characters are faced with obstacles that are overcome through pulse-pounding stunts and action-packed fight sequences that deliver edge-of-your-seat entertainment. March 5 & 6, 7pm; March 7, 11am & 3pm; March 8, noon & 4pm. For all ages. $30$175. Reservations required. Webster Bank Arena, 600 Main St. Bridgeport, Conn. 800-745-3000. websterbankarena.com.

not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave. Norwalk, Conn. 203-8990606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

5 Thursday ● Caregiver and Me Book and Cook Pop-Ins. Help farmer Brandy cook in the kitchen and listen to some fun stories. 11am1pm. Today and March 12, 19 & 26. Ages 3-5. $5. Reservations required. Muscoot Farm, 51 Rte. 100, Katonah. 914-864-7286. muscootfarm.org.

● ● ● Storytellers. Take part in an interactive series of stories specifically curated from BooZoo’s™ Best Booklist, which increases your child’s understanding of the museum’s featured themes. 9:30am. Today and March 11, 18 & 25. For all ages. Free with admission, $15 adults and children. Reservations

38

Stay for playtime afterwards.

10:15am. Today and March 13, 20 & 27. Ages 5 and under. Free with admission, $26.95 adults, $19.95 children 3-12, children under 3 free. Reservations not requiredThe Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Norwalk, Conn. 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

✪ Jurassic World Live Tour.

See Editor’s Pick page 38.

7 Saturday ● ● ✖ Drop In Clay.

✪ Jurassic World Live Tour.

See Editor’s Pick page 38.

6 Friday

● Fish Tales. Each storytime features books, songs and games that encourage children’s emerging language skills.

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Explore your inner artist in this introductory class lead by professional ceramic artists that guide themed handbuilding projects. No experience necessary. 1-3pm & 3:305:30pm. March 7, 14, 21 & 28.

Ages 5 and up. $30 adult, $20 children under 12. Reservations

✪ Indoor Peekskill Winter Farmers’ Market. A winter indoor Farmers’ Market filled with your favorite farms bringing the best in local produce. Also includes, certified organic options, pickles and olives, gluten free options, and prepared foods. Farms also offer pasture fed protein including poultry, pork, chicken, eggs, and beef. Hear performances from local musicians, lessons from top chefs in local restaurants, author readings, demonstrations with fitness and health practitioners, and regularly scheduled Music and Me classes. 10am-2pm.

Today and March 14, 21 & 28.

For all ages. Registration not required. Peekskill Youth Bureau, 828 Main St. Peekskill. 914-7372780. discoverpeekskill.com. ✪ Jurassic World Live Tour.

See Editor’s Pick page 38. ✪ Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits Solo Show. Listen and watch bestselling, awardwinning children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner, the uncrowned queen of children’s music. 11am-noon. For all ages. $25- $100. Reservations required. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St. Peekskill. 914-739-0039. paramounthudsonvalley.com. ✪ Pack Chat for Kids. This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids learn about the

mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. This is an exciting time for wolves; they are out searching for prey as they prepare for the birth of this year’s pups. Guests visit Ambassador Wolves Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr, and possibly the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves as well. Dress for cold weather. Today and March 14, 2pm; March 8 & 29, 11am, March 21, 22 & 28, 3pm. For all ages. $14 adults, $11 children under 12. Reservations required.

Wolf Conservation Center, South Salem. 914-753-2373. nywolf.org.

free. Reservations not required.

The Maritime Aquarium, 10 N. Water St. Norwalk, Conn. 203852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org.

● ● ● Young Families Purim Celebration. Celebrate Purim with your children through story, song, snacks, crafts, and a brief joyful service.

After, enjoy a Purim carnival with games. 10:45am. Ages 1-8.

Carnival game tickets are 4 for $1 or 25 for $5. Reservations not required. Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave. East, Rye. 914-967-4382. congregationemanuel.org.

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✪ Eagles Out. See Animal Fun ✪ Westchester Family’s Spring

in Winter page 41.

2020 Camp Fair. See Editor’s Pick page 40.

✪ Jurassic World Live Tour.

8 Sunday

✪ Learning to Look® Family Gallery Tour. Families are able to engage in conversations about the arts, sciences, and do handson activities based on Learning to Look ®. 11:30am. Today and March 15 & 22. Ages 5 and up.

Free with admission to museum, $10 adults, $8 children, under 5 free. Reservations not required.

Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Greenwich, Conn. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org. ✪ LEGO Weekend. Help create an enormous ocean scene using everyone’s favorite building blocks during “LEGO® Weekend”. LEGO experts from Play-Well TEKnologies are on-hand both days to oversee a big fun coral-reef scene made entirely out of LEGO blocks in Newman’s Own Hall. The experts create the underwater environment, but it needs animals. Aquarium guests build small LEGO creatures that become part of the finished piece. Choose from such marine life as a jellyfish, seal, shark, stingray, turtle and fish, or build an animal unknown to science.

10am-5pm. $26.95 adults, $19.95 children 3-12. Children under 3

See Editor’s Pick page 38.

✪ Northern Westchester Putnam Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. See #StPatrick’sDay page 42.

9 Monday

● ✖ New Parents

& Infants Support Group.

Companionship, community, advice, and support for new parents and pregnant women.

Join when you can and leave when you need to. Dads and siblings welcome. 11am-1pm.

For all ages. Reservations not required. Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave. Ossining. 914-9412416. ossininglibrary.org.

● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. A storytime featuring songs and crafts. Reading together strengthens the parentchild bond and promotes early literacy, leading to success in school and in life. 4pm. Today and March 16, 23 & 30. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Barnes & Noble, 3089 E Main St. Mohegan Lake. 914-528-6275. https://stores.barnesandnoble. com/store/2897

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march

10 Tuesday

✪ Purim in Outer Space. Get into the Purim spirit and enjoy an out of this world experience.

Munch on Ha-moon-tashens and glow in the dark cotton candy. Participate in an interactive Megillah reading and watch an LED C02 robot and laser show. 5:15pm. For all ages. $25 suggested donation per family, $10 single. Reservations not required. Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry. 914-693-6100. chabadrt. org. ● ● ● Gymboree Stay & Play. This monthly program sponsored by PJ Library (programming for families raising Jewish children), includes, free and structured play, snack time, coloring time, PJ Library Storytime, Gymboree bubbles and songs.

9:45-11:15am. Ages 5 and under. Reservations required at marissapjlibrary.com.Gymboree Play & Music, 36361 Hill Blvd.

Jefferson Valley.

11 Wednesday

● ● Storytime. Active youngsters and their caregivers explore “Derrick Adams: Buoyant,” and hear stories about swimming and family fun.

11:30am. Today and March 25.

Ages birth-5. Reservations not required. Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave. Yonkers. 914963-4550. hrm.org.

● ● ● Storytellers. See March 4.

12 Thursday

● ● Storytime with a Twist. This group combines movement, music and mostly just fun. Parents and children are welcome to stay and play afterwards during open studio time until 10am. 9-9:45am.

Today and March 19 & 26.

Ages 1.5- 4. Reservations not required.Seven Star School

40

Editor’ s Pick

Spring 2020 Camp Fair ✪ Trying to find the perfect summer camp for your children?

Come to the 2020 Westchester Family Camp Fair and get all the information you need to make the right decision. Camp directors and representatives from many of the best day camps and sleepaway camps are ready to meet you and answer all your questions. Children are welcome to attend! Noon- 3pm.

March 7. For all ages. Free event. Reservations required at WestchesterFamily.com/CampFair. YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, 515 North St. White Plains.

Animals abound from the tropical rain forests to the driest deserts. Discover what makes a habitat unique and perfect for the incredible animals that live there. Meet animals from the rain forest, desert, and their very own temperate forest.

1pm. For all ages. Reservations not required. Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, 100 Playland Pkwy. Rye. friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary. org.

✪ Kids Fleadh. See City Picks page 44.

✪ Saint Patrick’s Day White Plains. See #StPatrick’sDay page 42. of Performing Arts, 509 NY312, Brewster. 845-278-0728. sevenstarschool.com.

● ● Toddler Time. Parents, grandparents, and caretakers are able to bounce around with their little ones on all of the courts without the worry of older children. TuesdaysFridays, 10:30am; Sundays, 9am.

Ages 5 and under. $12/child.

Reservations not required. Jumpz Trampoline Sports Danbury, 21 Prindle Ln. Danbury, Conn. 203942-2449. jumpzdanbury.com.

13 Friday

✪ Cuentos y Canciones.

Stories and songs in English and Spanish, for families of all ages. Cuentos y canciones en inglés y español, para familias de todas las edades. 10:30am.

Today and March 21 & 28.

For all ages. Reservations not required.Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown. 914-6317734. warnerlibrary.org. ● ● School’s Out Camp.

School is out so kids can enjoy a full day of activities that includes, basketball, kickball, pillow hockey, soccer and swimming. Take a packed lunch or purchase from the café.

Early drop-off and late pick-up available from 8am-6:30pm

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

for an additional $10 per day.

9:30am-3:30pm. Ages 5-12. $90.

Reservations required. Club Fit, 600 Bank Rd, Jefferson Valley.

914-245-4040. clubfit.com/ jefferson-valley/class/schools-outcamp.

14 Saturday

✪ 1 2 3 Andres. ¿Dónde está Juana? Where is she? There’s only one way to find out: come sing and dance your way through the Americas, searching for Juana and learning some Spanish along the way. 1 2 3 Andrés blends Spanish and English seamlessly into this bilingual story with themes of empathy and friendship. 11am & 1:30pm.

For all ages. $20 adult, $15 children. Reservations required.

Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln. Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098. emelin.org.

✪ Build Your Own Nesting Box. The return of spring means the return of our feathered friends. Build a nesting box for blue jays and other common backyard birds. Materials provided. 1pm. Ages 5 and up. $15. Reservations required.

Rye Nature Center, 873 Boston Post Rd. Rye. 914-967-5150. ryenaturecenter.org. ✪ Discover Ecosystems.

15 Sunday

✪ Feeding Fun. See Animal Fun in Winter page 41. ✪ Playtime at The Palace: Magic & Beyond. This show entertains with hilarious stunts of apparent mindreading, an incredible illusion where a table mysteriously floats around the stage and out into the audience.

Also, “dangerous” stunts, a beautiful and artistic illusion involving ordinary hula hoops that perform extraordinary magic and a hilarious Houdinistyle “Escape Challenge.” 3pm.

For all ages. $12.50. Reservations required. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, Conn. 203325-4466. palacestamford.org. ✪ The Paper Bag Players. See City Picks page 44.

● Zoo Career Explorers Meeting. Investigate zoo careers from animal care to development and marketing, to visitor services and maintenance to zoo director. Explorers attend career workshops with hands-on activities, take part in job shadows, develop a public presentation, and create a year-end project. 9:30am-noon.

Ages 14-18. $120. Reservations required. Connecticut’s

Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Bridgeport, Conn. 203-394-6565. beardsleyzoo.org.

16 Monday

✪ ACCESS-ability. Stepping Stones modifies their learning environment through light and sound adjustments and limit visitation to create a supportive, sensory-friendly experience for individuals with sensory processing differences and other special needs. Regular programs and workshops feature community professionals and/or partner organizations that share their knowledge and expertise.

2-5pm. For all ages. Free with admission price, $15 adults and children. Reservations not required. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave. Norwalk, Conn. 203-8990606. steppingstonesmuseum.org. ● ● Storytime with Mr. Ben. See March 9.

17 Tuesday

● Caregiver and Me Pop-Ins. See March 3.

✪ St Patrick’s Day Discount.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day and time to promote your green at the Zoo. Anyone in the Irish spirit wearing green receives 15% off the price of admission. 9am4pm. For all ages. $12.75 adults, $10.20 children ages 3-11, under 3 free. Reservations not required.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave. Bridgeport, Conn.

203-394-6565. beardsleyzoo.org.

18 Wednesday

✪ Free Day at Bronx Zoo. Visit all the animals at the Bronx Zoo with free general admission. Donations are welcome to help support operating costs, and to aid the work in caring for the animals.

10am-4:30pm. Today and March 25. For all ages. Reservations not required. The Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., between East

Animal Fun in Winter

march

calendar

Greenburgh Nature Center

Find out what different animals eat and feed them a meal at Greenburgh Nature Center.

✪ Eagles Out. Can you spot one of these amazing birds? Meet at the Echo Bay Boat Launch in Croton and continue to sites along the Hudson to view eagles and waterfowl. Be prepared to carpool. 9-11am. March 8. For all ages. Reservations required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd. Ossining. 914-762-2912 x110. teatown.org. ✪ Family Art Project: Protective Powers of Animal Armor. How do you protect yourself? Take a cue from nature and mimic the protective armor of turtles, armadillos, lobsters, sturgeon and hedgehogs. Parade in your armor and choreograph a boundary dance, showcasing what you’ve learned from animals about how to protect yourself.

10am-1pm. March 22. For all ages. Free with admission, $10 adults, $4 children 6-18, under 6 free. Reservations not required. Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave. Bronx. 718-549-3200.

182nd Street, Bronx. 718-3671010. bronxzoo.com

● ● ● Story Time with Miss Jenny. Visit the bookstore and hear a children’s book read by Jenny. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10-11am. Ages 1.5 and up. Reservations not

wavehill.org.

✪ Feeding Fun. It’s mealtime for the animals. Join naturalists for a hand-on program and learn about the care that goes into feeding the indoor animals as well as the bird of prey and barnyard.

1-2pm. March 15 & 28. For all ages. $8.

Reservations not required. Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd. Scarsdale.

914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

● ● Jr. Keepers: Otters. Give your future zookeeper an otter-ly amazing experience during this program focusing on otters. Participants get up-close with the animals, and practice the skills it takes to care for wild animals.

Afterwards, visit the “Jungle World” exhibit and meet a real zookeeper.

9am-noon. March 28. Ages 8-11. $55.

Reservations required. The Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., between East 182nd Street, Bronx. 718-367-1010. bronxzoo.com

required. Andersons Larchmont, 96 Chatsworth Ave. Larchmont.

914-834-6900. andersonsbooksny. com.

19 Thursday

● ✪ ✖ Ballet Des Ameriques/ Evenings of Dance in

Westchester. A series of performances created by renowned choreographer Carole Alexis for Ballet des Amériques, the Westchesterbased dance company that is quickly making a name for itself on the global stage. Featuring pieces from the company’s

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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22 Sunday

eclectic repertoire as well as new works, these evenings are sure to delight dance aficionados, casual fans and those new to the art, revealing the brilliance of truly original choreography performed by spirited dancers. 7pm. $25. For all ages. Reservations required.

Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln. Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098. emelin.org.

20 Friday

✪ Winter Astronomy Nights.

Observe the winter skies from the Farmhouse. Using portable telescopes, astronomers share the best happenings in the sky with visitors. Rain cancels program.

8-9:30pm. For all ages. $5 adults, $3 children. Reservations not required. Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd. Stamford, Conn. 203-3221646. stamfordmuseum.org.

21 Saturday

✪ Celebrate Spring Hike.

As the snow melts and days get longer, trees bud out and wildflowers begin adding a glimmer of color to the forest landscape. Enjoy a naturalist guided hike to uncover signs of spring as plants and animals begin to wake up from the winter. 10am. For all ages. $7 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required. Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd. Cornwall.

845-534-5506. hhnm.org. ● ● Family Free Night. Enjoy a night with your family. MHCM is open late and admission is free. 5pm. Ages

42

Courtesy photo

Visit festive parades on St. Patrick’s Day. Can you spot a leprechaun?

#StPatricksDay

✪ Third Thursday Program. Visit KMA on the third Thursday with free admission to the Museum.

10am-5pm. For all ages.

Reservations not required.

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

✪ Family Art Project: Protective Powers of Animal Armor. See Animal Fun in Winter page 41.

✪ Northern Westchester Putnam Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Watch the 44th annual Northern Westchester Putnam Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Mahopac. Parade begins with the Pledge of Allegiance at 1:30pm. Grand Marshal is Elizabeth “Liz” Flannery. Rain or shine. 2pm.

March 8. For all ages. Reservations not required.

Mahopac, Corner of Route 6 and Croton Falls Road Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department 741 US Route 6, Mahopac. ✪ St. Patrick’s Day White Plains. Listen to bagpipes, live music and entertainment. Watch the local community march at the 23rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Noon. March 14. For all ages. Reservations not required. White Plains, Mamaroneck Avenue - Old Mamaroneck Road intersection - ending at City Hall, White Plains. whiteplainssaintpatricksday.com/parade-info. ✪ Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade. Enjoy a sea of green and a ton of marching bands at the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade. Mass is at 11:15am at St. Barnabas. 1pm. Mar 21. For all ages.

Reservations required. McClean Avenue, McClean Ave. Yonkers. yonkersstpatricksparade.org.

6 and under. Reservations not required. Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, 75 North Water St. Poughkeepsie. 845-471-0589. mhcm.org.

✪ Maple Sugaring & Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy a pancake breakfast then take a short walk to the Sugar House to see first-hand the maple sugaring process. After, stay for a campus

WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

tour, and crafts and activities for children. 9am-1pm. For all ages. $8 adults, $5 children under 10.

Reservations required. Green Chimneys Clearpool Campus, 33 Clearpool Rd. Carmel. 845-2258226. greenchimneys.org.

✪ Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade. See #StPatrick’sDay page 42.

✪ Treehouse Shakers: The Boy Who Grew Flowers. Adapted from the picture book by Mara McEwin, this new dance-theatre piece from Treehouse Shakers tells the story young Rink Bowagon, who lives on top of Lonesome Mountain with his unusual family of rattlesnake tamers and shape-shifters.

Whenever the moon is full, Rink sprouts beautiful flowers all over his body. When a new girl, Angelina, moves to town, Rink’s life truly begins to grow.

Incorporating shadow puppetry, original music, and movement, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a thoughtful story that lends itself to themes of diversity, creating empathy, and celebrating individualism. 3pm. Ages 4 and up. $6.25 - $27.50. Reservations required. The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College, 735 Anderson Hill Rd. Purchase. 914251-6200. artscenter.org.

23 Monday

● ● Mommy & Me. Stop by this fun-filled hour with your little one and make crafts, meet animals, and learn about the natural world on a short hike.

9:45am. Today and March 30. Ages 1.5-4. $15/family.

Reservations not required.

Friend’s of Rye Nature Center. 873 Boston Post Rd. Rye. 914-9675150. ryenaturecenter.org. ● ● ● Discovery Play. Have fun playing with your child while building early literacy skills. 10-11am. Today and March 30. Ages 5 and under.

Reservations not required.

Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave. Harrison. 914-835-0324. harrisonpl.org.

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24 Tuesday

required. Yonkers Public Library - Riverfront Branch, 1 Larkin Ctr. Yonkers. 914-375-7965. ypl.org/ riverfront.

● ● Rock out with Spencer. An interactive musical performance that teaches melody, tempo, physical awareness and counting. 10am.

Today and March 31. Ages 1-5.

Reservations not required.

Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave. Harrison. 914-835-0324. harrisonpl.org.

● Jump N’ Glow. Have fun jumping around in glow in the dark with bubbles. Fridays and Saturdays, 8-10pm. For all ages. $20. Reservations not required. Jumpz Trampoline Sports Danbury, 21 Prindle Ln. Danbury, Conn. 203-942-2449. jumpzdanbury.com.

● ● Bruce Beginnings. See March 3.

28 Saturday

25 Wednesday

Time. Stop by the bookstore to meet friends in their new community space to play tabletop games. 3:30-5pm.

Ages 8 and up. Reservations not required. Andersons Larchmont, 96 Chatsworth Ave. Larchmont.

914-834-6900. andersonsbooksny. com.

● ● Young Discoverers.

Stimulate curious minds at this weekly science-based drop-in program. Simple experiments and craft projects add to the excitement of learning something new. Every month features a new theme.

11-11:30am. Free with $7.50 admission. Children under 1 free. Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Pkwy. Rye. 914-421-5050. discoverwcm.org.

26 Thursday

● Stories and Stuff.

Stories are centered on a theme and children listen and discuss the topic. Then, children create a craft project that ties in with the theme. Caregivers are invited to assist children during the craft portion of the storytime. 4:305:15pm. Ages 4-5. Reservations required. White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave. White Plains. 914-422-1476. whiteplainslibrary.org.

Derrick Adams. Floater 80, 2018. Acrylic paint on paper, 50 x50 inches.

Collection of the artist.

Use your artist creativity to paint your own masterpiece at the Hudson River Museum..

Get Artsy

● ● Community Game

✪ Artful Families. Drop by for artistic picture books, gallery activities and art projects. 10:3011:45am. March 20. Ages 2-5. $10 adult, children under 12 free. Reservations not required. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St. Katonah. 914-232-9555. katonahmuseum.org.

✪ Family Studio: Art. Using materials such as paint, paper, and fabrics, and borrowing both Derrick Adams’ vivid color scheme, participants make self-portraits floating on calm waters in unicorn- or candy-shaped plastic floaties.

Workshop designed by Teaching Artist-inResidence Tijay Mohammed. Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4pm. For all ages. $8 adult, $4 children 3-8, under 3 free. Reservations not required. The Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave. Yonkers. 914-963-4550. hrm.org. ✪ Hop into Art Family Workshop. A family art workshop related to the artwork on display in the main gallery. This workshop program gives families immediate access to high quality art, offering deeper insights into the exhibitions and local history presented at the Edward Hopper House. Saturdays and Sundays, 1-3pm. For all ages. Free with $7 adult museum admission.

Reservations not required. Edward Hopper House Art Center, 82 North Broadway, Nyack. 845-3580774. edwardhopperhouse.org.

27 Friday

✪ Folk Art Fridays.

● ● Storytime with a Twist.

See March 12.

Participants explore a variety of cultural art techniques and

projects such as, bookmaking, painting, mosaic, printmaking, and a variety of art forms from around the world. 10-11am.

For all ages. Reservations

✪ Animal Adventures: Sounds of Spring. The alarm is sounding-it’s time to wake up from winter’s slumber. The wetlands and woodlands are sounding off with twittering, peeping, and knocking. Listen up as you hike the trails to hear what the fuss is all about. 11amnoon. For all ages. Reservations required. Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd. Ossining. 914-762-2912, ext.

110. teatown.org.

● ● Jr. Keepers- Otters. See Animal Fun in Winter page 41.

✪ Nick Jr. Live ! See City Picks page 44. ✪ Sowing Seeds of Nature Play. Welcome Spring in the nature play area, Grasshopper Grove, by learning about the importance of local pollinators and planting the seeds of various native plants all while having fun outdoors. Native seeds and gardening tools are provided.

10am. For all ages. $7 adults, $5 children. Reservations not required.Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd. Cornwall.

845-534-5506. hhnm.org.

29 Sunday

✪ Family Art Project: Unfurling Field Journal.

Take a walk around the gardens and see that flowers

March 2020 | Westchester Family

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are blooming and plants are growing, taking advantage of this wondrous season of growth.

Make handmade journals to document your observations, with designs that unfurl as flowers do, recording your naturalist studies. 10am-1pm.

For all ages. $10 adults, $4 children 6-18. Children under 6 free. Reservations not required.

Wave Hill, W. 249th St. and Independence Ave. Bronx. 718549-3200. wavehill.org.

City Picks

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● ● ● Family Sundays: Kites.

To celebrate this windy season, paint and decorate kites and use kite string to make your masterpiece fly high in the sky.

3-4pm. Ages 2-8. $25/child.

Reservations required. Young at Art, 1088 Central Park Ave., Room 216, Scarsdale. 914-7239229. youngatartworkshop.com.

✪ Johnny Peers & The Muttville Comix with David Darwin-One Man Sideshow.

Opening this double-deck matinee is the hilarious America’s Got Talent’s, David Darwin, in his sideshow, followed by Johnny Peers, with his comedy of personality-plus dogs. David Darwin opens with laugh-aminute riveting feats of juggling, swordplay, and fire. Following this is a slapstick comedy like no other where Johnny leads a dozen rescue dogs through challenging and hilarious tricks.

3pm. For all ages. $26 adults, $18 children under 13. Reservations required. Westchester Community College Academic Arts Theater, 75 Grasslands Rd. Valhalla. 914606-6262. sunywcc.edu. ✪ Nick Jr. Live! See City Picks page 44.

✪ Raptors of Westchester. Join a naturalist and meet the birds of prey. Discover what makes these magnificent creatures the hunters of the sky. 1-2pm. For all ages. $8.

Reservations not required.Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Rd. Scarsdale. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Paper Bag Players

Watch art and creativity unfold from every day items at The Paper Bag Players show on March 13.

● ● CMS Kids, Who is Brahms?

Featuring host Rami Vamos and CMS Artists, each CMS Kids program is an inclusive concert experience adapted for neurodiverse audiences, including children with autism or other special needs. These performances are presented in a judgment-free environment, and are less formal and more supportive of sensory, communication, movement, and learning needs. Johannes Brahms is known as one of the greatest composers of classical music. But, at times he felt like his music wasn’t good enough for the public to hear. Find out how Brahms gained the confidence to share his musical mind during an interactive look into his life. 3pm. March 1. Ages 3-6. $25.

Reservations required. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Lincoln Center Plz. New York. 212-875-5374. lincolncenter.org.

✪ Kids Fleadh. Take the entire family to watch Kids Fleadh, award winning Irish short films for kids and families.

11:30am-1pm. March 14. For all ages. $10. Reservations required. Cinépolis Chelsea, 260 West 23rd St. New York. eventbrite.com/e/kids-fleadh-short-filmfestival-tickets-89579487659. ✪ The Paper Bag Players. The Paper

Bag Players are a non-profit theater company of adults who create and perform original, contemporary, musical theater for children. Their shows, based on a child’s everyday experiences, combine short plays, rousing songs, freewheeling dances, audience participation, mime, and painting and drawing on stage.

11:30am-12:30pm. March 15. Ages 3-8. $18, includes Museum admission. Reservations required. The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Ave. at 92nd St. New York. 212423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org.

✪ Nick Jr. Live! You’re invited to sing, dance, clap, cheer and move to the music with your friends from Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing in an unforgettable musical spectacular. Nick Jr. Live! “Move to the Music” follows Dora and her PAW co-hosts, Marshall and Rubble, as they team up with their Nick Jr. friends, live on stage together for the first time ever, in a one-of-a-kind adventure sure to excite the whole family.

March 28, 2pm & 5:30pm; March 29, 10:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm. For all ages.

Reservations required. Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 2 Pennsylvania Plz. New York. 212-465-6741. msg.com.

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✪ The Peking Acrobats®.

● ✖ New Parents & Infants

Watch the fascinating worldrenowned Chinese acrobatic troupe of stage, television and film push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. 1:30pm & 4pm. For all ages. $20$30. Reservations required.

Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Ln. Mamaroneck. 914-698-0098. emelin.org.

Support Group. See March 9.

31 Tuesday

✪ Public Ice Skating. Murray’s Skating Center offers the largest weekly public skating schedule in the area. Most weekend sessions feature current popular music provided by a DJ. Top quality skate rentals and food service are available. Tuesdays - Fridays, 9:30am; Saturdays, 11am; Sundays, noon. For all ages. $11 admission; $4 skate rental.

Reservations not required.

Edward J Murray Memorial Skating Center, 348 Tuckahoe Rd. Yonkers. 914-377-6469. https:// www.yonkersny.gov/government/ departments/parks-recreationconservation/parks-facilities/ murray-s-skating-center/publicskating

30 Monday

✪ Family Wheel Night. Adult and kids get messy, play with clay and learn how to use the potter’s wheel. Choose your favorite glaze colors and return in two to three weeks to pick up your masterpiece. 6-8pm. For all ages. $45. Reservations required.

Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St. Port Chester. 914-937-2047. clayartcenter.org.

Bonnie Coe

Look up to see this majestic bird at Eagles Out on March 8.

● Stories and Stuff. See March 26.

BROADWAY’S FUNNIEST SMASH HIT AND INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON

MARCH MADNESS “

INGENIOUS BUBBLE WIZARDRY.” -THE NEW YORKER

Telecharge.com or 212.239.6200

BROADWAYGOESWRONG.COM 212-239-6200 NEW WORLD STAGES 340 W 50th St (between 8th & 9th Aves)

For groups or birthdays call 866.642.9849

New World Stages 340 W. 50th St.

GazillionBubbleShow.com G ill llii B bbl Sh March 2020 | Westchester Family

45

last word

Reusable Shopping Bags!

By Isabelle Bousquette

I

t’s time to get your hands on some reusable shopping bags! The New York State ban on single use plastic bags is set to go into effect on March 1st, 2020. Every retail establishment that pays a sales tax, from grocery to clothing stores, will be switching to paper bags. More likely than not, they’ll be charging 5 cents for those bags. So instead of getting flustered at the checkout counter (should you just spring for the extra 5 cent bag or can you carry a carton of milk to the car?), come prepared with a reusable shopping bag!

Isabelle Bousquette is a freelance writer and shopping enthusiast.

Best Collapsable Bag: BeeGreen Basic Reusable Grocery Bags The adorable patterns aren’t the best part of the BeeGreen Basic Reusable Grocery Bags (although they’re close). These bags fold up into an integrated square pouch, meaning they’re easy to carry around in your purse or pocket. The reinforced stitching means they’re able to carry up to 50 lbs! Price: $14.55 for pack of five

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WestchesterFamily.com | March 2020

Best “Big Shop” Bag: Lotus Trolley Bags If you are doing the weekly grocery shopping try Lotus Bags, which conveniently lock over the top of the shopping cart in an innovative-patented design. One bag is insulated, and another comes with a special container for eggs, and there’s one with a special pocket for produce.

When you’re ready to take your shopping out of the cart, the rods slide out and you can pick up the bags from their side handles. The bags themselves are eco-friendly and machine washable. Price: $39.99 for pack of four

Best Over-the-Shoulder Bag: Flip & Tumble 24/7 Bag The 24/7 bag is compact and colorful.

And if you’re looking for a bag that sits comfortably over your shoulder, this is the one. The felt patch underneath the strap makes it comfortable on your shoulder and keeps it from slipping. The 27/4 bag won’t carry as much weight as some other reusable bags (it holds up to 35 lbs), but it does roll up into an exceptionally small (3”) ball. Price: $13.00

Best Heavy-Duty Bag: Colony Co. Grocery Bag The Colony Co. Grocery Bag is the best heavy-duty reusable shopping bag on the market. It’s made of waxed canvas, giving it a cool industrial look, and reinforced with high quality stitching. It won’t roll up into a pouch as small as some other reusable bags, but it is easily foldable. And if you ever need to set down your grocery bags, this is one that definitely won’t topple over. Price: $28.00

DAVE’S CAST OF CHARACTERS Authentic Costumes - Professional Actors

Photo Booth

COMPLETE CARNIVAL AND THEME PARTY PACKAGES, MAGICIANS, CLOWNS, PONY RIDES, CARNIVAL GAMES, INTERACTIVE RIDES

Cliffhanger

Frozen Parties w/DJs & Karaoke

Euro Bungee

Bounce Castles, Big Slide, Airplane Ride, Trackless Train, Junior Challenge, Noah’s Ark, Interactive Adventure, Laser Tag, Batmobile, Airborne Spaceship Ride, Sea of Balls, Puffer the Magic Circus Train, List in the text Facepainters, Balloon Twisters, Air Brush Tattoo Artists & Caricaturists

Archery Inflatable World of Disney

Frozen Castle 5 in 1

Hamster Balls

New Dave’s Cast Family Zumba Parties!

BAR/BAT MITZVAHS Communions • Baptisms Sweet Sixteens

D.J’S & MUSIC

TENTS CHAIRS CASINOS RACE CAR RIDES

TOTAL PARTY PLANNING

Shark Big Bite Surf & Slide

914-235-7100 www.davescast.com

Alien Laser Tag

OVER 20 ANIMALS TO CHOOSE FROM! Mickey Park Ultimate Wild One Obstacle Course

Adrenaline Rush II

Terminator Rampage Treasure Hunt Balloon Art Sports Midway OR try the Carnival Midway!

Galactic Heroes

Zoo Bot Ani mals

100 Charact+ er s !

Face Painti ng

Wrecking Ball Princesses

Carica turist

r & Ca hero r e p Su

Unicorn

At Oasis I will...

Play, Learn & Grow Gain Confidence Be Part of a Unique Community Unplug & Connect with Nature Try New Things Build Lifelong Friendships Have Positive & Supportive Role Models

Oasis Offers:

• Programs for Ages 3-15 • 8:30am-5:30pm • Extended day available • Hot Lunch Included • Flexible Enrollment: 2 - 8 weeks • AC Transportation • Carnivals & Tie Dye • Special Events • Imagination Playground • Legos, Robotics & Coding • Radio Broadcasting & Cooking • Arts, Crafts, Music, Dance • Professional Sports Instruction & Clinics • American Red Cross Swimming Program

Please check our website for upcoming info session dates!

DOBBS FERRY

at The Masters School & Mercy College Register Online Today! w w w.oasischildren.com 646-519-5057

@oasisdaycamps