Parenting

Details: Published: 23 March 2012; Created: 23 March 2012; Last Updated: 23 March 2012; Hits: 4481

emmajean The Young Writers’ Workshop for Scarsdale third to fifth graders will take place this Saturday, March 24th, 2012, from 9am until noon at Scarsdale Middle School. Once again, it promises to be a morning with many new and interesting workshops, as well as some favorites from the past.

The morning will begin with a keynote address to the students by Lauren Tarshis. She is the award-winning author of Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and its sequel, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love, as well as the 10-book historical fiction series I Survived, which has sold more than 2 million copies to date. In addition to writing books, Lauren works full-time at Scholastic creating language arts magazines and digital products used in elementary and middle school classrooms.

Ms. Tarshis—a sought-after visiting author to schools—will also be conducting two interactive Master Workshops for students.

The Young Writers’ Workshop will feature 41 classes taught by creative professionals from the New York area. These include journalists from The New York Times, playwrights, magazine editors, a presidential speech writer, renowned children's book authors, cartoonists, television producers, poets, artists, sports writers, song writers, and some of Scarsdale’s most illustrious citizens. View the online workshop guide at http://youngwritersworkshop.eventbrite.com.

Once again The Young Writers’ Workshop also welcomes our two returning cultural partners — The Picture House in Pelham and New York City-based Writopia Lab. Both will provide teaching artists to the event.

All students will also have the opportunity to give back to the community by donating gently used books on March 24th. The goal is to collect 2012 books, which will be given to The Childcare Council of Westchester Inc. for distribution to local kids.

Details: Published: 19 March 2012; Created: 19 March 2012; Last Updated: 19 March 2012; Hits: 4492

ballheath1 Heathcote fifth graders held a ballroom dance performance on the evening of March 15th. The event was the culmination of a 10-week ballroom dance program lead by instructor Rodney Lopez who was featured in the documentary film Mad, Hot Ballroom.

The Dancing Classrooms program was started in one school by Mr. Pierre Dulaine, a world champion ballroom dancer. The program is now in over 200 schools reaching over 28,000 children.

The mission of the program is to build social awareness, confidence and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance. Children are taught a syllabus of traditional ballroom dances in a learning environment that fosters respect, teamwork, confidence, and politeness. They emerge as “ladies and gentlemen” with a renewed sense of joy, accomplishment and elegance.

The ballroom dance classes are part of the school day and are provided as a way to enrich the academic learning experience. Classes were conducted with individual classes twice a week, for ten weeks, and taught the students about the history and cultures of the Merengue, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Swing, and Waltz.

Thanks to Heathcote Fifth Grade Teacher Lisa Onofri for the text and Jon Thaler for the photos. More images can be found at www.JonThaler.com.

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Details: Published: 13 March 2012; Created: 13 March 2012; Last Updated: 13 March 2012; Hits: 7126

wisco_copy In the second installment of our guide for college visits, 15-year Scarsdale resident Mara Perlmutter has contributed this guide to visiting the University of Wiconsin in Madison. Her older daughter Marni graduated from “Wisco” in 2011, and her younger daughter Erica is now a freshman at the school. Just back from a mother/daughter sorority weekend with Erica, Mara shared the following with Scarsdale10583.com. If you would like to send us details about a college town you know, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.

Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, is one of the most picturesque universities and college towns -- surrounded by two sparkling lakes and recognized for their arts, culture and diversity. The wide range of notable Wisconsin alumni include former Vice President Dick Cheney, renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, author Joyce Carol Oates, aviator Charles Lindbergh, naturalist John Muir, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

How to Get There:

Delta has daily non-stop 2 1/4 hour flights to Madison from La Guardia airport. United flies direct to Madison daily from Newark airport. Once in Madison a taxi from the airport to the main campus is 15 minutes, and costs approximately $15. Several hotels also have free airport shuttle services. It is not necessary to rent a car during your college visit as everything you will visit is within walking distance, or a short cab ride away.

Another option is to fly non-stop into Milwaukee (on Delta or United) and then rent a car and drive 1 1/2 hours to the university. During very big football and basketball weekends, this may be your best option.

Where To Stay:

For the majority of our visits we stay at the recently refurbished Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club. I highly recommend booking a room on the Governors Club level which includes access to a private club serving breakfast, cocktails/appetizers and desserts in the evening. This hotel provides free airport shuttle service plus free shuttle service throughout Madison. Ph- 608-257-6000. Another good option is the Hilton Doubletree which also provides free airport shuttle service and is located near State Street, the main street in town. Ph- 608-251-5511. The Campus Inn, which is the most conveniently located hotel -- right in the center of town and across from the most popular freshman dorm, is great for location, though the rooms are not as nice as the other two hotels. Ph-(800) 589-6285

Where to Eat:

Breakfast and Lunch

The famous Sunroom Cafe serves delicious fresh naturally prepared dishes and is a perennial favorite. The line may be out the door but it does move fairly quickly and is worth the wait. Ph- (608) 255-1555

Another great choice is Marigold Kitchen located by the Capital. Ph- 608-661-5559

Dinner

For Steak Lovers:

The Capitol Chop House-Though they do serve seafood and have vegetarian dishes, they are known for their wide variety of delicious steaks. Ph 608-255-0165

Flemings- good steaks paired with a fine wine list and famous flemings potatoes on the side are a must. Ph 608-233-9550-

Farm to Table Favorites

Fresco-our personal favorite for seasonal entrees made with the freshest ingredients – in a beautiful setting on top of the contemporary art museum. Ph 608-663-7374

Graze- By the Capitol, a new favorite of many, serving all local farm raised ingredients in a wide array of entrees. Brunch is also popular here. Ph 608-251-2700

43 North- Also by the Capitol serving beautifully presented contemporary American cuisine. Also good for brunch. Ph 608-255-4343

Italian

Frescesca's- a favorite of the students - delicious simple rustic food in a comfortable atmosphere with a well-priced and varied wine list. Ph 698-255-6000

Other points of interest:

Tour the majestic State Capitol
Visit the Chazen Museum of Art, the leading university art museum
Stop by the Overture Center for the Arts- a multi level complex featuring live music, theatre, and cultural events
Camp Randall Stadium- home of the UW Badger football team, with room for over 80,000 loud cheering fan
Farmers Market- Open in season on Saturday mornings, located on the Capitol steps, and a wonderful way to start your day.

Details: Published: 05 March 2012; Created: 05 March 2012; Last Updated: 05 March 2012; Hits: 6763

Many of you are in the midst of planning college tours to evaluate potential schools, spend some quality time with your student and hopefully have some fun too. In the next few months, Scarsdale10583 will provide visitor’s guides to some popular college destinations for Scarsdale families – and let you know how to travel there and where to stay and eat. Experienced Mom Michelle Levine has made the trip to visit her daughter at Vanderbilt several times and agreed to share her experience with you! If you would like to share your tips about other college destinations, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com

Rolling Stone Magazine recently named Nashville the Best Music Scene in the US. Nashville is not just about country music but a beautiful city filled with all kinds of music, amazing food and true southern hospitality.

How to get there:

American and Delta have daily direct service to Nashville from La Guardia and the flight is under 2 hours. The Nashville airport is the easiest one I’ve ever been through with a brand new rental car facility within walking distance of the baggage claim area and live country music playing at Tootsie’s in the terminal. It’s a 10 minute drive to campus. Students claim it takes less than a half hour to drive from Vanderbilt to the airport and get through security.

Where to stay:

We stay at the Loews, across the street from Vanderbilt. It’s the most conveniently located hotel to The Commons, the freshman area of the school. If you want to book a room, ask for Kathy Randall in reservations and she will take good care of you; (615-320-1700). The Marriot is also well situated near the upper class student housing, Greek Row, and the University Bookstore (615-321-1300).

Where to eat:

Breakfast and lunch:

Fido – Taylor Swift likes the granola parfait but we order any kind of eggs and amazing coffee with local Tennessee honey and cinnamon. The beans are roasted daily. The lines are long but move fast and you will find students and professors here. Fido: 1812 21st. Ave South in Hillsboro within walking distance of the school. 615-777-3436

Pancake Pantry – we have never waited on the incredibly long lines here but people swear by the sweet potato pancakes. Also in Hillsboro at 1796 21st Ave South, 615-383-9333

Noshville – a NY style deli that everyone likes right near the campus. There’s nothing better than a cup of the matzo ball soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich. 1918 Broadway, 615-329-6674

Dinner:

Bound’ry – great use of local ingredients within walking distance in a setting good for groups. My daughter’s friends loved the chicken and we enjoyed the peach salad and Creole shrimp and grits. 911 20th Ave. South, 615-321-3043

Flyte – a unique restaurant with great ambiance in the nearby Gulch area. Take a look at a map because GPS will not work for this address. Nice menu option of a “flight” of soup or salad and entrees that utilize local and organic ingredients with something for everyone. Great wine list. 718 Division Street, 615-255-6200

Virago – a hot spot in the Gulch with a robata grill (fireside grilling) and sushi bar. Very creative dining and everything’s good. Try the V2 edamame – wok -charred and spicy. 1126 McGavock St., 615-254-1902

City House – for foodies. Located in Germantown, a 10-minute drive from campus. A rustic Italian menu with an inventive cocktail list. 1222 4th Ave. North, 615-736-5838

Things to do:

• Vanderbilt University – make sure you take a stroll through this national arboretum
• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Belle Meade Plantation
• Grand Ole Opry
• Ryman Auditorium
• Jack Daniels Distillery (Lynchburg)
• Live music everywhere

College tour information: www.vanderbilt.edu

Details: Published: 22 February 2012; Created: 22 February 2012; Last Updated: 23 February 2012; Hits: 7852

soccercamp With spring in the air, summer could not be far behind. If you’re considering activities and camps for your children this summer, consider the sports, music, circus arts, swimming and regular day camps described below. And if you’re looking for the right sleep away camp, contact a camp advisor to help you find the right one. Check out our list of summertime programs and advisors below:

Coming to Connecticut in Summer 2012! Chelsea Piers summer sports camps provide world-class facilities, expert instruction and the most exciting sports curriculum available all under one roof! Campers can choose from Soccer, Hockey, Figure Skating, Squash, Tennis, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Basketball, Baseball, Multi-Sport and Two-Sport Combo Camps. In addition to full-day camps, Chelsea Piers offers half-day preschool camps for its younger athletes. Camps start July 9th and run through August 31, 2012. Sign up for one, two or more weeks.

Chelsea Piers CT
1 Blachley Road
Stamford, CT 06902855.586.8272
chelseapiersCT.com/camp
camps@chelseapiersCT.com

circusarts1 At Circus Arts Camp in Hartsdale kids become circus folks as they learn to juggle, walk the tightwire, unicycle, twirl on a rope, jump on a trampoline, fly on a trapeze, clown around, and show off in the Big Circus Show that ends each session. Operating in Westchester since 1989 for kids 6½ and up, the camp offers two-week sessions June 25 through August 3, then ends the season with Aerial Arts Week August 6 to 10 with five full days mastering the Spanish web, hammock, lyra, trampoline, partner acrobatics, static and flying trapeze. All equipment is professional quality and maintained by an industry-certified rigger; instructors are experienced and safety-certified. Adding to the camp’s appeal is its air-conditioned quarters in the gyms of the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester in Hartsdale. To find out more call 914 923-4650 or visit www.circusartscampny.com .

Hoff Barthelson Music School: For more than 37 years, the six-week Hoff-Barthelson Summer Arts Program has provided an ideal setting for a stimulating and rewarding summer experience for students in 2nd – 10th grade. Centrally located in Scarsdale, the school offers a structured but relaxed daily program. The exceptional faculty, boasting some of the top performers and music educators in the country, provides a quality summer experience of music, arts and crafts and musical theater to students who take daily lessons, play in ensembles, and participate in visual arts and drama programs. The program includes Music Technology Lab, HB Rocks! Advanced Guitar Ensemble, Chorus, Orchestras, Musical Theatre Workshop, World Drumming, Advanced Jazz Workshop, Chamber Ensembles, Simple Symphony and Wind Serenade, Piano for non-Pianists, and Visual Arts. Students at all levels of advancement receive instruction in a program individually tailored to their needs and interests. The basic program operates from 9am–noon, with several different Extended Day options available, June 25–July 27, 2012.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane
Scarsdale, NY 10583
www.hbms.org
hb@hbms.org
(914) 723-1169

Over the Moon Music and More: Did you know that all children are musical? Do you wonder what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your musical ability? And did you know that there's a storefront location where you and your child can play musically together, right here in Scarsdale? Over the Moon Music and More offers Music Together®, the internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program in their beautiful Garth Road location. Classes are for children from birth through kindergarten age accompanied by an adult caregiver and are research based, experiential, and fun! The 6-week summer session starts on July 9. Please contact us at or

Over the Moon Music and More
78 Garth Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-722-2025
jackie@overthemoonmusicandmore.com

Summit Soccer continues its fine tradition of soccer camps this summer in Scarsdale and Larchmont. The camp is designed to teach children the fundamentals of the beautiful game of soccer, with emphasis on both individual skills and team play. Individual instruction includes dribbling, passing, ball control, and shooting. The camp also features its unique and successful Kinderkickers program for younger soccer players. The Scarsdale Camp, for children ages 4-14, takes place the weeks of August 20-24 and August 27-31 at Crossway Field, Scarsdale from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The Larchmont Camp, for children ages 4-14, takes place the weeks of August 13-17 and August 20-24 at Hommocks Park, Larchmont with sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit their website at SummitSoccer.net , or contact Director Michael Constantine at kinderkickers@hotmail.com or by phone at (914) 833-2024.

Westfair Swim Academy Camp focuses on individual swim development and water safety for all levels and ages. Swimmers will be instructed in small groups of similar age, skill and experience. Lesson plans and progressions are formatted for optimum learning through the six American Red Cross Levels. For the highest level swimmers, they offer stroke clinic options. In addition to starts, turns and techniques to increase efficiency and speed, the focus is refining the competitive strokes and cardiovascular endurance. They provide comprehensive preparation for summer swimming and a great supplement for summer swim team. The staff includes seasoned American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards selected not only for their expertise in teaching aquatic skills, but also their ability to provide exceptional role models for our campers. Safety is the first priority.

June 25 through August 3, 2012. Weekly availability. Offered in two locations, Pace University in Pleasantville and Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville.

Westfair Swim Academy
kpalladino@westfairswim.com
www.westfairswim.com
914-588-2971

The YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester offers relaxing, noncompetitive summer day camp programs for toddlers through teens.  Camp Funkist (ages 5-13) provides non-competitive relaxing days of sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music, nature, trips, specials, and other age-appropriate summer activities. Travel Camp for youth 12-15 provides a unique experience off-site each day for the older camper. Little Friends Camp is tailored for the preschooler with structured activities that expand children’s horizons; intensive full day Summer Gymnastics classes taught by experienced instructors and coaches; and Summer Camp for Children with Developmental Disabilities, which is designed to compliment extended school-year programs.

The YWCA has well-equipped indoor and outdoor facilities.  Red Cross-certified staff lead recreational and instructional swimming. Learn more on their website at: http://www.ywcawhiteplains.com or call the numbers below:

Camp Funkist & Travel Camp (914) 949-6227 x168 
Little Friends Camp (914) 949-6227 x142
Gymnastics Program (914) 949-6227 x135
Camp for Children with Developmental Disabilities (914) 949-6227 x108

Ellen Wylie of “Spectacular Summers,” your local camp and teen program advisory service, knows the programs and is happy to share her knowledge and expertise with you. A former camper, counselor and practicing attorney, this mother of three has been advising families on camp and teen programs for a decade. Ellen spends her summers visiting camps and programs and the rest of the year speaking with directors. Her broad knowledge enables Ellen to make the right recommendation for each child. Ellen takes a warm and personal approach to the camp advisory business. She spends time getting to know each child/family she is works with and carefully tailors her recommendations so as to not inundate families. The service she provides is free of charge to parents. Ellen loves what she does and it shows. To find that spectacular summer program for 2012 or 2013, call Ellen Wylie at (914) 722-2644 or email Ellenatcamps@msn.com.