RocklandNYMom – Page 24 – Rockland NY Mom

Moon River Mother and Child – Rockland County’s Home for Music Together!

Posted on January 1, 2017 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Moon River Mother and Child
201-247-0052
director@moonrivermotherandchild.com
www.MoonRiverMotherAndChild.com

Music is a universal language. It transcends boundaries and reaches beyond culture to touch the depths of our souls, express our common emotions, and inspire us all. Now serving more than 3,000 communities in over 40 countries, Music Together connects families and communities across the globe as they express and explore our basic human instinct for making music. Are you ready to make some music together?

All Children Are Musical!

Music Together® is an innovative music and movement program for children ages newborn to age five years and their parents or caregivers that is based on the belief that all children are inherently musical. Originally offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.

Rockland County based Moon River Mother and Child, which has been offering Mixed-Age Music Together classes locally for the past decade in Nyack, Nanuet and Sparkill, is now offering classes once again in Suffern. Florence Labaze, “Ms. Flo”, will be teaching classes in Suffern on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am and Thursday afternoons at 4:00 pm starting in January while Samantha and Catherine will continue teaching their fun and wildly popular classes in the other villages. To celebrate the Grand Opening of our new location, we will offer 2 free trial classes at Rockland Dance and Fitness, 74 Lafayette Ave. in Suffern on Thursday, January 5^th at 4:00 pm and Tuesday, January 10^th at 10:00 am. To RSVP either call Ms. Flo at 845-535-1129 or send an email to director@moonrivermotherandchild.com

Florence fell in love with Music Together while taking her toddler to classes and immediately decided to register for training as a Music Together teacher. With a strong background in vocal performance, choral singing and a life-long love of music and movement, she completed her training in the fall and now she is thrilled to offer the joy of Music Together to other families in Rockland County.

Additionally, Ms. Catherine will offer a special Babies Music Together Demo Class on Saturday January 7th at 11:30 am at Gagliardi Studio, 39 Hudson Ave. in Nyack. To RSVP call Catherine at 201-247-0052 or send an email to director@moonrivermotherandchild.com

At Music Together, we believe that music ability is as basic to life as walking or talking, and that it is every child’s birthright to participate with pleasure and confidence in the music of our culture. We introduce children to the joys of making music instead of passively receiving it from cd’s and television. Our Music Together classes build on your child’s natural enthusiasm for music and movement. Through our classes, your child will develop the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities, and to study an instrument should he or she choose to do so. Because very young children instinctively respond to and imitate their loved ones, the active participation of parents and caregivers, regardless of their musical ability, is an essential part of the rich musical environment we create. Music Together parents discover what a powerful role model they are for their child just by having fun with the music themselves! And by providing cd’s and songbooks to take home, along with access our innovative “Hello Everybody” app, we hope to inspire music-making in your everyday family life.

WPPAC Sister Act!!!- Review

Posted on December 21, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Day Trips, Events, Out and about..., Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to a performance. All opinions expressed are my own.

-Sofija

Having the opportunity to take my girls to see Sister Act live on stage was truly a gift. My girls kept asking me what the story was about, what type of music they would sing and if they would have snacks. I kept everything a secret, I wanted the girls to experience it fully without any expectations.

The theater was very easy to get to from Rockland. A quick 30 minutes right over the bridge into City Center in White Plains. There was ample parking in a covered lot right outside the theater. White Plains is a great city for a dinner out, and there were a ton of restaurants within walking distance of the theater. There are snacks available in the theater before the show and during intermission, though.

When I was younger I remember watching the original movie with Whoopi Goldberg, and loving it. The jokes and one liners were what kept my attention, and had me laughing so hard I would get “stiches” in my side.

This rendition of Sister Act did not disappoint, and I laughed just as hard! The lead Lindsay Roberts was absolutely amazing. Her voice was truly powerful and her comedic timing was perfection. The chemistry among the actors was amazing. Played alongside Roberts was Paulette Oliva. These two actresses had such a great rapport and harmonized so well. It was truly a great match. The choreography, music and directing was magical.

Watching the performance, listening to the music and spending time with my family was great but I must say seeing the twins smiles and hearing their laughter throughout the performance was such a joy.

While in the car driving back to Rockland, I asked the girls what they liked most about the show and we all agreed that there was a tie between the costumes, which were amazing, seeing sister Mary Roberts wearing the red boots while performing was a hoot and of course hearing one of the nun’s rapping a verse was the icing on the cake. My Girls really enjoyed the show and laughed as hard as I did! Hearing them referring to the show as a “blast mom” and “Mom my tummy hurts from laughing so hard” made me smile and super happy that I was able to share this experience with them.

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the theater without breaking the bank, White Plains Performing Arts Center is a great option! Not to mention there is not a bad seat in the house! No matter where you sat in the theater, you had a great view of the stage, were able to hear the music and singing clearly, as well as see the actors costumes and the details of the set design. We really enjoyed seeing Disney’s Tarzan last year, and can’t wait to see what they are working on for the new year!

Tickets to Sister Act would make a great Christmas Gift for a family with tweens/teens. Have younger kiddos? Check out their upcoming performances which would be more suitable for the younger age groups here: www.wppac.com.

To purchase tickets visit www.wppac.com.

Sister Act will run until January 8th, hurry and get your tickets before they sell out!
7:00 pm Performances
December 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 • January 6, 7
2:00 pm Performances
December 18, 22, 28 • January 7, 8
Previews (December 16, 22 & 23): $22-$42
All Other Performances: $29-$49

White Plains Performing Arts Center
11 City Place White Plains NY 10601
914 328 1600
wppac.org

Christmas Ornament 2016

Posted on December 21, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2016, Crafts, Crafts and More Crafts, In the Home, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. Products contain affiliate links.

Every Year we make an ornament to give to the family. We try to make it a little different every year. So far we have succeeded in making each one using either a hand or finger of the kids to personalize it just a little bit more. Here is this years version. For years past you can either click the links provided (in purple at the bottom of the post)- or check out our pinterest page.

I purchased these clear glass ornaments, the glitter and the special glue. I followed the directions on the glitter glue (non-toxic) to decorate the inside of the ornaments (clean, put in clue, drain, add glitter).

We recently acquired a silhouette machine for the business and I used it for this project- Here is the vinyl I like the best so far too. You could use the paint pens we used later to do the same wire and date. In fact, that is what we did in the past.

The kids helped me to put the vinyl onto the glass which they really enjoyed because its like playing with stickers (again, stickers from the craft store could have been used for this too).

Once all set the kids used craft paint in different colors (yellow, orange, blue and red) to put finger prints on the “wire” to make it look like Christmas Lights.

The final step was for the kids to use the paint pens to write their names. I love this part because over the years you can watch the kids handwriting grow and develop.

Here is a link to our YouTube Video of the finished product!!!

Past Ornaments:

A Musical Treasure in Nyack

Posted on December 13, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2016, Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

-By: RNYD

Most people who read this blog know that I am a HUGE music fan. I listen to it, I play it, and I talk about it. I’m an unashamed addict. What most people don’t know about me is that I price for a living. For the past 17 years, I have gone to work every day, and spent my whole day deciding what a company should charge for their product or services. So, I consider myself an expert at spotting a “deal”. I use facts, data, and analysis to determine the inherent value of, for example music lessons. Ultimately, you want a teacher with a high competency and a fair price. It is VERY rare that the choice is so simple, that it presents itself and almost smacks you over the head, this is one such instance.

RYNYM asked me if I would take our son (A) to a guitar lesson. When she sent me the teacher’s information I saw the logo was a frog playing bass. Bass is my primary instrument. Unlike the old jokes, I am not a failed guitar player. I truly love the instrument. So when I saw there was a chance to turn this into a bass lesson I jumped at the chance.

(A) and I arrived at Adam’s studio in the heart of Nyack. Parking was easy, and there were a ton of open spaces right around the corner. We went down to Adam’s studio, and to say I was impressed was an understatement. There were several instruments, and amplifiers, and a couch for parents to relax on while your student takes a lesson. The location is convenient and centrally located if a parent wanted to do some shopping, or just get a cup of coffee while their child worked with Adam.

For me, it is always interesting to sit and listen to a lesson. As a player, I’m curious to hear what a teacher has to say when they present the information. I strongly believe that the way a teacher presents the information, immediately effects how the student receives it. I could tell that Adam was comfortable in the teachers chair and that he had a great deal of experience teaching children. I noticed right away that Adam’s depth of knowledge and the ease at which he presented it to (A), made him a standout among the teachers that I have met.

He controlled the lesson well, and was able to connect with (A) on his level. (A) is a VERY curious kid, and loves to learn so he can get distracted if there are questions to ask that might not fall into the day’s lesson. Adam recognized that and brought him back to the lesson well. (A) had a great time and was excited going home that he was learning new things, and playing bass just like his Dad. Adam even let (A) play his double bass, which is something I can’t do…so (A) was especially grateful for that.

After seeing first-hand the quality of Adam’s lessons, and recognizing the depth of his knowledge I could not believe the value of his holiday special. I have been looking to take music lessons to improve my playing for a few years. I have never found a teacher with Adam’s resume and ability, along with the quality of his lessons. The schedule for lessons is flexible, and could meet most people’s hectic calendar with ease. Adam’s holiday special is a steal! If you are buying a guitar or bass for the holidays and you are looking to start music education for someone on your shopping list, this is the place to go. Centrally located, with easy parking, and access to all that Nyack has to offer allows fun for students AND parents. The quality of these lessons, especially at the holiday special price, really makes starting lessons with Adam a no brainer. It is such a good value, I’m looking into starting lessons myself! Don’t delay, the one thing that my professional career has taught me, deal like this don’t last long. These lessons are worth every penny!!

Guitar Lessons!- New City Music School Review

Posted on November 7, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

-By: RNYD

I love music! I love listening to, playing, and talking about music. While most kids were arguing who was the best shortstop in NY, I was fighting with my buddies over which album was better “Back in Black” or “Blizzard of Ozz”. Music is a huge part of my family’s lives, and it played a major part in my family history. My Grandfather was a working musician during the depression, and my father was in the Regimental Band at The Citadel. Personally, I have been a musician for 34 years. RNYM and I (along with the rest of my family) take introducing our kids to great music seriously. Our kids have never watched TV over dinner, but they have listened to everything from The Beatles and Bobby Darin to Rush and Charles Mingus. I want my children to be exposed to great music like I was my whole life.

The only time my passion for music was challenged was when I was taking music lessons. I struggled with music lesson because we never studied anything I wanted to play. I had a succession of books with different colored covers, with largely unfamiliar melodies. Practicing was a chore. As an adult, I practice what I want to learn, but I recognize that there are things I need to understand to make myself a well-rounded player.

When RNYM and I were discussing music education for our kids, I said that I was going to be picky. I knew that I wanted a teacher with a personality that meshed well with our children. I wanted a school that believed you can hook a child by teaching them what they wanted to play, and structuring lessons around what the child is passionate about. When the teacher got to a lesson that might not be inherently “cool”, they could explain the value, give an example, and build a rapport of trust with my kids. That is what I needed, and what I know so many active/failed musicians needed.

I was quite nervous walking up to New City School of Music. I had always heard great things about them, but I knew how important a first impression can make on a child’s idea of lessons. Would Aidan think of it as homework, or an adventure? We met with his teacher Jared. He is a really nice guy, and got along great with Aidan. He talked to Aidan, not at him. Initially, he worked on naming the strings, and the basics of holding a guitar. Aidan has been playing my guitars and basses for years, but this was more formalized (and not just throwing on a distortion pedal and cranking the amp to 10).

Jared’s easy demeanor allowed him to bring Aidan’s attention back when his mind started to wander. He controlled the lesson well without Aidan ever realizing that’s what was going on. They were just having fun making music. In the first lesson, Aidan learned two chords, and learned how to count whole notes, half notes and quarter notes. Aidan really enjoyed it, and I enjoyed it. It was a huge relief to see the quality of both Jared’s musical ability, and his teaching style. Aidan told me he was looking forward to “jamming with Jared again”. That was exactly what I wanted to hear…he was looking forward to making music with his teacher!!

After the lesson I had the opportunity to speak with the owner Sam. I could immediately tell that Sam’s passion was sharing music with children. I was about to tell him what I was looking for in education for Aidan, and he said “kids want to play AC/DC, so we get them excited with what they want to play, and work the education around things that get them excited”. I was so excited to hear that my personal philosophy and that of school are the same. I had not looked at their website prior to our lesson because I want a clear unfiltered view when I walked into the lesson. The website is clear, and delivers their message and mission statement well. I trust that New City School of Music is and will continue to be an excellent launching point for your child’s music education.

For information or to schedule a FREE TRIAL lesson contact New City School of Music 12 North Main Street New City, NY 10956 845-499-2137 www.NewCityMusicSchool.com Email: office@newcitymusicschool.com

Welcome CryoCell – GIVEAWAY!!

Posted on November 2, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Rockland Babies .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

My kids are already so old that when I gave birth not all gynecologists offices spoke to you about cord blood storage. I had to research and figure it all out on my own. Yes, we did it. Yes, I am glad. We have partnered with Marion of CryoCell International to reach the Mommies (and Daddies) of Rockland to help educate them about cord blood storage. Read below for some important information as we have added them to our Pregnancy and Babies Page created just for you! Oh yeah and follow the link for a GIVEAWAY ;o)

Marion Kalstein Welch

Cryo-Cell International

203-942-6206

mwelch@cryo-cell.com

Field Coordinator/Cord Blood Educator

Cryo-Cell International is the world’s first cord blood bank, having given birth to the industry in 1989. Today, we have been entrusted to store the cord blood for more than 500,000 parents from 87 countries who selected Cryo-Cell International to safeguard their families’ future health.

Umbilical cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which generate every type of blood and immune cell. These cells are already being used to treat close to 80 diseases including cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia and inherited metabolic disorders. Over 35,000 transplants worldwide have already been performed using stem cells from umbilical cord blood, and because stem cell technologies continue to evolve, the opportunities to utilize preserved cord blood are steadily increasing.

Cryo-Cell International was the first cord blood bank to separate and store stem cells, the first cord blood bank to adopt the industry’s premium processing method, and the first private cord blood bank to be awarded FACT (the Foundation for the Accreditation for Cellular Therapy) accreditation for voluntarily adhering to the most stringent quality standards in the industry. Since inception, 100% of Cryo-Cell International’s clients’ specimens have been viable upon thaw and no other cord blood company can make that statement. Today, over 500,000 parents worldwide have trusted Cryo-Cell International to store their baby’s cord blood stem cells.

Marion will assist expectant moms on banking their baby’s cord blood stem and learning about how cord blood stem cell are utilized an how they are collected. To contact Marion directly email her at
mwelch@cryo-cell.com Special pricing for all Rockland Moms. In fact, there’s a special contest going on now…. http://promos.cryo-cell.com/rockland-nymom/

Holiday Mini’s are Back!!!

Posted on October 27, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2016 .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

The holiday’s are rapidly approaching and its time to plan your family photos!!! Look what our photographers have to offer!!!!

Simplify your Holidays

Posted on October 26, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in RNYM's Picks, Specialty Items, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

You all know how much we love Luigi O’Grady’s Deli in Pearl River. They cater all of my events- Christenings, Birthday Parties, Super Bowl , Fathers Day… even random weeknights when I can’t get my act together I order their Family Meal Deals.

One other service that not everyone realizes they offer is catering for the Holidays.

Most recently released is their mouth watering Thanksgiving Catering menu (see Below). It has several different fabulous packages available.

To order you must call by November 21st and pickup takes place on November 23rd.

You can call 845-735-9110 or email info@luigiogradys.com.

Following in his Footsteps- Condors Swimming Review!

Posted on October 5, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post- all opinions expressed are my own.

Poor little (E) has been watching her brother swim for almost 2 years now. Every time we go to Condors Swimming, she says “me too?”. I know from our exploits in their grandmother’s backyard that she has a true love for the water and really has wanted terribly to be a big girl and get to learn to swim with him.

Well the time has finally come! (E) is now 3 and completely potty trained, and she wasted no time getting in the pool with her brother. She is so proud to wear her “guppy” rubber bracelet that we had to have two so that we could wear one while we were out and about.

What I love…

This is FINALLY an activity that I can bring BOTH kids to at THE SAME time and know that they are well taken care of and engaged.
BOTH of my kids are getting sound instruction so that they will be safe in the water (this if of utmost importance to me since both grandmothers have pools).
THEY LOVE GOING!!! I NEVER have to poke and pry to get them into the car to go to “swim class” they get ready and run out the door on their very own.
There are lots of options of days and times so that we were able to pick days and times that really worked for us.
It tends to be LESS CROWDED in the fall and winter months as swimming falls off of many people’s radars so they get even more specialized attention (even more than usual with their small instructor to student ratio).
My kids feel safe in the water... this is even more important to me. If you recall, (A) had a bad experience elsewhere when he was 2 an wouldn’t get into the water for 2 years with an instructor. Determined not to repeat this mistake I made sure this was (E)’s first experience and she jumps right in (seriously, sometimes she has to be told sternly to sit on the side and wait her turn she is so excited).

The current session is two months- but if you are interested contact Ashley and she can make arrangements for you to try a lesson and register. Otherwise keep your eye out for the upcoming schedule.

For more information you can use the online chat http://joincondors.com/ or email Ashley: contact@condors.org or call- 845-638-4381. As always- Hope to see you there!!!

Corn Maze Train!!!- GIVEAWAY!!

Posted on September 29, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Contests, Day Trips, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.

ALL ABOARD THE CORN MAZE TRAIN!!!

The Corn Maze will be open weekends through the end of October. It’s a beautiful Fall trip along the Delaware River! You may combine any of the events for a full day of family fun. Choose the Corn Maze Train, visit The Ol’ Susquehanna Mine or simply enjoy a relaxing trip along the Delaware River.

For the adults we also have the Warren County Winery Train journeying along the Delaware River to the beautiful Villa Milagro Winery.

Tickets can be purchased at http://877trainride.com

Corn Maze: Come play the game where getting lost is half the fun! To buy tickets visit the ticket office and purchase a steam train ride and choose the “Corn Maze” add on. Take the train to the maze where you can have a nice calm picnic lunch in our shaded picnic grove, visit the Susquehanna Mining Company ( for an additional fee) and play the corn maze game. Your goal is to make it through each maze and finding each of the 12 check points!

Play the Monsters in the Maze Game! ( also included in your maze train ticket). Discover which Monster stole boots, Farmer Joe’s dog!

Also available for your families enjoyment is our bouncy COW, the little ones will have a ball jumping on our inflatable cow!!

The Ol’ Susquehanna Mine: The original mine shaft is back in production. Come tour the grounds, listen to an interactive history of the ol’ Susquehanna Mine and pan for real gem stones you can take home. One person in each group can “blow the mine” and everyone can witness the mine shaft explosion.* Gemstone Panning is a great activity for all ages. Participants may find up to 11 ounces of gemstones in a single bag which may include amethyst, rubies, rose quartz, emeralds, crystals, and an arrowhead. All gems are of high quality and may be suitable for cutting, polishing, and mounting. With every mine train ticker you will receive one bag of mining ore from the Ole’ Susquehanna Mine. Upon arriving at the mine site your guide will tell you the story of Sylas Smith and how he found the mine and about his tragic death which left the mind uncovered until this very year! Next you will walk over the the Ole’ Susquehanna mines operating sluice and learn how to pan for gem stones. once you understand how to pan give it a try and see if you can find some gems The Warren County Winery Train: After a Steam Train ride along the Delaware and a short bus ride through rolling farmlands, you will arrive at Villa Milagro Vineyards (www.VillaMilagroVineyards.com) . There you will learn how grapes are grown and made into wine. Then you will sample their delicious wines and have an opportunity to purchase them at the source. If you would like to enjoy your wine with a picnic, bring a lunch and relax at tables in tree groves at the Ol’Susquehanna Mine and Corn Maze or at the station in Phillipsburg. You are welcome to detrain at the Mine and spend as much time as you like relaxing in the picnic grove then catch a later train.

MAZE TRIPPING TIPS
Use backpacks instead of strollers for babies and toddlers or heavy duty strollers with big wheels.

Bring plenty to drink! It can get very hot in the maze! We will sell soft drinks on site and on the train.
Take your time. You can find your way out.
There are NO shortcuts or quick exits.
Enjoy the exercise, the farm fresh air, and the challenge of solving the Delaware River Railroad Excursions Corn Maze!
*If you are pregnant, have a heart condition, asthma, arthritis, claustrophobia, or have small children, please be aware that the Mazes can be strenuous
Corn Maze Rules
To ensure a good, safe time is had by all, we have a few simple rules and operate a zero tolerance policy.
DO NOT CUT THROUGH THE CORN!

Violators will be asked to leave.
No Smoking and No Alcohol or Illegal Drugs.
Do NOT pick, eat, throw or otherwise destroy the corn.

Lets give a lucky reader a chance to win a family four pack!!!

Like, share and comment to win- Drawing will be done 9/30/16!!!

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