Out and about… – Page 17

WCS’s New York Aquarium Opens Registration for “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,”

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.

A Two-Day Mini Camp

Program teaches children ages 6 to 8 about adaptations marine mammals have to survive the cold
Activities include games, crafts, and animal exhibit visits
Registration and more information available at www.nyaquarium.com

Brooklyn, N.Y. –– Nov. 20, 2014 – WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society’s) New York Aquarium has announced registration for its winter mini camp, “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29 & 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The program is geared toward children ages 6 to 8 and focuses on ways marine mammals adapt to the cold weather. Activities planned include marine mammal exhibit visits, and various games and crafts that celebrate the aquarium’s well-insulated animals. Fee for both days: $210 members; $225 non-members. Fees are for both days.

WCS’s New York Aquarium is home to several marine mammal species: Sea otters, sea lions, seals, and walruses.

For more information or to enroll, visit www.nyaquarium.com or call 718-265-3457.

Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium is open every day of the year. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Fall/winter/spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. Tickets are $11.95 per person (ages 3 & up), and include Aquarium admission plus one admission to the new 4-D Theater; children age 2 and under are admitted free. Fridays after 4 p.m. in the summer and after 3 p.m. in the fall, Aquarium admission is by pay-what-you-wish donation. The aquarium is located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street in Coney Island. The New York Aquarium is located on property owned by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at http://www.nyaquarium.com. Now is the perfect time to visit and show support for the WCS New York Aquarium, a beloved part of Brooklyn and all of the City of New York. Due to Hurricane Sandy we are partially opened. Check our website for more information. www.nyaquarium.com.

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. VISION: WCS envisions a world where wildlife thrives in healthy lands and seas, valued by societies that embrace and benefit from the diversity and integrity of life on earth. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in more than 60 nations and in all the world’s oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: www.wcs.org; http://www.facebook.com/TheWCS; http://www.youtube.com/user/WCSMedia Follow: @thewcs.

Dreamworks North Pole Adventure

Posted on November 14, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Christmas 2014, Day Trips, Out and about..., Reviews .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited for an adventure. All opinions expressed are my own.

I learned a valuable lesson from my son last year when we went on a Santa Trolley ride in CT. As a parent we sometimes have expectations that are somewhat unreasonable. What is magical for a 4 year old differs greatly than what is considered magical to an adult. We require much more smoke and mirrors. I left thinking that the Trolley was cute but not quite what I had expected and chose not to BLOG it. Well wouldn’t you know, a year later he talks about it all the time (so much so that I am going to finally write that post). What I learned from that experience is that I need to take their lead, be more patient and just enjoy while they enjoy. Why is this past experience relevant to today’s post?

We had the pleasure of going to the Dreamworks North Pole Adventure at Ridge Hill today 11/11/14. We have seen it posted everywhere with questions about it, is it worth the trip? How much does it cost? So obviously we had to check it out.

Quick Information:

Strollers are not allowed, but there is an area to park your stroller off to the side.
You cannot take your own pictures.
There is a special deal that you can pre-purchase online where you will save $25 off of the family package, this is by far the best deal available, and it expires soon. You can purchase the package now and use at a later date, but the date to purchase by is November 26^th. So if you are photo obsessed like myself, I would purchase it ASAP.
As you can see on the website, weekends are already booked solid. If at all possible go during the week when it is less crowded.
There is a little playground right outside of the adventure for kids to play on. I waited on line while Nana watched the kids play. It made waiting much easier on me.

I made an appointment as directed on the website and we went first thing in the morning. At 9:45 there was already a line forming for the 10:00 opening, a good sign, it’s in high demand. When you check in a photo of your group is taken and then added to your “passport” you hand this photo to the helpers along the way and they use the barcode to keep your photos and projects connected to your group.

Our group passport

Ready to go!

Once inside the guides lead you through your adventure. You get to have a little interactive play with Shrek and Donkey. Where they set the whole thing up. Yes (A) did speak to the screen and nod when they asked questions.

(A) talks to Shrek.

Once the stage is set you get to go in and create your sleigh. It is fun for the kids (they are to tech savvy) and it gets saved to your passport. You then get to go into the virtual reality experience. It is a lot like going to the Giant theaters, I prefer to sit in the back, the kids like to sit in the front, so we settled on the middle. The ride is cute, you feel the breeze, and move around in the sleigh. The kids were totally captivated.

Customizing his sleigh.

Once you “arrive” you get to go into another room where you prepare to see Santa. There is a game that the kids play on another set of IPADs. My kids didn’t fully understand it, but had fun trying. Since we don’t get a lot of IPAD time at home it’s a novelty to get to play it, and in this one you are throwing snowballs so it’s neat. At the end of the game the kids get to see a virtual trophy, and then it’s time to see the big man.

Playing the snowball game.

Santa’s library is beautiful, awe inspiring even. The kids were super impressed (you can see in the video, which to me makes the whole trip worth it).

Here are my videos:

The kids enter and see Santa

Sitting with Santa

Santa was great with the kids (even (E) who was very unsure). We got some funny pictures, and then one keeper (but as you know I often treasure the outtakes). When you have finished your visit you go through one more door where there is a little gift shop, and you can view and purchase your photo package (which hopefully you did before visiting because it really is the best deal). That is where you will get your USB with all of the pictures, and projects as well as your printouts, DVD and stuffed animal (while supplies last).

Last but not least, my short assessment, for those who like to get down to the nitty gritty. Is it worth it? Would I go again? Do I recommend it? Here’s what I’ve responded to those asking on social media.

Bottom line, they have a few kinks to work out, it’s a new attraction. But, that having been said, I wait on line for Santa in a mall every year behind people and none of us have reservations. It just a line usually, and nothing to distract. This had some fun things to do while you wait, and if you bring two adults there’s a playground to play on next to the attraction. I waited on line my mother chased the kids. My kids (16m and 4 ½ years) enjoyed the make your own sleigh, my son keeps talking about how his had rockets. The game in the next room he played and enjoyed, he even told Santa that he won a trophy.

My Favorite Santa Photo

If you go, purchase the $50 package, it is well worth it. You get pictures of them playing games, the sleigh they design, and with Santa. Additionally, you never get a private audience with the big man; that too was cool. The video? Ill treasure it forever, because how often do you get to year your for year old say “Welcome to the North Pole Too Santa.” You get to see on the video your child’s face as they first see Santa, which we never get to see. As an aside, I usually pay $30 at regular Santa to stand in the line in just a mall, this was much cooler.

For more information please visit http://www.westchestersridgehill.com/event/dreamplace-north-pole-adventure/2145445175 to make reservations, and pre-purchase your memory package!

Ladies Night- Fall Wreath Class

Posted on November 12, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, Out and about..., Reviews, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was invited to a class at My Sweet Pea in New City. All opinions expressed are my own.

Last Thursday I attended the Fall Wreath Making Class at My Sweet Pea in New City. The class was the first of a series of seasonal Wreaths that will be held for adults at the store on Thursday evenings. I was excited to attend as I love decorating for the seasons, love crafting, and love a night out with other adults.

We got together to begin the class and we brought a few bottles of wine. All of the supplies (included in the price of the class) were ready and waiting for us as we got there, including different options for the ribbon, paint, and adornments. I found this was one of the best parts of the class, because although we all learned the same skills we were able to modify to better fit our design style and personalities.

The smaller craft room at My Sweet Pea ready for class.

The group of ladies that we were with were great. Doreen (our teacher) helped us to get started and even offered other ways of beginning the design if we were having difficulty. She was very helpful and offered to show us time and time again. In fact, I had to start over when I wasn’t loving the way it was coming out. Doreen said that its totally normal, happens often and offered suggestions as to how to start again and make it look more like I had envisioned. The first thing she had us do was paint our monogram letters so that they would be dry by the time we needed to add them at the end of the class. After that we created the basic shape of our wreaths.

Beginning the burlap process.

Basic shape ready!

Once we got that completed for the wreath (the burlap was really the longest part), Doreen showed us how to make the nice large bows you see all of the time. She showed us how to do it first free hand and then showed us using a special little gadget called the “bowdabra”. Each student liked a different look to their bow, some larger and more round, others flatter and smaller. Doreen patiently walked each one of us through the process until we loved our own bows.

J thinks about what she wants her bow to look like.

The last part of the wreath making had us adding our embellishments. We had the monogram letters from earlier on in the project as well as choices in flowers (either burlap or silk). The finished products are shown below.

Our finished products, LOVE THEM!!!

They all came out amazingly and I am so proud to display it on my front door. I cannot wait to make my Christmas Wreath on 11/20.

To register for a class email: MySweetPeaStore@yahooo.com. I am hooked, I’ll see you there.

Wreaths aren’t your thing? My Sweet Pea offers other classes for adults and children. There are adult and children’s cake/cupcake decorating classes as well as some other craft classes for kids. Have a crafty child who would love a birthday party that follows these lines, My Sweet Holds those too! The monthly schedule is below. If a group wants to get together and do a certain craft that you don’t see, give Sheri at My Sweet Pea a call and she can arrange it for you.

NY Transit Museum Holiday Train Show!

Posted on October 30, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about... .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to the train show. Full Review to come, all opinions expressed are my own.

13th Annual Holiday Train Show

Holiday tradition returns to Grand Central Terminal

November 16, 2014 – February 22, 2015

As the City broke ground on its first subway line in 1900, a few blocks away Joshua Lionel Cowen began building eye-catching electric train displays for toy stores. Lionel continues its tradition of capturing hearts and imaginations at the New York Transit Museum this holiday season, with Metro-North, New York Central and subway trains departing from a miniature Grand Central Terminal on a 34’ long two level “O” gauge model train layout. Vintage Lionel trains from the Museum’s collection and 1930s Lionel advertisements will also be on display.

The Museum’s store and booth at the Holiday Gift Fair at Grand Central offer great gifts for holiday shopping. The home of subway style, the Transit Museum Store offers a wide selection of unique transit gifts, memorabilia and Grand Central Terminal products. New items this holiday season include subway backpacks, train sets, watches, socks, and even lip balm colored to match your favorite subway line! Transit gifts are also available online at www.transitmuseumstore.com.

On Saturday, November 15 from 6 – 8 pm, the Transit Museum will hold a special benefit preview of the Holiday Train Show, with champagne, hot chocolate, sweet treats, and an exclusive private viewing of the show. Proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit the Transit Museum’s education programs.

Tickets Here: https://51281.blackbaudhosting.com/51281/2014-Holiday-Trains-Preview-Fundraiser

What: 13th Annual Holiday Train Show at Grand Central

When: November 16, 2014 – February 22, 2015

Where: New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex and Store at Grand Central Terminal

Shuttle Passage adjacent to the Stationmaster’s Office

Admission: FREE!

Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 6pm

Extended holiday hours from November 22 to December 24:

Monday – Friday: 8am – 8pm

Saturday: 10am – 8pm

Turkey Scavenger Hunt

Posted on October 17, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about... .

Turkey Scavenger Hunt

Greenburgh Nature Center

Sunday, November 16, 1:30PM

Members: $6 per person; Non-members: $9 per person; all children under 2 FREE

For further information, call (914) 723-3470 or go to: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.

SUN, NOV 16, 1:30PM — TURKEY SCAVENGER HUNT — This family-oriented event features our traditional “turkey token” hunt along a woodland trail. The walk ends with a visit to the Nature Center’s live domestic turkeys. After the walk, there are snacks and craft activities for all ages, a story about a turkey, and participants can visit the Nature Center’s Live Animal Museum, which is home to many small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Program is ideal for children ages 6 and under.

Fees: Members $6 per person, Non-members $9 per person. Children under 2 years of age are free. Sponsored in part by California Pizza Kitchen, Gymboree Play & Music, Jake’s Wayback Burgers, Macaroni Kid, Mathnasium, NEA Federal Credit Union, SavATree, ShopRite Scarsdale, Whole Foods Market Westchester, WHUD, Greenburgh Parks & Recreation, Town of Greenburgh, and Westchester County Parks. Event held Rain or Shine. No Refunds.

The Greenburgh Nature Center is a 33-acre woodland preserve with trails, a pond, gardens, a playground, and outdoor animal exhibits, including a birds of prey aviary. Our indoor exhibits include a live animal museum with over 100 specimens, exhibit areas focusing on nature and the environment, and a greenhouse with botanical exhibits. We offer special programs for groups of all ages on a wide range of environmental topics, camps and birthday parties, either here or at your location. We also have a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

The mission of the Greenburgh Nature Center is to offer inspiring, hands-on environmental education experiences, to foster an appreciation of nature, and to promote sustainable practices.

The Nature Center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale, NY. Parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. The Nature Center’s grounds are open daily dawn to dusk throughout the year. The Center’s indoor exhibits are open daily (except CLOSED Fridays and a few holidays), 9:30AM – 4:30PM on weekdays and 10AM – 4:30PM on weekends. For more information, visit our website at www.greenburghnaturecenter.org or call 914-723-3470.

Scarecrows & Pumpkins Parade

Posted on October 17, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Out and about... .

Scarecrows& Pumpkins Parade

Greenburgh Nature Center

Sunday, October 26, 11AM-3PM

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. For further information, call (914) 723-3470 or go to: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org.

SUN, OCT 26, 11AM-3:30PM — SCARECROWS AND PUMPKINS PARADE —A fun Halloween event for young children. Follow friendly scarecrows along our pumpkin trail; meet storybook characters along the way who perform entertaining skits. Come in costume and enjoy cider and treats courtesy of ShopRite Scarsdale, tattoos and more. Food available for purchase by California Pizza Kitchen. Fee if pre-registered by Oct. 25: Members $5 per person, Non-members $10 per person (online registration only). Fee day of event: Members $8 per person, Non-members $15 per person. Children under 2 years of age are free. Sponsored in part by California Pizza Kitchen, Dilmaghani Company, Gymboree Play & Music, Jake’s Wayback Burgers, Macaroni Kid, NEA Federal Credit Union, SavATree, ShopRite Scarsdale, Snip-Its Scarsdale, Surburban Carting Company, TD Bank, Venture Portraits, Whole Foods Market Westchester, WHUD, Greenburgh Parks & Recreation, Town of Greenburgh, and Westchester County Parks. Event held Rain or Shine. No Refunds.

The mission of the Greenburgh Nature Center is to offer inspiring, hands-on environmental education experiences, to foster an appreciation of nature, and to promote sustainable practices.

The Nature Center is located at 99 Dromore Road, off Central Park Avenue, in Scarsdale, NY. Parking is free, and handicapped parking is available. The Nature Center’s grounds are open daily dawn to dusk throughout the year. The Center’s indoor exhibits are open daily (except CLOSED Fridays and a few holidays), 9:30AM – 4:30PM on weekdays and 10AM – 4:30PM on weekends. For more information, visit our website atwww.greenburghnaturecenter.org or call 914-723-3470.

The Mystery Museum Train Party for Families

Posted on October 14, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about... .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.

The Mystery Museum Train Party for Families

Go underground for fall family fun at the Transit Museum

Thursday, October 23, 6 pm – 8 pm

On Thursday, October 23, families take over the Transit Museum for an after-hours Halloween bash! Activities include a Spooky Subway Investigation for young detectives, music by Music Under New York duo We Bred Raptors?, shadow puppet crafts, and a black light dance party. Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. Costumes are encouraged for maximum magic!

SSI: Spooky Subway Investigation: Join fellow detectives to solve an interactive 100-year old mystery involving missing keys, squeaky wheels, subway spirits and a conductor’s hidden stash of candy.

Shadow Puppet Stories: Transport your imagination by creating silhouette puppets and a nighttime city landscape to animate your own travel tale.

You Bred Raptors? Born somewhere between the Triassic and Cretaceous periods, You Bred Raptors? emerged from fossilized trilobites unearthed by shifting tectonic plates. The duo sports an eight string bass, glockenspiel, toy piano and drums. Serenading milkmaids, cavemen and blacksmiths alike with wacky folk music, they have firmly planted their talons in the soil.

What: The Mystery Museum Train Party for Families

When: Thursday, October 23, 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: New York Transit Museum

Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Downtown Brooklyn

Admission: Adults $7. Children 2-17 and Seniors (62+) $5

Museum members and children under 2 free

Tickets Here:

https://51281.blackbaudhosting.com/51281/The-Mystery-Museum-Train-Party- for-Families

Upcoming at the Greenburgh Nature Center

Posted on October 14, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Out and about..., Uncategorized .

Greenburgh Nature Center

December 2014

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. For further information, call (914) 723-3470 or go to: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

DECEMBER WEEKDAY CLASSES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

NATURE SERIES PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

(6-week class – 1 session available)

Children and parents or caregivers come for an hour of nature fun. Dress for outdoor activity. Except in extreme weather conditions, a portion of each class is spent outdoors. Admittance closes 15 minutes after the start of the program.

PRE-REGISTRATION & PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED. Tuition per 6-week session—if you join mid-session, rates will be pro-rated. Fees: Members: $50 per child.

Non-members: $90 per child.

Wild Encounters Storytime (3-5 years old)

Nature discovery for youngsters, with a parent or caregiver. Enjoy a nature themed story and discover the wonders of nature while exploring fields, forests, or landscaped grounds. Let your imagination run wild!

MON 1:30-2:30PM

SESSION 8- NOV 17, 24, DEC 1, 8, 15, 22

Mother Nature’s Storytime (2-4 years old)

Children, with parent or caregiver, enjoy fall days at the center with nature themed stories, nature walks, live animals, and/or crafts.

WED 10-11AM

SESSION 8- NOV 12, 19, 26, DEC 3, 10, 17

ART SERIES PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

(8-week class- 1session available)

Children and parents or caregivers come for a newly designed art program that incorporates nature into art. The classes are hands-on and interactive, so dress to get messy. Admittance closes 15 minutes after the start of the program.

PRE-REGISTRATION& PRE-PAYMENT REQUIRED. Tuition per 8-week session—if you join mid-session, rates will be pro-rated.

Fees: Members: $144, Non-members: $176 (basic membership + program fee)

WeePaint (2-4 years old)

Children, with parent or caregiver, explore new art materials, experience new textures, learn to be creative in a group setting, and socialize with other children.

FRI 11:15-12PM

SESSION 1- Oct 10, 17, 24, 31, NOV 7, 14, 21, DEC 5

WEEKLY SUNDAY WALKS FOR ALL AGES

TEACHING TRAILS: A COMMUNITY PATH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

(With generous support from Con Edison)

EVERY SUNDAY AT 11:30AM (DEC 7, 14, 21, 28)

Join us for a Guided Trail Experience through the woodland forest. Discover who left that track, which tree makes the best animal home, or which mushrooms make the best dinner. Program runs approximately 45 minutes. FREE

DECEMBER EVENING PROGRAM FOR ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:

WED, DEC 10, 7PM REFRESHMENTS / 7:30PM PROGRAM – SIERRA CLUB-

10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAYS GORGEOUS, ‘GREEN’, AND GRACIOUS –GNC staff and Sierra Club members present their favorite traditions for celebrating the holidays, minus the fuss and waste—not to mention saving money and reducing stress! Bring your own green holiday ideas to share. Program presented in partnership with the Sierra Club Lower Hudson Group; designed for adults and high school students. FREE and handicapped accessible.

DECEMBER WEEKEND PROGRAMS

All program fees are per person and include admission to indoor exhibits and Animal Museum. Space is limited; pre-payment and pre-registration are required for some events. Children under 2 are free. Admittance closes 15 minutes after the start of the program.

WEEKENDS ONLY

SAT, DEC 6 10AM – 4:30PM

SUN, DEC 7 10AM – 4:30PM

SAT, DEC 13 10AM – 4:30PM

SUN, DEC 14 10AM – 4:30PM

TRAIN – YOUR TICKET TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Display of model trains, presented by the Yonkers Model Railroad Club.

FREE for members, Non-members: Adults $10, Seniors $9, Children 2 to 12 $8. Includes admission to all Manor House exhibits. No Refunds.

SAT, DEC 20, 2PM

CELEBRATING WINTER TREES AND WINTER ANIMALS

Learn how trees and animals not only survive, but thrive during the cold winter months. Enjoy a short woodlands nature walk and visit from some winter-hardy critters! Members $5, Non-members $8

SUN, DEC 21, 2PM

NATURE STORYTIME

Join us for a special storytime reading of “Three Billy Goats Gruff”. Then meet some Nature Center animals and enjoy nature-themed crafts and activities. Members $5, Non-members $8

WED, 24 MANOR HOUSE CLOSED

CHRISTMAS EVE DAY

THURS, 25 MANOR HOUSE CLOSED

CHRISTMAS DAY

SAT, DEC 27, 2PM

MEET THE ANIMALS

Join us for an informative program that allows you to get up close and hands-on with some of the Nature Center’s live animals! What wild fun will you have today?

Members $5, Non-members $8

————————————————————————————————————

The Greenburgh Nature Center is a 33-acre woodland preserve with trails, a pond, gardens, a playground, and outdoor animal exhibits, including a birds of prey aviary. Our indoor exhibits include a live animal museum with over 100 specimens, exhibit areas focusing on nature and the environment, and a greenhouse with botanical exhibits. We offer special programs for groups of all ages on a wide range of environmental topics, camps, and birthday parties, either here or at your location. We also have a variety of volunteer opportunities for all ages and skill levels.

The mission of the Greenburgh Nature Center is to offer inspiring, hands-on environmental education experiences, to foster an appreciation of nature, and to promote sustainable practices.

GiGi’s Playhouse and RYE PLAYLAND-Mark Your Calendars!

Posted on September 19, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Good Cause, Money Momma, Out and about..., Thoughts.., Uncategorized .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own, and those of Jamie the ‘Money Momma’.

As you know RNYM is dedicated to serving the community, specifically children’s causes. We are always happy to post a fun/walk/fundraiser on the site to benefit a children’s charity. I am at a loss for words for the outpouring of support that we received for Gabi’s Party, and the generosity of our community. It is truly amazing to see a community come together the way that it has.

One of the most amazing things about having kids is how much the definition of fun changes. All of a sudden the word fun is defined by watching someone else have a good time. Seeing our kids smile and enjoy life is by far the greatest reward there is in parenting. Then there are the great times where we get to combine fun with a worthwhile cause. It is with that idea in mind that on October 12, 2014 RocklandNYMom.com invites you to cheer on Chief Editor Megan Johnston and Financial Columnist Jamie Flesher as they take on a 5K run and 1 mile, kids included, inspirational walk through RYE PLAYLAND to benefit GiGi’s Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center. GiGi’s Playhouse services children and adults of all ages, each Playhouse provides educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families; and in a format that individuals with Down syndrome learn best. All programs aim to maximize self-confidence and empower individuals to achieve their greatest potential.

By way of background, this is not just any charity to Megan and Jamie. GiGi’s Playhouse is of utmost importance to a little boy who is very special to us and all 4 of our kids. (O) is an adorable and sweet 3 year old with Down syndrome. He also happens to be a good friend to (A),(E),(R), and (S) since all the kids attend Busy Bee Playschool together. So we thought why not have some fun together at Rye Playland, support a cause that is special to us, and get our cardio in all at the same time? We also know that the day just would not be the same without our RocklandNYMom.com readers there to show their support in whatever manner they choose. We are running, walking, dashing to bring GiGi’s Playhouse to Westchester County. They are in the home stretch to their big grand opening. The goal is to build GiGi’s Playhouse for all kids, teenagers, and adults with Down syndrome. The achievement center will show everyone what individuals with Down syndrome can really do – the sky is the limit!

The gang gives (O) a group hug while playing after school.

To read more about (O) and his journey or support (O)’s team, click here: http://gigisplayhouse.donorpages.com/Race2014Westchester5K/TeamLivingtheDream/

To read more about GiGi’s Playhouse, click here:

gigisplayhouse.org

Italian Feast- Weekend Joy

Posted on September 13, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Jamie was invited to the Italian Feast. All opinions are her own.

One of the best things about living in Rockland is the abundance of awesome things to do on the weekends. The Italian Feast is one not to miss, and it is gone fast open this weekend only. Weekend hours: 11am to Midnight Saturday, and noon to 9pm Sunday.

Great food, great atmosphere, great music, great time! That basically sums up my family’s experience at the Blauvelt Sons of Italy 5^th annual ITALIAN FEAST. If you have any free time this weekend, this is absolutely the event to check out. They literally had something that would appeal to everyone and just the friendliest staff one could imagine

We arrived to a very organized parking situation and were pleased to see that anyone who needs to bring a stroller would be able to maneuver their stroller through parking and the event with no issues at all. (R) and (S) were bouncing up and down as we walked towards the entrance. The delicious smells of all the food surrounded us while we put on our wrist bands for unlimited rides, bounce houses, and slides. (R) couldn’t wait to get to the rides so after some amazing fried ravioli, off the 4 of us went to experience the rest of the event.

Jamie and the kids on the Carousel.

There was plenty of room to push the stroller through the walkways, plenty of seating all throughout the grounds for those who wanted to sit and eat or relax, and plenty of staff walking around making sure that the lines were moving quickly and that everyone was finding what they need. There were also several indoor bathrooms, which I prefer to a port-a-potty (especially for those with children in diapers). The staff was incredible. They helped us get both kids on the rides, buckled them in, let us know which rides we would need to accompany (S) on (R is big enough to ride most alone) and even made an emergency stop on one of the rides when (S) was terrified and crying. The rides are compartmentalized, with the kiddie rides in one spot and the big kid rides across the way which makes it easy to keep an eye on your child.

The family on the Tea Cups.

When (R) and (S) had ridden every single ride possible, we headed over to the music stage and enjoyed a delicious dinner by Joe and Joe’s restaurant. It is also in this stage area that adults can indulge in an adult beverage…and there was an excellent selection to choose from. (R) and (S) were busy dancing to the live music while T (my husband) and I tried to decide what to eat. It was not an easy choice. It all looked and smelled incredible and the line of people waiting was a clear indication just how good this dinner would be. To our pleasure they moved all the customers through the line and got them fed. It was no more than 10 minutes.

From there it was off to play the games, shop the dozens of vendors, and let the kids choose their souvenir. We even noticed black jack tables set up for later that evening.

If I had to describe this event in one word it would be joy. This event just oozes joy. There was not one person experiencing this event that was not smiling. Little kids, big kids, teenagers, parents, adults, staff members, everyone was all smiles and having a blast. It is a fabulous event and worth taking the family to enjoy. And yes, of course we got some zeppoles on the way out.

Weekend hours: 11am to Midnight Saturday, and noon to 9pm Sunday

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