Matisse Chocolatier
RSVP to 845-365-0285
*Birthday parties booked in September receive 10% off
Sip ‘n style at Sparkle Up
9/20 7-9 pm
$25 per person RSVP RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.
Saturday 9/8/18
*hair, nails etc with Sparkle Up staff not included.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH
DANCE CENTRAL PERFORMING ARTS
GRAND RE-OPENING IN NEW LOCATION
25 SOUTH WILLIAM STREET
PEARL RIVER, NY 10965
FREE CLASSES
PRE-KINDERDANCE AGES 3&4 10AM
ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 5-7 10AM
BALLET AGES 8-12 10AM
KINDERDANCE AGES 5-7 10:30AM
ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 2.5 -4 10:30AM
JAZZ AGES 8-12 10:30AM
HIP HOP AGES 4-6 11AM
HIP HOP AGES 7-10 11AM
HIP HOP AGES 11-15 11:30AM
ACRO/TUMBLING AGES 8-12 11:30AM
RIBBON CUTTING & PLAQUE UNVEILING 12PM
COMPANY PERFORMANCE 12:30PM
FACE PAINTING & BALLOON ART 12:30-2:30PM
Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post, we adore the FASNY Museum.
Story Hour with Firefighter Shaun!
Join us at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting for story hour with Firefighter Shaun on August 11, 2018 at 10:30am. Firefighter Shaun will read the exciting story “Firehouse.” After the story, help Firefighter Shan complete the giant puzzle, putting all the pieces in the right order, based on the story. Then make your own puzzle with Firefighter Shaun that you can take home with you. You will be happy to be “puzzled” when you are having fun with Firefighter Shaun! This program is appropriate for children ages 2-8. This program and admission to the Museum for the day is free to residents of Columbia County (with proof of residency: a drivers license for head of household) thanks to a generous grant award from Hudson River Bank and Trust Co. Foundation. The Museum is located at 117 Harry Howard Avenue in Hudson, New York on the campus of the Firemen’s Home. For further information about this program, other upcoming Super Saturday programs or the Museum, call 518-822-1875, ext.17 or visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com
The FASNY Museum of Firefighting is America’s interactive museum of firefighting! Activities for families include creative play on selected fire engines, hands-on interactives, including the popular bucket brigade activity, a virtual fire engine driving activity, the Jr. Firefighter Challenge and the Cabot/McCadam Discovery Room. With over 60 pieces of apparatus on exhibit, whether you’re a firefighter, a student of history or a family looking for a fun and educational day trip, you will not want to miss this unique Museum.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as we were invited to see Anything Goes.
Photo Credit: John Vecchiolla
I’ve said it before, I will say it again, Dinner Theater NEEDS to become popular again!!! Chelsea and I went and saw this show last week and were floored by how few of our peers were there. Its AFFORDABLE, its DELICIOUS, and its ENTERTAINING!!! Its close to Rockland and a GREAT date night, and based on what I see for upcoming performances, also a great way to introduce kids to the stage.
So…. Here’s the info on the current performance, please remember that there is a discount if you mention RocklandNYMom when you call to order tickets!
Chelsea and I enjoyed the show, in particular the dancing was REALLY out of this world.
ALSO I ALMOST FORGOT- RIGHT NOW IS THEIR AMAZING CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE!!!
Westchester Broadway Theatre
Presents
ANYTHING GOES
Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter
Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman
Directed and Choreographed by Richard Stafford
Musical Direction by Patrick Hoagland
July 5– September 9, 2018
Bon voyage! Anything Goes, is the winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and considered one of the greatest Tap Dancing musicals of all time. A brassy nightclub singer, a starry-eyed stowaway and Public Enemy No. 13 are booked on a transatlantic luxury liner bound for romance and laughter.
Cole Porter’s delightful, delicious, first-class score includes some of the musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” “Friendship,” “All Through The Night,” and many more! Come aboard the tap-happy, SS American, where love is only a song away! ANYTHING GOES is a show not to be missed!
The Cast Features: Stacia Fernandez (as Reno Sweeney), Tina Johnson (Mrs. Harcourt), Kevin Pariseau (Lord Evelyn), Jon Peterson (Moonface Martin), Mychal Phillips (Erma), Jackie Raye (Hope), Zach Trimmer (Billy) and Bob Walton (Elisha Whitney).
The multi-talented Ensemble: Leeds Hill, Kelly Black, Katie Brunson, Mike Baskowski, Caroline Chisholm, Joseph Cullinane, Will Geoghegan, Kelly Gleason, Thadd Krueger, Seth Lerner, Lily Lewis, Mallory Nolting, Jason Rath, Joey Simon.
Directed & Choreographed by Richard Stafford, The Musical Director is Patrick Hoagland;
Associate Choreographer is Joseph Cullinane. Set Design by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Mark Zuckerman. The Costume Designer is Keith Nielsen, Wig/Hair Design by Gerard Kelly, the Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, and Properties are by Grumpy’s Props. Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.
Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.
Luxury Boxes: Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.
Show Times:
Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.
Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $59.00 to $89.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
Westchester Broadway Theatre
Presents
SISTER ACT
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner
Additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane
Directed and Choreographed by Donna Drake
Musical Direction by Bob BrayApril 5 – July 1, 2018
SISTER ACT, based on the Touchstone Motion Picture, tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva, whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a Convent! Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of the Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, sisterhood and music.
Featuring original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar winner ALAN MENKEN (Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast, Newsies, Enchanted), dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, Soul, and Disco, SISTER ACT is the funniest and funkiest musical around.
The Cast features: Zuri Washington (as Deloris Van Cartier), Mary Jo McConnell (Mother Superior), Lani Corson (Sister Mary Robert) Ken Jennings (Monsignor O’Hara), Philip Michael Baskerville (Curtis Shank), Danny Wilford (Eddie Souther), Corben Williams (TJ), Jayson Elliott (Joey), Mike D’Amico (Pablo), Sandy Rosenberg (Sister Mary Lazarus), Katelyn Lauria (Sister Mary Patrick).
The multi-talented Ensemble: Melanie Burg, Joanna Caruso, Sincee Daniels, Hannah Eakin, Hector Flores Jr., Keyonna Knight, Jose Plaza, T. Shyvonne Stewart, Jessi St. George, Stephanie Sable, Karen Webb.
Directed & Choreographed by Donna Drake. The Musical Director is Bob Bray; Associate Choreographer is Rhonda Miller. Set Design by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Mark Zuckerman. The Costume Coordinator is Heather Carey, Wig/Hair Design by Gerard Kelly, the Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, the Assistant Stage Manager is Duane McDevitt and Properties are by Grumpy’s Props. Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.
Donna Drake (Director/Choreographer: Broadway: Original production of A Chorus Line, Sophisticated Ladies, Woman of the Year, The Wind in the Willows, 5678-Dance, It’s so nice to be Civilized and the original production of The 1940s Radio Hour. She directed 4 Broadway Concerts of Nothing Like A Dame for BC/EFA and Addy & Uno, currently running off Broadway at Theatre Row. Awards include an Emmy nomination, 4 Drama Desk Nominations, A Mac Award Nomination, A Theatre World Award and an Off Broadway Alliance Nomination. She choreographed Catherine Zeta Jones for the American Film Institute Awards, 2009 and The AFI 2011 honoring Morgan Freeman and starring Betty White. She directed the children’s show; John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean off Broadway & National & International tours. TV: Julie’s Greenroom, starring Julie Andrews, Monica’s Mixing Bowl, Disney’s Johnny & the Sprites, and ABC TV’s Dear Alex & Annie. She is currently teaching acting at Pace University.
Zuri Washington (Deloris Van Cartier) is a Bronx native making her WBT debut in one of her favorite roles! She starred in the National Tours of Bring It On: The Musical as Danielle and Memphis as Felicia Farrell. Other credits include: Dreamgirls (Deena) and Bat Out of Hell which is now enjoying a run in the UK.
Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.
Luxury Boxes: Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.Show Times:
Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.
Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $59.00 to $89.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers!
WBT Mainstage:Sister Act – April 5 – July 1, 2018
Anything Goes – July 5- September 9, 2018
Phantom – September 13th – November 25th 2018
A Christmas Carol – November 29 – December 23rd, 2018
Phantom – Returns December 27th – January 27th 2019
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am all but obsessed with Westchester Broadway Theatre at this point. Not only do I LOVE attending their shows I have started sharing the love with others. I bought my mother tickets for Christmas, and PROMISED to bring some (read a million) people back to see Newsies next fall. In the meantime, their next great performance is here and it promises to be FABULOUS. In fact, I get to preview it this evening. <3
Westchester Broadway Theatre
Presents
A CHORUS LINE
Conceived and originally directed and choreographed by
Michael Bennett
Music by Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics by Edward Kleban
Book by James Kirkwood Jr. & Nicholas Dante
Directed and Choreographed by Mark Martino
Musical Direction by Bob Bray
January 11– April 1, 2018WBT will open its 2018 theatre season with the hit Broadway musical A Chorus Line. This mega-hit captures the very soul of musical theater, and is one of the longest-running Broadway musicals ever. This beloved and iconic musical by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante with a brilliant and show-stopping score by Marvin Hamlisch & Lyrics by Edward Kleban, is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the Musical Theatre, the chorus dancers, valiant, over- dedicated, underpaid and highly trained troopers who back up the star and often make them look more talented. The characters portrayed in A Chorus Line are based upon the real life experiences of Broadway dancers.
Everything is on the line for 17 dancers as they audition for a highly sought-after place in the chorus of a Broadway musical. Through this exhausting process, their stories and vulnerabilities are laid on the line as they ultimately come together and become one singular sensation! In a brilliant fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama, the musical features one powerhouse number after another including “What I Did for Love,” “One,” and “I Can Do That.”
Considered groundbreaking when it opened on Broadway in 1975, the musical went on to win nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Today, it remains as touching and powerful as when it debuted and is one of the longest running musicals on Broadway.The cast features: Drew Carr (Mike), Tiffany Chalothorn (Connie), Erika Conaway (Tricia), Joseph Cullinane (Greg), Kevin Curtis (Richie), Emma Degerstedt (Val), Brian Dillon (Larry), David Elder (Zach), Tim Fuchs (Al), Danielle Marie Gonzalez (Vicki), David Grindrod (Roy), Michael John Hughes (Paul), Tyler Jimenez (Don), Emily Kelly (Maggie), Ashley Klinger Kristine), Joey Lucherini (Frank), Erica Mansfield (Cassie), Alexandra Matteo (Diana), Logan Mortier (Bobby), PJ Palmer (Mark), Lauren Sprague (Sheila), Kelsey Walston (Bebe), Caitlin Wilayto (Judy).
Directed & Choreographed by Mark Martino who was at the helm for our recent hit, Mamma Mia. The Musical Director is Bob Bray; Associate Choreographer is Brian Dillon.
Costume Design by Keith Nielsen, Set Design by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Mark Zuckerman. The Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, ASM is Duane McDevitt and Properties are by Grumpy Props.Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.MARK MARTINO (Director and Choreographer) is delighted to return to WBT, after directing and choreographing last season’s Mamma Mia! Mark’s work has been seen at many of the nation’s leading theaters, including the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA (Guys and Dolls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Smokey Joe’s Café, Leader of the Pack, Sweet Charity), Florida’s Maltz Jupiter Theatre (Beehive, The Music Man, Crazy For You, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Les Miserables, The Will Rogers Follies, The Producers), Boston’s North Shore Music Theatre (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, A Chorus Line, Footloose), Music Theatre of Louisville (Hello Dolly, West Side Story), Maine’s Arundel Barn Playhouse, The Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Detroit’s Meadow Brook Theatre, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (Forever Plaid, White Christmas, Newsies), Theatre Aspen (Little Shop of Horrors, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Avenue Q, The Full Monty, Peter and the Starcatcher, Cabaret, Hairspray) Maine State Music Theatre (Mamma Mia!, Grease) & NYC’s Steinbach Theatre (A Chorus Line). Mark has directed and choreographed for Symphony Orchestras including The Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Naples, Edmonton, and Toronto Symphonies and the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. Film and television credits include NBC’s The Miss America Pageant, the feature film Rock ‘N’ Roll Hotel, and the nationally syndicated PBS Christmas special Count Your Blessings.
Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.
Luxury Boxes: Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking.
Show Times: Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.
Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $59.00 to $89.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers!
WBT Mainstage:
A Chorus Line – January 11 – April 1, 2018Sister Act – April 5 – July 1, 2018
Anything Goes – July 5- September 9, 2018
Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.
-Cat Sheridan
There is SO much to see and do during the holiday season!!! We have compiled a list for you all here!!! As always you can check our calendar as well. If you have something cool to check out please send us a note at RocklandNYMom@yahoo.com or comment on this thread. Let us know your favorites!!
ROCKLAND
Tree Lighting and Open House- Historic Traphagen- Dec 6, 2017 6:30-8:30 PM 131 Germonds Rd West Nyack NY
The Nutcracker Rockland Youth Dance Ensamble Dec 7/9 SUNY RCC
http://rocklandyouthdanceensemble.org/productions/tickets
The Polar Express Story Time Barnes and Noble Palisades Center Dec 7, 7 PM
https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780061896993-0
Breakfast with Santa Dec 9 10 AM Blue Hill Golf Course https://www.bluehillgolfcourse.com
Breakfast with Santa Dec 10 11 AM At Dave and Busters Palisades Center
The Polar Express Lafayette Theater http://lafayettetheatersuffern.com/9214/Polar-Express-Dec-10
Breakfast with Santa Dec 10 American Legion 9-10:30 AM 11AM-12:30PM http://www.hudsonvalleyscouting.org/OpenRosters/View_Homepage.aspx?orgkey=2368
Community Candle Lighting Dec 13 JCC Rockland https://jccrockland.org
Winter Wonderland- http://www.eventsinusa.net/event-winter-wonderland-opening-night-congers-12341703
Holiday Crafts Michaels Craft Store- https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?storeId=6750&zipCode=10965
NORTHERN JERSEY
Skylands Stadium Christmas Lights http://skylandsstadium.com/events/christmas-light-show-120316/
Bergen County Winter Wonderland https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bergen-county-winter-wonderland-2017-2018-tickets-38669370127
Holiday Model Train Show Barron Arts Center Woodbridge NJ https://etrigg.com/event/the-2017-barron-arts-center-holiday-model-train-show/57889927/
Williams Sanoma Kids Class https://www.williams-sonoma.com/pages/store-events/store-events/junior-chef-classes.html
Christmas Under Water https://www.adventureaquarium.com/What-To-Do-In-New-Jersey/Special-Events/Christmas-Underwater
Cranbury Christmas Lights http://www.cranburychristmaslights.com
Breakfast with Santa- Applebees Montvale NJ Dec 9, 8:30 AM all proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots http://www.forkedrivergazette.com/applebees-annual-breakfast-with-santa-benefitting-toys-for-tots/
Christmas shows at Papermill Playhouse https://papermill.org/shows-tickets/childrens-shows/
Breakfast with Santa https://iplayamerica.com/event/breakfast-with-santa/
Holiday with the Animals Dec 16 Bergen County Zoo http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/437/Bergen-County-Zoo
Holiday Lights Spectacular http://turtlebackzoo.com/events/holiday-light-spectacular-5/
WESTCHESTER
The Christmas Voyager https://www.broadwaytheatre.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=The%20Christmas%20Voyager
Westchester Winter Wonderland http://www.wwinterwonderland.com
Greenburgh Nature Center Train Show http://greenburghnaturecenter.org/event/holiday-train-show/
Menorah Lighting Celebration Dec 14, 5:30 PM Stew Leonard’s Yonkers NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/menorah-lighting-celebration-at-stews-in-yonkers-tickets-39526386486
Brunch with Santa Dec 16/17 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM Stew Leonard’s Yonkers NY https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brunch-with-santa-at-stew-leonards-in-yonkers-tickets-39560455387
The Great Westchester Toy and Train Show http://westchestertoytrain.com
Bring in the Light https://www.theinsidepress.com/rosenthal-jccs-hanukkah-celebration-bring-in-the-light/
ORANGE
Ice Skating Bear Mountain http://www.bearmountainicerink.com
A Charlie Browns Christmas http://countyplayers.org/shows/a-charlie-brown-christmas/
Holiday Lights in Bloom http://www.orangecountynyparks.com
Frosty Fest https://frostyfest.com/attractions
Breakfast with Santa https://www.facebook.com/orangetourism/photos/pb.115913605119371.-2207520000.1511481712./1706284546082261/?type=3&theater
NYC
Gingerbread Lane – NY Hall of Science https://nysci.org/visit/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhMrhj5LQ1wIV14qzCh10zwW6EAAYASAAEgLURfD_BwE
Holiday Train Show NY Botanical Gardens https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show/holiday-train-show/
Union Square Holiday Market https://www.nycgo.com/shopping/union-square-holiday-market
Dyker Heights- Holiday Lights https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/dyker-heights-christmas-lights
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree https://www.rockefellercenter.com/whats-happening/2017/11/29/2017-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-lighting/
Ice skating- Wollman Rink Central Park http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com
5th Avenue Holiday Window Displays https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/holiday-windows-in-new-york-city
Radio City Christmas Spectacular https://www.rockettes.com/christmas/
Celebrate Kwanza- American Museum of Natural History Dec 30 http://mcny.org/event/kwanzaa-family-celebration-0?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInOi8y5LQ1wIVUFcNCh1VnwfHEAAYAiAAEgIpHvD_BwE
Disclaimer- This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.
By: Catherin Sheridan
I grew up right here in NY, my mom and grandpa are from Brooklyn, and both my parents worked in NYC. When I was younger I went to the city often. Now that I am a young adult, I travel in as much as I can, and my wallet allows. NYC is one of the greatest cities on planet earth, and as they say the city never sleeps. Here is a list I created based on my own experiences and places I love. Some of these places I went to as a kid and still enjoy them today. I would love to have included FAO Schwartz, and Toys R Us in Times Square but unfortunately they have closed. On my list I included higher end a little more pricey places, and just fun places to take the kids. Of course NYC is expensive but they have experiences for everyone!
I thought it would be really fun to have a kids point of view on their take of NYC. I was able to be in contact with Cate Elefante, who plays Lulu in the show Waitress, and is an frequent traveler to the Big Apple. I asked her what her favorite places to eat, and things to do in the city is and here are her picks! (Sorry for repeats but as they say great minds think alike!)
Restaurants:
Broadway Shows
Shows
Here were MY “must do” places to take kids in the city.
Food/Deserts/Food stores
Stores
Places
Helpful Tips–
I thought I would add in tips because sometimes we can forget the simplest things. NYC is a fun place, and is a whole new world for kids. But of course safety is the number one thing. I find the best way into NYC is train. I take the NJ transit, I usually take it from Peal River but most towns have a train stop. I get off at Secaucus and then from there transfer trains to Penn station (10 minutes). Then from Penn walk to my destination.
Driving to Secaucus is also great because you park your car and leave it (do pay hourly) and then just take the train straight to NYC.
You can also download the UBER app, saves a ton of money and safest mode of transportation especially with kids.
Money wise I bring cash, and cards. I hold a small amount in my pocket and the rest in a wallet under all the items I brought. Keep a bag that is close to your body, using a backpack I put a lock on it and hold the key on a chain in my pocket.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring extra clothes etc, depending on weather, also snacks and drinks.
As much fun as it can be grabbing a snack in NYC it is expensive, so to bring your own snacks is best. Also be sure to plan out the day and do things relatively close to each other. Kids tire out easily and you don’t need a melt down in the middle of NYC.
I find the best way to fit things in is to plan things that are close or on the top of my list for one trip, and the stuff I missed on the next. Once a year my friend and I travel in to the city and stay over night, its great because if were tired we can just go back to the room and then go back out when we want.
My friend and I stay at the Manhattan at Times Square, not too expensive considering NYC and right near the action. I hope you all have a great time in NYC!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are our own.
By: Sofija Duic
As a mom of 2 Girl Scouts growing with the program and now becoming teenagers, it is a constant struggle to keep the girls active and excited as a scout. Through the years we have come across many great adventures and activities where the girls can earn badges – thinking outside the box. Thought we should share to help out other leaders in the area :o). Most if not all of these can also translate for the Boy Scouts among us.
Here are some of our picks:
Cooking Badge
Young Chef Academy in New City – http://newcityny.youngchefsacademy.com/
Young Chef Academy focuses on specific teachable moments in relation to the recipes chosen. They have a list of amazing things for the girls to make – pizza, raviolis, fruit skewers, strawberry dreams, lunchtime wraps.
The minimum to book the event is 10 scouts, max is 20.
$20 per child/person.
845-638-0601
Swimming Badge
Swim Like a Fish (Life Plex Health Club) – http://www.likeafishswim.com/
Swim Like a Fish will test the girls water skills and teach them about water safety and first aid. Afterwards the kids play games. A great way to spend some fun in the water during the winter season. There is no minimum number of scouts, but a max of 20.
$5 per child.
Stephanie Kunow – swimlikeafishny@gmail.com or 845-570-1289
Health & Fitness Badge
Vision Sports – visionsportsclub.com
This is a one hour program and the fitness instructor will curtail the session to your badge needs. Example of the badges that can be earned are B.F.I.T Badge and Passport to Health & Fitness Badge. There is a minimum of 10 scouts.
$12 per child or $15 including a shake at the end.
Mary – 845-517-1415
Dance Badge
Surge Studio’s: http://www.surgestudioarts.com/
Surge Studio can host an hour long dance jam session with a disco ball and lights, where the girls will do a warm up, play a few games such as “Freeze Dance”, “Coke & Pepsi”, “Dance Simon Says”, followed by learning a dance routine the teachers will choreograph. It can be a Hip-Hop class or an Acro (Acrobatics) class where the girls will learn simple moves like cartwheels, rolls, perhaps walkovers. maximum of 10 girls per class (for safety reasons)
$15 a girl (for the hour long session)
Carly Harper – 845-598-0990 or info@surgestudioarts.com or http://www.surgestudioarts.com/private-instruction.html
Surge Studio is a true dance home for students of all ages and levels. Experience the Surge vibe, Surge love, and dance technique as you flourish in knowledge, confidence, and life skills that go beyond the dance floor.
Various Outdoor Activities/Badges
Day Camp in the Park – http://daycampinthepark.com/
Day Camp in the Park has everything! Pool Swimming, Lake swimming, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, bicycle boats, archery, a climbing wall, martial arts, theater/drama, fishing, frog & turtle catching, hiking, camp fire building and lots more!
Costs vary depending on the activity, all group sizes welcome!
dcitp1979@gmail.com or 845-638-2515
CPR/First Aid Badges
Life Save – http://lifesavellc.com
Each girl will learn CPR awareness, how/when to call 911, and basic first aid skills. The lesson is about an hour and a half and the girls will receive a participation certificate. ( they will not be certified )
All group sizes are welcome – they do ask for a head count a few days before.
There is no minimum age however, Life Save starts awareness training at the age of 12yrs and up for leaders.
$25 per child
info@lifesavellc.com.
Arts & Crafts
Jills Ceramics – http://www.jillsceramics.com/
A great afternoon learning all about ceramics. Jill works with the kids and shows them how to pour a mold (which they get to pick from 3 pieces), how to fire the ceramic, and then how to paint the ceramic (a full start to finish of making a ceramic piece). Once they paint it, they learn about the second firing (to seal the paint) and if they want to add any special touches (glitter/no glitter). After your ceramic party, everyone has a ceramic piece to take home and enjoy. The troop leader can bring a snack in for the girls to enjoy as well.
Minimum group of 8 preferred.
$10 per child. (no badge is provided).
Jill – 845-623-4975 to book
Drama & Theater
Spotlight Production Children’s Theater – http://www.spotlightpct.com/scout-programs.html
Spotlight Production has some amazing programs for all the Girls Scouts. Each level has a special program created just for them! Each program runs for 2 hours.
Daisy: A role Playing Workshop for Grades K-1 – Courageous & Strong Badge
Brownie: Move to the Beat – A Dance workshop for Grades 2-3 – Dancer Badge
Junior: A Theater Workshop for Grades 4-5 – Playing the Past Bridge Badge
Cadette: A Theater Workshop for Grades 6-8 – Public Speaking Badge
Prices vary per session.
845-548-1857 or shellysplayhouseinc@gmail.com
Last night we had an amazing time at the LEGO Ninjago Movie Days Preview Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester! Our lips are sealed on any details about the new movie, but W and S gave it 2 THUMBS UP!
I surprised the boys as they got off the bus yesterday, told them I had an adventure planned and to jump in the car! They were SO excited when we pulled into Ridge Hill Plaza and they realized we were headed to LEGOLAND.
When we arrived we were escorted into the event room with fun Ninjago themed activities. The kids picked out ninja headbands to match their favorite ninja – GREEN of course. Each child was given a chance to build on a color coded Lego tile to be added to the Ninjago mosaic to be completed by visitors over the upcoming Ninjago days. The back of each tile had a number and fit strategically on the mosaic board. We are anxious to see the final outcome!
We finished up in the event room and headed out to the play area, and we bumped into the
RED NINJA!
The play area has been completely transformed into Ninjago City Adventure! Modeled after the Temple of Airjitzu, it includes more than 20 ninja inspired obstacles. A great spot to work out some energy and perfect your ninja skills.
There was also Sensei Wu’s Dojo. S had a blast in here playing the ninja skills games. He had to touch the green shapes as they lit up, working on his ninja reflexes and coordination.
After about an hour of playing we headed up to the third floor of Ridge Hill Plaza to Showcase Cinema de Lux Ridge Hill for an advanced showing of the brand new LEGO Ninjago Movie. As I mentioned before, we can’t share details of the movie but W and S loved it! W said it was “really neat!” ( Watch the trailer here!)
LEGO® NINJAGO® Days will be happening the next 2 weekends, hurry and get your tickets now!
9/22-9/24
9/30-10/1
There will be giveaways, mini scavenger hunts, character meets,
building tables set up and so much more!
