10 Places to enjoy the Fall Foliage

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Ashley Carmichael Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

One of the greatest perks of living in this area is the beauty that surrounds us, especially in the fall when the foliage turns. My father and I used to take time to go places and take photos together during natures art show. Whether you are looking for an afternoon out, a picnic spot, or somewhere to take some lovely photos, Amy has put together a fabulous list of local places to visit so you can enjoy.

By: Amy Alinkofsky

Day Camp in the Park
http://daycampinthepark.com/
Another drive up the Palisades Parkway leads to the Harriman State Park area, Seven Lakes Drive and Day Camp in the Park. Located on a 500 acre nature preserve within Harriman State Park, Day Camp in the Park offers summer camp programs for children on Lake Tiorati. Drive around the area to get the great views and a sneak peek of a summer oasis.

Bear Mountain State Park
3006 Seven Lakes Dr, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
http://nysparks.com/parks/13/details.aspx
Bear Mountain State Park is just a quick drive up the Palisades Parkway (which is a leaf peeping drive). The park features a large play field, picnic areas, lake and river fishing access, Trailside Museum and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails, as well as a Carousel. An outdoor ice rink is open from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November.

Rockland Lake State Park
299 Rockland Lake Rd, Valley Cottage, NY 10989
http://nysparks.com/parks/81/amenities-activities.aspx
Rockland Lake State Park’s lake is located on a ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River. The park offers picnic tables; grills, and hiking trails with breath-taking views of the Hudson Valley. Walkers, joggers, roller bladers, and bicyclists can enjoy the 3.2 mile paved trail around the lake to take in the beautiful fall scene.

Warwick Valley Area
https://issuu.com/warwickcc/docs/2015_most_recent_guide/1
An area filled with orchards, farms, wineries and festivals, and just a short drive from Rockland. Visit the area’s only Drive In Movie Theater, take a hayride, pick pumpkins, explore a corn maze or get ice cream at Bellvale Creamery, all while taking in the beautiful scenery. Bellvale Farms/Creamery – http://bellvalefarms.com/

Fishkill Farms
http://www.fishkillfarms.com/aboutus.html
Moving to the opposite side of the Hudson, there is Fishkill Farms. Through mid October, they have Harvest Festival Weekends. They offer homemade food, donuts and cider, plus entertainment in the form of hayrides and live music on select days. The spectacular views, lovely fall weather, and the satisfaction of picking your own apples all combine for great family-friendly fun.

Rockland Center for the Arts, 27 South Greenbush Road, West Nyack, NY 10994
www.rocklandartcenter.org
Visit RoCA – The Catherine Konner Sculpture Park is open year round, dawn to dusk at no charge. Stroll around the 4 acre Sculpture, and visit the indoor galleries as well. RoCA’s new Nature trail was cleared this summer, is accessible from the top of the Sculpture field and is adjacent to Buttermilk Falls County Park and its hiking trails.

Kennedy Dells Park
355 North Main Street, New City, NY 10956
http://rocklandgov.com/departments/environmental-resources/county-parks-and-dog-runs/kennedy-dells-park/
This park has trails and picnic areas and is adjacent to Zukor Park, which has a large playground area for the kids. Take the trail up the hill and you are immersed in the forest until you emerge and see the dog run. Go further into the trails to find streams and scenery not to be missed.

Walkway Over the Hudson
87 Haviland Rd, Highland, NY 12528
https://walkway.org/
Originally the Poughkeepsie Railroad bridge, it was re-opened as a pedestrian walkway and now is the longest footbridge in the world. It is close to the Poughkeepsie waterfront area on the east side of the river and features expansive views of the region.

Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
https://www.boscobel.org/
Located on a 60 acre property with spectacular Hudson Valley Views and built between 1804 and 1808, guided tours of the house are available April through December. The readers of Hudson Valley Magazine voted Boscobel “The Best Place to Picnic”, so pack your own, plus a blanket or chair (some tables and benches available) or purchase food upon arrival. Located close to Garrison and Cold Spring, which are wonderful places to visit as well.

Storm King Art Center
Mountainville, NY
www.storkking.org
Widely celebrated as one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center has welcomed visitors from across the globe for fifty years. Its pristine 500-acre landscape of fields, hills, and woodlands provides the setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.

Happy Hiking!!!

Fall Fun 2016 (October 2016)

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Sofija Duic Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

October is one of my favorite times of the year. After picking bags full of apples in September, our home smells of warm apple pie and strudel with a touch of cinnamon, as we get ready for the leaves to start changing, daylights saving time to occur and one of my favorite times of the year – HALLOWEEN. This time a year we break out the sweaters, and regardless of age, we get to be a kids again (who’s ready to jump in those leave piles with me). Check out some of the fun in and around the area for the month of October!

Kruckers Oktoberfest
Saturday October 1^st, Sunday October 9^th, Saturday October 15^th, and Sunday October 16^th
Time: 12n-6p
81 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, NY 10970
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KruckersGrove/

Octoberfest 2016
Saturday October 1^st
Time: 11a-3p
Applegate Farm Ice Cream, Montclair, NJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1581409425496422/

Fall Farm Day – FREE
Sunday October 2^nd
Time: 1-4pm
Frost Valley Farm Camp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1758359701100921/

Warwick Applefest
Sunday October 2^nd
Time: 10a-5p
2 Bank St., Warwick, NY 10990

Satellite parking lot –Warwick Valley Middle School, 225 West St., Warwick, NY (Parking $5 with free shuttle to/from Applefest)
Satellite parking lot –Veterans Memorial Park, 60 Forester Ave., Warwick, NY (Parking $10 with free shuttle to/from Applefest)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1583920201906636/

2^nd Annual Fall Festival
Sunday October 2^nd
Time: 11a-5pm
Red Hill Café – 241 S. Little Tor Road, New City, NY 10956
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1797151637197617/

Horseman’s Hollow 2016
Friday thru Sunday October 7-9^th, 14-16^th, 21-23^rd, and 27^th-31^st
Time: 630-930p
Horseman’s Hollow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/551209691732440/

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze 2016**
Friday September 30^th thru Sunday 2^nd, Friday October 7^th thru Monday October 10^th, Thursday October 13^th thru Sunday October 16^th, Wednesday October 19^th thru Monday October 31^st
Time: 630p-9p
Van Cortlandt Manor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/177888512635380/

2^nd Annual Costume Swap for a Cause**
Saturday October 8^th
Time: 10a-12n
Pearl River High School – 275 E. Central Avenue, Pearl River, NY 10956
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1778824429027980/

Pearl River Day Festival – 10^th Anniversary**
Saturday October 8^th
Time: 11a-6p
Central Avenue btwn John Street & main Street – Downtown Pearl River, NY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1726571967558545/

Sons of the American Legion Post 174 Pig Roast
Saturday October 8^th
Time: 1-6pm
Sons of the American Legion, Post 174 Wayne NJ – 55 Mountain View Blvd, Wayne NJ 07470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1766114470298519/

Congers FD Wing Night
Saturday October 8^th
Time: 5-10p
400N Harrison Avenue, Congers NY 10920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/122279868219200/

Family Bonfire Night
Sunday October 9^th
Time: 6pm-9pm
Boscobel – 1601 Route 9D, Garrison NY 10524
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1050582728344146/

Bronx Zoo after Dark – ADULTS ONLY NIGHT
October 14^th @ 6pm thru October 15^th @ 10am
Bronx Zoo – 2300 Southern Blvd, Bronx NY 10460
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1079151788805410/

Halloween Dress Rehearsal at Disney Store
Saturday October 15^th
Time: 11a-1230p
Garden State Plaza, Paramus NJ 07652
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1779802295623995/

South Orangetown Day
Saturday October 15^th
Time: 11a-6pm
Bell-ans 103S. Greenbush Rd, Orangeburg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/South-Orangetown-Day-1023063484420407/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf

Baby Show Expo
Saturday October 15^th, thru Sunday October 16^th
Time: 11a-5p
New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center
Advanced Tickets Purchase
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1665882253665536/

Bergen County Food Truck & Music Carnival
Saturday October 15^th
Time: 11a-7pm
Whiskey Bar & Bistro, 1050 Wall St W, Lyndhurst, NY 07071
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/636052136548802/

Halloween Full Moon Party
Saturday October 15^th
Time: 6p-11pm
NoCo Beach Grill, 100 Rockland Road, Sparkill NY Piermont, NY 10976
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/991207614311856/

Crafted
Saturday October 15^th thru Sunday October 16^th
Time: 9a-5pm
Dutchess Stadium – 1500 R-9D, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/834519050008964/

Wicked Hollow Haunted Hayride
Friday October 21^st
Time: 630-10pm
Orange County Farmers Museum – 850 RT 17K, Montgomery NY 12549
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/563603790502580/

3^rd Annual Sleepy Hollow Psychic Fair & New Age Bazaar
Saturday October 22^nd thru October 23^rd
Time: 10a-5pm
Hampton Inn White Plains/Tarrytown – 200 W. Main St, Elmsford, NY 10523
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1612308512413659/

Heritage of West Nyack Fall Festival
Sunday October 23^rd
Time: 12np-4p
Germonds Rd, Clarkstown, NY 10994
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/283354028690512/

Finally! 5,000 jack O’Lanterns are coming to New Jersey
Thursday October 27^th thru Sunday October 30^th
Time: 10a-10p
Meadowlands Exposition Center – 355 Plaza Dr, Secaucus, NJ 07094
Promo code for 50% of tickets – http://www.therise.org/fbevents
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/115972475515948/

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Saturday October 29
Time: 1-3pm
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 1000 5^th Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1807362846162183/

2016 Strauss Mansion Ghost Tours (Night #4)
Saturday October 29^th
Time: 6-11p
AHHS Haunted Halloween Events – 27 Prospect Cir, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1173160089372264/

No-Scare Halloween
Saturday October 28^th thru Sunday October 30^th
Time: 11am-4pm
Museum Village, 1010 State Route 17M, Monroe, NY 10950
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1198787686812839/

Village of Suffern Halloween Parade 2016
Sunday October 30^th
Time: 2pm
Village of Suffern
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1735770543350994/

Things To Do 9/30-10/4

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Sofija Duic Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Saturday 10/1

Saturday October 1^st
Time: 11a-3p
Applegate Farm Ice Cream, Montclair, NJ
FREE Pumpkin Painting Contest, Free Ice Cream Eating Contest – PRIZES for each age Group
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1581409425496422/

2^nd Annual Fall Festival
Saturday October 1^st & Sunday October 2^nd
Time: 11a-5pm
Red Hill Café – 241 S. Little Tor Road, New City, NY 10956
Hay Rides; Farm Animals; Face Painting; Food, Beer & Wine; Activities & Games & More!!!!
Free Admission w/a $5 Parking Per Vehicle. Buy tickets for the food, Beer, Games & Activities.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1797151637197617/

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

In this elaborate, hugely popular walk-through experience, see more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns, all designed and individually hand-carved on site by our team of artisans.

Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, 7-10, 13-16, 19-31, Nov. 3-6, 10-13
at Van Cortlandt Manor

General public tickets on sale Sept. 1!

Advance Tickets Required
Times Vary by Evening

Online Tickets
Adults, $20; Children 3-17, $16 (Saturdays $25, $20)
FREE for children under 3 + members
Groups of 25 or more: email lorourke@hudsonvalley.org

Sunday 10/2

Time: 10a-5p
2 Bank St., Warwick, NY 10990

Satellite parking lot –Warwick Valley Middle School, 225 West St., Warwick, NY (Parking $5 with free shuttle to/from Applefest)
Satellite parking lot –Veterans Memorial Park, 60 Forester Ave., Warwick, NY (Parking $10 with free shuttle to/from Applefest)

Live Entertainment, Apple Pie Baking Contest, Apple Pie Eating Contest & TONS of Live Exhibitors
Download the Guide here: http://www.warwickapplefest.com/2016/09/18/the-2012-applefest-visitors-guide-is-now-available/

Oktoberfest – Street Fair
Sunday October 2^nd
Time: 10a-5pm
Main Street, New City
Live Music & DJ, Food, Rides & Amusements, Vendors, Arts/Crafts/Jewelry & MORE!!!!
Free Admission w/Plenty of FREE Parking

October 1^st – thru October 4^th

Boo at the Zoo: Thirteen Days of Halloween
Webpage: http://bronxzoo.com/boo-at-the-zoo
The annual Halloween celebration will run October 1-4, 8-10, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30. Scheduled activities embrace the spirit of the season while incorporating wildlife and conservation. Annual favorites including the hay maze, giant pumpkin carving demos, costume parades, magic and more will return with some additional Halloween surprises.

Bronx Zoo Animal Keepers will be on hand throughout the park to chat with Halloween revelers about the animals at the zoo while providing holiday-themed enrichment treats to some of the park’s residents.

Jack O ‘Lantern Illumination
Walk through a dark, eerie tunnel filled with more than 1,000 hand-carved and beautifully lit Jack ‘O lanterns meticulously sculpted into various animal shapes. The all-new exhibit lanterns will consist of dozens of intricate, detailed portraits of animals ranging from bats, to reptiles, marine creatures, mammals, nocturnal birds, bugs, and more.
Location: By Somba Village
Time: 10am- 5pm
Pumpkin Carving Demos
Professional pumpkin carvers from Sand Sculpture USA will be demonstrating their skill and displaying intricate pumpkin carvings of wildlife and animals from the Brown Bear book series.
Location: Dancing Crane Plaza
Time: 11am-4pm
Speed carving demos: 11:30am and 2:20pm
Costume Parade
Visitors can join a Halloween parade. Hand-made puppets and props built by master costumers will be part of the fun as participants march through the zoo alongside an array of characters from the Alice Farley Dance Company.
Location: Starts at Zoo Center
Time: 12pm and 2pm.
Hay Maze
Let yourself get lost at the zoo with a Halloween maze filled with sudden starts, stops and lots of adventure.
Location: Butterfly Patio
Time: 11am – 5pm
Treat Stations
Special locations around the park will help sweeten your visit.
Time: 11am–5pm
Crafts Workshop
Location: Dancing Crane Plaza
Time: 11am–4pm
Book Readings – Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Location: Children’s Zoo Farm
Time: 12pm -1:30pm

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!!!

RNYM Things To Do 9/23-9/25

Posted on September 22, 2016 by Sofija Duic Posted in Things to Do! .

Saturday 9/24

Crystal Run’s Community Health Fair
2 Centerock Road, West Nyack, NY
Saturday 9/24 10am-1pm
Complimentary health screenings (including flu shots, blood pressure checks and glucose screenings), giveaways, and educational seminars presented by Crystal Run Healthcare Providers.
Admission is free and light refreshments will also be served.
For more information and to register – click here!

Ninjago Weekend at LEGOLAND Discover Center Westchester
Calling all Ninjas! Get your LEGO swords ready to invade LEGOLAND^®Discovery Center Westchester during LEGO^® Ninjago Weekend!
Saturday 9/24 10am-9pm – last admission at 7pm
Prices start at $19.95 for Admission & Lego Collectible. Kids 2 and under are FREE!
Book your tickets today to guarantee entry. https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/

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Fall Festival at Kiddie Academy of Northvale – Tappan
271 Livingston St, Northvale, NJ 07647
Saturday 9/24 11am-1pm
Come and enjoy fall fun for the entire family! Pumpkin decorating, apple prints, fruit loop tree craft, snacks and a lot more.
Register HERE!

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The Stony Point Fall Festival
Kirkbride Hall, 5 Patriot Hills Drive, Stony Point
Saturday 9/24 10am-5pm
A fun family day full of vendors, Inflatable, Games, Pony rides and more!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/278927225802789/

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Hungry Hollow Family Music Festival
The Fellowship Hand ‘N’ Hoe Field – 241 Hungry Hollow Rd, Chestnut Ridge
Saturday 9/24 10am-6pm
Local exceptional musicians! Local organic food & children’s activities!
Proceeds from this event will benefit educational and eldercare initiatives in the Threefold Community!
For more information and to purchase tickets – https://www.facebook.com/events/1121397107909283/
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Sunday 9/25

The 13th Annual AppleFest in Piermont
Fly Wheel Park, Piermont, NY 10968
Sunday 9/25 10am-5pm
Rain Date – Sunday 10/2
Sponsored by the Blauvelt Lions Club.
There will be Food & Drink, Flea Market, Entertainment, pony rides, games & prizes,
fun for the WHOLE family.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/240606659671013/

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Congers Valley Cottage Italian Festival
Congers Station Park – Congers NY
Sunday 9/25 11a-6pm
The Congers Valley Cottage Rotary Club presents the 10th annual Italian Festival! Family fun, entertainment, great food, and much more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/288569461489920/

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Ninjago Weekend at LEGOLAND Discover Center Westchester
Calling all Ninjas! Get your LEGO swords ready to invade LEGOLAND^®Discovery Center Westchester during LEGO^® Ninjago Weekend!
Sunday 9/25 10am-7pm – last admission at 5pm
Prices start at $19.95 for Admission & Lego Collectible. Kids 2 and under are FREE!
Book your tickets today to guarantee entry. https://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/westchester/

Madame Tussauds New York Launches ‘KIDS-GO-FREE’

Posted on September 22, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

Madame Tussauds New York Launches ‘KIDS-GO-FREE’

***

Running September 19 through October 29, all kids will receive free admission to Madame Tussauds New York when accompanied by an adult

Having recently opened the all-new Ghostbusters Experience and with its continued commitment to offer one of a kind, unparalleled entertainment, Madame Tussauds New York remains a top destination for New York locals and visitors alike. Madame Tussauds is excited to offer its guests the opportunity for kids to receive complimentary admission to the iconic attraction.

Madame Tussauds, located in the heart of Times Square, will run their new “Kids Go Free” promotion from September 19th through October 29th. During this time, kids ages 12 and under, when accompanied by an adult ticket holder, will receive free admission to the one of a kind attraction.

Madame Tussauds believes in offering unrivaled entertainment in the Big Apple and looks forward to honoring their younger fans through this limited time promotion. Please visit Madame Tussauds New York’s website for more details.

mt-ghostbusters

*PLEASE NOTE: 2 free kids per 1 adult ticket. Kids receive the same ticket package as the adult they are with. Add-ons such as Ghostbusters: Dimension, Marvel 4D and others are subject to an additional upgrade charge. Groups, annual pass and combo tickets will remain the same and not be effected by this promotion. Group and school rates cannot be combined with the “free kid” promotion.

23rd Annual New York Transit Museum Bus Festival

Posted on September 19, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do!, Uncategorized .

23^rd Annual New York Transit Museum Bus Festival

Vintage buses, special activities, and all the excitement of the Atlantic Antic!

Sunday, September 25, 11am – 6pm

The New York Transit Museum’s annual Bus Festival returns on Sunday, September 25! See and step aboard selections from the Museum’s vintage fleet representing more than 80 years of New York City surface transit history. Located on Boerum Place between State Street and Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, the event is free and open to the public from 11am to 6pm alongside the festivities, food, and fun of the 42^nd Annual Atlantic Antic.

Toys and transit merchandise will be available and families are invited to participate in an interactive scavenger hunt, work on a communal “Build-A-City” art project and visit the Transit Museum’s “Education Depot” tent, where singing and storytelling will take place throughout the day. Guests will even have the opportunity to meet costumed historical characters and hear stories from when the buses on display were in service!

Throughout the day, admission to the Transit Museum will be just $1. Inside the Museum, a temporary tattoo station will be available and Educators will display transit artifacts from the Museum’s collections as part of an interactive “Hands-On History” activity. The Museum will be open from 11am to 5pm, with last admission at 4:30pm.

Some of this year’s special guests include:

· Bus 3100 – A Fifth Avenue Coach Company prototype bus, this vehicle debuted in 1956 as one of the first air-conditioned transit buses nationwide. Designed and built as an experiment, the General Motors Model 5106 features a push-type rear exit door, wrap-around soft seating in the rear, and fluorescent lighting.

· Bus 9098 – Part of the last order of “Old Look” style buses from General Motors in 1958, this model introduced the two-tone green color scheme, which later became a standard for the era, and was among the first buses to be outfitted with fiberglass seats and sliding windows.

· Bus 236 – Part of the first order of buses with electronic destination signs, this 1980 Grumman model represents the arrival of a new generation of buses known as the “Advanced Design Buses” (or ADB).

· Bus 1502 – One of 25 “New Look” buses ordered by the New York Bus Service in 1981, these vehicles were equipped with suburban bus features, including forward-facing seats on platforms, parcel racks, reading lights, and a single door.

Some of the work vehicles to be on display include:

· Tunnel Wrecker – Nicknamed “the Monster of the Tunnels,” this unusual emergency truck was built to move disabled vehicles in the Hugh L. Carey and Queens-Midtown Tunnels. Square in shape, it is equipped to tow everything from a compact car to a tractor-trailer.

· Tunnel Wash Truck – This vehicle is used to wash the inside walls and ceiling at the Hugh L. Carey and Queens-Midtown Tunnels.

NOTE: Equipment on display is subject to change.

What: 23^rd Annual Bus Festival
When: Sunday, September 25, 11am – 6pm
Where: At Atlantic Antic on Boerum Place between State Street and Atlantic Avenue
Admission: Bus Festival – Free!
NY Transit Museum Admission – $1, last admission at 4:30pm
More Information: www.nytransitmuseum.org/BusFest

Here Comes the Fun!- Review

Posted on September 8, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Classes for Kids, Reviews, Things to Do! .

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

When you hear the name New City School of Music what probably comes to mind is the slew of individual (and a few group) music lessons that they offer children and adults who would like to pursue learning how to play an instrument. You may have heard that they were chosen as the Top Music lessons for kids. You are probably also thinking that you need to
wait until your child is 5 or 6 and ready to start these lessons.

Well- you don’t have to wait. What you probably didn’t realize is that they also offer an Introduction to Music class for children ages 3-5. This class although super fun and engaging, is NOT just another music and movement class. It focuses on teaching REAL music theory to children in this age range, without the children realizing it.

(E) and I were fortunate enough to attend an introduction to music class recently and I was beyond impressed. A lover of music myself, I am always interested in the kids learning more and fostering their love as well. As an educator and coach, I am always interested in seeing techniques that others use to engage students, how they teach their skills to those of varying abilities and personalities.

I left this half hour class impressed. All learning types are taken into account, and all instructional goals reinforced in concrete and understandable ways. Ms. Geraldine is great with the kids, she is sweet and they want to please her immediately. Her goal of fostering a love for music at an early age while still teaching fundamentals is not only clear, but achieved through her various techniques.

There is a set routine that the kids learn to follow which is a great foundation. The class starts with an introduction song where the kids sing, move and learn each other’s names.

They then went on to meet her friends “Forte Fox” and “Piano Penguin”. Ms. Geraldine used these adorable animals and their names to teach the terminology for Loud and Soft, then reinforced the ideas with rhythm sticks. The students practiced playing the sticks loud when they saw the fox and quietly when they saw the penguin. They were also asked to repeat the names and what they mean and also remind her which was which when she produced the different photos.

This proper terminology was used throughout the lesson. When students would touch something and call it something incorrect they were gently reminded of the proper musical name and asked to repeat it. This is the same technique I use in my Math class when teaching students to use the proper vocabulary for mathematical terms. One specific time that stuck out in my mind is when (E) picked up a triangle and called the accompanying piece a “stick”- she was reminded that it was a “Mallet” and asked to repeat that.

The students were then shown cards with notes on them and introduced to whole and half notes as well as a rest. They repeated what they were (ta, ti-ti, and shh), and were then allowed to create their own pattern with them. The class then went over the patterns together reinforcing the beats.

When they moved to the keyboard and started learning some of the notes do, ray, me (think sound of music) I was really floored. Ms. Geraldine played the note and sang it using its name (do)- at the same time she used a hand gesture called Curwen Hand Signs. Each note has a specific sign. The students then tried the singing and signs. She did this a few times helping the students to remember.

Moving back to the floor Ms. Geraldine used literacy (a cute picture book) to introduce the woodwind instruments (flute, clarinet and oboe). Not only did she read from the book and show them a picture, but they then listened to a sample of each as well.

I LOVED what they did next and so did (E) since it’s one of her favorite things to do. Ms. Geraldine played a piece of a song and asked the students to draw on a piece of paper what they heard, or what it reminded them of. At this age group they really don’t “draw” exceptionally well, but they did draw through the piece, and then discuss what they “drew”. This I thought was a really creative and great way to get the students to not just “hear” but to listen to the music and develop associations with it.

When this portion was over the students were able to pick a song from Ms. Geraldine’s bag to sing together. At this point the class was over- the class came together and sang the good bye song and departed.

(E) really enjoyed herself and so did I. It was refreshing to see how much ACTUAL THEORY Ms. Geraldine was able to teach the class despite their ages (3 and 4). She did it in many different ways that the children responded to very well.

If you are interested music education for your child this is a class worth trying. As always, FREE TRIALS are available to check out this class, but schedule quickly, this class runs only 2x a week and optimal class size is only 4-5 students.

To schedule your free trial you can call 845-499-2137, email office@newcitymusicschool.com or stop in at 12 North Main Street New City, NY 10956.

Fall Fun 2016 (September)!!!

Posted on September 3, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Things to Do! .

You are going to want to share or bookmark this post- here’s all the fun you can have in the month of September!!!

September is a CRAZY time for us all. With the end of summer, Labor Day weekend and the back to school – we are all busy during the week. The weekends are fun family time – so here are some of the things happening in and around the area for the month of September. Stay tuned for the October edition!!!

-Sofija Duic

Labor Day Celebration with Fireworks and live Cannon Fire
Saturday September 3
Time: 730-1030pm
Trophy Point Amphitheater – West Point, NY 10996
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1344541238905470/

Fun Day at Hurds Family Farm
Saturday September 10
Time: 10a-5pm
Hurds Family Farm – Modena, NY 12548
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/598348933657973/

Harvest Festival
Saturday September 10
Time: 9a-10p
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY 12570
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/530769163799163/

2^nd Annual Bronx Irish Music Festival
Saturday September 10
Time: 12n-11pm
Gaelic Park Inc.
4000 Corlear Ave, Bronx NY 10463
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/111021965986339/

Nyack Street fair
Sunday September 11
Time: 10a-5pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1568731260100530/

Ferragosto 2016
Sunday September 11
Time: 12-6pm
Bronx Little Italy
Arthur Avenue & east 187^th St. Bronx NY 10458
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1748007745458893/

7^th Annual Italian Feast & Carnival
Thursday September 15^th thru September 18^thTime: 530-9pm
Blauvelt Sons of Italy
46 Van Wyck Rd, Blauvelt NY 10913
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/279022035809193/

Haverstraw River Arts & Music Festival
Saturday September 17
12n-6pm
Emeline Park – Haverstraw NY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1754338528140452/

Touch a Truck
Sunday September 18
Time: 10a-1p
JCC Rockland
450 W. Nyack Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/307707046250621/

43 Annual Fall Festival – Cornwall NY
Sunday September 18
Time: 10a-5pm
Main St, Cornwall NY 12518
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/527185217473633/

2^nd Annual Beekman Fire Company Auxiliary Inc. – Family Day
Sunday September 18^thTime: 10a-4pm
Beekman Fire Company Auxiliary Inc.
316 Beekman Poughquag Rd, Poughquag NY 12570.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/473724259478130/

Piermont’s Multi festival Sunday
Sunday September 18
Time: 930a-6p
Flywheel Park on the Hudson – Piermont NY 10968
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/283540028682428/

Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods
Sunday September 18
Time: 11a-4pm
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
200 Hurd Rd, Bethel NY 12720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1662670377393485/

2^nd Annual Harvest Dinner
Saturday September 24
Time: 5-8pm
Cropsey Community Farm – New City NY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/160101887759452/

September Grape Stomp Festival
Saturday September 24 thru Sunday September 25
Time: 11a-6pm
Benmarl Winery & Vineyard
156 Highland Avenue, Marlboro, NY 12542
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/526377197563672/

Apple Fest
Sunday September 25 (Rain Date: 10/2/16)
Time: 10a-5p
Fly Wheel Park
Piermont, NY 10968
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/240606659671013/

Congers Valley Cottage Italian Festival
Sunday September 25
Time: 11a-6pm
Congers Station Park – Congers NY
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/288569461489920/

Congregation Sons of Isreal- Review!

Posted on August 25, 2016 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Classes, Out and about..., Reviews, Things to Do! .

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

If you are looking for a community to belong to- or some super family friendly Religious education and events CSI is a great option. They offer great programs all the time. Make sure to check out our events page – and come back to see their upcoming programs!!!

Rabbi: Ariel L. Russo
Hazzan: Michael Kasper
Hebrew School Director: Suzanne Strichartz
Office Manager: Helaine Ripps
President: Jacob Wasserman

Congregation Sons of Israel (CSI) is about community. We’re a diverse egalitarian Conservative congregation in the heart of Nyack. As a “Big Tent” community we embrace the diversity of American Jewry including households that are LGBTQ, intermarried, and ethnically diverse.

If you are looking for a community, we will lovingly welcome you into our congregational family. To learn more, reach out to our Rabbi, Ariel Russo at csirabbi@optonline.net or 845-358-3767.

We invite families to learn about our innovative student-centered boutique Hebrew school. We are the only synagogue in Rockland County offering Hebrew school on Saturday morning as our core day of school. We believe that the Shabbat experience is enhanced by learning. We are proud of our inclusion program in the Hebrew School which honors each child according to his or her individual needs.

Our family programs are geared to many different ages from Friday Night Musical Family services, to Tot Shabbat and holiday programming. We have something for everyone.

We offer award-winning adult education programs including visiting scholars and on-going classes. From beginning Hebrew to advanced Kabalah, we welcome all learners and all background levels.

Our 20s/30s/40s group “Jews on the Hudson” combines socializing and social action in downtown Nyack and beyond. Our Habonim group caters to congregants in their 50s and older. We see plays together, go on hikes, and seek out cultural and social opportunities in Nyack and beyond. Additionally we have an active Sisterhood and Men’s Club.

We hope you will visit and become part of our synagogue family.

Congregation Sons of Israel
300 North Broadway
Upper Nyack, NY 10960
Phone: (845) 358-3767
Email: csioffice@optonline.net
www.csinyack.org

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