The Family Times April 2018

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY’ S PREMI ER PARENTING MAGAZINE

FREE

News for Parents • Activities for Kids

APRIL 2018

✓ CHECK OUT OUR SPECIAL SECTIONS

Home & Haven Pet Pages Kids Pregnancy & Birth Moms & Dads Teens & Tweens Special Needs

Camp Guide Celebrations Activities The Healthy Family Family Matters Recipes & Dining Grandparents

Vol.10 No.4

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INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP

STEM: an essential part of the early learning equation Every Kiddie Academy® delivers STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education throughout it's Life Essentials ®, to nurture what's naturally amazing in every child: the ability to observe, explore, build, take apart, form patterns and absorb new ideas.

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Family Times

APRIL 2018

TENDER SMILES

Bring in this ad for a FREE GIFT

Dr. Max is proud to be on New Jersey’s referral list for Special Needs Dentistry

Finally, a dentist your kids will be excited to go to! Dr. Max Sulla’s approach to creating a healthy smile is his commitment to educating parents and children of all ages on the importance of good dental hygiene.

NO. BRUNSWICK 1330 How Lane 732-249-1010 FREE Infant Exam $ 99 value

$ 160 New Patient Visit $ 399 value

FREE Ortho Consultation $ 149 value

EDISON 1656 Oak Tree Rd. 732-549-3773

FREEHOLD 122 Professional View Dr. 732-625-8080

www.TenderSmiles4Kids.com

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Seeking Local Stars for Stories! Do you want to discover new things about your neighbors? Want to be in the headlines? Want to see your pictures published? We’re looking for neighborhood families or individuals with a story to share to grace the pages and cover of this publication. Your story might include love, romance, drama or any combination of the three. It could be to celebrate a milestone in your life, share about a recent vacation, or simply to introduce yourself and share what you love about the community. Everyone has a story to share, and we want to help you tell yours. We’ll talk with you, write the article and place some photos on our pages too! If you know others who would enjoy this opportunity, we welcome nominations. Begin by brainstorming the people you know who you’d like to see in this publication. They might be your next-door neighbors and friends, volunteers who serve others through local charities, community leaders, athletes, artists or hobbyists. You can also nominate someone for the “Let me Shake Your Hand” column. Do you know someone in your community with a great story to tell? Maybe they recently started a business, won an award, took a trip or made a difference? These are the people we want in the “Let me shake your hand” column! To get started, go to www.GuntherPublications.com and click the email envelope icon on the top right to simply e-mail us. Email us your idea and contact information. Your content coordinator at GPE will contact you soon. With your help, we can bring people together, stay connected and create an informative, family-friendly forum through this publication.

CENTRAL NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER PARENTING MAGAZINE Camp Guide . ..............................................7 Celebrations ............................................ 20 Pet Pages .................................................... 23 The Healthy Family .................................. 28 Family Matters ....................................... 34 Pregnancy & Birth .................................... 38 Special Needs ............................................ 42 Home & Haven ......................................... 44 Grandparents ......................................... 49 Recipes & Dining ..................................... 54 Kids .............................................................. 57 Activities .................................................... 61

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FAMILY TIMES THE MILLSTONE TIMES Monmouth County’s ASK THE DOCTOR The Greater Princeton Area ASK THE DOCTOR

Publisher Cami Gunther

Marketing Consultants Jolene Conoscenti Elizabeth Newman Dawn Gibson Leanne Swallwood AdministrativeAssistant Lauren Kolacki

Director of Recruitment/ Event Coordinator Jolene Conoscenti

Art Director/ Graphic Designer Stephanie Frederick Editor Elizabeth Newman

Writers Pam Teel Lauren Kolacki

Interns Danielle Testa Gabriella Mancuso Nicole Iuzzolino

Download “Bar Code” app on your phone

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to go directly to our website.

©2015byGuntherPublishingEnt.ThecontentofGPEpublicationsand itsaffiliatesarecopyrighted.GPEpublicationsarepublished12 times ayear.Established10/2008.DistributionandPostoffice receiptavailable.AllGPEproductsaredistributed freeof charge.Average readerper copy is2.1.Nocopyingor reproductionof thecontentof thisnewspaper isallowedwithout theexpresswrittenpermission from thepublisher. GPEs publisher/owner reserves the rights over all electronic copying and reproduction of material contained here within. The publisher, editor, agents, and sales staff reserve the right to reject the advertisements for any reason. Credit for mistakes shall not exceed the costs of thead in themonthwhich theerroroccurred.

CONTACT US: PO Box 7632, Freehold, NJ 07728 Cami@GuntherPublications.com Phone (732) 995-3456 Fax (732) 677-3390

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Family Times

APRIL 2018

After School

Daycare

Pre-School

YOUR CHILD * OUR PROGRAM * THEIR SUCCESS

• Hours: 6:30a.m.-7p.m. • CustomizedProprietary Curriculum • Provide care for Children12 months throughK • After School Program: Pick up fromyour child’s respective primary school • 3Home CookedMeals Provided Daily • Gymnastics (next door at Premier Gymnastics) • Soccer indoor andoutdoor on our 10k square foot lawnwith Soccer Shots • Language Studies • Dance • NORegistration Fee! • Music Program is included

208 Commercial Court Morganville, NJ 07751 Tel: 732-970-7979 Email: Steps7@stepstosuccess.com « «

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camp guide

THE ESF PREMIER COLLECTION OF CAMPS AND EXPERIENCES

SUMMER 2018 AT RANNEY SCHOOL 235 Hope Road Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 JUNE 18–AUG 17 | AGES 3–17

ENROLL ONLINE TODAY!

RANNEY

MINI CAMP RISING PRE-SCHOOL

DAY CAMP RISING PRE K-3 RD GRADES

CAMP EXPERIENCES LIKE NO OTHER

RANNEY SUMMER INSTITUTE RISING K-12 TH GRADES

SENIOR CAMP RISING 4 TH -10 TH GRADES

OPEN HOUSE See Dates

& RSVP Online!

AQUATICS CAMP RISING PRE K-10 TH GRADES

EXTEND YOUR DAY RISING PRE K-10 TH GRADES

ENROLL ONLINE NOW AT ESFCAMPS.COM/RANNEY | 732.898.6989 | ESFCAMPS | ESFSUMMERCAMPS

Jun.25 to Aug.31

FEATURING: x Flexible Scheduling x Extended Day

ACTIVITIESINCLUDE:

x Red Cross Certified Swim Instructors & Lifeguards x Allergy-Aware Staff & Facilities x Low Camper-to-Counselor Ratio x Instructional & Recreational Swimming x Counselor-in-Training Program & More!

Sports y Arts & Crafts Science y Trips y Swimming Special Events y Weekly Themes & Much More!

F REEHOLD YMCA 470 East Freehold Rd., Freehold, NJ 07728 732.462.0464 www.ymcanj.org/bestsummerever

June 25-August 24

Ages 2 1/2 & 3 yrs. old (must be potty-trained) Choose your days & weeks. Full, half & extended days available.

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camp guide

NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER 2018! June 25 - June 29 July 2 - July 6 (off the 4th of July) Fun and engaging summer programs for young dancers! AGES 6+

Away at Camp Taking part in an annual camp can be one of the most exciting parts of a child’s summer. There are nature walks, cookouts and up-all-night summer fun. Camp has long provided many staples of American childhood and should be experienced by any child seeking some adventure and camaraderie. But before you pack a bag and send your child off to summer camp, you should take some precautions to ensure that the trip is both fun and safe. Research the Camp As a responsible parent, you should get to know what medical and safety services are available at the camp. According to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, a safe camp will make public its written health policies and protocols. All children attending a quality camp should be required to have had a complete exam by a doctor in the past year and be up to date on all childhood shots. Before camp starts, parents should make sure camp officials understand any health issues the child has, as well as past significant illnesses, operations, injuries and allergies. It also is important to find out if the camp has nurses or other medical personnel on site. Is there a place your child will be able to go if she doesn’t feel well? What are the caregiver’s credentials and background in treating children? These are critical questions to ask camp officials before sending your child there. Homesickness The stress of being away from home should be a serious consideration before enrolling your child in summer camp. Eight out of 10 campers report being homesick at least one day at camp, according to American Camping Association statistics. Less than 10 percent of those cases result in the child becoming so anxious or depressed that he stops eating or sleeping, the ACA says. You know your child best, so if she has struggled with leaving your company in the past, maybe a short day camp is good way of testing readiness for the overnight variety.

Our New Brunswick Studios -- 80 Albany St., 2nd Floor

Camp Info: 9:00am-5:00pm | Cost: $250 per week

Before/After Care | 8:30am-5:30pm | Cost: $300 per week No food provided, students bring their their own food and drinks What is Offered: Stretch/Warm-Up class: Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Clogging/ Line Dance, Kids ZUMBA (taught by DP TA Jenna Merendino), Arts & Crafts, Movie Time , Walking Trips and MORE!

FO R MO R E I N FO RMAT I O N P L E A S E C O N TA C T K AT H L E E N S M I T H AT K S M I T H@A R B A L L E T.O R G O R 73 2 . 24 9.1 2 5 4 , E X T. 1 0

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camp guide Worried about Sending Your Child to College? Camp Can Help! So, the moment has come! You are pulling up to the freshman dorm of the university that will be the home of your child for the next four years. Classes have been selected, a roommate has been randomly drawn and this is the moment of truth. So many questions pour through your mind: Will they make friends? Will they buckle down and work hard? Where will they end up heading after this? As a parent, it is easy to fret, isn’t it? This is where (believe it or not) a great summer camp can help you. Here are five reasons why camp pre- pares kids for college: 1. Kids learn who they are at camp. Between school, sports teams, piano practice, math tutoring, church events, bag-piping lessons, homework and the general craziness that is our lives it can become easy for a child to get into a zone where they just move from one activity to the next without testing whether the non-essential things are valuable to them. Kids can end up just going through the motions. A good camp allows them to try new activities in a non-threatening environment. Everyone is learning at camp and this culture is very conducive for a child’s growth. Camp can give a child the ability to be more com- fortable in their own skin and this is necessary in college. 2. Kids learn how to be away from home and succeed. This is a tough one, but ultimately, we want our kids to be able to meet the new randomly selected college roommate and have enough experience meeting new people (and living with them) not to get overwhelmed. At camp, you meet people from all over the world. And at good camps you learn how to accomplish exciting goals together with those peo- ple. There is no doubt that a boy or girl who has been coming to camp since they were eight will have little to no trouble in the randomly selected roommate situation. They know how to work with people because they have done it before at camp. 3. Kids learn how to care for themselves . I think the funniest parent comments I get after our summers are, “Who is this child that now takes care of his things?” or “How did you get my child to begin making their own bed?”The answer is that they were a part of a little community that wanted to win a pizza par- ty for the cleanest cabin! But along the way they learned to take care of themselves and they had a ton of fun doing it. Certainly, this is something that will serve them well in college. 4. Kids see what good leadership looks like. Campers learn this from college aged counselors who are carefully shepherding the cabin. Their care and actions almost always reinforce and validate the good “suggestions” that mom and dad have made back home but for some reason when a cool rock climb- ing counselor tells you about making wise decisions it all suddenly becomes clear. We learn best when things are modeled for us. Watching a thoughtful, college-aged person interact with people gives camp- ers a model for the leadership that they will use in college. 5. Kids learn a healthy level of competition. Let’s face it, in this world, competition is unavoidable. At camp children learn both to succeed and fail together (it is nice doing things with friends), and this is part of the growth process. Learning how to get up after a loss is invaluable for us to learn. College is a time where a lot is on the line really for the first time. A fear of competition or unhealthy love of it can be harmful. A good camp can help children learn a good balance. Do yourself a favor — if you are tempted to worry about your child going off to college, find a great summer camp to help them develop the necessary shock-absorbers for the bumps of life. There is no need to worry that your child will be unprepared for this new experience. Dan Singletary has been the director of Camp Timberlake for boys in Black Mountain, North Carolina for eleven years and has an unhealthy passion for fly-fishing and barbeque. Read the original blog post at www.camptimber- lake.com/2013/12/worried-sending-child-college-summer-camp-can-help/.

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camp guide

Brookside Summer Camp ALL-INCLUSIVE Infants through 14 years 2-Week Minimum, 2-5 Days, Half or Full Day Before and Aftercare Available, 6:30am-6pm

The Brookside School Now Enrolling for 2018-2019 School Year Infants, Pre-School, Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 Quality Education & Care for All Ages Infants – Kindergarten • Full Day Kindergarten • Transitional Kindergarten (Pre-K5) • Before & After Care for Old Mill School 6:30am-6pm • 20% sibling tuition discount • Transportation available • Caring Staff • Full or Part Time Programs Grades 1-8 • Small classes • Individualized curriculum • Daily Physical Education Classes • We challenge the bored students and help the ones who are struggling to improve • 5 Acre Campus with farm animals • Field Trips

Call today for a tour! Visit our website

5 ACRES • 3 POOLS TRANSPORTATION

We include lunch and snack, instructional & recreational swim, pony rides, arts & crafts, day trips, music, computers, team sports, talent show, special events, and so much more! Available for an additional fee: Private and small group swim lessons, academic tutoring, and sleepover adventures. In addition to our low rates we also offer family discounts.

to view our competitive tutition rates.

Have your next party at Brookside! We offer private facility rental during summer weekends at a great rate!

2135 Hwy 35, Sea Girt • 732-449-4747 • www.brooksideschool.com

2018 Summer Tennis Camps EachWeek (Mon-Fri) from June 25th - August 17th EARLY BIRD SPECIAL Register before May 1st! This is approximately a 10% Discount. Some restriction may apply. Visit www.ptp.org or call 609-520-0015 for more information or to register. Building Community Tennis Since 1954.

Full Day Camps (9am - 4:30) Player Development Camp (8-15 Years) Community Park, Princeton Shining Stars Camp (7-10 Years) Community Park, Princeton Tournament Training Camp (Try-out or invitation only) Princeton University

Half Day Camps (9am-12 noon) Rookie Camp (5-10 Years) at Community Park, Princeton or (8-15 Years) at Veterans Park, Hamilton Davis Cup Camp (only o ered Aug. 20-24) Must be able to serve and play matches. Girls High School Prep Camp (July 23-27 & July 30-Aug.3) Princeton University

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camp guide

OVER 7 ACRES OF SUMMER FUN!

Pre-school through 8 th grade

Summer Friends Day Camp is housed on over 7 acres of property, on Highway 34 in the Matawan/Old Bridge area. At Summer Friends Day Camp, kids and teens experience new things, develop new skills, and have fun along the way. We feature over 50 acti vities and unforgettable fun!

Camp Sessions Mon June 25 th to Fri August 17 th Extended Mini Week Mon August 20 th to Fri August 24 th

Our camp must be seen to be believed! Please call today for a personal tour, and have all your questions answered. Your family will be amazed!

269 Hwy 34 Matawan • 732.583.0138 • WWW.SUMMERFRIENDS.COM

Let s get this party started! AMAZING EARLY BIRD AND NIGHT OWL SPECIALS! ’

• Birthday Parties • Open Bounce • Parents Night Out • Kids’ Camps

• Fundraisers • Field Trips • Group Events

MARLBORO • 732-972-6862 • BounceU.com/marlboro-nj 165 Amboy Rd., Morganville, NJ 07751 EATONTOWN • 732-935-0010 • BounceU.com/eatontown-nj 34 Industrial Way E., Eatontown, NJ 07724

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camp guide

Early Learning FOR A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS

SPRING OPEN HOUSE Enroll now to receive ONE WEEK FREE!*

• Extended day schedule • ParentView ® Internet Monitoring • Parent eCommunication app • Large outdoor play areas

• Infant, Toddler, Pre-K and Summer Camp programs • Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum • Interactive Whiteboard and iPad technology • Sign Language, Music and Spanish included • State-of-the-art security systems

*See center for details. Valid for new enrollment only and may not be combined with other offers. Valid through 5/4/18. ©2018 Lightbridge Academy

©2017 Lightbridge Academy

All Lightbridge Academy locations!

LightbridgeAcademy.com

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camp guide

Up To

$300 Tuition Credit* Coupon Code: FTLB0518

• Infant, Toddler & Pre-K programs • Seedlings Early Childhood Education Curriculum • Sign Language, Music & Spanish included • STEM learning • Whiteboard and iPad technology

• Extended day schedule • Parent eCommunication app • ParentView® internet monitoring system • Large indoor and outdoor play areas • State-of-the-art security systems

Call a Center Near You:

East Windsor 149 RT 130 North East Windsor, NJ 08520 609.448.4941 Eatontown 801 Hope Road Eatontown, NJ 07724 732.695.6900 Freehold 1 Schlechtweg Way Freehold, NJ 07728 732.303.9600

Lawrenceville 100 Federal City Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609.543.9700 Manalapan 357 Route 9 South, Suite B7 Manalapan, NJ 07726 732.972.1400 Manasquan 2319 Route 34 Manasquan, NJ 08736 732.292.3111

Matawan 233 Broad Street Matawan, NJ 07747 732.297.5320 Plainsboro 10 Schalks Crossing Road Plainsboro, NJ 08536 609.269.8347 Sayreville 2909 Washington Road Sayreville, NJ 08859 732.654.0077

*See center for details! Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires May 1, 2018.

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camp guide

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Family Times

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camp guide

CRAYON

CRAYON

CRAYON

CRAYON

Our summer camp will be packed with exciting themes such as Aeronautics, Secret Agents and Fun & Fitness. We also offer fun and educational mini-camps, including zoology, paleontology and duct tape art. Campers will also enjoy fascinating visitors and exciting field trips (senior campers only)! POWERED BY STEAM. FUELED BY FUN.

JUNE 25 - AUGUST 30 • 6 WEEKS - 8 YEARS NOWENROLLING! WEST WINDSOR • 609-443-1200 1306 Windsor-Edinburg Road GoddardSchool.com/West-WindsorNJ

The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2018.

License #11GOD0006

SIMPLY THE MOST FUN A KID CAN HAVE THIS SUMMER! SIMPLY THE MOST FUN A KID CAN HAVE THIS UM ER!

10 AMAZING WEEKS! 10 AMAZING WE KS!

June 25th-August 31st June 25th-August 31st

ATTENTION PARENTS EVERYWHERE! SUMMER APPRENTICESHIP FOR YOUR KIDS ATTENTION PARENTS EV RYWHER ! SUMMER APPRENTICESHIP FOR YOUR KIDS

COCONUTS WANTED

COCONUTS WANTED

PERKS INCLUDE: 

PERKS INCLUDE: 

In depth knowledge of how to make new friends, try new things, see new places, and make memories to last a lifetime! In depth knowledg of how to make n w friends, try new things, see n w places, and make m ories to last lifetime!

OPEN HOUSE 3/25 & 4/21 SEE  CAMPCOCONUTS.COM FOR DETAILS April 21st

OPEN HOUSE 3/25 & 4/21 SEE  CAMPCOCONUTS.COM FOR DETAILS

REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIREM NTS:

+ 50%OFF Weekly Excursions! SAVE UP TO $350*! *Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Some restrictions may apply. Offer Expires 3/31/2018 ENROL L TODAY

+ 50%OFF Weekly Excursions! SAVE UP TO $350*! *Cannot be c m ined wth other offers r di c unt . Some restrictions may apply. Offer Expires 3/31/2018 ENROL L TODAY

UNPLUG CONNECT DISCOVER Must be able to giggle, love adventure, love to create, and love to have fun! UNPLUG CONNECT DISCOVER Must be able to gig le, love adventure, love to creat , and love to have fun!

CampCoconuts.com | (732) 856-9473 Middletown, NJ 07748 CampCoc nuts.com | (732) 856-9473 Middletown, NJ 07748

4/30/2018.

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camp guide

Crescendo

A Division of The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy

Summer Camps

Motive Preparing for RCM Theory Assessments Pop music, Improvisation, & Collaboration

July 16th – 20th

Jammin’

July 16th – 20th

For beginning piano and advanced artistry camps, or for further summer camp inquiries, please contact Kristin Cahill at kcahill@nsmspiano.org . 4543 Route 27, Kingston NJ 08528 www.nsmspiano.org 609-921-2900 The New School for Music Study is a non-profit 510(c)3 institution as a division of The Frances Clark Center for Keyboard Pedagogy.

SUMMER 2018 AT THE LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL

THE ESF PREMIER COLLECTION OF CAMPS AND EXPERIENCES

2500 MAIN STREET LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ 08648 JUNE 25–AUG 16 AGES 3–15

LAWRENCEVILLE

ENROLL ONLINE TODAY!

SPORTS CAMP RISING 1 ST -9 TH GRADES

CAMP EXPERIENCES LIKE NO OTHER

DAY CAMP RISING PRE K-3 RD GRADES

MINI CAMP RISING PRE-SCHOOL

SENIOR CAMP RISING 4 TH -10 TH GRADES

SPECIALTY MAJOR CAMPS RISING K-9 TH GRADES

OPEN HOUSE See Dates

RISING K-9 TH GRADES

& RSVP Online!

AQUATICS PROGRAM RISING PRE K-10 TH GRADES

EXTEND YOUR DAY RISING PRE-SCHOOL–10 TH GRADES

ENROLL ONLINE NOW AT ESFCAMPS.COM/LAWRENCEVILLE | 609.896.0606 | ESFCAMPS | ESFSUMMERCAMPS

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camp guide

NJ Youth Soccer Names Volunteer of the Year By Pam Teel

LIAM WINTZ was selected and formally honored as the 2017 NJ Youth Soccer Volunteer of the Year at the 30th Annual Awards Dinner in East Windsor, NJ, this past February. Other players, coaches and members of the soccer community were also honored on the same night. Wintz has been a dedicated volunteer for theTOPSoccer programatWest Morris Soccer Club since 2012, where hemanages and recruits volunteers. He is continually praised for having a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and energy when working with the TOPSoccer Buddies and overseeing their events. Additionally, he extends his passion for TOPSoccer to everyone who is involved, priding himself on getting to know each individual player in the program. Wintz notes that his involvement with TOPSoccer has enhanced his natural patience and kindness while deepening his awareness of the challenges that others face daily. His encouragement for players to use their abilities has also extended to the basketball court, where he created a winter program through “Buddy Hoops” with Mendham Patriot Basketball. Parents of the program describeWintz as engaging, patient and dependable while characterizing him as an inspiring role model and leader. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young players with disabilities. The NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year Award is presented each year to an individual who best exhibits the keyqualities of patience, understanding, dependability andflexibility to adjust to changingon-field situations.The recipient continually promotes player safety while teaching and creating a fun and sociable experience for all participants.

To find out more about NJYS TOPSoccer or to contact them directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow them on social media: @NJYouthSoccer

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camp guide

SERVICES AVAILABLE

• 12 HOUR LEARNING & CARE • Programs for Students Servicing families with children ages 6 weeks through 13 years old. • Full and Part Time classes Half day and full day schedules with a low minimum weekly attendance required. • Xcel Enrichment Academy Combines unique curriculum including McGraw Hill Science and Social Studies, Sylvan Learning, Funshine Express, Gifted andTalented, Leveled Early Readers & introduction to technology and learning through ABCMouse.com • EZCamAccess • Indoor Gymnasium • Transportation to and fromVeterans and Midstreams Elementary School • Coming this March to BRK – In-house Soccer Shots Lessons 10% OFF *Applicable to New Enrollments only & 10% off regular tuition. Only with coupon & cannot be combined with any other special offers * Valid till May 15, 2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIALS • Exciting Outdoor Field Trips –Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Rainforest Cafe, Sky Zone, OMG Pizza, Creative Experience, Popcorn Park Zoo and more • Fun In-house Visitors – Color Me Mine, Insectropolis, Kona Ice, Magic Show, Cupcake decoration, Cattus Island, Petting Zoo and many more • Great Weekly fun themes, Water Play and craft activities SNEAK PEEK AT SUMMER CAMP 2018

1823 Rt 88, Brick, NJ 08724 • 732-202-1635 www.brickrainbowkids.com MOLDING LEADERS FOR TOMORROW

Sharing Information With Camp Staff Some parents are reluctant to share too much information with camp staff for fear it will have negative repercussions for their child (for example, they may wonder if the camp will still take their child or if they’re setting their child up for failure). But good camps will want and need to know as much as possible — the more information they have, the better.

Consult with your child’s doctor and other specialists, such as a physical therapist, to make sure you give the camp director and staff all necessary information, and ask the camp staff if they have everything they need from you.

You can help educate the staff by spending time with them and answering and asking questions before you drop off your child. This can be critical. For example, if your child will be attending a mainstream camp, you’ll want to make sure that everything is accessible for your child and that the staff understands your child’s needs. Many camps have paperwork you can fill out to share information about things like dietary and medical needs. And regardless of whether your child is going to a day or residential camp, you should give the staff a list of emergency phone numbers and email addresses, and make sure they know how to reach you at all times during your child’s camp stay. If your child takes any medication, include the phone number of your doctor in case the prescription is lost and needs to be refilled by camp staff. Check whether the camp infirmary stocks your child’s medication, too. If it doesn’t, send extra medicine in case of an emergency.

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Stars Challenge Summer Camp at MAST

MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, is once again hosting a Stars Challenge weeklong summer camp in marine science for middle school students. Deadline for applications is June 16, and applications can be found on line at www.starschallenge.org.

The program is a hands-on course with both lab and field work that explores the marine life and habitats of Sandy Hook’s beaches and estuaries. The one-week camp runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and is open to students who have completed 6th, 7th or 8th grade classes and earned a “B” or higher in their current year’s science course. Identical sessions will be offered June 25-29, July 9 -13, July 16-20 and July 23-July 27 for the convenience of interested students. During the weeklong program, students will explore marine life by collecting, identifying and dissecting marine plants and animals, as well as learning to identify the unique characteristics of the various marine habitats on Sandy Hook including beaches, salt marshes, estuaries, bay and ocean. Students will be taught to understand physical impacts of the waves, tides and currents on the beach. Chemistry courses will also be offered, giving students the opportunity to experiment with techniques to analyze water temperature, dissolved oxygen content, and other chemicals in the water.

The summer Program is currently administered by The Stars Challenge and Hosted by MAST. The Stars Challenge is a science enrichment program with a goal towards encouraging more students to become innovators involved in science and technology to prepare them to take the lead in future technology. Focus is on students working in small groups to create innovative solutions. It was founded by Dr. Steve Chappell and Margaret Ann Chappell and offers fall and winter courses as well as summer programs in other schools in addition to the MAST program. JohnValente, MAST physics instructor, is the lead teacher for the program. He will be joined by three more MAST instructors, each teaching one of the week of the summer program. Teachers instructing with Valente this year are chemistry instructor Jessica Godkin, biology instructor Clare Ng, and oceanography instructor Lisa Baskin.

Valente said in past years students have always been eager to do both the lab and field work in the program, especially “the dissections of the major animal groups that are studied. They like that the program is a serious investigation of the marine environment since the course emphases the reasons why specific field investigations or dissections are conducted.” Another unique area of study is the Holly Forest located on Sandy Hook. Marine Holly Forests are rare along the eastern seaboard, “havingone right inour ownbackyard! is very special”Valente said. Acceptance into the program is limited to 18 students per class, with two classes offered each of the four weeks. Students bring their own lunches. Cost for the programs is $300. The on-line application, along with more information, can be found at www.starschallenge.org.

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celebrations

THE MITZVAH PROJECT: What Every Upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah Needs to Know

A mitzvah project is one way to make sure your bar/bat mitzvah is unique and special. You’ll choose one mitzvah, become an expert in it, and then present it to your friends and family in a way that only you can. Your bat mitzvah project is of the most meaningful things you can do in honor of your bar/bat mitzvah.

Here’s how it works: 1. Choose a Mitzvah

That’s not as easy as it sounds because there are hundreds to choose from! The good news is that, since there are so many, you should be able to find one that’s meaningful and interesting to you. Start by thinking about your strengths and talents. Are you detail oriented? Artistic? Good at math or science? Love cooking? There are mitzvahs that have to do with every area of life. All mitzvahs fall into two basic categories: • Mitzvahs between you and G‑d. Shabbat, keeping kosher and prayer are examples of mitzvahs between man and G‑d. G‑d commands us to do them, and they don’t directly involve those around us. • Mitzvahs between you and others. Charity, loving your fellow as yourself and the prohibitions against murder, stealing etc. are all examples of this kind of mitzvah. G‑d commands us to do them, but they directly involve those around us. 2. Find out everything you can about this Mitzvah. Start by making sure you know exactly how to do the mitzvah correctly. Once you’ve got it down pat, learn about what it means, and why it plays an important part in Judaism. Ask your rabbi to suggest books or other resources you can use. 3. You’ve done your research, now it’s time to make this mitzvah your own. Read over all your notes and highlight things that you found inspirational or meaningful. Think about how you would like to express this meaning and inspiration. It can be a scrapbook, a charity project, a computer program or a song. How you structure your mitzvah project depends on your own interests and talents and is entirely up to you. But the most important part of making this mitzvah your own is that you make a resolution to DIY--do it yourself!--whenever the opportunity arises. Since you’re now an expert in this mitzvah, it shouldn’t be a hard promise to keep. Let your imagination go – as long as you are determined and realistic you can choose almost anything for your mitzvah project. Although you’ll become a bat mitzvah with or without a Mitzvah Project, we encourage you to try it – it’s a wonderful way to enter Jewish adulthood. And, chances are, the experience will stick with you long after your bat mitzvah celebration is officially over.

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celebrations

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celebrations

Bella Vista

Country Club

Dinner Parties & Events

Meetings & Seminars

Outdoor Dining

Golf Outings / Fundraiser

100 School Rd. East Marlboro NJ / 732.308.4600 / www.BellaVistaCC.com

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pet pages

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pet pages

Best Pet Photo Contest

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pet pages

Where Did Man’s Best Friend First Appear? By: Nicole Iuzzolino

The earliest known dog-like fossils come from Europe. However, some DNA studies have implicated east Asia and the Middle East. A new and large DNA study is lining up with the fossils, suggesting dogs originated in Europe some 19,000 to 32,000 years ago. Most scientists agree that dogs emerged fromwolves to become the first domesticated animal. Their wolf ancestors began to associate and interact with people with theories such as: maybe they were drawn to and met humans by food in garbage areas left by human hunters. In the process of first human interactions they became tamer, and scientists believe people found them useful for things like hunting and guard duty. Over a very long time in this human environment, wolves gradually turned into the first dogs. Researchers gathered DNA from fossils of 18 ancient wolf-like and dog-like creatures that lived up to 36,000 years ago in Argentina, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Switzerland and the United States. They compared the genetic material to modern samples from 49 wolves from North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East with 77 dogs of a wide variety of breeds including cocker spaniel, basenji and golden retriever. Thru this study there now is genetic evidence for the origin of dogs coming from wolves and that the kind of wolf that gave rise to dogs is now extinct. Many studies also suggest a better case for Europe than for east Asia or the Middle East as the only place where dogs emerged. Scientists conclude that Europe played a major role in the domestication process but cannot argue doubts that Asia and the Middle East may also have had ancient wolf like creatures as well.

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When Your Spouse Dislikes the Mouse By: Dawn Gunther

It’s hard for us Disney Fans to imagine that there are people out there that don’t like Disney. We all know that a Disney vacation promises to be full of entertainment, excitement, and adventure and they ALWAYS deliver. With commercials that boast about memories that will last a lifetime: who could not love going to the “Happiest Place on Earth”? Sadly, there are people out there who don’t share in our love for big eared; big hearted family fun. Some folks just don’t get “it”. I know about this first hand and struggle with this issue when planning our family vacations. My husband doesn’t get my Disney obsession, which I can completely understand. I don’t fully get his fishing obsession either, especially since it’s catch and release. To me that is equivalent to shopping all day long and coming home empty handed, which would never be my case. To not be able to enjoy a Disney Park is another issue entirely and requires some strategic planning. I have managed to bring Hubby to Walt Disney World and Disneyland with great success. There are several key factors that one must consider when attempting to require a non-Disney lover to visit the parks. Visiting during the off-season is even more important since crowds will only help to prove any Disney dislike’s point. Seeing crowds and waiting in long lines is a sure-fire way to ensure they will never return. Remember, your goal is to succeed in EVERYONE having a MAGICAL vacation and not a miserable one. First , consider what are your partner’s likes? Do they like golf, fishing, boating, fine dining or maybe just hanging out by the pool? Well as you know, being a seasoned Disney Fan, Disney has something for everyone. Taking this

into consideration, I took it upon myself to book a private Bass Fishing trip for my husband and son with Disney Tours. They fished early one morning on Seven Sea Lagoon while my younger son and I did some much-needed souvenir shopping. This allowedme to fulfill my shopping needs without boringmy Hubby. My husband and son enjoyed the fruitful fishing experience and could create their own special memories outside the park. A win-win for all! Second , on vacation, your non-Mickey loving friend may want to sleep in. Like most hard-working people, sleeping in defines the word “vacation”. “What do you mean we need to get there before the park opens”: is what you will probably hear if you so much as attempt this rope-drop ritual. If you can’t waver from your instinctive desire to be the first one in the park, then I suggest doing this once during a week-long vacation. If you do decide to instill this military-like schedule, you will have a very unhappy soldier unless you leave mid-day for a little R&R. Heed my warning, allowing a non-Disney loving friend to leave mid- day has a high probability they won’t return the same day. Sleeping in isn’t all–bad so let them sleep. If you are an early riser, this gives you time to enjoy your resort while they are catching some much-needed shut-eye. When you do get to the park, your entire family will be refreshed all the way until the nighttime parades and fireworks. Not so bad! Third , bribe them with food. Who doesn’t love good food? My Hubby is a foodie so this was easy. Be sure to book at least one Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) a day. I’ve been known to even do two ADRs a day depending on the length of our vacation and ages of the family members traveling with us. My sister calls my fast-walk my “Disney Walk”. Remember, not everyone wants to move at your pace. A nice break in a cool, air-conditioned restaurant may be more MAGICAL to your guest than you know. Remember, if you don’t see everything the first time (which you won’t), it’s a great excuse to return. Research the restaurants at the parks and select according to what your partner would like. Make sure you talk-up the restaurants you’ve selected before your trip as well as each day while on your vacation. This will hopefully encourage your non-like minded vacationer to get excited about their day ahead. Save the high dollar meals (California Grill) and special meals (Ohana) toward the end of the trip. You want to keep their excitement and anticipation up for the entire trip. Be creative! Lastly , schedule an off day. Yes, I said OFF DAY. This is the hardest for me. I’m a busy body and if I know that Disney is a stone’s throw away, it feels almost illegal to not be there. When planning your vacation, ask your patient partner what they may want to do on vacation. If it’s in Florida maybe an exciting airboat tour of the Everglades would do the trick. If it’s in California maybe a day trip to iconic Hollywood and Beverly Hills for some sightseeing. Keep in mind that it’s quite possible your guest may just want a day off, doing nothing at all. If this is the case, use this day for yourself with their permission of course. Disney offers some great tours. I’ve been to the park and experienced a tour by myself and had a great time. Don’t let some one’s disinterest detract from your dreams. Be brave! In an ideal world, my Hubby would be mutually addicted to Disney and we would lie in bed at night discussing Disney trivia, upcoming changes to the parks and when we would be going AGAIN. (possibly wearing our ears) We would try to one-up each other and see who heard the Disney gossip first. I’m fortunate that we have 3 boys whom I’ve could brainwash at an early age. Luckily, my sister Norma and three boys, Cameron, Ian and Landon are more than happy to accompany me on my numerous visits to the House of The Mouse. I still hold out hope that my husband, Dave, will adopt a“can’t beat‘em, join‘em”attitude. Until then, I will embrace our differences and consider him my lesser half. Everyone knows that the better half is the Disney Lover!

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No Stigma Network A Vision for Survivors! By Pam Teel

Shrabanee Shah of Millstone Township is a mother and has been the caregiver of a loved one who has dealt with psychiatric illness since the age of nine. She created the “No Stigma” Support Group with assistance from a good friend when she noticed that there was no appropriate support program available for her child after graduating from high school. To her, it almost seemed as if her child was being pulled into a “giant dark hole”. The support groups that were available did not meet his “young adult”needs. Other young adults seemed to have the same feeling: “We want a support group that is peer run, facilitated by a caregiver who understands where we are coming from and who can bring us back on track when we go off track. We want to be ourselves with our own body language, expressions, ideas, and thoughts, and don’t want to be limited in what we can say and how we say it.” Each of the young adults that Shrabanee spoke with had a desire to be independent and to live a healthy and productive life. They were either in school, in vocational training, working, or planning to go back to school. Each was remarkable in his or her own way and intent on being responsible for making his or her own life decisions. Shrabanee’s dream was to create a peer support group for young adults where an “I can” attitude is encouraged and supported. The group would supply support, education, outreach, and advocacy to assist the members in achieving their goals. Shrabanee was approached by three young ladies with similar ideas who suggested the support group be named “No Stigma” since “we are constantly being stamped for our illness and yet all we want is to have a normal life.” The “No Stigma” support group was established on November 4, 2009 as simply a self-help support group for young adults, ages 18 to30. Six years later, the simple support group became a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization re-named “No Stigma Network, Inc.” NSN was designed for individuals who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. The group embraces a constructive approach to the concept of “Peer Support”, including self-help practices at their meetings such as stress reduction techniques, mindfulness, effective communication and problem solving skills, and a focus on wellness and empowerment. Each support group is led by an experienced facilitator who provides structure and guidance to the meetings. NSN promotes high standards for young adults with mental health challenges by: • Encouraging positive health and wellness practices • Supporting healthy financial responsibility • Maintaining a young adult support system where members are encouraged to discuss issues in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental environment. • Involving members in outreach to the community to increase awareness of mental health challenges, and to inform the public about resources including NSN's programs NSN promotes education and awareness in its members through real world experiences. TheYoung Adults Advisory Committee, (YAAC), plans exciting educational trips and events for the group including picnics, seasonal parties, crafting workshops, and local outings. The YAAC is made up of four young adult members who have shown commitment to NSN’s mission and vision. YAAC is chaired by an NSN Executive Board member. TheYAAC provides an opportunity for the members to express their thoughts and views on NSN’s programs. YAAC members chose “survivors” as the most appropriate, meaningful and empowering name by which they would like to be called. In addition to the young adult support group, NSN also offers peer support for those over thirty. Recently NSN developed a support group for parents who are dealing with issues brought on by the mental health challenges of their adult children. The parents seek support, guidance, and information to strengthen their families’ ability to successfully cope and thrive with these challenges. All of NSN’s programs and activities are provided to its members free of cost. The facilitators, board members, and other support staff are all unpaid volunteers. NSN welcomes new volunteers (over 18) who are interested in working to further develop and support its programs. More information is available on NSN’s website: nostigmanetwork.com, and the Meetup site: Meetup.org/Freehold/ Wellness/Meetup/. You may contact NSN directly by email: nostigmanetwork@gmail.com.

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the healthy family

Complete Family Foot & Ankle Care

QUESTION: What can I do as a parent to help prevent foot and ankle injuries as Spring Sports Season

Starts Up? ANSWER:

Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, DPM

The ankle and feet are by far the most common sites of sports related injuries by children and are increasingly seen in youth sports. It is important that parents learn basic how to prevent sports related foot and ankle injuries and how to manage those injuries and when to seek aid of a podiatrist. Growth plates in children’s bones are not completed until their later teen years and are more susceptible to both traumatic and stress injuries in younger children. Proper footwear that is designed for a single sport, formal warm-ups and thorough stretching exercises, should be part of every youthful athlete’s pre-game routine as well as cool-down sessions. The American Academy of Podiatrists also recommends that a preseason physical examination by a podiatric professional is valuable insurance against latent foot and ankle problems which can suddenly turn into serious and long-lasting injuries. If a young athlete injures an ankle or foot during sports activity and if serious pain is experienced or the ankle/foot appears to look different, professional medical treatment is required. Foot injuries should be taken seriously and seeing a specialist always ensures best prevention as well as recovery.

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QUESTION: How does The Mona Lisa Touch counteract vaginal dryness? V aginal dryness is extremely common during menopause. It’s just one of a collection of symptoms known as the the size of the vagina. The Mona Lisa Touch is a new therapy for the treatment of vaginal dryness that is non hormonal, non medication and non surgical using a gentle laser. Dr. Simigiannis is one of the leading gynecologists in the nation using this new procedure.

genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) that involves changes to the vulvovaginal area, as well as to the urethra and bladder. These changes can lead to vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, urinary urgency, and sometimes more frequent bladder infections.

Dr. Helen Simigiannis, MD, FACOG

For more information feel free to contact: Dr. Helen Simigiannis, MD, FACOG Antheia Gynecology 375 US Highway 130, Suite 103 East Windsor, NJ 08520 Next to the Americana Diner 609.448.7800 www.antheiagyn.com

These body changes and symptoms are commonly associated with decreased estrogen. However, decreased estrogen is not the only cause of vaginal dryness. It is important to stop using soap and powder on the vulva, stop using fabric softeners and anticling products on your underwear, and avoid wearing panty liners and pads. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants may help. Persistent vaginal dryness and painful intercourse should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. If it is determined to be a symptom of menopause, vaginal dryness can be treated with low-dose vaginal estrogen, or the oral selective estrogen-receptor modulator ospemifene can be used. The Mona Lisa Touch is a new therapy for the treatment of vaginal dryness that is non hormonal, non medication and non surgical that has been FDA-approved using a gentle laser. Regular sexual activity can help preserve vaginal function by increasing blood flow to the genital region and helping maintain

Adolescent & Routine Gynecology Menopause

Urinary Incontinence Endometrial Ablation Birth Control

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