Parenting

Details: Published: 13 March 2012; Created: 13 March 2012; Last Updated: 13 March 2012; Hits: 6553

wisco_copy In the second installment of our guide for college visits, 15-year Scarsdale resident Mara Perlmutter has contributed this guide to visiting the University of Wiconsin in Madison. Her older daughter Marni graduated from “Wisco” in 2011, and her younger daughter Erica is now a freshman at the school. Just back from a mother/daughter sorority weekend with Erica, Mara shared the following with Scarsdale10583.com. If you would like to send us details about a college town you know, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com.

Madison, the capital city of Wisconsin, is one of the most picturesque universities and college towns -- surrounded by two sparkling lakes and recognized for their arts, culture and diversity. The wide range of notable Wisconsin alumni include former Vice President Dick Cheney, renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, author Joyce Carol Oates, aviator Charles Lindbergh, naturalist John Muir, and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

How to Get There:

Delta has daily non-stop 2 1/4 hour flights to Madison from La Guardia airport. United flies direct to Madison daily from Newark airport. Once in Madison a taxi from the airport to the main campus is 15 minutes, and costs approximately $15. Several hotels also have free airport shuttle services. It is not necessary to rent a car during your college visit as everything you will visit is within walking distance, or a short cab ride away.

Another option is to fly non-stop into Milwaukee (on Delta or United) and then rent a car and drive 1 1/2 hours to the university. During very big football and basketball weekends, this may be your best option.

Where To Stay:

For the majority of our visits we stay at the recently refurbished Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club. I highly recommend booking a room on the Governors Club level which includes access to a private club serving breakfast, cocktails/appetizers and desserts in the evening. This hotel provides free airport shuttle service plus free shuttle service throughout Madison. Ph- 608-257-6000. Another good option is the Hilton Doubletree which also provides free airport shuttle service and is located near State Street, the main street in town. Ph- 608-251-5511. The Campus Inn, which is the most conveniently located hotel -- right in the center of town and across from the most popular freshman dorm, is great for location, though the rooms are not as nice as the other two hotels. Ph-(800) 589-6285

Where to Eat:

Breakfast and Lunch

The famous Sunroom Cafe serves delicious fresh naturally prepared dishes and is a perennial favorite. The line may be out the door but it does move fairly quickly and is worth the wait. Ph- (608) 255-1555

Another great choice is Marigold Kitchen located by the Capital. Ph- 608-661-5559

Dinner

For Steak Lovers:

The Capitol Chop House-Though they do serve seafood and have vegetarian dishes, they are known for their wide variety of delicious steaks. Ph 608-255-0165

Flemings- good steaks paired with a fine wine list and famous flemings potatoes on the side are a must. Ph 608-233-9550-

Farm to Table Favorites

Fresco-our personal favorite for seasonal entrees made with the freshest ingredients – in a beautiful setting on top of the contemporary art museum. Ph 608-663-7374

Graze- By the Capitol, a new favorite of many, serving all local farm raised ingredients in a wide array of entrees. Brunch is also popular here. Ph 608-251-2700

43 North- Also by the Capitol serving beautifully presented contemporary American cuisine. Also good for brunch. Ph 608-255-4343

Italian

Frescesca's- a favorite of the students - delicious simple rustic food in a comfortable atmosphere with a well-priced and varied wine list. Ph 698-255-6000

Other points of interest:

Tour the majestic State Capitol
Visit the Chazen Museum of Art, the leading university art museum
Stop by the Overture Center for the Arts- a multi level complex featuring live music, theatre, and cultural events
Camp Randall Stadium- home of the UW Badger football team, with room for over 80,000 loud cheering fan
Farmers Market- Open in season on Saturday mornings, located on the Capitol steps, and a wonderful way to start your day.

Details: Published: 05 March 2012; Created: 05 March 2012; Last Updated: 05 March 2012; Hits: 6217

Many of you are in the midst of planning college tours to evaluate potential schools, spend some quality time with your student and hopefully have some fun too. In the next few months, Scarsdale10583 will provide visitor’s guides to some popular college destinations for Scarsdale families – and let you know how to travel there and where to stay and eat. Experienced Mom Michelle Levine has made the trip to visit her daughter at Vanderbilt several times and agreed to share her experience with you! If you would like to share your tips about other college destinations, please email us at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com

Rolling Stone Magazine recently named Nashville the Best Music Scene in the US. Nashville is not just about country music but a beautiful city filled with all kinds of music, amazing food and true southern hospitality.

How to get there:

American and Delta have daily direct service to Nashville from La Guardia and the flight is under 2 hours. The Nashville airport is the easiest one I’ve ever been through with a brand new rental car facility within walking distance of the baggage claim area and live country music playing at Tootsie’s in the terminal. It’s a 10 minute drive to campus. Students claim it takes less than a half hour to drive from Vanderbilt to the airport and get through security.

Where to stay:

We stay at the Loews, across the street from Vanderbilt. It’s the most conveniently located hotel to The Commons, the freshman area of the school. If you want to book a room, ask for Kathy Randall in reservations and she will take good care of you; (615-320-1700). The Marriot is also well situated near the upper class student housing, Greek Row, and the University Bookstore (615-321-1300).

Where to eat:

Breakfast and lunch:

Fido – Taylor Swift likes the granola parfait but we order any kind of eggs and amazing coffee with local Tennessee honey and cinnamon. The beans are roasted daily. The lines are long but move fast and you will find students and professors here. Fido: 1812 21st. Ave South in Hillsboro within walking distance of the school. 615-777-3436

Pancake Pantry – we have never waited on the incredibly long lines here but people swear by the sweet potato pancakes. Also in Hillsboro at 1796 21st Ave South, 615-383-9333

Noshville – a NY style deli that everyone likes right near the campus. There’s nothing better than a cup of the matzo ball soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich. 1918 Broadway, 615-329-6674

Dinner:

Bound’ry – great use of local ingredients within walking distance in a setting good for groups. My daughter’s friends loved the chicken and we enjoyed the peach salad and Creole shrimp and grits. 911 20th Ave. South, 615-321-3043

Flyte – a unique restaurant with great ambiance in the nearby Gulch area. Take a look at a map because GPS will not work for this address. Nice menu option of a “flight” of soup or salad and entrees that utilize local and organic ingredients with something for everyone. Great wine list. 718 Division Street, 615-255-6200

Virago – a hot spot in the Gulch with a robata grill (fireside grilling) and sushi bar. Very creative dining and everything’s good. Try the V2 edamame – wok -charred and spicy. 1126 McGavock St., 615-254-1902

City House – for foodies. Located in Germantown, a 10-minute drive from campus. A rustic Italian menu with an inventive cocktail list. 1222 4th Ave. North, 615-736-5838

Things to do:

• Vanderbilt University – make sure you take a stroll through this national arboretum
• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Belle Meade Plantation
• Grand Ole Opry
• Ryman Auditorium
• Jack Daniels Distillery (Lynchburg)
• Live music everywhere

College tour information: www.vanderbilt.edu

Details: Published: 15 February 2012; Created: 15 February 2012; Last Updated: 15 February 2012; Hits: 4840

stonebarns Still looking for an idea to keep the kids happy during February break? Here are a couple of Presidents’ Week camp ideas in Westchester and one in nearby Norwalk that you might not have heard about. Many of the programs offer daily options so don’t forget to ask if a whole week of camp is not what you’re after.

Also, if you don’t have plans to go to Vermont or Aspen to ski, and want to go locally, here are a few mountains that will keep the majority of kids (and parents) happy. Make sure you call or check websites before you go to get up-to-the-minute snow conditions.

Break Camps:

Beczak Environmental Education Center is holding a winter recess camp “Chillin’Out With Nature” centering on nature and environmental issues from 10:00 am-2:00 pm February 21-24 for ages 8-11. $200 for four-day program/$60 per day. 35 Alexander Street Yonkers, NY (914) 377-1900 www.beczak.org .

Stone Barn Center for Food and Agriculture offers a four-day farm experience including caring for plants and animals, egg collecting, harvesting in the greenhouse and tapping maple trees (think maple syrup!). Campers also explore Rockefeller State Park, make seasonal crafts and create farm-fresh snacks. 9 am-3 pm February 21-24. For children in grades 1-5. $288 members, $320 non-members. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture 630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills (914) 366-6200 www.stonebarnscenter.org .

Pottery on Hudson is running a winter break camp February 21-24. Each day the instructor will teach hand building and wheel throwing techniques. Both functional and sculptural techniques will be taught. Mornings (9 am-12 pm) are set aside for ages 6-9 with ages 10+ attending 1 pm-4 pm. $225 Pottery on Hudson 145 Palisade Street Dobbs Ferry (914) 478-2762 www.potteryonhudson.com .

Katonah Art Center runs a President’s Week camp February 21-25 with morning sessions (9:30 am-12:30 pm), afternoon sessions (12:45 pm-3:45 pm) and full day. There is also an extended day option (8:30 am-9:30 am). Half days ($335), full days ($560). Students will work with a variety of materials including clay, painting, drawing, computers, and arts and crafts. Katonah Art Center 131 Bedford Road Katonah, NY (914) 343-4843 www.katonahartcenter.com .

Pelham Art Center organizes an Art Makers Workshop February 20-24 for ages 4-10 from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Students will explore 3 different art activities with professional artists each day. Painting, drawing, mask making, tie dye, felting, collage, paper mache, clay, puppets and bookmaking are some of the activities. $338 for non-members/$304 for members. Also available on a per-day basis $77/$69. 155 Fifth Avenue Pelham, NY (914) 738-2525 www.pelhamartcenter.org .

In nearby Norwalk, The Maritime Aquarium hosts a Winter Vacation Adventures camp February 20-24 for ages 6-9 and a Jr. Marine Biologist camp for ages 9-12. The program is filled with age-appropriate crafts, experiments and animal encounters related to a different daily topic. Programs meet from 9:30 am-4:30 pm each day. In the Junior Marine Biologist program, students set up, stock, feed and maintain a group aquarium display of Long Island Sound marine life in a healthy, sustainable habitat. They use water chemistry meters to monitor water quality and grow brine shrimp to feed to the aquarium animals, and participate in squid and fish dissections. 10 North Water Street Norwalk, CT (203) 852-0700x2206 www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Local Ski Mountains

Mt. Peter, in nearby Warwick, New York, is offering free beginner lessons during Presidents’ Week. According to the kidski website, they have tons of snow and make snow each night. The mountain is compact and it is easy to walk from the parking lot to the ski slopes. There is a glass walled building right next to the ski runs where non-skiers can relax and parents can watch their kids go up and down the mountain with tons of seating and picnic tables. 40 Ski Lane Warwick, NY (845) 986-4940 www.mtpeter.com .

Catamont, which straddles the Massachusetts/New York border, has 31 trails open and 4 lifts running (subject to change) and blows snow every night. Catamont offers a variety of programs to get kids out skiing including the 4th and 5th Graders Club, which was designed to encourage elementary school kids to put down the video controllers and get active. To cut down on costs, complete their online rental form and bring it to the ticket window to save $5 off equipment rental or package. State Route 23 East Hillsdale NY (518) 325-3200 www.catamontski .

Jiminy Peak is an easy drive for great local skiing. In addition to skiing and riding, Jiminy’s Mountain Coaster is one of only a handful in the entire nation and is the only one in the North East. Popular in Europe, the Coaster is 3,600 feet of twisting, turning fun through the woods with speeds up to 25 mph. They have been blowing snow every night, so conditions should be good. Like them on Facebook for ecoupons and special promotions. To make the whole ski trip experience easier, during holidays and weekends, Jiminy offers valet parking for stress-free drop off and parking. Also worth a visit for their great breakfasts and sugar house (very interesting) is Ioka Valley Farm www.iokavalleyfarm.com right down the road (413) 738-5915. Jiminy Peak l37 Corey Road Hancock, MA (413) 738-5500 www.JiminyPeak.com .

Butternut in Great Barrington offers something for everyone. In addition to skiing (22 trails open and 2 terrain parks) and riding, there is family-friendly tubing (2 hours for $18). After skiing go into Great Barring for some great pizza at Baba Louie’s (www.babalouiessourdoughpizzacompany.com) and ice cream at SoCoCreamery (www.sococreamery.com). Ski Butternut 380 State Road, Route 23 Great Barrington, MA (413) 528.2000 www.skibutternut.com.

Details: Published: 22 February 2012; Created: 22 February 2012; Last Updated: 23 February 2012; Hits: 7098

soccercamp With spring in the air, summer could not be far behind. If you’re considering activities and camps for your children this summer, consider the sports, music, circus arts, swimming and regular day camps described below. And if you’re looking for the right sleep away camp, contact a camp advisor to help you find the right one. Check out our list of summertime programs and advisors below:

Coming to Connecticut in Summer 2012! Chelsea Piers summer sports camps provide world-class facilities, expert instruction and the most exciting sports curriculum available all under one roof! Campers can choose from Soccer, Hockey, Figure Skating, Squash, Tennis, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Basketball, Baseball, Multi-Sport and Two-Sport Combo Camps. In addition to full-day camps, Chelsea Piers offers half-day preschool camps for its younger athletes. Camps start July 9th and run through August 31, 2012. Sign up for one, two or more weeks.

Chelsea Piers CT
1 Blachley Road
Stamford, CT 06902855.586.8272
chelseapiersCT.com/camp
camps@chelseapiersCT.com

circusarts1 At Circus Arts Camp in Hartsdale kids become circus folks as they learn to juggle, walk the tightwire, unicycle, twirl on a rope, jump on a trampoline, fly on a trapeze, clown around, and show off in the Big Circus Show that ends each session. Operating in Westchester since 1989 for kids 6½ and up, the camp offers two-week sessions June 25 through August 3, then ends the season with Aerial Arts Week August 6 to 10 with five full days mastering the Spanish web, hammock, lyra, trampoline, partner acrobatics, static and flying trapeze. All equipment is professional quality and maintained by an industry-certified rigger; instructors are experienced and safety-certified. Adding to the camp’s appeal is its air-conditioned quarters in the gyms of the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester in Hartsdale. To find out more call 914 923-4650 or visit www.circusartscampny.com .

Hoff Barthelson Music School: For more than 37 years, the six-week Hoff-Barthelson Summer Arts Program has provided an ideal setting for a stimulating and rewarding summer experience for students in 2nd – 10th grade. Centrally located in Scarsdale, the school offers a structured but relaxed daily program. The exceptional faculty, boasting some of the top performers and music educators in the country, provides a quality summer experience of music, arts and crafts and musical theater to students who take daily lessons, play in ensembles, and participate in visual arts and drama programs. The program includes Music Technology Lab, HB Rocks! Advanced Guitar Ensemble, Chorus, Orchestras, Musical Theatre Workshop, World Drumming, Advanced Jazz Workshop, Chamber Ensembles, Simple Symphony and Wind Serenade, Piano for non-Pianists, and Visual Arts. Students at all levels of advancement receive instruction in a program individually tailored to their needs and interests. The basic program operates from 9am–noon, with several different Extended Day options available, June 25–July 27, 2012.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School
25 School Lane
Scarsdale, NY 10583
www.hbms.org
hb@hbms.org
(914) 723-1169

Over the Moon Music and More: Did you know that all children are musical? Do you wonder what you can do to nurture the musical growth of your child, regardless of your musical ability? And did you know that there's a storefront location where you and your child can play musically together, right here in Scarsdale? Over the Moon Music and More offers Music Together®, the internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program in their beautiful Garth Road location. Classes are for children from birth through kindergarten age accompanied by an adult caregiver and are research based, experiential, and fun! The 6-week summer session starts on July 9. Please contact us at or

Over the Moon Music and More
78 Garth Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
914-722-2025
jackie@overthemoonmusicandmore.com

Summit Soccer continues its fine tradition of soccer camps this summer in Scarsdale and Larchmont. The camp is designed to teach children the fundamentals of the beautiful game of soccer, with emphasis on both individual skills and team play. Individual instruction includes dribbling, passing, ball control, and shooting. The camp also features its unique and successful Kinderkickers program for younger soccer players. The Scarsdale Camp, for children ages 4-14, takes place the weeks of August 20-24 and August 27-31 at Crossway Field, Scarsdale from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The Larchmont Camp, for children ages 4-14, takes place the weeks of August 13-17 and August 20-24 at Hommocks Park, Larchmont with sessions from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit their website at SummitSoccer.net , or contact Director Michael Constantine at kinderkickers@hotmail.com or by phone at (914) 833-2024.

Westfair Swim Academy Camp focuses on individual swim development and water safety for all levels and ages. Swimmers will be instructed in small groups of similar age, skill and experience. Lesson plans and progressions are formatted for optimum learning through the six American Red Cross Levels. For the highest level swimmers, they offer stroke clinic options. In addition to starts, turns and techniques to increase efficiency and speed, the focus is refining the competitive strokes and cardiovascular endurance. They provide comprehensive preparation for summer swimming and a great supplement for summer swim team. The staff includes seasoned American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards selected not only for their expertise in teaching aquatic skills, but also their ability to provide exceptional role models for our campers. Safety is the first priority.

June 25 through August 3, 2012. Weekly availability. Offered in two locations, Pace University in Pleasantville and Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville.

Westfair Swim Academy
kpalladino@westfairswim.com
www.westfairswim.com
914-588-2971

The YWCA of White Plains and Central Westchester offers relaxing, noncompetitive summer day camp programs for toddlers through teens.  Camp Funkist (ages 5-13) provides non-competitive relaxing days of sports, swimming, arts and crafts, music, nature, trips, specials, and other age-appropriate summer activities. Travel Camp for youth 12-15 provides a unique experience off-site each day for the older camper. Little Friends Camp is tailored for the preschooler with structured activities that expand children’s horizons; intensive full day Summer Gymnastics classes taught by experienced instructors and coaches; and Summer Camp for Children with Developmental Disabilities, which is designed to compliment extended school-year programs.

The YWCA has well-equipped indoor and outdoor facilities.  Red Cross-certified staff lead recreational and instructional swimming. Learn more on their website at: http://www.ywcawhiteplains.com or call the numbers below:

Camp Funkist & Travel Camp (914) 949-6227 x168 
Little Friends Camp (914) 949-6227 x142
Gymnastics Program (914) 949-6227 x135
Camp for Children with Developmental Disabilities (914) 949-6227 x108

Ellen Wylie of “Spectacular Summers,” your local camp and teen program advisory service, knows the programs and is happy to share her knowledge and expertise with you. A former camper, counselor and practicing attorney, this mother of three has been advising families on camp and teen programs for a decade. Ellen spends her summers visiting camps and programs and the rest of the year speaking with directors. Her broad knowledge enables Ellen to make the right recommendation for each child. Ellen takes a warm and personal approach to the camp advisory business. She spends time getting to know each child/family she is works with and carefully tailors her recommendations so as to not inundate families. The service she provides is free of charge to parents. Ellen loves what she does and it shows. To find that spectacular summer program for 2012 or 2013, call Ellen Wylie at (914) 722-2644 or email Ellenatcamps@msn.com.

Details: Published: 10 February 2012; Created: 10 February 2012; Last Updated: 19 February 2012; Hits: 3896

littleleaguelogo Registration for the spring season of Scarsdale Little League (SLL) is now open for in-house grade-based leagues as well as its newly-expanded slate of selective age based travel teams for players in grades 5-8. The largest independent sports organization in Scarsdale, SLL fields nearly 90 teams and 1,200 participants from K-8th grade.

Their in-house program is available to all players from Kindergarten through 8th grade. K-4 players will play in non-stratified leagues exclusively within their own grades. K-2 teams are organized by elementary school while 3rd and 4th grade teams will include a mix of players from different elementary schools. For the 2012 program, 5th and 6th grader will play together, separated into two stratified leagues, known as the Atlantic League (upper league), which requires tryouts, and the Pacific League. New age-based travel teams have been introduced this year; however all 5th and 6th graders seeking to play travel are required to play in the in-house leagues in order to maintain the integrity and competitiveness of the program. This year, 7th and 8th graders will play together in one non-stratified Junior League and travel players have the option to choose between programs.

Based on continued demand for more competitive outlets and more baseball SLL has expanded its travel league options.. Each travel team will be led by a professional coach and will play against teams that are primarily from Southern Westchester organized by the Westchester Baseball Association. While the teams’ age requirements generally have players of the same grade playing together, the rosters will be filled by merit within the age limitations rather than strict grade adherence. SLL will now field age-based teams for 11U (11 and under, as of April 30), 12U, 13U and possibly 14U depending upon demand.

SLL has expanded tryouts to give the players more time and opportunities with professional, unaffiliated evaluators. Tryouts for both the in-house leagues and travel teams will be held on March 11 and March 18 at the Underdome facility in Mount Vernon. Players interested in playing in the 5-6th grade Atlantic League or joining a travel team are required to attend both tryout sessions. More information about scheduling can be found at SLL’s new website at www.scarsdalelittleleague.com .

SLL is offering businesses and individuals the opportunity to sponsor teams and/or the League, with proceeds used principally to improve the conditions of the playing fields and enhance the program and facilities. Team Sponsorship offers the sponsor the following: company name on the back of team uniforms, a signed team photo at the end of the season, and an advertisement link on the SLL website. Team Sponsorship costs $250 for K-2nd grade team (Minor League) and $400 for 3-8th grade team (Major League), with a discount for multiple team sponsorship: 2 Minor League teams and 2 Major League teams for $1,200.

Look for more information on their newly-redesigned website at www.scarsdalelittleleague.com for scheduling, team communications, and other information throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Parents interested in managing, coaching, or simply volunteering to help out their player’s team can register with the league while registering their player on the website or sending an email to coaching@scarsdalelittleleague.com.

Given the rush into winter break, the SLL Board has decided to EXTEND REGULAR REGISTRATION until February 28th, with late registration running through March 9th (Tryouts scheduled for March 11). Sign up now on the SLL website at www.scarsdalelittleleague.com.