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Archives for 2019

Archives for 2019

Valentine’s Day Recipes

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Heart-shaped cookie cutters are the key to making your yummy Valentine’s Day treats even more special! These sweet treats are perfect for dessert, class parties or just to share with your family this February 14th.

Sweetheart Cherry Pies

sweetheart cherry pie 2
Ingredients:
Pie dough
Fresh cherries, chopped
Ricotta cheese
Sprinkle of sugar
1 TBSP butter, melted

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out your pie dough (I like to do this between 2 sheets of plastic wrap). Cut out shapes with cookie cutter.
3. Sprinkle and stir the sugar with the chopped cherries in a bowl.
4. Lay out your heart cut outs on the baking sheet. Spoon on some fresh ricotta cheese, then spoon on the cherries. Lay down the top dough, seal to press with a fork.
5. Brush the top with melted butter.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until mini hearts are golden brown. The baking time will largely depend on the thickness of your pastry dough and your oven. Just keep close watch.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
~Recipe courtesy of CakeStudent.com

Chocolate Dipped Krispie Hearts

krispie hearts 2
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter, plus extra for buttering pans
1 (10-ounce) package regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups crisp rice cereal
12 ounces semisweet chocolate (baking chocolate or chocolate chips)
Valentine’s sprinkles

Directions:
1. Butter a large rimmed baking sheet or two 9X13-inch pans. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the krispies. Press the mixture into the prepared pan(s) and set aside to cool for about an hour.
3. Using a 2 to 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, press the cutter into the cooled krispie treats, removing the heart-shaped treats to a wax paper or parchment paper-lined baking sheet or work space.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 ounces chocolate chips on 50% power for one minute. Stir. Continue this process until the mixture is melted and smooth but not overheated.
5. If desired, push a cookie or lollipop stick into the bottom of the krispie treats (optional). Holding one side of the krispie heart (or using the stick as a handle), dip half of the krispie treat into the melted chocolate and then transfer to the wax paper or parchment paper.
6. While the chocolate is still warm on the krispie heart, sprinkle festive Valentine (or other) sprinkles onto the chocolate. Let the treats cool completely and the chocolate harden before serving, about 1-2 hours.
~Recipe courtesy of MelsKitchenCafe.com

Hidden Heart Cake

Screen Shot 2017-02-08 at 12.34.27 PM

For the red cake:
Ingredients:
All purpose flour – 2 cups
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Butter – 2 sticks
Granulated sugar – 1 cup
Eggs – 4 large
Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
Salt – 3/4 tsp
Red food coloring – 1/2 tsp

Instructions:
1. Pre heat the oven to 350 F. Grease and line a 9x5x3 loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one or two at a time, along with vanilla and beat again. Scrape the bowl after each addition.
4. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt. Add little by little and fold gently. The batter will be very thick.
5. Add the red color and beat again lightly until the color is mixed well to the batter.
6. Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and bake for 50 – 60 minutes.
7. The cake is done when a tooth pick or skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack. Once the cake is completely cool, cling wrap the cake and keep it in the refrigerator.
8. Before starting the chocolate cake, remove the red cake from the refrigerator and slice the cake evenly. Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out hearts from each slice of the cake and set aside.

For the chocolate cake:
Ingredients:
All purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups
Cocoa powder – 1/2 cup
Baking powder – 1 tsp
Butter – 2 sticks
Granulated sugar – 1 1/4 cup
Eggs – 4 large
Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
Salt – 3/4 tsp
Instant coffee granules – 1/2 tsp (optional)

Instructions:
1. Pre heat the oven to 350 F. Grease and line a 9x5x3 loaf pan or a slightly larger loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one or two at a time, along with vanilla and beat again. Scrape the bowl after each addition.
4. Sift in the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, coffee granules and salt. Add little by little and fold gently.
5.Fill 1/4 of the greased loaf pan with the chocolate batter and tap well to even it out.
6. Now place the hearts vertically next to each other on the batter. Pack them close. Leave a bit of gap at both corners for the chocolate batters to flow through and hide the hearts.
7. After the hearts are placed, add the remaining chocolate batter over the hearts and around the hearts.
8. Fill the pan, and tap gently so that the batter flows all around the hearts.
9. Bake in the pre heated oven for 50-60 mins.
10. The cake is done when a tooth pick or skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.
11. Frost the cake as you wish and decorate with heart-shaped candy.

How Art Benefits Young Brains

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Screen shot 2017-02-22 at 11.34.54 AM

Art enriches lives and can be used to connect people from all walks of life. Among the many additional benefits of art is its effect on young people and the development of their brains. The American Association of School Administrators notes that neuroscience research has shown that the effects of the arts on a young brain’s cognitive, social and emotional development can be profound.

Art helps to wire the brain.
The AASA notes that especially young children spend much of their time playing, and that play often includes forms of art such as singing, drawing, and dancing. These artistic activities engage various senses and help to wire the brain so it can learn. As children age, these seemingly basic activities remain essential for young brains.

Art helps children develop their motor skills.
Dancing and other movements that might be prompted by exposure to art help children develop motor skills. Motor skills are necessary for kids to perform important and necessary daily tasks while also promoting independence.

Art helps kids learn to think.
The AASA notes that art can be a valuable tool in instilling essential thinking tools in children, including the ability to recognize and develop patterns, the ability to form mental representations of what is observed or imagined, and the ability to observe the world around them.

Art can improve memory and focus.
The AASA cites studies that listening to music can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory recall and visual imagery. In addition, background music played in a classroom has been shown to help students remain focused while completing certain learning tasks.

Art can positively affect how students approach other courses.
Studies have shown that incorporating arts into core curriculums can have a number of positive effects on students’ overall academic performance and benefit students socially. Studies indicate that students involved in such integrative programs are more emotionally invested in their classes and work more diligently than those not studying in such conditions.

In addition, students may learn more from one another when the arts are integrated into core curriculums than when they are not. Art presents one of the top fundraising ideas for schools to inspire students.

Art is often mistakenly seen as a strictly fun component of children’s education.
But the effects of art on young brains is considerable, helping young people develop in ways that may surprise many people.

Why Are Helicopters Flying Over My House?

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One of the most popular posts I get tagged in on Facebook and Twitter is,

“Police helicopters are over my neighborhood. Mike, do you know why?”

To the average citizen, the first thing that comes to mind is that the police are looking for a suspect involved in a serious crime. Although that is very possible, it is not always the reason why they are flying overhead.

The New York City Police Department Aviation Unit is one of the first law enforcement aviation units. The unit was established in 1929 and is still stationed at its original home at the Floyd Bennett Air Field in Brooklyn. It was first established to address the enormous amount of “Barnstormers” that had descended on the city with performing stunts and offering rides.

The NYPD Aviation Unit can get from their base at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn to the top of the Bronx in just minutes. The helicopters are equipped for rescues on land and sea, and the pilots utilize top of the line technology in keeping New York City safe. They truly are the NYPD eyes in the sky.

The Unit routinely conducts patrols across the city. They are often already in the air when they are requested by precinct personnel. The NYPD helicopters are used for countless operations and services.

The Aviation Unit has adjusted to a broader role, which includes counter-terrorism operations. The members conduct daily assessments of the bridges and other critical infrastructure throughout the city.

They search for missing persons classified as a “special category.” These include missing elderly with significant health issues, and young children that do not appear to be runaways.

The helicopters are used to conduct suspect searches, as well. They assist and guide police units on the ground to apprehend suspects. They also assist local precincts in addressing ongoing community concerns and crime patterns by surveying the landscape.

Additionally, the eye in the sky is used to monitor traffic, assist with dignitary protection, but one of the most prolific uses is for water rescues.

During water rescues they transport NYPD Harbor Unit divers, deploy ropes for repelling and assist other agencies during operations.

During a search the NYPD Helicopter may sometimes appear to be a distance away from the area being searched. This gives the crew the ability to scan a larger area, especially if the incident is in the water.

The NYPD Helicopters do not necessarily need to utilize a searchlight at night. The helicopters are now equipped with modern technology that includes infrared systems that help locate suspects or persons in need of assistance, such as in locating a person in the water.

The NYPD Aviation Air and Sea Rescue unit has participated in more water rescue missions since the United States Coast Guard reassigned their helicopter units from the metro area. The nearest Coast Guard units respond from Cape Cod, MA or Atlantic City, NJ.

Each Air and Sea Rescue Helicopter is staffed with two pilots, a crew chief, and two Police Officer Scuba unit divers. The unit is staffed 24 hours a day, 7days a week, ready for deployment at a moment’s notice, covering up to a 60-mile radius around New York City.

This video depicts some of the operations the NYPD Aviation Unit is deployed for on a daily basis:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vakofaAd4Lc

By Community Education Council 31 President Michael Reilly

Read the CDC Guidelines for Reopening Schools

on page 20 of our Interactive Mini-Mag

homeschool free ebooks fun activities

Should Girls Compete Against Boys?

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sports

Christine Cipriano can empathize with Sydney Phillips.

When Cipriano was 15, she wanted to play baseball. That was 1975, when the growth of girls’ sports was in the early stages, and playing organized athletics with the opposite sex was rarely tolerated. But the Staten Island Babe Ruth League gave her a spot on one of their baseball rosters and, guess what? The world didn’t end.

“If the fact that I was playing made anyone unhappy, I never knew,” Cipriano said.

So when Cipriano learned that Phillips, a seventh-grader, was denied a chance to play with the boys even though her school, St. Theresa’s of Kenilworth, New Jersey, didn’t have a girls’ team, it took her by surprise.

She thought those shortsighted days were long gone.

“If she wants to play and has the skills, why not give her an opportunity?” Cipriano said. “At that age, what’s the big deal? Missing a year of playing the sport could hurt her development.”

Cipriano never expected a baseball career would spring from that one season of playing Babe Ruth ball. To her, it was all about the fun and the chance to compete in a sport she enjoyed.

Playing sports with the boys wasn’t a new thing for Cipriano.

“I was always playing with the boys in the streets,” she said. “Football, basketball and baseball. I had a great arm.”

While she was on the softball and girls’ bowling teams at New Dorp High School, she wasn’t aware that there were, in fact, some girls’ softball leagues cropping up. When she mentioned to her uncle, who was active at the Staten Island Little League, that she wished she could play organized baseball, he inquired about the possibility. Next thing Cipriano knew, she was invited to a practice.

“It was a little odd, and my teammates did get teased sometimes, but they wound up supporting me,” Cipriano said. “If any of the parents weren’t happy about it, I never knew it. In fact, I remember the parents from the other teams coming to the field and asking where the girl is playing.”

That wasn’t always easy to tell, she laughed, since she had short hair and really didn’t look much different than the boys, “except I was smaller.”

And while she only played that one year, the fond memories of being the only girl in an all-boys league for 13- to 15-year-olds remain with her to this day.

“I remember getting hit by a pitch in the back, which hurt — that wasn’t so great,” she said with a chuckle. “I played mostly right field, and had some hits. In fact, I hit a home run.”

To her surprise, she was asked to take part in the league’s all-star game.

She didn’t go back for a second season, however. “Some of the boys had gotten so big by 16, 17 years old, I knew it wouldn’t be a good idea to continue.”

She did distinguish herself as a high school athlete, and her bowling prowess extended into adulthood. She made her mark on Staten Island’s bowling circuit and, in fact, was elected to the Staten Island Bowling Hall of Fame.

While not bowling these days, sports are still a part of her life. Besides working as a nurse and massage therapist, Cipriano is a certified golf teaching professional with golf netting all around her coaching yard, specializing in helping men and women use golf to foster business relationships. Known as “the putting queen,” that side of the story is on her website: www.fitforthetee.com.

“Some guys don’t like being shown up by a girl; it’s an ego thing with some of them,” Cipriano said. “I still see that on the golf course.”

But 42 years ago, the boys welcomed Cipriano to share the baseball field with them. She proved she was up to it — and had an experience she’ll always treasure.

Joe LoVerde has coached youth sports on Staten Island for more than 40 years. He’s also a longtime newspaper editor and sportswriter.

How to Protect Your Child From Identity Theft

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Have you ever received a piece of seemingly junk mail addressed to your underage child that you simply discarded? Next time, dig a little deeper into the content. Why? Because a credit card or loan offer can be a warning sign that your child may be a victim of identity theft. Left undetected, your child could be connected to massive fraudulent debt and bad credit before they can even vote.

One in 40 families with children under 18 had at least one child whose personal information was compromised, according to a recent survey by the Identity Theft Assistance Center and the Javelin Strategy & Research group.

All it takes is a Social Security number – often applied for at birth – which can be paired with a different name, birth date and address to apply for credit. This is called a synthetic identity. And, for nearly 18 years, there is typically little risk of detection.

“The primary use of stolen personally identifiable information is for financial purposes,” said Trevor Buxton, fraud awareness and communications manager at PNC Bank. “Using the stolen Social Security number, identity thieves can open credit cards, rent apartments, buy cars, secure jobs, and apply for welfare or other government programs.”

Warning Signs of Identify Theft

Other warning signs your child may be a victim include:

  • Notification by the IRS of unpaid taxes in your child’s name.
  • Notification that a child’s Social Security number was used on another tax return.
  • Receiving collection calls for a minor child
  • Receiving bills in a child’s name for products or services not ordered or delivered.
  • Declined for government benefits because benefits already are being paid to another account using the child’s Social Security number.

What to Do to Prevent Identity Theft

Parents can be proactive in protecting their child from identity theft:

  • Never carry your child’s (or your) Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place, where it is not at risk of being stolen.
  • Pay attention to forms from schools, doctor offices and others asking for personally identifiable information about your child. Opt out if you can or use the last four digits only.
  • Shred all documents that show your child’s personally identifiable information before throwing them away, just as you do for your own documents.
  • Most importantly: Request a credit report for your child annually, using the child’s Social Security number for reference. Every individual is entitled to one free copy of their credit report once every 12 months at www.annualcreditreport.com. If there is no credit history on record, then typically the child has not fallen prey to identity thieves.  If there is a credit history for a minor child, he/she has mostly likely become a victim.

Read Next | Securing Our Schools

What to Do to if You Think Your Child Is a Victim

If you suspect your child may be a victim:

  • Place a 90-day credit alert on your child’s file. There is no charge, but it must be renewed every 90 days. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies who will then contact the other two:
  • Place a security freeze on the child’s credit to block all unauthorized credit inquiries. There is a cost involved, typically a one-time cost ranging from $2-$15 depending on the state. You also may be charged a similar fee to temporarily or permanently lift the freeze.
  • File a police report.
  • Contact businesses identified in your child’s credit report. Request that any account associated with your child’s Social Security number be closed as a fraudulent account.
  • Contact all three credit reporting companies. Request the removal of all accounts, inquiries and collection notices associated with your child’s name and Social Security number.

Provided by PNC Bank • www.pnc.com

pediatrician with child
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This is How to Choose a Day Camp During Covid

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Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, many parents are hoping to send their children to camp this summer. Summer day camp is a place where children can stretch their minds, exercise their bodies, develop new interests and forge lasting friendships. For young children, it is a good introduction to the camp experience. For older ones, it is a way to enjoy the activities without the overnight option. Day camp programs vary from one setting to the next. So how can you help make the most of your child’s day camp experience?

Before you consider a camp, inquire about all health and safety precautions. The CDC and American Camp Association offers guidelines for camps opening following the coronavirus pandemic. Use those guidelines as a checklist when you contact camps and don’t consider any camps who don’t adhere to them.

1. Consider interests. Day camps offer a host of options that include everything from one centralized activity to a variety of traditional camp fun. Talk with your child about his interests and what he would like to gain from the experience. Would he enjoy an assortment of activities or does he want to concentrate on one skill, such as soccer or art?

2. Ponder program length. Day camps range from several hours to a full day and can run from one week to an entire summer. How long your child should participate in a program will depend largely upon his age, developmental level and previous camp experience. First-time campers would do well starting in a partial- to full-week program. Experienced campers may enjoy one that runs throughout the summer. Even if your child decides to stay at camp all summer, consider allowing a few weeks break between school and camp (and vice versa) for down time.

Read Next | Summer Activities

3. Look at location. If you choose a day camp close to home, commute time will be less and your child may already be acquainted with some of the other children. A day camp near your employer, however, would give you quick access to your child, in the event of an emergency. But if your child needs additional morning or afternoon childcare, you may want to consider a program close to your sitter.

4. Ask about staff. Find out what the camper-to-counselor ratio is. Ideally it should be six campers to one counselor, as recommended by the American Camping Association. What experience and/or training do the counselors have? How are they selected? What is the camp’s discipline policy? Are they trained to take care of health concerns such as asthma, allergies and dispensing medicine?

5. Focus on the facility. Ask about indoor and outdoor facilities. Is there ample indoor space for children to play during inclement weather? What do they do if it rains all week? Is the outdoor equipment and grounds well maintained and safe? Are the children’s swimming skills tested before they are allowed to enter the water? Is the staff certified in lifesaving and present during water activities?

6. Investigate cost. Inquire about additional fees. Some day camps have a base price but charge extra for trips, special events and activities. If the camp you want to send your child to costs more than you can afford, find out if there is a scholarship program. Also ask about a refund policy, in the event of an illness or family emergency.

Read Next | Can’t Wait for Camp!

7. Arrange a pre-visit. Many day camps have open houses prior to season start up. Find out if the camp you have chosen has one. If not, make other arrangements to introduce yourself to those who will be caring for your child. Since open houses are a good time to gather information, jot down any questions you have before leaving home. If they are not addressed during this time, ask to speak with someone before securing your deposit.

8. Fill out forms. During your pre-visit, you may receive forms to fill out. When it comes to medical forms, be thorough and specific. If your child was on a medication during the school year but will be taken off of it for the summer, make sure the camp is aware of this as it could cause an extreme change in behavior. Insect and food-related allergies should be listed too. Equally important is to share other concerns, such as if your family is going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect how your child interacts throughout the day. Remember, camps look out for the physical and emotional needs of your child, so the more information you provide, the better equipped they will be.

You will also be asked to fill out an emergency contact form, which lists another designated individual to call if you cannot be reached in the event of an accident or illness. While it is imperative to have an appointed individual, equally important is that the person knows she is designated as such. Every year camps contact the emergency person listed and she was not informed she was “on call.” The best advice? Check with that individual before writing the name down.

9. Peruse policies & procedures. Camp should give you materials on camp policies, procedures and planned activities. If you and your child know what to expect and what is expected of you, camp will run smoother. Most camps have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk with you child about what is planned. If she cannot participate due to health reasons, make sure you (not your child) inform the camp.

In recent years, many day camps have developed strict policies about leaving technology items – cell phones, handheld games and other tech toys – at home. Their philosophy is day camps are designed to be enriching experiences and the children should be engaging in these activities rather than playing with electronics. If restricted items are brought to camp, they may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day in hopes the child gets the message.

10. Keep the line of communication open. Talk about camp before it even starts. Reassure your child of the positive experience he will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of uninterrupted time where you can listen as he shares his adventures. Ask what he liked about camp and if there were any things he didn’t like. If he is having a hard time articulating what happened, break it down by activities—“What crafts did you do?” “Did you play any outdoor games that involved balls or running?” “Who did you play with at the pool?” “Who did you sit with at lunch?” Above all, encourage your child to always do his best, obey the rules and be respectful of others, and chances are, he’ll have a great time.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE CHOOSING A CAMP

  • Are you licensed by the state or do you hold an accreditation or certification? What exactly does that credential mean?
  • What kind of background, training and experience do counselors and staff have? How are they chosen?
  • What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? How many students are in each group? How often are the groups together?
  • What kind of medical response is on hand? Camp nurse or CPR and first-aid certified staff?
  • Are you able to administer medicine?
  • What is a typical day like?
  • How often will the campers take field trips? Where do they go? Is there increased supervision in populated setting?
  • What other resources are available to campers, such as a pool, ice arena, farm, hiking trails, ropes course, archery, etc.? How often will my child be able to participate in these?
  • Are lunches and/or snacks provided?
  • Do you offer before- and after-care? Will it be the same staff caring for my child?
  • How often are the facilities cleaned?
  • What alternative plans do you have for inclement weather?
  • What does the camp fee cover? What extra fees will I be required to pay?
  • Do you offer scholarships or financial aid?
  • What is the refund policy and rules regarding transfer of weeks?
  • What is your policy regarding cell phones and other technology items brought to camp?
  • How do you handle homesickness and other adjustment issues?
  • What is the discipline policy?
  • How do you handle bullying?
  • What are your drop-off and pick-up policies?
  • Will you provide references?

By Denise Yearian, a former parenting magazine editor, and the mother of three children.

Find a summer camp in Staten Island

summer camp kids
Read Next | This Is Everything You Need to Find an Amazing Summer Camp Program in Staten Island

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