Kid's World | August 2012 | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

7/31/2019 Kid's World | August 2012 | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

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Special Section to: The Valley Gazette I The Stratford Star I The Milford Mirror I The Trumbull Times I Fairfield Sun I The Herald I The Monroe Courier I The Easton Courier

Kids WorldFALL 2012 HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

Connecticut is breathtaking in autumn. Andwhile driving around leaf peeping is all fine andgood, getting out into the weather, breathing inthe crisp air, and taking a long walk or hike isan even better way to take in the colors of theseason.

Outdoor hiking has a myriad of benefits forboth the body and the mind. Its an all body,aerobic exercise that can improve overall physicalfitness, using leg muscles, core body muscles, andlungs. You set the pace and length that is a com-fortable challenge for your body. The psychologi-

cal effects of spending time in natural surround-ings is positive and strong.

Hiking is inexpensive and easy to start, soyou can participate no matter how fit you cur-rently are, and it is always a great idea to get thekids out and from under the wealth of technologythat tends to suck them in and keep them seden-tary and in the house.

REI, the outdoor gear and clothing store chain,offers the following tips for hiking with kids thatthey say they have heard repeatedly. Among themare:

Bring plenty of snacks. When starting, hike short distances and

commit to traveling at a childs pace. Let your kids invite a friend along. (Adults

become boring. Peers are cool.) Let kids participate in hike-planning. Emphasize fun: play games, look for trea-

sure, try geocaching. Seriously, bring lots of snacks and stop

often to let kids scarf them down.Most of us in Fairfield County live within driv-

ing distance of wonderful hiking spots. So come

on and take a hike!- Aspetuck Land Trust (which was founded

in 1966 to preserve open space in the towns ofWestport, Weston, Fairfield and Easton), offersnumerous educational and specialty hikes foradults and children that are open to everyone andoffer a great way to explore and learn more aboutthe diversity of the more than 1,700 acres of openspace in our community.

Autumn hikes for your heart, soul and soles

By Julie Butler

Happy trails

See Happy Trails on page 11


2/12

2 Kids World Hersam Acorn Newspapers August 30, 2012

Doesnt every child, even one whose familyis struggling financially, deserve new gear forthe school year? Starting off with inadequateschool supplies puts kids at a disadvantageright from the first day of school. Just imaginethe hope that shiny new backpacks, pens andpencils boxes, markers and crayons, rulers,index cards, lunch boxes, construction paper,tape and glue, a calculator, spiral notebooks,and more can provide instead.

It makes them feel good. They can actu-ally go back with something, said RaymondODonnell, the adult and youth programdirector and coordinator of the Good Startprogram at Sterling House Community Centerin Stratford.

For nearly a decade, the Good Start back toschool supply program has served families inneed, and it has grown to give away 300 back-packs to town residents during each of thepast few years, ODonnell shared. He estimatesthat about 70% of the backpacks and sup-plies are purchased by Sterling House, withgrant money from various organizations anddonations from local companies and churches.Individuals also donate both items and thebackpacks themselves, sometimes bringingdown backpacks that are already filled.

ODonnell said with sales at stores such asWalmart and Walgreens, the supplies them-selves are very inexpensive, making donatingto the cause accessible for many in the com-munity who want to help.

Whatever they can donate is greatly appre-ciated, he said. Its a community effort, so

everybody gets involved.Teams of volunteers from corporate

employees to Girl Scout troops handle themajority of the bag stuffing.

Backpack GivebackThats the case for the Backpack Giveback

program organized by WEBE108, WICC600and St. Vincents Medical Center, as well. Thisyear, students from the physicians assistantprogram at the University of Bridgeport havevolunteered to stuff the approximately 1,000backpacks being given away.

Were happy that our voice is widely heardand can spark motivation within the com-munity to help others. We have the resourcesto facilitate the support and connect the need

with a solution, said Alissa Balouskus, pro-motions director for the two stations.

The number of backpacks per year istypically around 2,000; the first year, close to4,000 backpacks were distributed. Churches,Boys & Girls Clubs, The Salvation Army, andother local organizations request the back-packs, and the organizers determine the finallist of recipients based on the request amountand the organizations mission.

For those requests we cant fulfill, wematch the organizations with others who con-tact us, who have items and/or backpacks todonate, Balouskus said.

So as you wrap-up your shopping for yourown children, consider how you might alsohelp others in the community get off to a goodstart.

Good Start &Backpack giveback

Local programs providing supplies for schools

By Melissa Ezarik

WEBE 108s DJ Storm N Norman, with happy recipients of new backpacks.

Wonder Years Learning CenterDiscover the WONDER of Learning

~ Infant

~ Toddler

~ Preschool ~ Pre-K~ Summer Camp

~ Before & After School

203-929-0708

188 Rocky Rest Road

Shelton, CT 06848

email: [email protected]

Quality & AffordableChild Care Programs

OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Birth-to-3

SVSNS provides early intervention services tochildren from birth to age three years old whohave been identified as having special develop-mental needs.

The School

The FEROLETO Children's Development Centerin Trumbull is an alternative school for childrenages 3 to 21 who have significant developmentalor medical disabilities. The school provides year-round education and therapeutic services tomeet each child's needs.

Adult Day Services

The CHANGING IMAGES Day Programs inStratford and Norwalk engage adults in recre-ational, educational, social and work activitiesand stimulating experiences in the Centers and inthe community.

Residential ServicesOur 12 group homes located around FairfieldCounty are specifically designed and staffed tomeet the unique requirements and comfort ofeach resident.

St. Vincent's Special

Needs Services

(SVSNS) is a

501(c)(3) nonprofitorganization that

serves approxi-

mately 400 chil-

dren and adults

with highly com-

plex developmen-

tal and medical

disabilities, such as

cerebral palsy,

acute brain injury,

and neuromuscular

disorders.

Seeks to foster the physical, educational, spiritual,emotional and social development of persons withdisabilities so they may play, learn, work and livein the community.

95 Merritt Blvd.

Trumbull, CT

(203) 375-6400 www.StVincentsSpecialNeeds.org


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August 30, 2012 Kids World Hersam Acorn Newspapers 3

In 1985, the first pumpkins were sold by Terryand Jean Jones, of Jones Family Farms, at theirPumpkinseed Hill farm on Beardsley Road inShelton. More than 25 years later, spending a fallafternoon at the farm remains a tradition for manyConnecticut families.

The farmers at Jones grow and harvest more than50 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds. Peoplefrom all over Connecticut, New England and New

York make the trek to share the view and harvestevery fall.

We enjoy celebrating the hard work of anautumn harvest, knowing that the products we sellare Jones Grown they come from our own farm,said Jamie Jones, sixth generation farmer and wine-maker. We also like that our farm is a welcomingplace for families to come enjoy quality time andmake some memories.

Looking at Jones Family Farms Facebook page(facebook.com/JonesFamilyFarms) it is evident thatfamilies enjoy that, too.

The farmers also receive many requests for reci-pes to use with pumpkins and squash. Jones FamilyFarms prides themselves on growing dozens of vari-eties of squash, including the ever-popular butternut,delicata, acornand spaghetti squash.

Buying local squash in the fall is a great way toeat locally throughout the winter. There are so manyhealthy and delicious comfort foods that featuresquash and we have tons of recipes were excited toshare, said Jean Crum Jones, who runs the farmsHarvest Kitchen Cooking Studio that offers manycooking classes through the year.

Over the years, the farm has themed their fallharvest yard around family-friendly genres. Fanshave gone on the hayrides, toured the corn maze,tasted the fresh-baked cookies or danced on thestage while being surrounded by the worlds of Kings& Queens, Childhood Games, The Land of Oz,Fairy Tales, Nautical Connecticut, the Circus andmore.

Families love coming to pose in front of many ofthe photo-ops year after year. They also enjoy thegames and entertainment during the annual UNICEFfestival the farm hosts the last weekend beforeHalloween. Over the years, the Jones family has beenable to raise more than $100,000 for UNICEF.

Pumpkinseed Hill is a part of Jones Family Farmsand Winery. It is located at 120 Beardsley Road inShelton, off Route 110, five miles north of SheltonCenter and two miles south of the junction of Route110 and 111 in Monroe. The fall harvest season goesfrom the last weekend in September through Oct. 31and is open daily 10-5:30 p.m.

More info: Farmer Jones hotline at 203- 929-8425, jonesfamilyfarms.com

Where to go

Blue Jay Orchards; 125 PlumtreesRoad, Bethel, 203-748-0119: pumpkins,

pick-your-own apples, pumpkin patch/

pick in the field, pumpkin patch/ already

gathered from the field, tractor-pulled

hay rides, honey from hives on the farm,

cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the

premises). Crops are usually available in

August, September, October and November.

Open August to Thanksgiving, seven days

a week, from 10 -5:30. Pick-your-own

hours are seven days a week from 10-5.

Pick-your-own apples is from late August

to early November (based on picking condi-

tions); pumpkins start the last weekend of

September and run through the month ofOctober. Hayrides to the pumpkin patch are

weekends only.

Jones Family Farms (Pumpkinseed

Hill Farm); 120 Beardsley Road, Shelton,

203-929-8425: pumpkins, pumpkin patch,

hayrides. Open from 10 -5:30.

McLaughlin Vineyards; 14 Alberts Hill

Road, Sandy Hook, 203-426-1533: pumpkin

picking and hayrides available starting in

October. Hours 11-5 daily.

Paproskis Pumpkin Patch and

Corn Maze at Castle Hill; 40 Sugar Lane,

Newtown, 203-426-5487: pumpkin patch/

pick in the field, pumpkin patch/already

gathered from the field, corn maze, straw

or hay bale maze, tractor-pulled hay

rides, pony rides, and petting zoo. Opens

Columbus Day.

Plaskos Farm; 670 Daniels Farm Road,

Trumbull, 203-268-2716: Crazy Cows Corn

Maze open from September and October.Hours Saturday, Sunday and holidays from

10 to dusk and Fridays 3 to dusk.

Silvermans Farm; 451 Sport Hill Road,

Easton, 203-261-3306: pumpkin patch,

tractor-pulled hay rides, pick-your-own

apples, gift shop, snacks and refreshment

stand, petting zoo, and farm animals. Open

seven days a week, weather permitting.

Warrups Farm; 51 John Read Road,

West Redding, 203-938-9403: pumpkins.

Farm stand open Tuesday through Sunday

10-6, July to October.

Pumpkin picking time!Jones Family Farms readies for pumpkin season

There are more than 50 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds at Jones Family

Farms.


4/12


What is making the Peforming ArtsCenter of Connecticuts alumni return totheir studio? Answer: The Process, a newpre-professional hip hop company underthe artistic direction of Manwe Sauls-Addisons. In addi tion to technique classes,

choreography sessions and rehearsals,these 20 dancers, ages 16 to 26, willperform at professional venues in thetri-state area and work with specialguests such as Jessica Castro, choreogra-pher for the Black Eye Peas, and Jennifer

Lopez.After having a successful dance career,

Sauls-Addisons wanted to create a programthat would impart to his students tech-nique and all the skills necessary to makeit as a professional in a very competitiveand fast changing industry. Recently duringclasses, auditions and casting sessions, hebegan to notice issues with our next gen-eration of dancers. It seemed to him thatbecause of all the attention dance has beengiven recently on TV shows and movies,that todays dancers want/expect instantsuccess.

This isnt the way it happens, he said.Dancers need discipline, a great workethic and respect for the craft. I want toteach the reality of what a dancers life istruly all about.

Sauls-Addisons goal at PACC is to pre-pare these young dancers to work in theindustry; he will also be teaching hip hopand contemporary classes.

In addition to PACCs dance company,

In Motion, CORPS Ballet Ensembles, danceclasses, musical theater workshops, voicelessons, music lessons, and acting classes,this year PACC welcomes Rob DeRosa totheir staff and a new acting program opento high school students called PerformanceWorkshop. DeRosa brings his many yearsof experience to this new workshop thatwill meet twice a week for eight weeks.

Students will study Meisner actingtechnique while also preparing a play thatwill culminate this experience and be per-formed at the facilitys black box theater.

PACC, located at 18 Linderman Drive in

Trumbull under the direction of CatherineLaChioma, is dedicated to providing all ofits students with a holistic education in theperforming arts. Their resident faculty notonly hold degrees in their areas of exper-tise, but bring passion and professional-ism to their students, LaChioma said.

The goal of Adam Holms, director ofballet education, and Nikole LaChioma,artistic director, is to allow each student torealize their full potential, allowing them toappreciate what makes them unique and toencourage their personal artistic expressionand education.

PACCs commitment to the arts andtheir community goes hand-in-hand withdeveloping each students talent. Each year,PACC supports its students and families they have given more than $600,000 inscholarships in the past nine years to them.

One of theses former students,Raymond Pinto, was just named a recipientof the Princess Grace Awards.

Princess Grace Award winners exempli-fy both classical and experimental artisticdisciplines. While still considered emerg-ing talent, they already show exceptionalpromise in their areas of expertise, saidLaChioma.

Raymond learned not only dance atPACC, but how important sharing whatyou have learned with others is, she said.He regularly comes back and each yearchoreographs a piece for young dancersin hopes of sharing his love of the art andallowing them to understand that anythingis possible.

PACC continues to support their com-munity. They perform annually for breastcancer at Swim Across the Sound andPositively Pink, Dancers Respondingto AIDS, Yale New Havens ChildrensHospital, Connecticut Special Olympics,and their own college Performing ArtsScholarship fund. This year, PACC lendstheir support to a new foundation, LoveLife!, in partnership with Sacred HeartUniversity, St. Vincents Hospital and LoveLife.

On Sunday, Sept. 23, PACC will holdauditions for their fifth annual A WinterBallet, which will be held at SHUsEdgerton Center for the Arts to benefit theLove Life Foundation. The ballet featuresoriginal holiday choreography for studentsinside and outside of PACC.

Within the walls of their 13,000 squarefoot performance center, which houses fivedance studios, a black box theater, two

lobbies, student kitchen and homeworkareas, a professional costume shop, music,voice and acting studios, you will also findstudents, faculty, staff and families whoconsider PACC a second home.

Its hard to sum up a place that isinvested in all its students, still believesin family values and teaches that the loveof doing something you enjoy should beencouraged and nurtured and then sharedwith others to better your community,LaChioma said.

More info: 203-372-2787 or visit pacof-ct.com

New faces and programs

at the Performing Arts Center of Connecticut

TRUMBULL LOVES CHILDREN

TLC...where children come to learn and play!

Trumbull Loves Children, Inc (TLC), is one of Connecticuts best before and after-

school care programs. With locations throughout Trumbulls middle and elementary

schools, as well as in our own Fun Zone Center for 4th and 5th graders, TLCs mission

is to provide quality childcare for Trumbulls working parents.

TLC is a not for profit that is known for providing a safe and fun learning environment

for the children of Trumbulls working parents. Each child and parent is an important

part of our TLC family.

New for fall 2012, TLC is introducing a new Half-Day Pre-School to its very popularpre-school program.

TLC Half-Day Pre-School gives families the option to ease their child into a school

environment that provides the same quality and reliable care as all of TLCs programs.

TLC Half-Day Pre-School is taught by qualified caring staff and mirrors the full-day

curriculum. Your child will experience an environment that nurtures:

Independence

Self-esteem

Social interaction

Intellectual Development

Kindergarten Readiness

TLC offers flexible hours and programs designed to meet your familys busy schedule

and childs needs:

TLC Pre-School

Half-Day Pre-School

Before School Care Program

After School Program (ASP) Coming soon an Infant to Toddler Program

Attend 2, 3, or 5 days a week

Extended hours from 7am to 6pm

What does your child do at a TLC center? Have fun. Socialize. Make friends. Read

a good book. Join others in a game. Spend lots of time outside. Eat a healthy snack.

Get help with homework. More importantly - be a child. TLC centers provide a safe

and caring place for your child.

Throughout the summer TLC is here for your family. We invite your child to spend their

summer days at TLC engaged in many activities and enjoying field trips to exciting

places in one of our camps:

TLC Pre-School Camp

Camp TLC (age appropriate camps for children

in kindergarten through 8th grade)

Afternoon Explorers Camp

TLC now accepts applications online. Please visit our website to learn more or call us.

We would be happy to help you chose a TLC Program that works best for your family!Trumbull Loves Children

2 Corporate Drive Suite 207

Trumbull, CT 06611

203-452-9626

Visit us on the web to learn more: www.tlctrumbull.com


5/12


One of my most precious memoriesof the first day of school growing up inWeston, was seeing the big, yellow busslowly wind its way around the corner ofthe street on which I lived. It was as if at thevery moment I climbed up the bus steps, Iwas at school. My friends would be savingme a seat and we had a small chunk of timeon the bus to asses the physical changesthat had occurred over the summer in otherpeople and, of course, in ourselves.

I still got a tiny thrill as I waited at thebus stop for more than 20 years with oneor more of my four children. Even whenthe kids eventually banned me from waitingwith them, I still snuck a peek out the frontdoor, waiting to hear that familiar squeakingof the bus brakes as it neared our driveway.

Of all the things my tax dollars pay for,the school bus was one of the best: conve-nience for me and socialization for my kidsall in one.

But then, about four years ago, I sudden-

ly and insidiously found myself driving mythen-high school freshman daughter, Jess,to school every day, leaving the poor schoolbus to pause at our driveway expectantlyand then carry on, Jess-less.

It all began when she missed the bus onemorning. She quite enjoyed the chauffeuredride and I then stupidly started using thelure of the mommy-drive when mysteriousailments presented themselves and threat-ened to keep her from going to school. I gotsucked in of my own accord, and it, well ...sucked!

I loved riding the school bus in elemen-

tary school, even though my trepidation as akindergartner at first challenged that enjoy-ment. But my wonderful first bus driver, Mr.Peachtree (seriously his name!), allowed mefor a time to sit next to him up front, justinches from the steering wheel. There wassome sort of small steel bench next to thedrivers seat and on my very first day ridingthe bus, he helped me up the steps, pickedme up and plunked me down on thatbench. I felt special and safe althoughLord knows by todays standards, riding upthere would be anything but safe!

Riding the school bus allowed my friendsand I precious time to unwind after school,to learn to be tolerant of the occasionalbully, exchange confidences, hear the latestjoke. As I got older and into high school, Icould doze for a few minutes in the morn-ing or hold my boyfriends hand in the backof the bus on the way home.

Admittedly, once I turned 16 and couldthen drive my own vehicle to school, I rath-er happily gave up my seat on the bus. Yet,

it had served me and my parents very wellfor 11 years. And I still, to this day, missold, kind Mr. Peachtree.

My youngest child, Jack, began taggingalong with Jess for the ride to the highschool two years ago. Back and forth, backand forth I would go to New Canaan High,picking Jess up early when she had the lastperiod free, and then turning around anhour later to fetch Jack, and vise versa. Itwas getting annoying and also so repeti-tive that I began to drive on automatic pilottowards the school, even when I was merelyheading into town for an errand! I wouldpass buses and long for the days of yore.

And now my waiting-at-the-bus-stop anddriving-the-kid-to-school days are officiallyover: Jack passed his driving test earlier thismonth and can now drive himself to school,freeing me up to sleep in, even though myslumber will be interrupted by the soundof a school bus slowing to a stop across thestreet as it picks up the young children wholive there.

Making memories on the school bus

Parenting fromthe Trenches

By Julie Butler

109 Sanford StreetHamden CT203-281-9663www.ctspirit.com

Spirit Zone Cheerleading & Gymnastics Training Center

Why the Spirit Zone? Quality instruction by professional , experienced & trained staff.

All-Star cheerleading teams (ages 3 & older) have won over175 state national championships.

Recreational gymnastics for all ages.

Tumble & cheer classes for athletes of all ages.

Competitive cheerleading teams for all ages and abilities.

FUNTASTIC Birthday Parties!

Top of the line 12,000 sf facility equipped with 2 full spring floors,

1 regular cheer floor, inground foam pit, tumble track, 2 uneven bars,

3 beams and an Olympic size trampoline.


6/12


Juggling multiple kids and multiple spor tsBy Greg Reilly

The dog days of August are prob-ably the least busy time of the year forlocal parents, and its often welcomedafter a hectic June usually consists ofpreparing their children for final examsand graduation parties and a July filledwith managing summer camps, all-starbaseball tournaments and swim meets(sometimes all in one day).

All the camps and summer sports aretypically over by the end of July, leaving

August as a time to just chill, maybe totake a vacation or just enjoy not hav-ing too many scheduled commitmentsfor a change. But Labor Day is rightaround the corner, and the hectic life ofFairfield County parents will ensue once

again.Back-to-school shopping is no easy

task, especially when many parents arelikely to have three kids going to threedifferent schools and playing three dif-

ferent sports. Its not easy to keep trackof.

Parents come in at least twice,Patrick Charland, a manager at theDarien Sport Shop said. Sometimes

Its not easy to remember everything

kids need, between cleats and sneakers,

what size soccer ball they need, and

what color socks they are supposed to have.

BRIDGEPORT MONROE

PEDIATRIC GROUP, P.C.

NEW MONROE OFFICENOW OPEN

INFANTS CHILDREN ADOLESCENTS


7/12


youll see them four or five days ina row and I can think of one personthat comes in every single day.

Its not easy to remember every-thing kids need, between cleats andsneakers, what size soccer ball theyneed and what color socks they aresupposed to have.

Steve Zangrillo Jr., also a managerat the Darien Sport Shop, says thecoaches usually give parents a list andthe local sports leagues will give him alist so he knows what to have in stock

when the players come in.We provide a lot for Darien foot-ball, Zangrillo said. We know exactlywhat the kids need when the parentsdont always.

The fall sports in high school arecross country, soccer, fi eld hockey,football, swimming, and volleyball.

While the schools provide footballpads and helmets, the athletes areon their own to get their own mouthguards, faceguards, goggles, shinguards, and kneepads.

And those are only high schoolsports.

Local mom Debby Hynes has threekids ages 13, 12, and nine. One isplaying baseball in the fall, one istaking dance, and the other will be

horseback riding.

I usually have to do shopping ina lot of different places, Hynes said.Sports Authority is our main one. Illalso see if we have friends that havesome equipment that we can borrow.

Some parents even start think-ing about winter sports right now, asCharland says the Darien Sport Shopwill probably do 1,000 ski rentalsbetween Aug. 15 and Sept. 15.

Once the shopping is done, thatsonly half the battle. Getting your kidsto all there activities in no easy chore

either.Its a lot of juggling, Hynes said.My calendar is the biggest thing forme knowing where everyone needsto be on a certain day and what time.If there are some schedules that arereally close together, or possibly at thesame time, I make sure I can be thereor I ask someone to help carpool so Ican get everyone where they need tobe.

On the plus side, there is no short-age of stores in the area to shop,whether its the Darien Sport Shop,Sports Authority, or places like

Athletic Shoe Factory.Despite the added stress of youth

sports, active kids are happier kids.

And happy kids make happy parents.

Mom Stephanie Grise actually enjoys juggling her three kids Michael, Reilly and Griffin and

their different sports.

Its About More than Dance...Its About Enriching Lives

Register Now!

Morning & AfternoonClasses:Pre-DancePre-BalletPre-Tap

Adult Classes:Jazz/FunkHip HopTapMusical Theater

Ages 3 through AdultBeginners to Pre-Professional

Classes begin September 5thLimited Space Available!

MONROE DANCE ACADEMY

New Fall ClassesBreak Dancing

Musical TheatreContemporary

Rhythm TapFloor Barre

Open Studies College PrepLeaps and Turns

Beginner Modern for Teens

ZUMBA

Privates AvailableMaster Classes

Dance Birthday Parties

Free Trial Classes

2012-2013 Fall Schedulewww.MonroeDance.com

Small Class Sizes 3 Spacious Studios Sprung Floors

203-268-1200838 Main Street Monroe

Monroe Dance Company performing at the

2013 half me show in Miami!

Pumpkin Preschool

Open 7:00am-6:00pm www.PumpkinPreschool.com


8/12


New mobil app makes back-to-school

shopping easier at Trumbull MallJust in time for what the Nat ional Retail Federation pre-

dicts to be a big year for back-to-school shopping, WestfieldGroup, which owns and operates 48 malls throughout theU.S., including the TrumbullMall, has announced sig-nificant upgrades to its freeWestfield App 2.0. Now avail-able in the iTunes app store.The enhancements featureimproved in-mall navigation,expanded product search,enhanced retail offers, socialmedia integration, voice com-mand, and even the ability topurchase movie tickets andmake dinner reservations.

We had such an enthusi-astic response to the originalversion of the Westfield App,said Alan Cohen, executivevice president of marketing.After studying the feedback of hundreds of thousands of ourshoppers, we found that the majority wanted two things: toget around the mall easier and to save money. Westfield App

2.0 accomplishes both of these things.The timing of this launch couldnt be better. We areexpecting a busy back-to-school shopping season and thenew Westfield app will make it easy for busy moms and dadsto make the most of their time and money when visitingWestfield shopping centers, said Cohen.

The new map feature enables users to navigate the mallefficiently. Now when a shopper enters the nearest store asa starting point, as well as their desired destination, the appwill guide them turn-by-turn to wherever they want to go.Shoppers in search of sales and special offers can browse acurated list of the malls best deals, making it easier than everbefore to save money while at the same time having the abilityto compare products and prices available from different retail-ers.

Finally, for an even more personalized and hands-freeexperience, users can activate the apps brand new Conciergevoice command feature, which is currently undergoing beta

testing. A shopper can simply press the Tap to Ask buttonand tell Concierge what they need help with, from Whats onsale? and Where can I buy a gift card?, to Search for sun-glasses.

The new app represents the convergence of mobile, offline,online and social experiences for shoppers, providing a one-stop shopping tool for anyone looking to more easily navi-gate their local Westfield mall, access real-time mall updates

through social media and save money. It is available for theiPhone, with an Android version to follow in September.

The Mommyfiles:

A one-stop-shop for moms

Mommyfiles (mommyfiles.com) is a new website launchedby Greenwich resident and mother of two, Sara Mack, builtto help mommys connect with all different types of localtalent and to share all the latest news for free. Whetheryoure looking for a new recipe, have questions for othermoms or need to find a babysitter, mommyfiles is the place tolook; its a one-stop-shop for moms everywhere.

Moms are in need of many different types of outside helpand resources, and whether its a babysitter for the night, achef for a special event or even a photographer for the kidsbirthday party, mommyfiles can help with your search. Thesite gives all different types of talent the opportunity to showother members their skills and even allows those members tobook them online for an event.

The recipes section is a great way to find a new recipefor the whole family. Whatever it is that youre looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack or even a dessert thereare many creative recipes to search through. And as a memberof the site you also have the ability to post your favorite reci-pes for others to see.

Mommyfiles is a great place to find out about local eventsfor you and the kids to attend. And if you have an event thatyoure running or want others to attend, the site lets you sug-gest it to friends, share information about it or even create avolunteer board to help run it.

With album and scrapbook sections, users have the abilityto post pictures, collect scraps from other websites or pro-vide links to them for others to see.

The site is not only occupied with moms, but also busi-nesses for members to find new local places to go for them-selves and for the kids.

Mommyfiles.com is free to join.

For more info, email [email protected], or visitmommyfiles.com.

New owner for the Learning Garden

Preschool in Bridgeport

Liz Englander, a well-known educator in the communityand an educational consultant, recently purchased and willbe operating The Learning Garden Preschool, LLC, locatedat 4070 Park Avenue in Bridgeport. She has extensive expe-rience in the field of education and directed The Zeff EarlyChildhood Center, also in Bridgeport.

She brings to Learning Garden her the love of children, awell-rounded curriculum and well educated staff members.The program will accommodate children ranging from twoto five years of age and there will be a before and after schoolprogram.

Operating hours are from 8-4 p.m. The school will beopening on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

More info: 203-908-4100 or at 203-929-1352.

Mercy Learning Center

seeks volunteer tutors

Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport is looking for vol-unteers to teach reading, math and English as a SecondLanguage (ESL) in its tutoring program. Tutors meet with

their students at the center for two hours, twice a week.The center provides basic literacy and life skills training to

low-income women in the Greater Bridgeport area. Its goal isto increase each womans functional literacy level and prepareher to pursue higher education or employment that offersupward mobility and a level of income adequate to supporther and her family. The center offers a one-on-one, or smallgroup, tutoring program four hours per week. More than 600women benefit from the tutoring program annually.

Tutors must be older than 18 years old. A one-day trainingsession and all instructional materials are provided. Teachingexperience is not necessary.

Upcoming training sessions will take place on Wednesday,Sept. 12, and Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 9-3 (lunch will be pro-vided).

More info: Sue McNeil at 203-334-6699 or [email protected].

KidsBriefs


9/12


School is back in session and it is important tomake sure your student has a good start. Gettingoff to a good start can make the rest of the yearrun smoothly. Here are eight ways you can make

sure your student has a great first semester.Setting goals

Active and effective goal setting is the founda-tion for a clear path to the higher level of aca-demic performance required to succeed in highschool.

As they learn the discipline of goal setting, stu-dents begin to mature academically. They begin totake more personal responsibility for their ambi-tions, choices and decisions. They learn the skillof prioritizing conflicting demands and desires inorder to create the outcome they are truly com-mitted to achieving.

Guiding students in the development of goalsis important for several reasons. Without the ben-efit of experience in setting goals, some studentsmay set unrealistic or impractical objectives thatserve only to overwhelm them and discourage thepractice. Likewise, students that dont set goalsoften dont have an overall focus.

If you sit down with your student and talkabout goals for the semester, you might be sur-prised at how seriously they take the challenge.Setting realistic goals will motivate your student todo well because theyll have something concreteto shoot for.

For a high schooler, as they learn the disciplineof goal setting, students begin to mature academi-cally. They begin to take more personal responsi-bility for their ambitions, choices and decisions.They learn the skill of prioritizing conflictingdemands and desires in order to create the out-come they are truly committed to achieving.

Time managementStudents will find it easier to accomplish tasks

if they can visually see all of their tasks in front ofthem in a planner. Students will have fewer wor-ries about remembering deadlines when they areengaged in the daily plan. In the end, this habitwill free-up the brain so it can focus on the task

that must be completed.Breaking down assignments into chunks and

scheduling them over time is an essential com-ponent to time management. This requires thestudent to estimate how long it will take to com-plete each piece of the assignment, what materialswill be needed, and to plan accordingly. Breakingapart projects, tasks and assignments aid in over-all organization and ensures more productive timefor the student.

Active learning and notetakingTaking notes when reading, as well as listen-

ing, promotes active learning and engagement, yetmany feel that notetaking is only for classroom/lecture settings. While it is true that middle andhigh schoolers should be taking notes in class, itis equally important that they take notes while

reading as well. The act of taking notes promotesinteraction with the material and encourages bet-ter comprehension and understanding of what isbeing taught and learned.

Identifying main ideas, supporting detailsIdentifying main ideas and supporting details

is key to effective notetaking. Tests and quizzesmainly ask for regurgitation of main ideas of atext. Therefore, being able to distinguish betweenthe two is crucial, but understanding the fullpicture is essential to remembering and buildingknowledge.

Self-advocatingSelf-advocacy is the idea of effectively commu-

nicating ones own individual needs and concerns.It is the ability and willingness to say I have aproblem and I need some help. The student that

self-advocates will have less stress and will bet-ter be able to learn new and innovative ways toapproach their schoolwork because they will askfor it.

Doing homeworkAnother way to ensure success is to make

sure your student is doing their homework.Homework usually is an important componentof the final semesters grade so it is important tomake sure your student does their homework andturns it in at school.

Particularly for middle schoolers, homeworkis a great way for your student to start to assumeindependence and responsibility. The best wayyou can assist is by making sure that a routine isestablished and a distraction-free environment isprovided.

Distraction-free study spaceIt seems obvious yet cannot be stressed

enough. Students should study in a quiet dis-traction-free space. This means no television, notexting, no online time unless its strictly forhomework purposes. One effective technique isto remove all of temptations. For example, if your

student has a cell phone, you might considerholding on to it until their homework is finished.

Using study skillsLearning study skills and applying them cor-

rectly are critical to the development of a studentsconfidence. There is no question that with a moreorganized, efficient and time-managed approachand application, students will be more successful.If students can learn effective study skills to applyto their academics, they will feel more comfortableand confident in their work.

Your student can have a great semester withthe right support and motivation. Every studentwants to succeed; they just need the tools anddetermination to achieve their goals.

More info: S4 - Successful Study Skills 4Students, LLC, Southport; 203-30-S-K-I-L-L(203-307-5455), successfulstudyskills4students.com.

8 ways to make sure your student has a great first semesterBy Michelle Sagalyn

president, S4 - Successful Study Skills 4 Students, LLC

Fall Art ClassesSaturday, Sept. 8Youth Classes Begin

Tuesday, Sept. 11Adult Classes Begin

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10/12


The pundits predict that parents will

inspect their kids closets closely this year,to make sure none of last years wearablesare forgotten. But having some new clothesfor the new school term is as traditional andessential as a sharpener is to a pencil. Thoughthe charts indicate that this years back-to-school clothing expenditures will be about thesame as last year, more will be spent on shoes.

A new outfit for the beginning of schoolis almost a rite-ofpassage, though havinga budget and sticking to it is more press-ing than usual. That said, manufacturers arestill very much in the business of creating asmuch temptation as possible.

The main idea for girls seems to be some-thing, anything to look different. Differentthat is, from the rather plain, polite look of anice pair of blue jeans and a solid color, longsleeved, conservative T-shirt. Just as blue,green, yellow, black, and purple nail enamel

have been pushing red and pink into thearchives folder, whats happening in clothingis a show of individualism. Its what VogueTeen calls Extreme expressions of personalstyle. Translated, this means that the unex-pected is coming into its own.

Imagination, daring and humor are coolerthan cool. Bold striped Ts, ruffled denimmini skirts and orange tights. Or yellow pantstopped with black and white checks and afake-fur vest. (Littlejohns in New Canaan saysthey have been selling pretend-fur vests likecrazy.) Maybe its just for fun, but some of theheadgear for fall is enormous. This is prob-ably a fashion magazine prop idea, but it willprobably be knocked off to something lessbizarrely huge, but still ... big.

Anything goesWhats coming up is a statement of un-

plainness. Individuality. A touch of thewild. In other words, the point is to lookas if youve had fun getting dressed. Youre

expressing yourself extremely.Blue jeans still rule, in classic denims,

of course, but with lots of embellishment

ruffles, sequins, lace. Layering continues tobe the way to dress for style, comfort and cre-ativity. The ingredients for layering make forlots of mix-and-dont-match outfits.

Once again, the color story is brilliant.Pink, purple, yellow, green. Not the tradi-tional fall hues, though navy blue is a color-in-demand and black is chic from five yearsold and up.

Color Blocking is the new look in teenand tween dresses, according to Mary Perkinsof Dress Code. Vibrant color squares art-fully placed. Purple and pink, pale green andorange, tan and orange, in a silly fabric. Anew trend, she says, is wearing dresses withboots, instead of the usual jeans.

Erica at B Chic in Wilton predicts

therell be those jewel-tone denims whichstarted appearing this past summer, but nowhave a fall flavor. Hats are going to be consid-ered part of the total outfit. We have jacketsand leggings of pleather, which looks like the

real thing but is much more fun.Girls, naturally, are more obsessed (or

more outspoken) about how they want tolook, but boys arent immune to the persua-sive power of clothing. However, they stillwant to look like each other as much as pos-sible and wearing a plaid or checked shirt is,so far, about as daring as theyre going to be.(With many exceptions, of course.)

What boys put on their heads and on theirfeet are somehow more important than whatsin between.

So the classrooms and corridors are goingto be a bit carnival-like, but the basic ele-ments prevail: it should fit, it should be aswrinkle-free as possible and it should makethe wearer feel attractive.

2012 fall fashion goes wildWhat-to-wear when its back-to-school

by Lois Alcosser

Left, Kylie Pulkwonik, 18, wears a typical teen

fashion look for the fall: sheer polka-dot blouse

under a camisole and skinny jeans, accessorized

with studded bracelets and an oversized, studded

clutch. Above, middle schooler Spencer Handler

styled her own, anything-goes back to school

look with a character sweatshirt, brightly colored

super skinny jeans and fashionable combat boots.

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11/12


Upcoming hikes include a childrens hike atAsh Creek open space in Fairfield on Saturday,Sept. 8, from 10-11:30. Age range is four to 10year olds; a parent is required to attend.

There will be an adult fall foliage hike atTrout Brook Valley in Weston on Saturday, Oct.13, from 1-3:30.

To reserve a spot, call or email with yourname, the date(s), and number in party. If

unsure of weather, call 203-331-1906 the morn-ing of hike for status. No rain date. Wear appro-priate clothes, shoes, and bring a water bottle.There is a 30 person maximum per hike exceptwhere noted. All hikes are easy to moderatelydifficult. Visit aspetucklandtrust.org.

- Steep Rock Reservation in WashingtonDepot. Length: 5.1 miles; duration: about 2hours

-Chauncey Peakand LamentationMountain Trail, Meridan. Length: 2.1 miles;duration: 1 hour

- The Devils Den Concourse, Georgetown.This eight-mile hike through an extensive1,700- acre environmental sanctuary is perfectfor any level hiker. Take a leisurely stroll pastponds, streams, gorges and ravines, taking inthe natural formations and varied wildlife. Orchallenge yourself to ascend the steeper ridgesand the view of the Saugatuck Reservoir.

- Devils Den Preserve, Weston. One of thelargest preserves in the tri-state area, the 1,746acres of the Devils Den Preserve are home tomore than 500 types of trees and wildflowersand 140 species of birds. With 20 miles of trailsranging from daring to serene, the preserve isa favorite destination for hikers, walkers, andwildlife enthusiasts.

- Kent Falls State Park, 462 Kent CornwallRoad, Kent. Kent Falls Trail winds one-quartermile up along the falls. Although not difficult towalk, it is steep. There are many scenic vantagepoints that can be enjoyed along the trail.

- Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden. Twomiles of mountaintop resembling a large manlying in repose, the sleeping giant, is a popularfeature of the south central Connecticut skyline.

A 1.5-mile scenic trail leads to the stone obser-vation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel whichprovides an excellent view of Long Island Soundand the New Haven area.

Happy TrailsContinued from page 1

Tutor Time Childcare/Learning Centers are try-ing to put healthy living inthe spotlight within theirschools as a key part of acommitment to the devel-opment of the whole child.This comprehensive effort,called Grow Fit, empha-sizes the value of nutritionand physical activity inhelping children reach theirfull potential.

This fall, Tutor Time inShelton and Milford will beoffering tastings of fruits andvegetables for the preschooland pre-kindergarten chil-dren to try each week. In

addition to one hour of dailyoutdoor playground time,the children will be participating in adaily physical fitness activity with discus-sions about how to make healthy choices.

This initiative puts greater emphasis onhealthy offerings that already are in place,and strengthens or introduces additionalelements to support childrens healthydevelopment. The focus on healthy life-styles comes as the U.S. is experiencingan increase in health risks directly tied tofood choices and physical inactivity.

Grow Fit is designed to help pavethe way for a lifetime of healthy habits.Encouraging balanced nutrition practicesand physical activity in early childhoodhelps prevent chronic disease later in life.

The program includes the followinggoals to help build a generation of healthy

children: Physical activity: one to two hours

every day with a combination of play-ground, classroom and home activity.

Screen time: at school, no televisionis offered with a goal of limited screentime at home.

Food: more fruits and veggiesencouraged in lunches. Snack tastingsof fruits or vegetables are offered weeklywith discussions about healthy foodchoices, such as fruits and veggies, wholegrains, lean meats, beans, and legumes.

Beverages: water available, whenever.No sugar-sweetened drinks; for ages twoand up, low-fat or non-fat milk offered.Just a l ittle 100% juice no more thanfour to six ounces per day.

Infant feeding: Tutor Time supports

parents decisions aboutinfant feeding. Breastfeedingmoms can provide theirmilk to their infants and arewelcome to breastfeed dur-ing school time.

Tutor Time in Sheltonis happy to announce thatthey are now a public schoolbus stop for Long Hill andPerry elementary schoolsthat pick up and drop offchildren for its before andafter school program forchildren ages six to 12.Tutor Time Shelton loca-tion also offers bus trans-portation to the followinglocal elementary schools

Elizabeth Shelton, BoothHill, Mohegan, Chapel Street

(Stratford), and St. Lawrence for thoseparents who need before and after schoolcare for their school-age child.

Tutor Time Milford is also a publicschool bus stop for JFK and PumpkinDelight elementary schools, and offerstransportation to Orchard Hills, Calf Pen,Orange Avenue and Mathewson elemen-tary schools.

The before and after school programoffers homework help, activities, sportsand snacks.

Tutor Time is open from 6:30 a.m. to6:30 p.m. year round. For more informa-tion: Tutor Time Shelton, 203-926-1126or tutortimeshelton.com, and Tutor TimeMilford, 203-876-1555 or tutortimemil-ford.com.

Healthy habits fora healthy future at Tutor Time

by Carol Anderson

Infants Toddlers Pre-School

Transition Kindergarten

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Kindermusik is the best way to give your child a greatstart, providing more ways for your chi ld to learnand grow than any other early development program.Were excited to have you join us in our award-winningKindermusik classes for babies and children.

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12/12


Fairfield Prep invites youto Open House

Create your online admissions account at

www.fairfieldprep.org/admissions

Open HouseSunday, September 30, 24 p.m.

Entrance Exams

Saturday, October 13, 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, November 3, 8:30 a.m.

Fairfield CollegePreparatory School

Kid's World | August 2012 | Hersam Acorn Newspapers

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Transcript of Kid's World | August 2012 | Hersam Acorn Newspapers