Tag Archives: Suffolk county Au pairs

Summer Fun with Kids

What to do when your host kid says, “I’m bored” this summer!

summer-funSometimes, especially with younger children, cries of boredom are really calls for companionship and attention—their friends may be away on vacation and without the structure of school they may find it difficult to keep occupied during long summer days. Prolonged intervals where the kids have nothing to do can be stressful . When bored, children often become whiny, cranky and demanding.

Here are a few easy tips to help au pairs and host parents combat summer boredom and help kids develop the internal resources that are important for developing creative, resource and time management skills:

  1. Put a weekly calendar together so as not to overwhelm yourself with planning entertainment for an entire summer, just take it one week at a time—day trips, arts and craft activities, play-dates, reading time, nature hikes, picnics, bike rides, a trip to the movie theater etc. This way kids will have something to look forward to during down time. A calendar also helps with getting kids prepared for what comes next.
  2. Ask: “If you could do anything, what would you like to do?” Try and encourage your children to generate their own ideas for activities—they are more apt to have fun when they thought it up on their own! Reinforcing that children use their imaginations will also help them develop a sense of resourcefulness and get them in the habit of making their own choices about how they will spend their time.
  3. Keep an “art box” handy full of supplies: scissors, fabric, felt, glue, paints and brushes, stickers, paper, markers, canvass, needle and thread, beads, yarn, picture magazines etc. Rummaging through a box of art supplies can ignite the imagination and occupy children for long periods of time. They could even begin an entrepreneurial enterprise and sell their wares at the end of the summer.
  4. Inspire them to play with water. Water is very calming and soothing for children and they can while away many hours playing and keeping cool. Get them to wash the car, hose off the deck, or run through a sprinkler. Spend time together at the beach or pool.

4th of July Fun!

Long Island’s 2013 4th of July Guide: Fireworks, Festivities, Food & More!

By Sandra Stelmach Published: June 20 2013

Long Islanders gather together for some of the largest celebrations in the country. With fast-approaching festivities and fireworks, don’t miss out on the fun – …

The nation’s favorite major summer holiday is just around the corner – that’s right, it’s almost Independence Day! Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in accordance to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia – the former thirteen states declared their freedom from British governance. July 4, 1777, the one year anniversary of our independence,  was celebrated with music, ringing bells, bonfires, and fireworks. Ever since, Americans continue the tradition in celebrating their freedom by taking part in some fun and entertaining events in commemoration.
Long Islanders gather together for some of the largest celebrations in the country. These fast-approaching festivities include fairs, carnivals and festivals to concerts and sports games to picnics, cruises, and of course the stars of the day – FIREWORKS! Don’t miss out on the fun – check out what’s happening near you and across Long Island!
Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow 11554
516-572-0200
Saturday, June 29, 2013 – 5:30 pm
Free
Check out some world class fireworks displayed by Grucci and presented by TD Bank. Free tickets at TD Bank stores. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at darkness. Performances by Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops, followed by Somethin’s Fresh, the best ‘80’s R&B, Dance and Funk Classic band on Long Island.
Moore’s Lane, Greenport, NY 11944
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Celebrate the holiday at a carnival fundraiser hosted by the Relief Hose Co. & Phenix Hook & Ladder. The carnival will run through July 6th.  Fireworks are on July 4th and July 6th at 10 pm. The time of the carnival is to be announced.
Chateau Briand
440 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514
516-334-6125
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 – 9 pm
Celebrate the Fourth of July early at Body English’s Annual Celebration. Table reservation and bottle services are available. Call early at 516-398-8777.
Umbrella Beach
Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-2428
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 9 pm – 9:45 pm
Watch a spectacular show of fireworks in Montauk sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. Fireworks can be viewed from any town beach. (Rain date is July 5th).
55 South Bicycle Path, Farmingville, NY 11738
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 6 pm
Free
Enjoy a tribute to Billy Joel by Mike Del Guidice and Big Shot. Doors open at 6 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. Stick around for amazing Grucci fireworks beginning at 9:30 pm. See event listing for more details.
Captree Park
3500 E. Ocean Parkway, Babylon, NY 11702
631-592-9804
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 6:30 pm
7 in Heaven Singles presents a boat cruise joy ride aboard Captain Tim’s, Northstar II, on the Great South Bay with lots of fireworks. Light refreshments will be provided such as appetizers, sandwiches, water, soda, and some dessert. Bring your own beer or wine. All ages are welcome. Free membership to sign up for the group. Fees apply for the event – pre-pay now for $48 (bring a friend for a discounted price) or $55 (cash) at the door with RSVP. NY State parking fee of $8. If it rains, participants will be issued a refund. See event listing for details.
Firemen’s Memorial Field
E. Fenimore St and Albermarle Ave, Valley Stream,  NY 11580
Thursday, July 4, 2013- 6 pm – 10 pm
The park opens at 6 pm for ticket holders only. The ground show begins at 8 pm. The Fireworks Aerial Display begins at 9:15pm or at coordinator’s discretion. Personal items are subject to search for security purposes.  The rain date is July 5th.
333 Bayville Avenue, Bayville on the Sound, New York 11706
516-628-3000
Thursday, July 4, 2013- 6:30 pm
Reserve your table for dinner and fireworks on the beach from the club’s private deck and restaurant.
Finley Middle School and Morgan Memorial Park
City of Glen Cove, 11542
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Spend the morning watching the Annual July 4th Children’s Bicycle Parade from 10 am to 11 am at Finley Middle School. Later in the night, view fireworks at the Morgan Memorial Park at 9 pm.
Bethpage Ballpark
3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, NY 11722
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 7:05 pm
Watch the Long Island Ducks play against the Somerset Patriots followed by a Grucci fireworks show presented by Atlantic Honda. Purchase tickets online or by calling 631-940-8499. See event listing for more details.
Pettit Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 8 am
Runners take on the streets of Bellmore to run/walk either a 1-mile course or 4-mile course. The 1- mile run is for runners 12 years of age and under. The 4- mile run is for runners 13 years of age or older. Youth entries are $10 and adult entries are $20 between June 1 and July 3.  Entries on race day are $22. Athletes 70 years or older pay nothing. The 1-mile run starts at 8 am. Refreshments will be available before the race, at every mile of the race, and after the race.The race starts at Pettit Avenue and finishes at Grand Ave.
6164 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792
631-499-6824
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 6 pm – 11 pm
Free Admission
Come out with your family and friends to win some prizes, play some games, enjoy festival good, or just go on the rides! Admission is free for the festival. $30 pay-one-price for rides. The festival will go through July 7, 2013. Fireworks on July 5th at 9 pm.
Peconic Riverfront
Riverhead, NY 11901
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 6:30 pm
Free
Come see 2009 Children’s Grammy nominee, Brady Rymer, rock it out again this year for Independence Day with his Little Band that Could in Riverhead. The evening will be followed by a spectacular fireworks show around nightfall. Make sure to bring your chairs and blanket.
Garvies Point Road & the Harbor, Glen Cove, NY 11542
631-563-8551
Saturday, July 6, 2013 and Sunday, July 7, 2013- 11 am to 9 pm
Free Admission
Spend the weekend at the annual Sea-Faire festival on the waterfront in Glen Cove with games, food, live music, and rides ($30 pay-one-price). The festival will be open from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday. Grucci fireworks show will be held Saturday at 9 pm.
36 Barkers Island Road, Southampton , NY 11968
631-283-5847
Friday, July 5, 2013 – 7 pm – 10 pm
Admission by Tickets – Starting at $300 for General Admission
Fresh Air Home is a residential camp offering special recreational programs for physically challenged children. The picnic raises over 40% of the Home’s annual program expenses. Enjoy a benefit picnic dinner at the only Fourth of July fireworks family party in Southampton. Grucci presents fireworks over the Shinnecock Bay. Rain date is July 7th. Tickets can be purchased online. See event listing for details.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
516-572-8400
Thursday, July 4, 2013
A re-creation of a Long Island July 4th celebration at the beginning of the Civil War, in honor of the soldier recruits of the New York Volunteers. Festivities will include a National Patriotic Picnic (bring your own picnic lunch), band concerts and fiddle music, children’s games, rifled-musket firings and a patriotic parade and ceremony.
164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-2554
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 9:30 am
Show off your skills by taking part in this year’s sandcastle contest by using sand, water, and any other natural material native to the beach at Hither Hills State Park. Castles will be made on the spot. Prizes will be given to the best sculptors and castles. The contest will be held every Thursday from June 27 to August 29. Registration is held every Thursday from 9:30 am – 10:30 am at the park’s beach house.
Route 25A and Prime Ave, Huntington, NY 11743
631-271-8423
Thursday, July 4, 2013- 8 pm – 10 pm
The North Shore Pops Concert Band consisting of  a talented group of musicians perform tunes from Sousa to Gershwin, and Broadway to American Patriotic anthems at Heckscher Park.
The Fishery Parking Lot
1 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518
Friday, July 5, 2013 through Sunday, July 7, 2013
Free
Spend the 4th of July weekend at the East Rockaway festival with family and friends. On Saturday at 3 pm, The Eliot Lewis Trio will be performing live after an opening by Drive performing an ‘80s music tribute plus a tribute to The Cars. Enjoy some food, games, rides, a petting zoo, and fireworks! Friday: 6 pm to 11 pm   Saturday: 12 pm to 11 pm    Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm
Walker Street
516-541-1443
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 10:30 am
The Chamber would welcome your participation in the 4th of July Parade. Assembly time is 10:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Street and proceed south on Lake Shore Drive to Park Blvd.
Fourth of July Fireworks: Grangebel Park
Peconic Ave
Riverhead, NY 11901
Thursday, July 4, 2013 – 9 pm
Watch the fireworks light up the skies!
118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-727-4343
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 – 8 pm
$25 in advance/ $30 at the door
Disco and dance the night away with the Terry Hines Band.
118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-727-4343
Thursday, July 4, 2013- 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Free
FREEdom Fest featuring fabulous food and a FREE musical performance by the swingin’ GI Jivesters! There’s always something to celebrate at The Suffolk Theater, so bring the whole family and join us for great food, fun and music on July 4th prior to Riverhead’s fireworks display!
Doors open at 6pm, so come early and join us for dinner (dinner cost additional) and order up some all American food and enjoy some great music!
118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-727-4343
Friday, July 5, 2013 – 8 pm
$25 in advance/ $30 at the door
Experience the best of both American & British Rock. This rock show is a tribute to the music of the great American classic rock artists & bands who came of age particularly in the late 60s & 70’s.
118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-727-4343
Saturday, July 6, 2013 – 8 pm
$30 in advance/ $35 at the door
Come Join us with our Red White & Swing Summer Saturday Supper Club Series with the Black Tie Affair Orchestra! Join Tom Manuel and the Black Tie Affair Orchestra for their command return performance at the Tom and his 17 piece big band are calling all jitterbuggers to join us for a swingin’ night of big band – USO style! Supper/Show Package $70.00. Dinner Seating at 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.
Montauk Farmer’s Market
742 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
631-668-2428
Thursday July 4, 2013 – 9 am – 2 pm
Stock up on fruits and vegetables for a Fourth of July barbeque at Montauks Farmer’s Market presented by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds will benefit the Montauk Food Pantry.

Summer Begins!

summer 1st daySchool is over today and summer begins!

Suffolk County, Long Island is a fantastic place to spend the summer.  Enjoy your time with your host family, plan time with your friends and enjoy the beautiful beaches, all the fairs and festivals!  Check out what is going on near you.  Click here to search!

School End This Week!

Au Pairs and Host Families schedules change in Summer!

schoolsoutIt is important to have a meeting to review schedule changes for the summer .  Kids don’t have school, but they still have busy schedules.  There is often even more driving for the au pairs during summer, taking the kids to day camp, sports, and to the beach.  Playdates are plentiful and need to be part of everyone’s schedule.  Some host parents have more time off in the summer, especially if they are teachers.  Make sure you schedule who is in charge, parent or au pair.  Keep posting a schedule to define working hours for your au pair.

Vacations are often taken by families and au pairs, together and separately.  Be clear about time off and working time.  If your au pair is going on vacation and is working, she gets paid!!  Good planning will make sure everyone has a great time!

Flag Day Contest for Au Pairs

Flag Day 2013 winner Sabine from AustriaMeet Your Global Neighbor

Au Pair in America au pairs helped us celebrate our second annual Flag Day Contest by submitting their creative expressions of their countries flags.
This year’s first place winner was Sabine Formanek of Austria.  Sabine is so proud of her country’s rich musical culture and chose to incorporate Mozart into her flag.  Read what Sabine had to say about her original drawing.
BrazilGisellaLegosVeronicaColombiaBrazilAndUSRaquelUkraine, Olena PetelkoSAMarianne HohlsNZMelissaWedgwoodJuliaKahlKidsGMIsraeli and German Cupcake FlagHollyUKGermanyMirijamCarlaNLDeniseClusterMiaHostChildUSAMia, MalaysiaDSCN1054DeniseCluster3GosiaClusterGosiaClusterAndAPs

Brazil: Gisella Nascimento and her host children created the Brazilian flag in legos.  Colombia: Veronica Giraldo created her flag by individually making each of these flowers in thread.  Brazil: Raquel Brun Carvalho.  Raquel built both the Brazilian and American flags in legos-our neighbors!  Ukraine: Olena Petelko used needledwork to depict her country’s flag.  Olena provided some background information for us. South Africa: Marianne Hohls and her two host boys, ages 4 and 5, created her flag from Legos.  New Zealand: Melissa wedgwood designed her flag on a backdrop of the Pavlova dessert which is an icon in New Zealand.  Germany: Julia Kahl and her host children created a crayon drawing of her flag against the background of the Denver sky.  Israel  and Germany: Nitzan Dorenboim and Freddy Eixner combined their country flags with cupcakes.  What an ingenious idea!  The partnering of Germany and Israel won Best Team Entry!  United Kingdom: Hollie Cottrell baked a very delicious-looking cake to represent her flag.  Germany: Mirijam Hinger used frozen yogurt and fruit to show us her flag.  Netherlands:  Carla Van Dijk who is living in Princeton, NJ, placed her flag against the backdrop of Princeton University.  U.S.A: Denise Eliopolus’ cluster created their vision of the U.S. flag on cupcakes.  U.S. A.  This representation of the U.S. flag was done by Katie, age 7,a host child in CT.  Katie used her favorite glitter and sprinkled it on the flag.  Mia, from Malaysi is Katie’s au pair, and Mia’s entry is the next one.  Malaysia: Mia Ng used fruit because it represents her country’s fruit production Many nations: Cindy Garruba, a community counselor on the North Shore of Long Island worked with her au pairs on representing all of their countries on a map of Long Island. The teamwork is awesome!  Denise Eliopolus and her cluster:  Denise is a community counselor in NJ.  This photo shows the au pairs in her cluster who created the USA cupcakes.  Around the world: many nations in Gosia Downes cluster (NJ) are represented by paper dolls.  The next photo shows the au pairs who participated in the Flag Day Contest.

June Tips for Host Families and Au Pairs

summerJune is such a busy month for host families and au pairs here in Suffolk County, Long Island.  School is still in session, but the kids are busy with lots of fun school activities like field day, school concerts and presentations.  Sports are in full swing; lacrosse, Little League, swim team, tennis, horse back riding and so much more keep au pairs and host parents driving kids around and cheering from the sidelines!

Vacation is coming up, school is out on June 22nd!  Schedules are changing for au pairs and their host children.  Day and sleep away camps for the kids are being planned.  Au pairs and host families are planning summer vacations together and separate.  New au pairs are arriving every week, and former au pairs are heading home.  There are welcome and good bye parties, family BBQs and lots of special days to enjoy!

But with all the excitement comes some stress and a need for au pairs and host families to sit down together, discuss the schedule changes, where and how to fit in vacations and how to manage all the activities for the children.  It is very important to continue to have a weekly meeting! Please take time to discuss all the changes so we can all make sure summer here in Suffolk County, Long Island is the best it can be!

10 Tips on How to Drive Safely in the Rain

driving in the rainIt has been raining a lot, really severe rain and everyone needs to be careful driving.  I recommend staying home if there is flooding!  There will be other times to go out, stay safe!  Here are some tips if you are driving in the rain!

1. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times! Keep all distractions, such as cell phones or even the radio, off and away from you. It is illegal to talk or text on your cell phone while driving!

2. Turn on your headlights. New York State requires headlights when it is raining, even in broad daylight. This will make it easier for you to see what is in front of you; thus, preventing any accidents.

3. Keep a minimum of a good five car length from the car in front of you. You never know what other drivers are going to do or what could happen to you! If that feels too close or too far a rule of thumb is 1 second of following distance per 10 miles per hour. That holds true especially in bad weather.

4. Drive at or below the speed limit to the extent that you are comfortable with, and can see far enough in front of you to appropriately make driving decisions..

5. Be aware of hydroplaning. This is where your vehicle travels on top of the water and has NO or very little contact with the ground. Your traction is reduced significantly. To safely get out of a hydroplaning situation let off the gas and steer straight or slightly in the direction you must go. Do not make sudden motions and remain calm.

6. Avoid flooded roads. Never drive through standing or flowing water in a road way unless you have no choice or you are able to follow someone else to judge the depth of the water. Flooding the engine of your car can cause the engine to stall, and deep water can actually float your car and take it off the roadway.

7. Turn on the defroster if the windshield begins to fog. In hot, muggy weather, air conditioned air (which cannot contain as much moisture) will usually clear the inside of the windshield faster than non air conditioned.

8. Be aware that brakes can be affected by water. Wet drum type brakes are especially prone to decreased stopping power after driving through deep water.

9. Watch for splashing from potholes and pools of water that accumulate at clogged storm drain pipes and low areas of the pavement. Highways also develop “ruts” where the heaviest traffic tracks, and you may be able to position your vehicle while remaining in your lane to avoid these.

10. Beware of driving in the rain, especially at night. Motorcycles or even other dark-colored cars can be camouflaged amongst glistening raindrops on side windows and mirrors. It’s best to have a light colored car that isn’t easily camouflaged in the night.

It is Strawberry Festival Weekend! June 13 -16!

Strawberry Festival 1Au Pairs at Festival

The 59th annual Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival is coming!

Thursday June 13th –
Hulling – 5PM – 9:00PM Sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Carnival – 6:30PM – 10:00PM
Pay-One-Price Ride Bracelet: $20; Single Ride Tickets Available
Free Admission on Thursday

Friday June 14th
5PM until 11PM
Admission – Adults and children age 6 and over – $2.00
Children 5 and under – free
Pay-One-Price Ride Bracelet: $25; Single Ride Tickets Available

Saturday  June 15th
11AM until 11PM
Admission – Adults and children age 12 and up – $7.00
Children 6 to 11 – $3.00
Children 5 and under – free
Pay-One-Price Bracelet – $25 – good from opening to 6pm and a second Pay-One-Price Bracelet  $25 – good from 4pm to closing;  Single Ride Tickets Available
Fireworks – 9:00

Sunday June 16th
11AM until 5PM
Admission – Adults and children age 12 and up – $7.00
Children 6 to 11 – $3.00
Children 5 and under – free
Pay-One Price Ride Bracelet – $25
Single Ride Tickets Available
No admission charge for fathers on Father’s Day when accompanied by paid childFireworks – 9:00

strawberry festival 2

It is Strawberry Season on Long Island!

Strawberry Fields: 4 Strawberry Picking Farms on Long Island

The East End of Long Island is ripe with places that will allow you to pick your own strawberries. Deciding where to go can be a challenge, so we’ve hand-picked a few of our favorites. Harvesting your own food is not only fun, it connects you to where your food comes from and supports locals farmers. It also allows you to experience food at it’s freshest, right off the vine. This is especially important for Long Island strawberries, which are sweeter and more delicate than the grocery-store varieties and tend to have a shorter shelf life.

Pick-Your-Own

Lewin Farms
812 Sound Ave., Wading River
631-929-4327
The westernmost farm on our list, Lewin Farms was the first-ever pick-your-own farm on Long Island and has been around for four generations. The farm has its very own farm stand with more than 20 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables. While you’re there, stop by the corn stand to indulge in the delectable wonder that is sweet, roasted corn! Hours for pick-your-own strawberries are 9am–4:30pm. Call ahead for availability and days that the fields are open.

Harbes Family Farms and Vineyards
715 Sound Ave., Mattituck
631- 298-0800
Farm opens April 27th
This farm makes for a great day trip because of all the exciting things it has to offer, including a barnyard, a farmer’s market, and a country café. Strawberry picking starts in June, and the family even offers tips on how to make delicious homemade strawberry jam. Pick -Your-Own Berries are available 9am–5:30pm.

Organic Pick-Your-Own

Garden of Eve Organic Farm
4558 Sound Ave., Riverhead
631-722-8777
According to Eve, the owner, the Garden’s particular variety of strawberries tend to ripen early, and this year they expect to be open mid-May. In addition to the strawberry picking, young visitors can play in their playground, pet a bunny or chicken, and visit a working bee hive. Classes are offered here year-round for preschoolers through adults.

Golden Earthworm Organic Farm
652 Peconic Bay Blvd., Jamesport
631-722-3302
Pick-your-own strawberries are available on Fridays and Saturdays beginning Memorial Day weekend. You may also purchase farm produce and baked goods. Farm tours are offered during strawberry season and allow you to visit their rare animal breeds.

Strawberry Festivals

Mattituck Lion’s Club Strawberry Festival
1175 Rte. 48, Mattituck
June 13 – 16
At the peak of the strawberry season, this annual festival serves up strawberry shortcake, strawberries dipped in chocolate and strawberries just about any way you can imagine. The festival also offers midway rides, live music and more than 100 arts-and-crafts vendors. To top it all off, all the proceeds will benefit local nonprofits on the North Fork.

Benners Farm
56 Gnarled Hollow Rd., East Setauket
651-689-8172
The Benners will do the picking for you so you can Indulge in strawberry shortcake (homemade by Mrs. Benner), strawberry ice cream (kids can take a hand in making this), strawberry jam and my personal fave: strawberries dipped in chocolate. While on the farm, kids will have a chance to hold baby chicks, ducks, and bunnies, feed the lambs and goats, and visit a tremendous sow, Honey.