After a year of standardized tests, projects, and daily homework assignments, kids really look forward to the lazy, carefree days of summer when they can take a break from the rigors of school.  Whether they are frolicking in the surf at the beach, playing a few games of chance on the boardwalk, attending day camp, or splashing around in a neighbor’s pool, children are all about having fun during the months of July and August.  While it’s important for kids to relax and re-charge, it’s not a good idea for young minds to take a total vacation from learning once the school doors close in June.  It’s extremely critical for students of all ages to continue reading throughout the summer.

Dr. Young of Braces @ Brick Orthodontics, understands just how imperative it is for children to flip through the pages of a book after another academic year is completed.  In fact, since he feels so strongly about kids continuing to read over the summer, he decided to directly promote this message within the community.  The “5th Grade Tribute” is a partnership program between Braces @ Brick Orthodontics and 5th grade Brick Township elementary school students to encourage summer recreational reading.

“We created the summer reading program six years ago to promote reading when school is not in session and to reward the children who worked hard all year long,” says Dr. Young who was voted “Top Orthodontist” by his peers in the New Jersey Monthly poll of dentists 2009-2010.  “We feel it’s important to give back to the community to show involvement towards a good cause.”

One outstanding student from each graduating fifth grade class received a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.  With this money, students have the choice to select reading material based on their own personal interests.  In total, thirty-five students were honored in last month’s commencement ceremonies.  Each student was also awarded a certificate of achievements.  Students are nominated for the awards by the fifth grade teachers and are selected based on academic accomplishments and the student’s commitment to school throughout the course of the year.

In addition to the individual honors, Braces @ Brick donated $250 to every school’s media center to purchase new books and materials.  Dr. Young or a staff member from Braces @Brick attended every graduation ceremony to present the awards to the recipients.

The “Summer Reading Program” has been very well received by the administration and parents in every school. “The principals and teachers are very appreciative of this program,” says Dr. Young who has worked to help create beautiful smiles for his patients since 1993 and is also a teaching instructor at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.  “They respect the fact that we take the time out and the students are very excited to receive these awards.”

In addition to their end-of-the-year activities, Braces @ Brick also visits the schools in Brick Township every February for “Dental Health Month.”  Dr. Young and staff members show the students a short presentation about the proper care and treatment of teeth and the kids are encouraged to ask questions after the film is over.  A lively question and answer session usually takes place between the doctors and students during these visits.

Braces @ Brick specializes in orthodontics for both children and adults with a focus on Invisalign invisible braces and other family treatment options.  Dr. Young offers an assortment of solutions to cater to an individual’s own unique needs. Some of these include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign “invisible” braces.  Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable than ever before.  Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces.  For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients.  Invisalign braces are clear and removable plastic aligners made for a patient’s aesthetic and physical comfort. Braces @ Brick Orthodontics helps to transform a patient’s appearance and boost an individual’s morale.  The office sees patients of all ages.  Although most patients are primarily adolescents, one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment.

The practice strongly believes that early intervention and treatment are the keys to long-term dental health.  In some cases, treatment can be started before all permanent teeth have come in.

“The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a screening by an orthodontist by age seven,” says Dr. Young.  “At this age, most orthodontic problems can be diagnosed by your orthodontist.  On the Braces @ Brick website (www.braces@brick.com), there is a special section called, ‘Is Early Treatment Worthwhile?’  This section explains the reasons why being proactive is imperative.  I am a strong advocate of early orthodontic treatment.  Diagnosis and early treatment is the key.  Starting treatment early has the following benefits: treatment is usually less complicated, it eliminates the need for extraction of permanent teeth, and kids do not go through and awkward phase, where they are ashamed to smile because of their crooked teeth or overbite.  It is much better for their self-esteem growing up.  We can finish most cases before high school.  The most important advantage of early treatment is that the stability of the final result is much better.”

The staff of Braces @ Brick works hard to bring healthy smiles to Brick, Toms River, Lakewood, Point Pleasant, Howell, Jackson, Manchester, Wall, and Manasquan.  For more information about Braces @ Brick, check out the office’s website at www.bracesatbrick.com or call

732-477-1808.

By Tricia Berwick

In a few weeks, school doors will open for another academic year and kids will be busy with homework assignments and extra-curricular activities.  Some children will resume interests from the previous year and others will find new outlets to channel their creativity or athleticism.  If your child has expressed an interest in participating in either dance or gymnastics classes, it’s important to research the best facilities and to talk to your child about the responsibility involved.  At first, it may seem very exciting to wear pretty pink tutus and form-fitting leotards, but how do you know for sure that these activities will benefit your kids?   Enrolling in one of these schools is a huge commitment of your time as weekly classes are usually required from September through June.  And, it has to be financially feasible for your family since all schools require registration fees, monthly payments, and additional costs for shows or recitals.  However, if your child has a sincere interest in one of these activities and you can manage the money and get your child there every week, area parents and school directors say signing up for dance or gymnastics lessons is worth every penny and the time spent in the car shuttling the kids to and from lessons.

If you feel that your child is ready for this type of challenge, it’s imperative to research and choose a facility to meet the needs of your individual child.   When beginning a search, there are a few important factors to consider.

First, spend a lot of time asking questions about the backgrounds of the teaching staff.   Don’t hesitate to meet with the director and ask to see the credentials and the certifications of the teaching staff.   For example, if you are researching a ballet school, take note if the instructors have danced with a professional ballet company or hold a degree in dance from an accredited college or university.  Class size should also be considered.  Make sure the classes are not too large so your child doesn’t feel lost in the shuffle.  You want your child to receive adequate attention during lessons.  Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with each school’s rules, procedures, and payment plans before your registration forms are completed.

One of the best way s to decide if the school is the right fit for your family is to visit several classes.  Ask if you can attend a free trial class to help determine whether or not you would like to become a part of that particular school.  Keep notes while you visit each school and then compare and contrast your results.  It’s important to go with your instincts and register for a school where you and your child feel comfortable with the staff and the curriculum.

If you’re hesitant about whether or not to sign on the dotted line, don’t be because many children enjoy numerous positive benefits from one of these activities.

In addition to being a fun activity, dancing is a fantastic way for people to get in and stay in shape.  It is an effective form of exercise and allows a child to learn self-expression though music and movement.   It also increases an individual’s flexibility and endurance, builds strength, and creates opportunities to meet people.  Dancing also helps to reduce stress and tension and provides and overall sense of well being.

Chrissy Starr, owner of Shore Ballet in Toms River, says studying ballet can provide your children with an invaluable experience.

“All kids gain from the arts,” says Starr.  “It teaches them discipline and exposes them to music.  Everyone is fitness consciousness these days.  The kids are engaging in an activity and not just watching television.”

Mother Tracy Seitz agrees.  Ballet has kept her daughter, Paige busy and happy since she was three-years-old.   Paige just performed in her fourth recital this past June and has loved every minute of her Shore Ballet experience.

“I love how dance keeps my daughter active,” says Seitz.  “She really enjoys the social aspect, also and has made some great friends through classes.  The recital at the end of the year provides the children with a goal which is a terrific way to build confidence.  It’s very satisfying to work towards a goal over a period of time.  I hope she continues to dance for a long time because I think it will provide her with a nice foundation for other things that she might want to pursue later in life, like trying out for the school play.”

Janel McAteer, mother of five-year-old Julianna, strongly believes that dance can build strong social skills and improve one’s self esteem.

“My daughter always has tons of fun when she attends dance classes,” says McAteer.  “She goes with some friends and always meets new kids, too.  I think it’s very important for her to be a part of a routine and to gain experience listening to instructors and following directions.  I’m really happy that she enjoys it so much.  As long as she loves it and enjoys what she is doing, I will continue to register her for classes.”

Similar to dance classes, gymnastics classes promote fitness and help to develop coordination, flexibility, strength, and self esteem.  It also teaches the importance of discipline and hard work and provides important skills to enhance other sports.

Before you make a commitment this fall, research the facility online, ask for referrals from other parents and drop in to visit a ballet school or gym without an appointment to see how their classes are run.  They should have a friendly, open-door policy and be able to answer all of your questions in person.  Ask about the instructors, the class sizes, and the cleanliness of the school.  Also ask your child to come with you.  If he or she is welcomed by the staff and feels immediately comfortable, then you just may have found the right place.

Thinking of a fun affordable activity for your child this fall? Then you should consider the Shore Ballet School. Approaching their 35th season, the most recommended dance school in the Toms River area is dedicated to the highest quality of instruction. With a great curriculum arranged specifically for boys and girls of every age group, their programs are rated #1 by parents and students alike.

This season Shore Ballet will be offering a variety of styles such as Tap, Lyrical, Broadway, Hip Hop and Tumbling. In all classes teachers focus on technique, choreography and having fun. Parents love their stellar curriculum, convenient class schedules and reasonable prices. Shore Ballet is known as a non-competitive school. That means, students won’t be asked to sign up for extra practice workshops or dance competitions. At Shore Ballet all the magic happens each week right at the studio!

Chrissy Starr is the owner/director of the school and she is dedicated to making sure the school is a positive place. She is a certified dance instructor and her teacher training began in London, England where she graduated from the prestigious Royal Ballet School.  It was there that she completed a professional dance teacher’s training program that concentrated on the fundamental teaching of classical dance. Upon retuning to the U.S. she continued her studies obtaining more teaching certifications while still performing in ballets and theater productions. Now as a respected member of the Royal Academy of Dance for more than 18 years, Ms. Starr holds the R.A.D. teaching certificate with Distinction. She is also a long time member of the American Academy of Ballet and holds certifications from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Shore Ballet is just minutes off Rt. 37 E. in Toms River near Vaughn and West End Avenues. The building was once St. Philip’s Episcopal Church built in 1880, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic places. Still containing the seven original stained glass windows, the dance room itself is a spacious 56×30 feet with chestnut paneling and a small stage that once served as an alter. The dance room also has a vaulted ceiling, Harlequin dance floor, heat/air conditioning and a viewing window for parents to watch the dancers. The waiting area is comfortable with two bathrooms and baby changing facilities.

Shore Ballet classes are limited in size and parents are always pleased with the personal attention their children receive. Ms. Starr is dedicated to her art and she loves seeing her students grow one dance step at a time. Register today it’s fun & affordable! Shore Ballet offers sibling discounts and payment plans. Compare our prices. Major credit cards accepted. Sign up before classes are full!

Call: 732-270-1110 or E-mail: director@shoreballet.com. Visit our new website: www.shoreballet.com

Bob and Lori Ziemer Owners of Pied Piper Swim School

By Susie Sutter

Drowning is the fourth leading cause of accidental death in the United States among adults and the second leading cause of accidental death among children 14 years old and younger.  For every one child that dies, three others receive emergency room care for non-fatal submersion injuries.  With such a high rate of death and injury, why aren’t more people signing their children or themselves up for swimming lessons?  Although every summer you hear more and more reports of children, teenagers or adults drowning in the ocean because they did not obey the warning signs or children were not being watched carefully around a pool.   Too many times we’ve heard a preschooler or toddler climbing a ladder to get a toy or walking by the edge of an in ground pool and accidentally falling in.  A small elementary school child falling in during a party and no one noticed them in the water until it was too late.  A number of drowning deaths occur when children fall into a pool and are unable to swim or lift themselves out from the side of a pool.  A large number of adults do not know how to swim.  They assume since they can stand in a pool or close to the shore, there is no need to learn basic swimming technique.  What if your child needs help in a pool?  What if you are faced in an emergency situation where you need to jump into the water where you can’t stand up?   Avoidable heartbreaking tragedies can be changed by a phone call.   Pied Piper Swim School in Toms River has been offering life saving swimming lessons since March 1994.  Bob and Lori Ziemer own and operate the swim school, which stresses water safety and swimming skills.  Betsy Noon has three children, twin two-year-old boys and a daughter who is three, registered at Pied Piper and says swimming lessons are important because it is something they can use forever.

The sessions offered at Pied Piper normally run 6 weeks.  Classes are small with only 6 students and are 30 minutes long twice a week.  They offer year round lessons and encourage all their students to their own individual ability.  Evaluations are scheduled three weeks before starting a class to determine a student’s comfort level in the water, age appropriateness and physical strength.   If children have had lessons before, Bob and Lori want to ensure they are placed in the correct class to improve their swimming skills.  Ages of the students vary from 6 months old to adults.  Tiffani Troboughís son, Hunter, began taking lessons at 10 months old.  She feels it is imperative to learn to swim early; the earlier the better.  What they’re learning is saving their life.   Parents can stay and observe their children during lessons.  They are encouraged to reinforce what their child is taught in class.

Some may think 6 months old is too soon to start teaching swimming.  However, acclimating children early to feel comfortable in the water is key to a successful swimmer.   Instructions begin by having them put their face in the water and blow bubbles.   Getting the child to kick on command and see the reaction of water splashing relates to the movement of kicking.  Betsy Noon adds classes are small and they get one on one attention. Kids follow instructions even at such a young age. I a large number of young children through adult age have a fear of water.  Introducing children to a pool of water early in their life helps them relax in the water.  It also creates a wonderful bonding time for child and parent.

As soon as children start to walk and pull themselves up is a sign they are physically capable to begin to swim.  They are developing the muscles they will need to use while learning.  Kicking and splashing in water comes naturally to children.  You put them in a bathtub and they immediately kick and love that the water is moving and hitting them in the face.  Instructors provide fun activities for their young students using duck barbells, kick boards, bubbles and Easter eggs for them to grab.  Tiffani Trobough says the kids think they’re playing when they’re actually learning. Water safety is emphasized throughout all the classes no matter the age.  Feeling at ease in water is an important aspect to a young child or adult who has a fear of water.  Classes not only teach swimming, but also feeling comfortable in any water environment whether it be a pool, ocean, lake or pond.

Not only is swimming a life saving activity, but Pied Piper instructors emphasize and teach their students how to climb out of a pool.  If a child falls into a pool, they more than likely will not fall in by the steps or a ladder.  They need to build strength and practice lifting themselves out of the pool on their own.  It also allows them to gain the confidence that they know what to do and how to get out without panicking.  They are comfortable enough to swim to the side calmly and pull themselves out.

Pied Piper Swim School has an enormous amount of patience with their students.  Instructors face a number of different anxieties from a variety of ages.  Toddlers and young children may become upset because they don’t want to get in the water.  They work with parents and children to help them feel at ease in and around the pool.  They work slowly and carefully with their students until they feel they are ready.  Small steps make huge accomplishments.

An area where most people may not think a swim school can be beneficial is training swim team members.   Speed and timing are essential at a swim meet.  Losing a fraction of a second on a flip turn can decide between first or second place.  Training swimmers to improve their swimming technique, enhance their strength and build their endurance is a class that is offered year round at Pied Piper Swim School.  Gail Brown’s nephew, Derek Hopkinson, started taking classes with Bob and Lori when he was 2 Ω years old.  He’s now a freshman on the Toms River East Swim Team.  This year Derek won the Most Outstanding Newcomer Swimming Award and received a Varsity Letter as a 9th grader.

The instructors emphasize water safety and teach swimming in a fun and loving atmosphere.  They offer classes year round for a variety of different ages.  Neighbors, friends and family members may have an in ground or above ground pool that you and your children should feel comfortable around.  Living in a shore community and frequenting the beach, you and your children need to possess certain strengths to keep you safe from drowning.  Don’t let another child, teenager or adult be a statistic.  Be aware of the dangers of the water, whether it’s the ocean, lake, pond, stream or pool.  Keep them safe by providing them with swimming lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions About

Pied Piper Swim School

After teaching swim for over 20 years and owning Pied Piper Swim School for over 17 years, we have learned to incorporate many of our own ideas with the traditional American Red Cross,WSI (water safety instructor)way of teaching.  Along the way many of our parents have asked us why we do certain skills and what is the child learning from doing it. Here are some of our most popular questions from parents & their answers.

Nikki S., Toms River- “We have heard that your swim school program is strict?”  “Why?”

Pied Piper- Our program is a very structured and sometimes strict program.  It is our job to be able to teach the child how to respect the water and those in it as well as have fun. With that in mind we do need to run the program with a certain amount of authority for the child to be able to know the difference between lesson time and play time.  Many children view swim time as play time only & while that seems fun and exciting they also need to know first and foremost how to respect the water.  With respect of the water and the rules surrounding it, comes safety & with that comes a safe and fun swimmer.

Elizabeth D., Lavallette -”Why does my child need to learn how to jump/dive in if they don’t like to do it?”

Pied Piper- Children need to learn how to safely enter the water whether jumping or diving.  If a child accidentally gets bumped or pushed into a pool, lake, river etc…and does not know how to land safely they can cause major harm to themselves and others.

Larry D., Toms River- “Why do you have the children climb out at the wall instead of using the stairs?”

Pied Piper- It is very important for children to learn how to climb out of a  pool.  There might not always be a set of stairs near enough for a child to climb out on.  Chances are that if a child is going to accidentally fall into a pool, it’s not going to be near the steps or ladder.  Climbing out is an essential safety skill all children need to know and believe it or not, it is much harder then it looks.

Kathleen M,Toms River-”Why don’t you allow children to wear goggles?”

Pied Piper- We believe that children need to learn how to swim without goggles because it allows them to become comfortable with the water getting in their face and eyes.  when children use goggles all the time they become accustom to the water not being in their eyes & find themselves unable to open their eyes to see if the goggle fall off or fill up with water.  This can sometimes cause panic even in a child who is a confident swimmer.

Mandy P., Toms River- “Why do you have children swim through hoops that are submerged underwater?”

Pied Piper- Having a young child grab a slightly submerged hoop with their hand, put their face in & lift the hoop over their head teaches them how to get objects (rafts, tubes, etc…)off themselves if they were to get stuck underneath.

Gina D., Brick- “Why do you have children get objects off the bottom of the pool?”

Pied Piper- Having a child attempt to get items off the bottom of the pool teaches them to be aware of their breath.  How to control the amount of air they are letting out & how to know when they need to come up.  A child needs to be able to feel that on their own & having a goal in the form of picking up an object for them is a great way for them to accomplish it.

For over 17 years we have been blessed & privileged to provide swim lessons to many families and hope that we have allowed each child to accomplish the goals that their families hoped they would achieve.

Looking for a fun and creative place to have your child’s next birthday party, well color me mine is just that place. We have a large variety pieces to choose from that we know your children will love. Birthday parties are up to 2 hours long.

The children paint for the first hour and then during their second hour they eat and open presents. It is $18.00 a child and the children can pick any item up to $12.00. The birthday child also gets a plate that his/her friends sign that day, and that comes in the party package free of charge. The birthday child must be 5 yrs or older. This is a fun party that every child should experience. And of course every child will have there piece of ceramic that will remind them of there event they attended.. Book your child’s next party today! All children have a creative side waiting to be seen.

We were rated readers choice 2009 one of the best of ocean county place for a childrens birthdy party for the Asbury Park Press….
732-864-9300 ∙•1877 Hooper Ave ∙ Toms River

Sparkle diva studios, the ultimate beauty birthday studio. Let your Birthday Diva experience pampering from head to toe, at the only exclusive mommy and me day spa and salon. At SDS we treat your little diva like the rock star or glamour girl she is! You will know the minute you enter our sparkling studio that you and your guests are in for the beauty experience of your lives. With many party packages to choose from, your diva can have pedi’s, mani’s, eye kandy, sparkle hair service and our NEW private sparkle facials. All of our party packages include: invites, thank you’s, beauty goodie bags, the pink carpet, our SDS Dazzle toast, Music, balloons, a full staff including a party host, as well as fun games and dancing! If you would like to pump up your party we have just the thing. Nothing screams rock star or glamour girl like the birthday girls own private white stretch limo pulling up for her and her crew to roll to the studio in! Another great service is our Wish List Registry. With our wish list the birthday girl can come to the studio and check out all of the hottest gifts any diva would love. She then creates her own private gift registry, that only her BFF’s can see and choose the perfect gift from. Now how’s that for Rock Royalty! One last thing, depending on the time of day we have many different food options. However no matter what time your party is, our Candy Butler Service is always a hit. Your party host will indulge your guests with silver trays of everyone’s favorite sweet treats, she will then finish her service off with the fluffiest pink cotton candy ever…. YUMMY! Visit our website today and book your little diva a beauty birthday experience she will never forget. www.sparkledivastudios.com
732-206-1100

Having a birthday this year? Of course you are, so why not book your next party at Shore Ballet School! With their amazing ideas they can personalize your theme and bring your vision to life. A dance class is great entertainment and gives your guests a chance to be involved, even if they have had no formal dance experience.   The director of the school, Chrissy Starr, does all the great party planning herself with that personal touch you can only receive from a homemade business. When her daughter and son came along, she started using the space for their parties, and that sparked her inspiration to start her popular “dance” birthdays. Partygoers adore Ms. Starr’s enthusiasm, and she has fun with the kids and loves introducing the true fundamentals of dance. Ms. Starr is a certified dance instructor. Her teacher training began in London, England when she attended and graduated from the prestigious Royal Ballet School.  It was there that she learned how to work with children of all ages and train students to dance in a safe age-appropriate manner.  Upon retuning to the U.S. she continued her studies obtaining more teaching certifications while still performing in ballets and musical theater productions. The party package includes set up of tables, chairs and goodie bags. It also includes clean up which is a big plus for busy parents! The party itself starts with a 30-minute class of your choosing: Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro or Broadway. For boys popular themes include Pirates and Rock-n-Roll. For girls, Disney Princesses and Ballerinas are top picks. After dancing, eating cake and singing “Happy Birthday” kids have more time for musical games and piñatas. Wanna dress up at your party? Of course, dress up is the rage! All costumes are encouraged and they enhance the mood of the party for everyone. Shore Ballet can even personalize a co-ed dance party for boys and girls. Together brothers, sisters, friends and cousins can have fanciful themes such as princesses & knights, Idol Pop Stars, and countless others.   The historic Shore Ballet building is a renovated church that is spacious and can accommodate up to 80 guests. They even host weddings and showers in their 56×30 foot hall that’s amazingly open with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows. The school is easy to find and just minutes off Rt.37 East in Toms River. Chrissy Starr is proud to proclaim her school is not a franchise, but a family owned local business that has been in the Toms River area for 32 years. Her growing curriculum and party ideas are all original and her customers love that personal creativity. Her dance parties are just another way of inviting kids and parents into the world of theater and dance. For Ms. Starr, owning the school is not just a job, but a passion. She loves her vocation, and since starting the parties she has had the opportunity to celebrate special moments with numerous families!