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

By Tricia Berwick

Looking for a new family-friendly beach destination?  Pack up the kids and head south to Ocean City, sometimes known as OC, or OCMD.  This Atlantic Ocean resort town in Worchester County, Maryland is just a few hours away from the Jersey Shore and is widely known in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States as a popular vacation spot.  In fact, during summer weekends the city hosts between 320,000 and 345,000 vacationers and the resort area accommodates approximately 8 million visitors per year.

Ocean City extends just over nine miles from the southern inlet to the Delaware line. The seaside community offers hotels, motels, apartment houses, shopping centers, residential communities, and condominiums.   There is something to meet every traveler’s needs. Vacationing with a large family and need larger accommodations?  Try renting one of the town’s condos for more living space and a kitchen which allows families the opportunity to prepare their own meals and save money.  The southern tip of the resort features the Ocean City Boardwalk which is the main shopping district and entertainment area of the town.

If this type of resort area sounds like something your family would be interested in, Use to plan your next vacation.

Beaches- Ocean City boasts ten miles of family-friendly ocean beaches.  Free beaches make this a very desirable beach town.  The beaches are open to the public every day from 6 AM to 10 PM.  For those who love to catch some great waves, two beaches are reserved every day for surfers.  In addition, one section of beach along the inlet is designated for surfers.  Guests who are interested in surf fishing are allowed to cast their lines from the beach, but just need to remain 50 yards from anyone on the beach or in the water between the hours of 9 AM and 6 PM.  After the sun goes down and the sunscreen is put away, during the summer months, Ocean City’s beaches offer free family activities six nights a week, including concerts, bonfires, movies, and a beach Olympics.

Lodging—In Ocean City, there are major hotel chains, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, high-rise suites, spacious summer rentals, and even campgrounds.  If your family prefers the amenities of a hotel, there are 10,000 rooms to choose from in town.  There are also 21,000 condominium units available so visitors can get comfortable in a setting that feels like home.  With so many different options, every type of budget can be accommodated.

The Boardwalk- The Travel Channel called the Ocean City classic wooden boardwalk one of America’s best and USA Today named it one of the nation’s “Top 10 Great Boardwalks.” The famous boardwalk is a little less than three miles long and provides numerous activities for visitors, including family bike rides, long walks, or a relaxing tram ride.  In the evenings, the boardwalk transforms into a nightly hot spot with rides, arcades, and performers.  The boardwalk also features many prominent businesses, including Fisher’s Caramel Popcorn, Thrashers French Fries, Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy, and Dumser’s Dairyland.  While enjoying the sights and sounds on the boardwalk, don’t forget to have some famous Maryland crab cakes, too.  For those who like to experience thrills and chills, the Boardwalk has two amusement parks, Trimpers Rides and The Pier, which was recently renamed Jolly Roger at The Pier, after its sister uptown local amusement park. If you like to shop, be sure to check out Somerset Plaza which features lots of stores, plus free Internet access for everyone.  A unique attraction is the Ocean City-Life Saving Station Museum. Your family can relive the adventures of the U.S. Life Saving Service, a predecessor of today’s Coast Guard.  The Aquarium Room features huge saltwater tanks with a display of amazing fish and sea creatures.  If you are traveling with children, this is one activity not to be missed.

Fishing–Ocean City has a long history of fishing, both commercial and recreational. The town bills itself as the “White Marlin Capital of the World.”  During the summer, numerous charter and private boats fish for billfish, tuna, wahoo, and other game fish. The resort community offers hundreds of square miles of opportunity for anglers of all ages and skill levels. However, a fishing license is required.  If you don’t have a boat, sign up to go out on the water for a few hours on a “head boat.”  These boats charge individuals per head.  There are many of them across the beach town, but it’s wise to call ahead to reserve your place.  If you don’t want to spend a day on the open water, pick a spot on a bridge, beach or pier. The Route 50 Bridge is a popular place to fish.  Fishing rods and equipment can be rented from area bait and tackle shops.  In early August, one of the largest fishing tournaments in the world, the White Marlin Open is held.  Spectators are welcome and the weigh-ins are free, public events.  Take advantage of the abundance of opportunity to teach your kids to fish or crab at one of the free piers and fishing areas on the bay.  Or check out deep sea fishing excursions or stay close to shore on a bayside headboat.

Free Family Fun- If your kids are fans of Radio Disney, carve out some time to hear a special concert presented by Radio Disney AM640.  The “Sizzlin’ Summer of Stars” will feature live performances by some of Radio Disney’s most popular stars including Tiffany Thornton and The Ready Set.  “Sundaes in the Park” combines a free concert with ice cream for a small fee at Northside Park, 127th Street (bayside) Sundays from 6 to 8 PM. While parents enjoy the music, children will enjoy special entertainment just for them (August 7, 14, 21, 28).  Every Wednesday evening, enjoy free concerts for the entire family, from 8 to 9:30 PM at the Division Street beach (August 3, 10, 17, 24).  If your family likes the cinema, catch a free movie under the stars on Monday and Friday nights through August 12 nights at 8:30 PM at 27th Street on the beach. The “Family Beach Olympics” is every Tuesday evening until August 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on the 27th St. beach.  This special event will offer such activities as sand castle contests, tug of war, relay games and more. Children must be accompanied by parents or guardians.  Morning shows and demonstrations are held Monday through Saturday at 10:30 AM, at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum (south end of the boardwalk).  Your family can see feedings at the museum’s aquarium, learn about sharks, beach safety and knot-tying.  “Sunset Park Party Nights” are held on Thursday nights. Sunset Park is located along South Philadelphia Avenue on thebay. The event begins at 7 PM and runs to 9 PM. Admission to the park is free, while beverages, including beer, are available for purchase.  It’s important to remember to bring your own seating for the event.

Golf–Ocean City is home to some of the most scenic and challenging courses in the Mid-Atlantic region.  The town boasts 17 championship courses that have been recognized by Golfweek and Golf Digest.  Eagle’s Landing, a municipal course, offers beautiful views of Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague National Seashore and is the only golf course in Maryland certified as an Audubon Sanctuary.  Or if miniature gold if more your thing, there are a number of places to play in town.

Indoor Activities—If the weather is not cooperative or your family would simply like a break from the sand and the surf, head indoors to one of Ocean City’s many attractions.  Located in the Carousel Hotel, the Carousel Indoor Ice Skating Rink is a fun beach diversion.  Skate rental is available and there is an arcade/game room located adjacent to the rink as well as an ice cream shop.  If your children love to explore and go on adventures, spend a few hours at The Delmarva Discovery Center, on the Pocomoke River which offers interactive and engaging exhibits for children and their families.  The exhibits focus on the rich and diverse history of Delmarva, the unique ecology of the Pocomoke River and its Cypress Swamps, Native American Heritage, Shipbuilding, Commercial Fishing, the Steamship Era, Market Gunning and early Industries of Delmarva. While at the Delmarva Discovery Center, enjoy a walk along the Discovery Nature Trail, visit other local attractions, take a river cruise aboard the Bay Queen or try your luck fishing in the Pocomoke River. The Discovery Center offers regular programs such as art classes and lectures, too.  For more information, call 410-957-9933 or visit their website at delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.  Planet Maze, Lasertron and Lost Galaxy Golf provides four attractions at one location.  The entertainment center features an indoor children’s climbing maze, “Star Gate” theme laser tag, a 19-hole alien adventure mini-golf, and a token arcade.  For more information regarding hours and prices, check out planetmaze.com.

Water Sports—If your family is looking for a challenge, try renting a watercraft for some extra fun.   Race across the waves on a jet ski, or glide high above the water with a parasail.  Kayaking and canoeing are also available, in the ocean or in the calm bay waters.   Paradise Watersports is the largest watersports facility in Ocean City.  The boats are equipped with the latest winch boat technology which provides comfortable, safe takeoffs and dry landings right off the back of the boat.   They also have 20 brand new wave runners.  Everything is supplied for the guests including, life vests, safety training, and instruction to the largest non-restricted riding area in Ocean City (must be 16 with proof of ID).   You can book tickets online at paradise-watersports.com.

Sports—If you are looking to stay active and physically fit on your vacation, there are a number of ways in which to do so.  Parks throughout Ocean City offer opportunities to participate in the following sports: basketball, crabbing/fishing, jogging, racquetball, and skating.  If you forgot some of your equipment, don’t worry.  Sports supplies can easily be rented to start up your own game with family and friends.  For example, if your crew likes to hit home runs, softball equipment bags can be rented which include three bats and six balls. They can be rented for $20/day (residents) or $25/day (non residents). Bases are available for an additional $5.  If volleyball is more your family’s speed, equipment bags contain one net and two balls (standards are not included). They can be rented for $20/day (residents) or $25/day (non residents).  The Downtown Recreation Complex offers fields for youth baseball and softball and adult softball and soccer.  Northside Park offers a softball/baseball/soccer field and multi-purpose open space.  Northside Park on 125^th Street (bayside) is Ocean City’s largest.  The complex features three lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted soccer field and two large gymnasiums. Tot lots, a fishing lagoon and walking/jogging paths are also available.  The Ocean Bowl Skate Park on 3^rd Street boasts a pool bowl, vertical ramp, mini ramp and concrete street area – perfect for skateboarders and inline skaters.  The Ocean City Tennis Center at 61^st Street (bayside) serves up Premier courts, Lee Fast-Dry Clay courts – and two pee-wee courts for players age 8 and under. The Tennis Center also offers junior camps in the summer.  Of course, there are plenty of playgrounds to keep the kids.  They are conveniently located throughout town.  Even pets can get in on the action.  Animals are allowed on the beach or boardwalk at any time between October 1^st and April 30^th. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and the owner or handler is responsible for removing any waste.  Believe it or not, there’s even a special “Dog Playground” which is available at 94^th Street (bayside). For park hours and information about purchasing an access pass, call OC Recreation and Parks at (410) 250-0125. Weekly and annual passes are available. Please note that all dogs must have a valid license and a current rabies vaccination certificate from a certified veterinarian.

Explore Nature—There’s more to Ocean City, Maryland than just the beautiful beaches.  For those who are nature enthusiasts, there is plenty to see and observe throughout the town.  Bring your camera to snap a few pictures of wild birds flying throughout the sky, or spend some time at Assateague Island where wild horses run free.  The ocean waters provide many opportunities to enjoy nature, too.  Take a boat tour and see how the dolphins and whales swim just a short distance from offshore.  Another option is to enjoy birding and nature walks which are offered year-round at Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum, in Snow Hill. Call 410-632-2032 for more information. Delmarva Birding Weekend takes place the last weekend in April. Call for your free bird guide and checklist at 800-852-0335.  If you would like to enjoy the sights and sound of Ocean City at your own pace, take a bike ride.  Ask for a special trail map which details hundreds of bike rides throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.  One ride not to be missed is the Viewtrail 100, a 100-mile circular loop through rural Worcester County, or the Great Delmarva Bicycling Trail. To order, call 800-852-0335, or visit visitworcester.org.  For those who enjoy walking, there are hiking trails in the Pocomoke River State Forest and Park.  Some trails offer access for the disabled. For details and a complete listing, call 800-852-0335.

Dining- If your family likes to dine out and enjoy scrumptious cuisine, you have selected the right place to vacation.  There are plenty of different restaurants to choose from throughout the resort town.  Make sure to have some of the regional specialties such as world-renowned Chesapeake Bay crab cakes and fresh seafood caught just offshore. Or if you prefer, enjoy some Eastern Shore fried chicken, succulent smoked ham or smoky ribs dripping with sauce.  A visit to the boardwalk features classic boardwalk fare such as: pizza and pit beef, burgers, wraps, fries, ice cream, salt-water taffy, and chocolate fudge.  There are also plenty of places to get fresh produce which is picked directly from local farms.  Enjoy tomatoes, sweet corn, and juicy peaches with any of your meals.   After dinner, spend a few hours playing games on the boardwalk or taking a spin on the carousel.  If you enjoy listening to live music, there is a nightspot to match everyone’s interest level.  Nightclubs and pubs throughout Ocean City feature different types of music including: rock, reggae, blues, or cool jazz.

Events---In addition to all of the normal attractions throughout town, there are also special events held at various times.  Some of these include: Springfest, festivals, free concerts and movies on the beach, fireworks on the Fourth of July, the Ocean City Airshow, and the multi-million dollar White Marlin Open.

Planning your trip—There are many ways to help organize your Ocean City information and get all of the latest news and events.  Of course, the website ococean.com is a great place to start.  If you want to shave a few bucks off of your trip, there is even a special section dedicated to discounts and deals.  “Rodney-Ocean City’s Favorite Lifeguard,” will assist you in your search to plan a financially feasible getaway for your family.  Rodney will help you find special discounts on accommodations, dining and nightlife, things to do, golf, and other activities in Ocean City.  For example, throughout the summer, the Dunes Manor Hotel will offer a special deal of 25% off room rates if Friday and Saturday nights are also booked.  In addition, you can sign up for email alerts and news which will be delivered directly to your inbox or speak to an OC insider through the help of the website.  It’s even possible to get information about Ocean City on your smartphone.  Download the only official OC app, which is now available for Droid.  Through this application, you can find discounts on accommodations and restaurants and free entertainment.  Or you can simply call the number, 1-800-OC-OCEAN for more information or to receive a visitor’s guide which will be delivered to your doorstep.

Written By Jennifer Enright

Coleen Turano may have grown up in West Orange, but since her family spent their summers in Lavallette, she is a beach bum at heart.  After she graduated high school, Coleen and a group of friends began renting summer homes in Belmar.  The summer of 1997, Howell native John Turano and his childhood friends rented the house around the corner from Coleen’s, and a summer romance led to a marriage proposal under the Belmar pier at sunrise in July 2000.

Married in June 2001, the couple resided in Old Bridge because it was centrally located to Coleen’s Peapack job, and John’s job in Lakewood.  While expecting their first child, Coleen’s employer offered her a buy-out package, and she was a stay-at-home mom to daughter Kelly, born in 2003.  Daughter Katie followed three years later.  The Turano’s extended family was by then all living at the shore, so they found their dream home in Howell, and moved in 2010.

John manages the East Coast division of Metra Electronics (based in Florida) in Lakewood, which distributes after-market stereo and electronic equipment for cars and home theaters.  Coleen has recently re-entered the world of paid employment with a part-time job processing policies for Millstone-based Liberty Insurance.  But according to Coleen, the most important “job” right now is enjoying summer at the Jersey Shore!

YCT: Tell us a little about your family and the personalities of each of your children.

Coleen:  John is very much a “hands-on dad” – the girls look forward to him coming home from work every night.  If he isn’t home at 6:00 p.m., they always ask ‘where’s Daddy?’  He plays Barbies and Polly Pockets with them, even more than I do!  He is very calm and has an even keel.  He keeps everything in perspective.  I am very organized, a planner, and a bit of a homebody.  I like to take care of the kids and the house, and I really enjoy decorating, especially with our new home.  John and I talk about all the different design options and are enjoying creating our family’s home together.  I am definitely a summer person – I love the warm weather, the beach, having the kids home from school.  I never want to see the summer end – I’m sad to see the school bus come in September.

Kelly will be entering third grade at the Newbury School in Howell in September.  We are very proud of her because she made such an easy transition to a new school as a second grader.  It could have been a challenge, but luckily she made friends quickly and felt at home in her new school.  Her teachers always tell us that she is a good example for her classmates and helpful with other students.  She loves school and wants to be teacher.  She is usually serious and cautious, but on the flip side, she can be a thrill seeker at the amusement park – she goes on every ride she for which she can make the height requirement!   A true girly-girl, she loves dance and reading. Kelly is a total rule-follower.  If I tell her she can read for 15 minutes before she goes to sleep, her light will be turned off and her head on the pillow when I check on her.

Katie just graduated Prince of Peace Preschool in Howell and will be entering kindergarten at Newbury.  She is very excited to go to the same school as her big sister.  I had a very complicated pregnancy with  her – the doctors gave her a 50-50 chance for survival.  Today, she’s a true fighter.  She is spunky and always has a smile on her face – people often comment to me that she must be such a treat to raise because she is always happy.  But she also has a very strong will and sometimes tests my patience.  She is a very affectionate and loving daughter and sister.  When she was still in preschool and we would go get a treat, she always made sure I had one for Kelly, too.  Katie just loves princesses, and favorite summer activities include swimming and going on rides at the boardwalk.

Both girls really love American Girl Dolls and will play with them for hours on end.  They also both love going to the boardwalk and the beach and collecting seashells.  We feel so fortunate that they are so close and get along so nicely.

YCT: What is a typical day like in your home?

Coleen:  We are all early risers.  Since John works Monday through Friday, the girls are with me all day during the summer, unless I am  working.  We usually go to the beach or a park.  Sometimes the girls will play with other kids in the neighborhood.  Our neighborhood is turning over – many of the retired folks have moved away, so lots of new families with young kids are moving in.  The kids love to play school and with dolls.  When John comes home from work, we always have dinner together as a family.  We discuss the day’s events and plan what’s coming up.  After dinner, we like to play board game or cards, or watch a movie together.  After the girls go to bed, John & I hang out.  My guilty pleasure is to watch reality TV, which I do while John “pretends” to read the paper!  I think the summer months are for having fun and letting loose and doing things that we don’t have time for during the busy school year.

YCT: What activities do your children participate in after school?

Coleen:  Both girls take dance.  This year Kelly will take tap, ballet, jazz and hip hop and Katie will take tap and ballet. Last year, Katie did a music group and an arts and crafts class through the Howell Recreation Department, and we did Story Time at the library.  The library sometimes has things for Kelly’s age group, too. Kelly did a theater workshop in Matawan that she absolutely loved.

YCT: What is your favorite thing to do locally with your family?

Coleen:  We are really beach people.  We go to Belmar beach almost every weekend as a family and the girls and I often go during week.  We have been going to Belmar beach for years and we have lots of friends up there.  My mother-in-law gives John and I season badges as our yearly anniversary gift. We also love to go to the boardwalks in Point Pleasant and Seaside, and try to catch the Sunday night movies on the beach in Belmar.  Because we now live in John’s childhood hometown and lots of his friends still live here, we often have barbecues with all his old buddies and their families.

YCT: Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Coleen:  Every year, since Kelly was a baby, we go to Wildwood Crest and stay at the Biscayne, a family-run hotel.  The place is always clean and the owners renovate some part of it every year, so something is always brand-new.  They have two pools which the girls love and because it is beachside, it’s super easy to go to the beach – no having to park blocks away and lug everything up there!  The girls enjoy the boardwalk and playing mini-golf.  We go for a week every year, and usually visit Cape May for dinner and shopping one night during the week.  This past June, we took our first family trip to Disney, which was a huge success, except for the fact that Katie does not like people dressed up as characters!  She was fine with the princesses, but the Mad Hatter kind of freaked her out!

YCT: Have you ever gone on vacation without the kids?

Coleen:  Not since we’ve had children. Since John and I were in our early thirties when we got married, we had both traveled a lot prior to marriage, plus I had the beach house rental every year. Childhoods are short and we know they will be over before we know it, so we really don’t feel the need to travel without our kids.

: Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant?

Coleen:  Outback Steakhouse is our family favorite.  The kids love the “Joey”, which is the kid’s sirloin steak dinner.

YCT: What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out with just your husband?

Coleen:  We try to once in a while which was harder when we still lived in Old Bridge because our family was so far away.  Now that we’re closer to our families and the kids are getting older, we can go out to dinner once in a while.  We will pretty much go to any restaurant in the shore area and maybe see a band.

YCT: What is your favorite non-mommy thing to do and how often do you get to do it?

Coleen:  I really enjoy meeting with my old friends from up north to go out to dinner.  I try to catch up with them every couple of months.

YCT: What is your husband¹s favorite non-daddy thing to do?

Coleen:  John goes to Atlantic City once or twice a year with his friends.  They will go out to dinner and then hit the casinos.  I am not a gambler, so he takes advantage of the time with his buddies to scratch that itch!  They always go for March Madness, and try to go one other time during the year.  John also likes to ride his bike, especially around the Manasquan Reservoir.  He also tries to hit the gym a couple times each week.

YCT: Do you patronize any advertisers from our magazine?

Coleen:  We are loyal customers of Point Pleasant’s Jenkinson’s, including the Aquarium, and Casino Pier in Seaside.  The girls have also enjoyed going to Color Me Mine.

YCT: Do you have any parenting advice that you would like to offer our readers?

Coleen:  Our motto is to have a steady routine that’s filled with lots of love and support so that home always feel safe and secure – no matter what’s going on in the world or how bad their day is they can always come home and feel like it is their safe haven.  I want to keep the lines of communication open so that they always feel that they can tell us anything.

YCT: What is your favorite part of Your Child Today magazine?

Coleen:  I always check out the calendar of events to look for ideas of things to do with the kids.

YCT:  What are your hopes for your children’s futures?

Coleen:  John and I hope that the girls become happy, self-confident, secure adults and are always surrounded with love.