By Tricia Berwick

Every year it seems like such a daunting task to bundle the girls up in all of their cold-weather gear, but even though my sister and I may grumble and complain just a little bit, we still get the kids dressed in hats, gloves, pants and boots send them into the snow to play and go sleigh riding.  How could we not?  They talk about the white stuff all year long, even during the middle of a hot and humid summer!  They really look forward to trudging through the snow, making a snowperson (we’ll be politically correct here!), and gliding down the neighborhood hill on one of our inflatable snow tubes.  It doesn’t matter if the wind is howling or the sun isn’t shining, they love to go sledding; no matter what the temperature is.  Simply put, they have the best time, so it’s our job to make it happen.  We get all of the snow gear ready and make sure the kids are as warm as possible.  Of course, dressing the kids from head to toe is not one of our favorite things to do, but we do it anyway because we are the moms.  Even though the thought of having tons of dripping wet clothes strewn throughout your house doesn’t seem all that appealing, let the kids have their fun.

If you decide to take the kids out for a spin on the new sled that Santa left underneath the Christmas tree, here are two great spots to make some winter memories.

1.)Holmdel Park, Longstreet Rd., Holmdel—Parents absolutely loves this park because it is one of the only places that has a supervised sledding area.  It is open when two or more inches of snow cover the hill.   The hill is very safe because it is free from obstacles and is grassy underneath which is extremely comforting for parents.  One of the best features of the park is the warming area with a blazing fire.  After a few runs down the hill, take a break and sip some hot chocolate by the fire before heading back up the hill for some more sledding.  Hours are from 8am-7pm Sunday through Thursday and from 8am-9pm Friday and Saturday.   However, before you head out the door, it’s always best to call Holmdel Park at (732) 946-9562 for current sledding conditions.

2.)Howell-This sledding hill can be found across the street from Oak Glen Park (245 Preventorium Road).  It is between the library and the police department.  Like Holmdel Park, the hill can get pretty busy, but there is usually room for everyone.  Just be careful with the little ones as the hill is pretty steep and long so the rides will be quite fast.  There is parking at the recreation department or at the library at the bottom of the hill.  This sledding spot doesn’t have a warming area, so bring a thermos of hot cocoa for the kids to chase away the chills.  Another good idea is to bring a blanket and place it around the kids as they race down the hill for a little extra warmth.  If you decide not to use it during your sleigh riding session, it’s a great thing to have in the car after you’re finished battling the cold temperatures.

After your family returns home from sleigh riding, it’s always a challenge to get the kids warm and toasty pretty quickly.  So, here are some helpful hints to make your post-sledding experience as stress-free as possible:

1.)Put a plastic tablecloth on the floor near the door before you head out for your sledding adventure.  When the kids come back from a spending a few hours sliding down the nearest hill, have them peel off the wet layers and place them onto the tablecloth.  This way, the drippy clothes will be confined to one spot and the other areas of your house won’t get wet.  Then when you have a free minute, throw everything into the dryer.

2.)Even though the snow pants and boots are supposed to be waterproof, sometimes your child’s clothes underneath the snowsuit get a little wet and cold.  So, put an extra set of dry clothes and socks near the front door before you head out sleigh riding.  After your children free themselves from their wet clothes, they will immediately have something warm and snuggly to put on.

3.)Get the hot chocolate and cookies ready before you leave the house.  If your kids are like mine, they look forward to sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows pretty much as soon as they get back from an afternoon of sledding.  To make my life a little easier, I try and have everything accessible to feed the hungry and thirsty troops.

4.)Have a movie ready for the kids to watch when they return.  Those little legs get mighty tired after climbing up and down a hill numerous times.  Chances are your kids will be absolutely exhausted when they get back from sleigh riding, so let them unwind while watching one of their favorite flicks.  And, if you joined the kids and climbed the hill a few times too, you’re probably pooped out yourself!  So, pop some popcorn and make it a family movie night for everyone.

5.)Or, if your kids like splashing around in the tub and playing with a few toys, run a bubble bath and let the kids relax and get warm.

The flakes are flying which means your children are automatically thinking about when and where they will go sleigh riding.  Take a few deep breaths, break out all of the winter materials and start getting the kids ready.  Just remember to dress the children in layers, have them wear extra socks, and bring lots of hot chocolate for the afternoon.  Oh, and don’t forget to bring the camera and snap a few cool pictures like this one!  Talk about priceless!

By Tricia Berwick

If you and your family are thinking about visiting New York City this year for the holiday season, there are certain stops along the way that are not to be missed.

1.) The Radio City Christmas Spectacular—For over 75 years, this classic American holiday show has been entertaining audiences in the heart of New York City.  The Christmas show includes the world-famous Radio City Rockettes and a cast and crew of hundreds.  The show features a Living Nativity with live animals, a surprising indoor snowfall, fireworks, and Santa Claus flying high above the audience.  In addition, there is also a 3D movie which is one of the highlights of the Christmas Spectacular.  Santa and the Rockettes take the audience on a thrilling ride visiting New York City landmarks before arriving at Radio City Music Hall to start the show.  The show runs for ninety minutes and does not include an intermission.  The show is so breathtaking that many people never get up from their seats for the entire performance.  If you would like to order tickets for this year’s show which runs through December 30, call the Christmas Spectacular Hotline at 866-858-0007.

2.) St. Patrick’s Cathedral—Located on Fifth Avenue between 50^th and 51^st Streets in New York City, it is the largest gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the United States.  As people enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday throughout the streets of New York, some decide to stop in to say a quick Christmas prayer, attend mass, or light a candle.  For over 125 years, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick has provided a beautiful spiritual place for New Yorkers and tourists and visitors.  In fact, over five and a half million visitors come to the St. Patrick’s to worship and pray each year.  If you time and would like to learn more about the church’s origin and history, arrange to schedule a tour before your visit to New York City.  Tours can be conducted by appointment for groups of ten or more, Monday through Friday around the Mass schedule. For more information about St. Patrick’s Cathedral, visit their website at www.saintpatrickscathedral.org.

3.) FAO Schwarz—For almost 150 years, this company has been creating toys to delight children of all ages.  The world-famous FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store is one of the most famous stores in the world.  During the holiday season, many New Yorkers, and tourists from around the globe, line up to daily to see this children’s wonderland.  Upon entering the store, guests will marvel at the Grand Hall which is which is adorned with more that 20,000 computer-controlled colored lights, a giant dance-on piano keyboard (which was featured in the film “Big” with Tom Hanks), and “FAO Schweetz” which is a classic New York candy shop that features hundreds of sweet treats.  In addition, guests can view “The Muppet WhatNot Workshop” which is only available at FAO Schwarz.  Kids will also love the “Styled by Me Barbie” section, the “Middleton Doll Newborn Nursery,” and the “Madame Alexander Doll Factory.”  For more information about the store, call (212) 644-9400 or visit the store’s website at www.fao.com.
4.) Horse and Carriage Rides in Central Park- These rides can be found al year long lined up along Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.  It is a terrific way to relax and see the beauty of Central Park, especially during the holiday season. A standard carriage ride through Central Park costs approximately $50, plus tip forthe first 20 minutes.  If you decide to extend your trip, it will cost $20 more for each additional 10 minutes.  Things seen on the tour include:  The Wollman Rink, Pond, Zoo, Sheep Meadow, Mall (statues), Dairy (tourist information center), the Carousel, and the Dakota (where the former Beatle John Lennon lived).  If you would like to see the sights and sounds throughout Central Park, while snuggling up next to your loved one, this is one activity not to be missed and is certainly a holiday treat.  For more information, visit www.centralpark.com.

5.) Wollman Rink—While in Central Park, lace up someskates and hit the ice at Wollman Rink.  As you are twirling around and practicing a few figure eights, enjoy the beautiful New York City skyline which surrounds the skating rink.  For more information about specific hours and rates, call (212) 439-6900 or visit their website at www.wollmanskatingrink.com.

6.) Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center—The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, which is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is a world-wide symbol of the holidays in New York City.  The tree is illuminated by 30,000 environmentally friendly LED lights on five miles of wire.  Sitting atop the Norway Spruce is a Swarovski crystal star.  The tree has provided Christmas cheer for the people of New York for over 75 years.  The tree is lit daily from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.   After your family has spent some time gazing at the beautiful Christmas tree, spend some time ice skating at The Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center.  It is truly a magical and memorable experience to skate around the rink while looking up at the majestic tree and the dazzling urban backdrop.   The rink has room for only 150 skaters at a time which makes it an intimate experience.  However, since this is such a popular winter attraction, be prepared to wait awhile before you hit the ice.  If you are interested in ice skating, enter from Fifth Avenue (between 49^th and 50^th Streets).  For more information, call (212) 332-7654.  Before you leave Rockefeller Center, go underground for a quick bite to eat at The Concourse.  This underground city experience offers shops, fine restaurants, and casual places to get light meals.

7.) Chanukah on Ice at Wollman Rink–Come celebrate the Jewish Festival ofLights on Monday, December 6 from 6-9 PM.  Skate to Jewish music, light a giant ice menorah and have Chanukah treats.  For more information, call (212)-864-5010.

8.) Kwanzaa Events–Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that has been celebrated since the 1960s from December 26th – January 1^st.   On December 26, head to the American Museum of Natural History.  This all-day celebration will honor the seven African-based principles of Kwanzaa with performances of song, dance, and spoken word presented beside an international marketplace.  This year’s event features a traditional “Second Line” parade led by the McCollough Invaders Band; empowering dance performances by Kotchegna Dance Company, Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry, and Gestures Dance Ensemble; and homage to the traditions of African culture performed by the Restoration Dance Theatre Company.  For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.amnh.org.

9.) The New York Botanical Garden—Come check out the Holiday Train Show which is on display through January 9.  Spend time gazing at all of the sights in the illuminated winter wonderland in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.  This show offers visitors a chance to see New York City in a completely different way.  There are 140 NYC landmarks along the tracks, including the original Yankee Stadium.  Take some time to check out Gingerbread Adventures in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.  Everyone will have a chance to learn about the plants that give gingerbread its distinct flavor and smell.  For information about tickets and hours, please visit their website at www.nybg.org.

10.) Holiday Windows–-No trip to New York City during the holiday season would be complete without some time admiring the beautiful windows in some of the city’s most famous stories.  Macy’s Holiday Window Displays always feature scenes from the classis Christmas movie Miracle on 34^th Street, in addition to other holiday-themed windows.  The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Window Displays are very popular with children because they are designed around a seasonal book and feature playful animations.  After you have visited the tree at Rockefeller Center, just head across the street to see the sights at Saks Fifth Avenue.  If you find yourself on Madison Avenue, be sure to check out the stylish windows at Barneys New York Holiday Window Displays.  If you have kids in tow, make sure to stop by the windows at Bloomingdales which are always family-friendly and interactive.

11.) Visiting Santa Claus—If you would like your children to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him all of their Christmas wishes, there’s no better place to see the guy in the red suit, than Macy’s Department Store.  Of course, be prepared to wait a little bit on lines as this is one of the most popular places to see Santa in the city.  In addition to having your child’s picture taken with Santa, your little one can visit Santaland.  While your child is waiting on line to get a picture taken, he or she will love looking at all of the dancing bears, lights, and animated displays.  After a stroll through Santaland, your child has a chance to talk to the big guy himself in his very own cottage.  You can enter Macy’s on 34^th Street at either Broadway or 7^th Avenue.  For more information, visit their website at www.macys.com.

By Tricia Berwick

Turkey and all of the trimmings, pumpkin pie, and plenty of football games can only mean one thing—Thanksgiving Day is here.  On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans will gather around a large dining room table, give thanks, and then enjoy a sumptuous holiday meal.  Of course, this festive feast is always the focal point of everyone’s day, but there are also many other ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones.

If your family has never attended The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, maybe it’s time to pack up the car and plan a trip into New York.  It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that you must see in person to fully appreciate.  This famous parade will kick off the holidays in New York City and on NBC on November 25.  The exciting holiday tradition is seen by more than 3.5 million people who line the streets in New York and another 50 million people who watch the events on television across the country.  The parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West and conclude at 34th Street and 7th Avenue.

Kids love to watch their favorite characters as huge balloons and on colorful floats, the nation’s best marching bands, hundreds of cheering clowns, and a host of celebrities.  And of course, everyone looks forward to the first glimpse of the big red guy himself, Santa Claus.  Seeing Old St. Nick dressed in his fancy suit always kicks off the beginning of the holiday season.   If your family is going to travel into New York City to see the parade this year, it would be a good idea to get there super early.  According to the parade’s website, www.social.macys.com/parade2010, spectators line up as early as 6:30 AM to get good seats.  You can also find detailed information about the parade route and read all about the parade’s history on the website.  In addition, kids can enjoy an interactive experience by playing parade-themed puzzle and matching games.  If your family prefers to watch the holiday sights and sounds from the comfort of home, your children can still participate by creating their own parade routes on the Macy’s website.  The kids will have a blast choosing their favorite balloons and floats to line the city’s streets.

If you would like to teach your children about giving back to the community, find out which soup kitchens are located in your area and donate your time for the holiday.  Another option is to either donate food items or volunteer time at the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (www.foodbankmoc.org).  Take a few minutes to browse through the website which provides information about how to become involved as a volunteer.  Today the FoodBank serves over 270 pantries, soup kitchens and other feeding programs with over 5 million pounds of food annually.  The FoodBank also operates a Culinary Training Program for people in need of better-paid jobs, a Kids’ Café, Backpack Program for children, a Mobile Pantry, and a Food Stamp Outreach Program.

If your family will be home for the holiday, begin a new tradition.  One idea is to create a “thankful basket” which will become the centerpiece of the holiday table and a conversation starter as guests enter your home to celebrate the occasion.  My husband and I began this tradition a few years ago when we hosted our first Thanksgiving, and now it is something our children and their cousins look forward to every year.  We started the collection by putting our own thankful thoughts down on paper and putting them in a basket.  We then asked everyone to include theirs as they arrived.  During dinner, the kids had tons of fun picking out the slips of paper and having us read the responses.  Of course, the responses led to some stories, laughs, and great conversation.   My husband and I felt this really taught our daughters about the meaning of the holiday and I would recommend it for any family this holiday season.

If you will be cooking in the kitchen most of the day on Thanksgiving, keep the kids busy by setting them up with an easy craft.  Place cards are the perfect way for your guests to know exactly where to sit around the Thanksgiving table, so give your kids a few supplies and let them go to work!  Only three supplies are needed for this cute and easy craft: a non toxic ink pad, blank cards, and markers.  First, have your kids place a thumb into the ink pad and then onto the blank card to print a turkey’s body.  Your children will then use the same technique with their fingertips to create a head and feathers.  Then, it’s time to use a few markers and add a beak, wattle, and feet.  This is the time your kids can be colorful and creative, too!  The final step is to write the guests’ names on the cards.  Not only is the craft colorful and creative, it’s also educational as children practice handwriting skills.  When the craft is completed, each place setting around the Thanksgiving table will be decorated with a colorful turkey.  Also, every guest will have a special keepsake or party favor to take home, also.

As Thanksgiving Day 2010 approaches, Americans will celebrate in a number of different ways.  Whether you are participating in a parade, helping those who are less fortunate, attending a local football game, or engaging the children in a few meaningful crafts, take a few minutes to savor the true meaning of the holiday.  As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s important to slow down and remember all of the things you have to be grateful for in your life.   It may be easy to get caught up in the daily routine and forget what is truly important, but it just takes one trying situation to make you count your blessings.

Once the weekend arrives, the Valeo family likes to relax, unwind and spend time together.  After a busy week of school, work, and extra-curricular activities, the Valeos enjoy not being on a schedule for a few days.

“On the weekends, we really like to have a lot of down time,” says mom Heather.  “The weekend is our time to decompress and just hang around the house.  The kids have a lot of fun playing in the backyard together.  We also enjoy playing games or watching television as a family.  The girls also love to bike ride and we live on a cul-de-sac, which works out perfectly. ”

Married for twelve years, Heather and Rich Valeo are raising their three daughters in Toms River.  The couple strongly believes in the importance of spending quality time together as a family.  Whether they are playing together at the park, frolicking in the sand and surf at the beach, or just enjoying the comforts of their home, the Valeos make spending time together a priority.  The family-of-five also enjoys getting together with both sets of grandparents who all live locally.  Having the extended family live nearby offers many benefits to the girls.  In addition to helping out with babysitting, the grandparents are able to pass traditions down that have been in the family for generations.

“Having the girls spend time with their grandparents and learning about family traditions is very important to us,” says Heather.  “We are an Italian family, so every September we make sauce with my husband’s parents and my sister in-law Tamie.  It takes us one day to make 70-100 quarts of sauce.  First, we cut the tomatoes, salt them, and then boil them down.  After they are boiled, we put the tomatoes through a machine until all the seeds are removed.  Then, we boil them again and place the tomatoes into a jar with bay leaves.  It’s a pretty simple process.  It’s a great thing to do because then the entire family can have fresh tomato sauce whenever they want it.  We usually have pasta with the homemade sauce at least once a week.”

Since the girls are still young and the family is fearful about the girls getting too close to the boiling pots, the Valeo sisters usually play in the backyard and observe how the sauce is made.  Next year, they will become more active participants and cook along with the rest of the family.  Even though they haven’t sliced the tomatoes yet, what’s important is spending time with the grandparents and learning about the family’s Italian heritage and culture.

“Rich and I are providing the girls with a very traditional upbringing,” says Heather.  “We are very proud of our family and traditions.  In addition to our sauce-making, every Thanksgiving weekend, we trim the Christmas tree with the grandparents.  We are very fortunate to have both of our parents here to spend the holidays and relish in all the girls’ daily happenings.”

Your Child Today recently had the pleasure of getting to know the Valeo family a little more personally.  This is what Heather, mom of three girls had to say:

YCT: Tell us a little about your children.

Heather: Sophia is nine-years-old and attends North Dover Elementary School.  She cannot wait to go to school every day where she is able to be artistic, express her love of music and is encouraged to pursue her love for books.  Sophia also enjoys the theatre and seeing Broadway shows in New York City.  We take the kids into the city as much as possible to see all of the different productions.  I have always had in interest in the theatre myself, so my children knew the words to Les Miserables just like other children know the Sesame street song.  Isabella is eight-years-old and attends Hooper Avenue Elementary School which the kids call “The Hoop.”  She loves her Daddy, music, arts-and-crafts, her dolls, and SpongeBob.  Going to Color Me Mine is one of Isabella’s favorite activities; she just really has so much fun there.   Bianca is the youngest and is five-years-old.  She attends North Dover Elementary School.  She loves going to kindergarten and seeing her friends.  Her favorite color is pink.  One of her favorite things to do is host tea parties.  Whenever someone comes to the house she immediately will set up a beautiful tea party and entertain her friends and family.

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

Heather: Everyone wakes up, has breakfast and then gets dressed for school.  Before the school day begins, the girls always do a few chores before they head out the door.  It could be anything from bringing down the laundry to putting the dirty dishes in the sink.  My husband and I feel very strongly about teaching the girls a sense of responsibility.  Doing chores throughout the house teaches our daughters about respect and how to work together as a family.  I tell them that everything has a place and it is your job to put it back in it this way the girls know what is expected of them.  I have recently become more organized and I think it has had a positive effect on my daughters.

Once the girls get home from school in the afternoon, they have a snack and about a half hour of playtime.  Then, it’s time for homework and any activities that they may have.    However, even with the activities, we are very fortunate to have a family dinner as long as daddy is home, which is very important to us.  Even if my husband is on the phone with a work-related call, the girls will interrupt him and say, “Daddy, it’s family time now.  We are eating dinner as a family.”  After dinner, we will play a game together or watch a program and then it’s time to get ready for bed.

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

Heather: Sophia participates in gymnastics and takes piano lessons.  Isabella takes swim lessons.  Bianca definitely has an ear for music so she also takes piano and she also takes swim lessons.  We are lucky to have both sets of grandparents nearby, so if one of the girls has an activity and the others don’t, we will have one of the grandparents stay with the kids.  This way, they can be at home, doing homework, or just relaxing.  Even though we love for the girls to be busy, we don’t want the activities to be overwhelming, so we limit the activities to one or two each.

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

Heather: We are summer people so we love to take the kids out to eat at Stewart’s.  We have been taking them there since they were babies.  We also like to spend time at Ortley Beach.   The beach is very clean; we see a lot of our friends there- it is a “locals” beach.  The girls have fun getting their nails done with my mom.

YCT:  Do you have any favorite local vacation spots?

Heather: The kids like to visit Barnegat Lighthouse with my husband’s parents, Cape May Zoo is a great day, and we really like Storybook Land.  We usually go to Storybook Land once in the summer and once in the fall for trick-or-treating.  It’s a great open area and everything is in immaculate condition.  There are healthy choices for lunch and a spray area in the summer.   I went there when I was a child, so it’s nice to be able to take my children now.  It’s a family-run business so they take pride in maintaining the property and making every child’s experience enjoyable.

YCT:  Have you ever gone on any vacations without the kids and where?

Heather: We have a vacation home in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and will go there with and without the kids.  My husband and I try going for a long weekend in the fall which is very relaxing.  I also have had the opportunity to travel abroad with my husband and that was an amazing experience.

YCT:  Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant?

Heather: We love Nino’s in Toms River.  We go there after church on Saturday evening and the girls always get the coal-fired pizza.
YCT:  What is your favorite date night location and how often do you get to go out alone with your husband?

Heather: Since we are summer people, we love seafood and will try any restaurant where we can enjoy some crab and in the colder months we try to cook together, put the kids to bed early, and hang out.

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

Heather: I love spending time at the spa! The Hand and Stone Spa is local and I try and go once a month.  They offer reasonable and professional services and can accommodate my schedule.

YCT:  What is your husband’s favorite non-Daddy thing to do?

Heather: My husband loves to jam on his bass guitar!  He has a group of friends from high school and they get together whenever they can.  Rich is a sports fanatic and can’t get enough football and baseball.  His favorite professional teams are the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Mets.

YCT:  Do you frequent any advertisers from our magazine?

Heather: My children just love Color Me Mine.  It’s a great place to go with the kids because they can be creative and independent, but we can still spend time together as a family.  It’s such a warm and friendly family atmosphere and the staff is always willing to assist the kids with their projects, too.

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

Heather: The biggest lesson I have learned from a good friend is the importance of being organized.  I have found that the more organized I am, the easier it is for my children.  I will set a routine for the kids and I try not to deviate from it.  It’s very important to
follow through with your plan once it is established. With a routine, the kids are much more successful and feel independent.  As a result, we are a more cohesive and happy family.  Just try to devise an organizational plan that works best for you.

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

Heather: I love looking at the calendar in Your Child Today.  There are so many local happenings and activities to choose from every month.  It’s a great resource to have because all of the ideas are always fun choices for the entire family.

By Tricia Berwick

High gas prices and a weak economy have forced many American families to reevaluate their vacation plans this summer.   Instead of traveling many miles to amusement parks and other popular tourist attractions, more people are opting for a “staycation” instead.  This new type of “vacation” has become quite the buzzword during these troubled economic times.  Some decide to turn their backyards into a vacation paradise and really get into vacation mode by cutting off contact with the outside world.   Others stay local and visit the sights in nearby towns.  However you decide to enjoy your “staycation” this summer, the important thing is to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation without spending a lot of money.

If finances are really tight and day trips are not possible, simply enjoy all of the comforts of home without the distractions and responsibilities of everyday work life.  In order for this type of “staycation” to be successful, it requires a lot of effort and willpower to really unplug yourself from outside connections.  The computer and the phone both need to be turned off.  Your office also needs to know that you really are on vacation and that you cannot be disturbed!   Now start changing into relaxation mode and let the “staycation” begin!   Make yourself a fancy breakfast of homemade waffles and fruit.  Have that second cup of coffee you always want but never have time to enjoy.  Read entire newspaper articles instead of just scanning the headlines.  Take time to do the small, daily things you normally don’t have time for as you are rushing out the door.  Who knows?  Maybe you’ll even decide to go back to bed after breakfast.  It is your “staycation,” so take time to lounge and relax as you would on a normal vacation.

After breakfast, decide if you will enjoy your backyard and sit by the pool with a drink and a good book.  If you don’t have a swimming hole, maybe it’s time to invest in that hammock you’ve always wanted.    Instead of going away, some people are turning their backyards into an oasis.  Cindy Harrison of Point Pleasant spent a few extra dollars this summer to maximize her outdoor living space.

“My husband and I have fixed up the backyard so we have a sitting area with an outdoor rug” says Harrison, who is the mother of two-year-old twins.   “The kids have a small pool that they love, too.”

While you are outside, maybe you’ll order in some lunch for a special treat.  Or perhaps you won’t even make it onto your patio or deck.  Maybe you’ll decide to have a “pajama day” and watch movies, pop popcorn, and have some pizza delivered.   Since you’re on vacation, really let loose and abandon all chores for the week—no vacuuming, no making the bed, cleaning out the closets, or pulling weeds.  You wouldn’t do those things on a regular vacation would you?  Whether you are outside or inside, the important thing is to detach yourself from your daily work life and relax.

In fact, for many parents, having a “staycation” is more relaxing, especially if they have younger children.  When you are at home, you don’t have to pack up the pampers, bottles of formula, and special toys.  Everything is right at your disposal.  But, in order to fight off the crankiness, it’s best to keep the kids busy with planned activities.  Create different games and activities, such as a horseshoes or hopscotch.  Let the kids make sno-cones as a special treat.  Maybe you could even rent a movie and a projector from your local library and show the film on the side of your house or on a large sheet.  Invite the neighbors over with their kids and hand out candy and popcorn for the kids to enjoy while watching.

Talk to your kids and ask them what they would like to do on the “staycation.”  Let them plan a list of daily activities they would enjoy doing.   Kids love when they are provided a say in how the family spends free time.  Maybe they want to stay up late and catch fireflies in the dark.  Then set up a tent and spend the night camping in your own yard!  That certainly doesn’t cost a lot of money and definitely helps in preserving the “staycation” budget.

If you do have some money in the bank and would like to venture out, try researching some local points of interest.  How about a museum or a new restaurant?  What about visiting a new park, bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying a good book?  For the ultimate in relaxation, how about visiting a day spa for one or two of their services?

Harrison is certainly feeling the economic crush this summer and had to alter her plans accordingly.  However, with a little ingenuity, she is still planning on enjoying a great summer with her family.

“We had originally planned to fly down to North Carolina and stay with friends but the airline prices are as high as ever because of the fuel costs. So we had to nix that idea and be more creative,” says Harrison.  “We are actually going to a Yankees game with friends and leaving our twins at home. Luckily, my parents have a house down in Cape May so we will go and spend a few nights there with the twins.  They have a pool and we plan on taking them to the Cape May Zoo.  We also visit Bay Head beach a few times a week.   My husband and I will be going to a concert in August, too.   So even though we aren’t packing up and heading to an exotic location we have managed to fill our summer calendar with some fun family and couple activities.”

All of these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg.  Ideas for how to enjoy a restful and relaxing “staycation” are virtually unlimited!  With a little planning and creativity, it can be accomplished.  The important thing to remember is to treat it like a regular vacation, as if you were traveling somewhere.  Remember to take pictures, too.  You wouldn’t forget taking your camera on a vacation, would you?  Your “staycation” should be no different.  You are enjoying yourself and making memories with the ones you love.

Martial Arts schools have grown in numbers over the years.  They are in high demand for children, teenagers and adults.  Some choose a school on the recommendation of a neighbor or friend, it’s close to home or it is inexpensive.  The State of New Jersey mandates no regulation on operating or teaching martial arts.  Hence, the main reason there are so many schools to choose from in a small area.  There are many forms of Martial Arts being taught and the consumer needs to investigate when choosing a school for themselves or their children.  Before registering for martial arts instruction, be aware of what is being taught in the class and what is being said to young children when parents are not around.  It is imperative you know instructors have proper credentials and are knowledgeable in teaching Martial Arts.  Observing classes and instructors, getting recommendations, and interviewing owners is what will aid in the success of learning the appropriate use and correct techniques in martial arts.

An issue that has exploded over the past few months is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  MMA is a full contact sport using different fighting techniques from boxing to martial arts and everything in between.  It is performed in a cage-like octagon ring with two opponents and a referee.  It has been described as a no holds barred fighting frenzy.  Since this barbaric entertainment emerged and gained rapid popularity, additional safety rules have been incorporated.  However, MMA takes fighting to a whole new level.  Like boxing, the objective is to knock out your opponent.    Fighters throw each other to the ground and grab hold to make their opponent immobile.  Submission holds gain an advantage since one of the fighters is physically impaired to move.  The other fighter pummels away at the head or body to achieve a severely beaten state even unconsciousness.

This is the new frenzy surrounding Martial Arts.  This type of fighting is affecting children, teenagers and young adults to learn this type of martial arts.  It is being taught on computers; teaching viewers to physically abuse and quite possibly harm themselves and others by mimicking what they see on websites and television.  Welcome to the new wild phenomena of Mixed Martial Arts.

MMA combines grappling, jiu-jitsu and traditional martial arts to overtake an opponent.   Grappling is a lot like wrestling with certain holds, sweeps and throws.  The WWF entertainment factor becomes reality in an MMA cage.  Striking your opponent with your fist or elbow is perfectly legal while you have them pinned to the ground in a choke hold.  Lifting and throwing down your competitor to perform a clinch hold and punching their face or body is also allowed.   Jiu-jitsu is a type of martial arts that teaches choking, submission holds and potentially breaking of bones.  A slightly dazed opponent after a choking move is less likely to offer any resistance.  Immobilizing a fighter to win could lead to unconsciousness, which may or may not be allowed, but is performed.

A 35-year-old MMA fighter, Sam Vasquez, died in Houston, TX on November 30, 2007.  He was hospitalized when he collapsed after being knocked out in the 3rd round of an MMA fight a month earlier.  Doctors performed two surgeries to remove blood clots from his brain.  After the second surgery, he had a stroke and died.    This is the kind of entertainment people of all ages are watching and imitating.

Another instructor in Virginia who teaches Mixed Martial Arts to children kicked an 11-year-old student over 200 times in the abdomen.  This was a challenge to see how many kicks the child could take before falling over.  The child’s parents were not present at the time and did not witness this act.  Parents need to be present at all times when their children are learning karate, jiu-jitsu, tae kwon do or any form of martial arts.  Question instructors and owners on abusive moves and potential dangers you see.

Martial Arts is a precise form of self-defense.  Instructors teach where to hit and how to hit properly without injuring yourself.  Breaking a wooden board the wrong way could fracture or break a hand.  Learning the skill of how to correctly hold your hand while breaking a board allows students the ability to break thicker pieces of wood, as they get older and stronger.  Mastering Martial Arts takes years of practice and teachings.  Utilizing the safety of the techniques ensures no one gets hurt while building character, strength and gaining knowledge.

Parents need to be vigilant that the martial arts being taught to their children, or themselves, is safe.    Schools in the area are beginning to teach a Mixed Martial Arts class andparents may not even be aware there children are learning something dangerous.  Kum Sung stresses safety and proper technique when teaching their students.  No student moves to the next level unless they are proficient in their abilities.  Learning the correct way of hitting, kicking, or breaking a wooden board is what Dr. Sung and his instructors at Kum Sung have mastered over the years.  When locating a Martial Arts school, investigate what they are teaching, how students learn and the credentials of the staff interacting with you or your children.  Dr. Sung describes his Martial Arts teachings as not just a hobby, but a way of life.  This is my heritage and culture this is the same sentiment shared by martial arts masters like Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.  Ensure you can view all classes and know what your children are doing in the class.  Martial Arts is a safe, physically fit activity that promotes self-esteem and success throughout all aspects of life.  Visit kumsungkarate.com or call and speak to Dr. Sung or one of the instructors.  Be aware of what they will and are actually learning.

Dinosaurs once again roam the earth in a spectacular theatrical arena show, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, based on the award-winning BBC Television Series. WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is now on tour in North America and will perform 12 performances at Madison Square Garden in New York. More than 3.1 million Americans have already seen the production since it opened in July 2007.

The show originated in Australia, where after years of planning, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS came to life at Sydney’s Acer Arena in January 2007.  The show proved itself such a sensation, that this North American tour was fast-tracked.  It began a short three months after completing its sold out engagements in Australia. Since that time, the show’s two companies have played to 4.4 million people worldwide and generated over $210 million dollars in overall ticket sales.

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular is brought to North America by The Creature Production Company, headed by CEO Carmen Pavlovic.  Pavlovic said, “The BBC Series was a brilliant blend of special effects, escapism, excitement and information.  Our show brings together all of that, plus something extra -  it’s live!   In this production, seventeen roaring, snarling “live” dinosaurs mesmerize the audience – and are as awe-inspiring as when they first walked on earth.”

Pavlovic continued, “The dinosaurs are life-size, making the show so immense, it could only fit in arenas. It’s a $20 million arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality, which captivates young and old alike. With Walking with Dinosaurs, we really believe we have created a new genre in entertainment and we hope to continue to bring new product to arenas for years to come ”

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular has s been seen on “The Today Show,” Good Morning America,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and has been written about in Newsweek, The New York Times, the Christian Science Monitor and the Wall Street Journal. It was the subject of a Discovery Channel Really Big Things episode and a video clue category on Jeopardy.

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Tim Haines, creator and producer of the original BBC series, which was seen by a worldwide audience of 700 million, serves as Project Consultant to WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular.  The series won six Emmy and three BAFTA Awards.

Ten species are represented from the entire 200 million year reign of the dinosaurs.  The show includes the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the terror of the ancient terrain, as well as the Plateosaurus and Liliensternus from the Triassic period, the Stegosaurus and Allosaurus from the Jurassic period and Torosaurus and Utahraptor from the awesome Cretaceous.  The largest of them, the Brachiosaurus is 36 feet tall, and 56 feet from nose to tail.  It took a team of 50 – including engineers, fabricators, skin makers, artists and painters, and animatronic experts – a year to build the original production.

The show depicts the dinosaurs’ evolution, complete with the climatic and tectonic changes that took place, which led to the demise of many species.  With almost cinematic realism, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS has scenes of the interactions between dinosaurs, and the audience sees how carnivorous dinosaurs evolved to walk on two legs, and how the herbivores fended off their more agile predators.

The history of the world is played out with the splitting of the earth’s continents, and the transition from the arid desert of the Triassic period is given over to the lush green prairies and forces of the later Jurassic.  Oceans form, volcanoes erupt, a forest catches fire — all leading to the impact of the massive comet, which struck the earth, and forced the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Variety said, “The dinosaurs are stunning, life-size and faultlessly nimble. In act one, the beasts parade into the arena gnashing and cavorting as a safari-suited paleontologist describes their attributes … in the second half, the action cranks up, culminating in a spectacular clash as a T-Rex mom defends her baby from predators. Sonny Tilders’ triumphant creature design ensures ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’ is a truly spectacular spectacular. It is everything a dino-phile could want.”

The New York Times said that in this show dinosaurs make “a thundering comeback after 65 million years.”

Gloria Goodale of the Christian Science Monitor said, “When the dinosaurs start pouring out onto the stage, if you don’t have to stifle the natural flight response of any living breathing being, then it’s your pulse that needs checking.”

Newsweek called the show, “that rare entertainment beast that parents and kids can enjoy together.”

It took 50 artists and technicians one year to build the show. The 17 dinosaurs were originally “hatched” by Tilders, the head of creature design, in a Melbourne Docklands workshop big enough to park a 747. For the North American tour, the only building large enough to house rehearsals for the dinosaurs – some as large as 36 ft tall by 56 ft long, was the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center!

Artistic Director William May is known around the globe for co-producing shows with Malcolm Cooke for the past 30 years, including The Hobbit and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.  He produced Marilyn An American Fable on Broadway and co-composed and wrote the musical Always for the West End.

Director Scott Faris directed Michael Crawford in EFX at MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, which at the time was the biggest stage production ever conceived, and was on the production team that created Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Hotel.  Faris has directed Chicago the Musical in 16 countries around the world in over a dozen languages. Most recently he directed Bette Midler in her new Las Vegas show, The Showgirl Must Go On at Caesars Palace.

Faris said, “We take the audience on a journey back in time and show them how the dinosaurs might have actually looked in their prime – huge, sometimes frightening, sometimes comical monsters – that fought for survival every day of their lives.  Our dinosaurs move exactly like they are real — with all the roars, snorts and excitement that go with it.  The realism is mind-blowing!”

Sonny Tilders, who designed and built the creatures has been, for the past decade, one of the major creative forces of the high-tech world of animatronic puppetry for film and television.  He was one of the lead animatronic engineers for Jim Henson’s Creature workshop on the Farscape series, followed by work on Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Peter Pan, Ghost Rider and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Tilders said, “Many of the technologies we are using on WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular are borrowed from film. The computer software and hardware we have developed is based on the systems used to control animatronic creatures in feature films.”

“To make it appear that these creatures are flesh and blood weighing six, eight or even 20 tons, we use a system called ‘muscle bags,’ made from stretch mesh fabric and filled with polystyrene balls, stretched across moving points on the body.  These contract and stretch in the same manner that muscle, fat, and skin does on real creatures.”

“The puppeteers use ‘voodoo rigs’ to make many of the dinosaurs move.  They are miniature versions of the dinosaurs with the same joints and range of movement as their life-sized counterparts.  The puppeteer manipulates the voodoo rig and these actions are interpreted by computer and transmitted by radio waves to make the hydraulic cylinders in the actual dinosaur replicate the action, with a driver hidden below the animal, helping to maneuver it around the arena.”  Suited puppeteer specialists, who are inside the creatures, operate five of the smaller dinosaurs.

Warner Brown wrote the script of WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular. He is an accomplished writer whose works include the book of the musical Flickers on Broadway, the screenplay of Nijinsky for Regent Entertainment, the musical The Black and White Ball, which features music by Cole Porter and The Truth About Light, written with composer Jimmy Roberts.  Other credits include a new version of Half A Sixpence for the West End in 2008, Garbo – The Musical with music by Jim Steinman and Michael Reed, playing in Europe, and the plays and musicals Scandal, The Biograph Girl, Six for Gold, Cinderella, Talullah for a Day and Dance for Life.

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WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular will perform 12 performances at Madison Square Garden in New York. The performance schedule is:

• Wednesday, July 21, 2010 – 3PM & 7PM
• Thursday, July 22, 2010 – 11AM & 7PM
• Friday, July 23, 2010 – 11AM & 7PM
• Saturday, July 23, 2010 – 11AM, 3PM & 7PM
• Sunday, July 25, 2010 – 11AM, 3PM & 7PM

Tickets for the general public are on sale NOW by calling 866.858.0008, online at www.thegarden.com/dinos or in-person at the Madison Square Garden Box Office. For groups, please call 212.465.6080. For more information, please visit www.dinosaurlive.com. Video of the show is available on our site under “Meet The Dinosaurs” tab in the middle of the front page.

By Tricia Berwick

Eating cool, drippy ice pops on the patio.  Long walks through the neighborhood after dinner.  Trips to the park or to the beach.   Frolicking in the backyard grass sans shoes.   In summertime, the weather is warm and the sun sets later which gives families a lot of time to spend together outdoors.  Hectic school schedules and activities are also on hiatus.  This allows for more freedom to play and chances to strengthen those family bonds.   Whether you’re grilling up burgers on the grill or heading out to play in the surf, summer is a great time for making memories and establishing traditions.

Some families look forward to the start of summer so much, they have a yearly ritual to ring in the beginning of the three-month vacation from homework and soccer practices.

Katie Zebick of Brick loves the tradition her sister has started with her family.  She thinks it’s such a clever idea, that she may even use it with her own brood.

“After my sister prepares breakfast on the last morning of school, she jumps into the pool with her clothes on,” says Zebick who is a mother of three.  “It is her way of celebrating the end of the school year.  Her kids get a kick out of it and think it’s a fun way to start off summer.”

After the backpacks and soccer cleats are put away, families switch gears for a more relaxed, slower pace.  They also look forward to visiting different places and relatives or participating in activities that they may not have had time for during the academic year.  For families living at the Jersey Shore there are numerous places to go to enjoy the best of what summer has to offer.

The Burns family of Point Pleasant feels very fortunate to live in this area of the country.

“We do not travel much in the summer because we just love being at the Jersey Shore,” says Nancy Burns.  “A perfect summer day for our family would be to wake up and have breakfast together, get an early start to the beach and spend the day there.  The boys love the water and boogie boarding!  After returning home for showers and dinner, we usually walk to Hoffman’s Ice Cream in Point Pleasant.”

The Woit family, also of Point Pleasant loves to take in the sights and sounds on the boardwalk.

“We love to eat an early dinner at home and then go up to the boardwalk,” says Woit.  “The kids love to ride the rides and play with their toys in the sand.  It tuckers them out, and then we can put them to bed for a restful night of sleep.  You can also picnic there and watch movies on selected nights.  We love the summer!”

While it’s always nice to pop the kids in the car and head off to a different destination, sometimes the best memories are made right at home.

The Trench family of Keyport, recently traded in their huge gas grill for an old-fashioned charcoal kind.   The family enjoys standing around the fire and roasting marshmallows together.  The kids also love being in the backyard and having some water fun.

“We don’t have a pool, so I love turning on the sprinkler and letting them run around enjoying the simplicity of it all,” says Trench, who also likes to attend fairs and go to the boardwalk during the summer months.  “I also have a small plastic pool and I sit back while they splash around in it.  They always end up making mud pies.”

If your budget is tight and you can’t afford to travel, just use your imagination to create fun activities for your children in the backyard.  On a hot and humid day, they might like to cool off with a family squirt gun battle.  Maybe your kids want to try camping, but you’re not sure if they are up for the full experience in the woods.  How about setting up a play tent and lanterns in the backyard and tell them ghost stories inside their very own tents?  Since the school year is always jam-packed with things to do, slow down the pace and have a family game night and a family movie night each week during the summer.  Let the kids choose what they would like, including snacks for both gatherings.  Sidewalk chalk is also an inexpensive creative outlet which can be used on your patio or driveway.

Wherever you decide to go or whatever you do at home, just remember to have fun with your kids.  Enjoy this break from packing lunches, laying out school clothes, and working on last-minute projects.  Enjoy an ice cream, let the kids stay up a little later, watch some fireworks.  And remember to share a giggle and a smile with your children.  September will be here soon enough!

July 21-25, 2010

Monmouth County Fair

East Freehold Showgrounds, Kozloski Rd, Freehold

Wed, Thu & Fri: 5pm-11pm, Saturday: 11am-11pm,
Sunday: 11am-6p Night Fireworks: 9:15pm (weather permitting)

4-H Events ▪ Animal Shows & Exhibits ▪ Rides & Amusements,Free stage Entertainment ▪ Lumberjack Shows ▪ Racing Pigs

Kids Races ▪ Home& Garden Competitions ▪ Bwana Jim ,Admission: $7.00 ▪ Ages 12 & under admitted Free,Free Parking

For More Information (732) 842-4000 ext 4312, www.monmouthcountyparks.com

July 13 – 18

Ocean County Fair, Robert J. Miller Airpark, Route 530. Continuous entertainment, animal shows, horse shows, exhibils, childrens contests every day with ribbons and prizes, demonstrations and exhibits, all included in admission. Information: 732-914-9466 or www.oceancountyfair.com

- BERKELEY TOWNSHIP

July 4

Independence Day Parade & Concert, 20th St. & Central Ave. to 10th St. Boat Ramp. 7 pm. Olympians on Parade, flags, floats and music. Information: 609-494-9196 or www.barnegatlight.org

- BARNEGAT LIGHT

Fireworks Extravaganza, Beach Area. 9:30 pm. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 5

Yosi, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 7

Outdoor Concerts 2010: Jennifer Mylod & the Boys of County O’Cean, Brick Beach III, Route 35 N. 7 pm. Free. Information: 732-262-1044 – BRICK

Celebrate Jersey Fresh Fruits: Blueberries, Toms River Farmers Market, Huddy Park, on Water Street. 11 am – 5 pm. Rain or shine. 1st Wednesday of each month from June 9 – October 27. Enter to win a basket of Jersey Fresh produce! Farmers & vendors will feature the fruit of the month. Demonstrations & sampling by Downtown restaurants and businesses. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com – TOMS RIVER

July 8

Sand Sculpting Contest, Beach, 25th St. 2 pm. Compete and build your own castle. Information: 609-494-9196 or www.barnegatlight.org – BARNEGAT LIGHT/LONG BEACH ISLAND

July 9

Grove Gatherings at Murray Grove, Murray Grove Retreat and Conference Center, 431 Route 9. Potluck dinner (BYOB) 6 pm – 7 pm, entertainment 7 pm – 9 pm. Musical/Artistic Coffee House in the tradition of the English Folk Music Club where performers share their craft and engage the audience. $ Information: 609-693-5558 or www.murraygrove.org

- LANOKA HARBOR

Classic Car Cruises, downtown, Arnold & Bay Aves. 5 pm – 9 pm. Antique Cars, collectible cars, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles & live music. Rain date May 11. Information: www.pointchamber.com/classic_car_cruise.asp/ – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Concert: Toms River Municipal Band, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 10

Rainforest Rescue, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Boardwalk & Parkway. All day Spend the day learning abut their resident inhabitants, what they should mean to you and how you can help! Included in general admission. Information: 732-899-1659 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

July 11

Brick Summerfest 2010: Speed Garvey , Windward Beach, Princeton Ave. 7 pm. East Coast Boat Racing Club of New Jersey. Food Court and DJ begin at 5 pm. Shuttle buses run from Drum Point School, Midstreams Elementary School, and Brick High School (Chambers Bridge Rd). From 5 pm – 8 pm continously. Return trips from at 9 pm. All children 16 years old or under must be accompanied by an adult. Information: 732-262-1006 – BRICK

Concert: The Tone Rangers, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 12

The Dazzling Mills Family Unicycle Juggling Act, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com – POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 14

Wild West Day, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 2 pm – 5 pm. Dress up as a cowboy and cowgirl, arts & crafts, face painting, storytelling, pony rides etc. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Cruisin’ Downtown 2010, downtown Toms River, Washington St. 6-9 pm. Live Bands & Entertainment, street vendors, contests along with classic cars & motorcycles. Information: 732-341-8738 or   TOMS RIVER

July 16

A-Cat Races, Island Heights Yacht Club. 5:30 pm. Sailboat races. Presented by Toms River Seaport Society. Information: 732-349-9209 or www.tomsriverseaport.org

- ISLAND HEIGHTS

Concert: Toms River Municipal Band, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 17

Shore Dreams for Kids, Municipal Dock & Ball Field, Rt. 35. 11 am – 3 pm. Entertainment for Special Olympics, Make A Wish, Oceans of Love Support Group for children with cancer, mentally, physically challenged children. Free powerboat rides, vintage and antique car displays, live music, food, drinks and planned activities and games. Raindate July 18th. Information: 201-906-2668 or www.shoredreamsforkids.org – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Slider’s 5th Birthday Party, Breakwater Beach Waterpark, 62 Grant Ave. 11 am – 3 pm. Slider, Breakwater Beach’s mascot celebrates his birthday with special riends, including Perky the Penguin from Jenkinsons Aquarium. Enter waterpark between 9 am-noon and get a Buy-One, Get-One FREE, arrive after noon with non-perisable food donation for the local Food Kitchen and get $5 off admission. Games, photographs, balloonists, & tattoos. Rain date July 24th. Information: 732-793-6488 ext. 8211 – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Toms River Seaport Society’s Annual Wooden Boat Festival, Huddy Park, W. Water St. & Route 166/Main St. 9 am – 5 pm. In the water boat on display, nautical vendors, marine artists, family boat building and model boat building. Meet the Valhalla Pirates. Games and boat rides. Food available. Information: or 908-303-1710 or tomsriverseaport.org – TOMS RIVER

8th Annual New Jersey State Ice Cream Festival, downtown Washington St. 11:30 am – 5 pm. Tasting from noon – 3:30. Attracting Ice Cream shops from NJ and National Brands, the best way to beat the heat in Toms River! Games, rides, food, and entertainment. Sponsored by Downtown Toms River. Information: 732-341-8738 or www.downtowntomsriver.com

- TOMS RIVER

29th Annual Family Chicken Barbecue, Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department, 40 Clayton Ave. Noon – 7 pm. Cost includes ½ chicken, corn, salad, rolls, watermelon, 2 drinks. Order made to go. Kids bounces, face painting, fire truck rides, pony rides, live music by The CPR Revival. Also, door prizes, food, display of Antique Gas Engines & Pedal Tractors, Buster of Lakewood BlueClaws, Toms River Then & Now Expo. Information: 732-363-5296 or www.ppfd30.com – TOMS RIVER

July 21

Christmas in July, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 1 pm – 5 pm. Santa goes to the Shore 6 months early, pictures, snowfall on beach, face painting, arts & crafts, holiday music and more. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com - POINT PLEASANT BEACH

July 20

Blood Drive
Time: 4 pm – 8 pm
Please come and support the cause. . For more information please call 732-974-8314.

Location: The Goddard School of Wall  1981 Highway 34 (Wall Circle Park)

There will also be an open house,  please stop in for some complimentary food and beverages.

July 24

Point Pleasant Elks BPOE #1698

16th Annual Van Duyn Open Combo

Fluke Tournament

, Point Pleasant Elks Lodge, 820 Arnold Ave. 6 am – 10 pm. Food, beverages, souvenirs. $ Information: 732-899-5121 or www.pointpleasantelks.org

$40,000.00+ IN PRIZES

(Based on Minimum of 250 Boat Entrees) & Average Calcuttas

July 25

13 & Over Movies on the Beach: E.T., Hiering Avenue beachfront. At dusk. Free movies on the beach for 13 years of age and over. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

Concert: The Roustabouts, Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St. 7:30 pm. – TOMS RIVER

July 26

T-Bone Musical Show, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk South Beach Stage, Ocean Ave. 7 pm. Kiddie Beach Show. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Music Mondays, boardwalk at Hiering Ave. 7 pm. Rock & roll, oldies, jazz, and/or pop for the entire family. Information: 800-732-7467 or www.seasideheightstourism.com – SEASIDE HEIGHTS

July 28

Hot Halloween Festival, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Boardwalk & Parkway. 2 pm – 5 pm. Wear your Halloween Costume early to the beach, face painting, arts & crafts, spooky shows, storytelling, free admission to Fun House with a costume. Information: 732-892-0600 or www.jenkinsons.com

- POINT PLEASANT BEACH

Sea Critter Round-Up, Arlington Bay Beach, 13-16th St. and the Bay. 10 am. Join the Alliance for a Living Ocean volunteers and interns to seine the bay and discuss the interesting creatures you find. $ Donation. Information: 609-494-7800 or www.livingocean.org – SHIP BOTTOM/LONG BEACH ISLAND

July 30,31

Exit 82: A Toms River Theatre Company Presents: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Auditorium, Toms River High School North, 1245 Old Freehold Road. 8 pm. A Rip-Roaring, Tap-Dancing, Fun-Loving Musical Comedy for the whole family! $ Information: www.exit82theatre.com – TOMS RIVER

By Sue Gerard

This family resort has withstood the test of time.  Rocking Horse Ranch has been around since 1958.  It was originally established by Toolie and Gloria Turk who were from NewYork City but had a love of horses.  They wanted to create a resort that was a little less “rustic” than your typical dude ranch of the day, and more family friendly.  They converted one of the oldest hotels in Ulster County New York in a town called Highland.  They worked on the property during the week and catered to guests on the weekends.  It was the first and only ranch in the country to have an indoor and outdoor pool, water skiing, snow skiing, a nightclub and dozens of other activities in their facility.

After 10 years, business was booming and improvements were continually made to better satisfy guests.  Then tragedy struck in January 1971.  The Turks life’s work and dreams went up in flames during a New Year’s weekend fire.  All the guests were safe, but only the brick walls and chimney were left standing.  They decided to rebuild and made it bigger and better than before.  Now it truly was “their” structure and they have been thriving ever since.

I personally have been to this ranch twice in the winter months.  It was highly recommended by a friend who had taken her family there in both the summer and winter.  It is just under a 3 hour drive from Brick, so it’s not a bad ride to get there.  They even provide free pickup service from the Poughkeepsie Train Station or Stewart Airport if that’s your preferred method of travel.

I decided to go to Rocking Horse Ranch the first time in February 2009 after researching prices to take my kids skiing for the first time.  They were only 4, 6 and 8 so I needed to get each of them lessons and we all needed ski rentals.  Without even staying over anywhere, I was floored by the cost.  I looked into Rocking Horse Ranch and they were offering a special price the week before President’s Weekend.  Although I had to pull the kids out of school, we were able to book 3 days and 2 nights with them for not too much more than one afternoon at a Pocono based ski resort!

We had so much fun that we decided to try and go back about every other year, but we couldn’t stay away and went again this year!  The resort allows you to arrive as early as you’d like and use their facility even if you can’t check into your room.  They also let you stay as late as you’d like on your last day.  We got up early and arrived at 10:00am which is when the ski slopes open up.  My kids were so excited to try this new sport!  When we first arrived, our initial reaction to the size of their hills was disappointment.  However, once we realized the two of us hadn’t been on a ski slope for over 10 years, the hill seemed much bigger and more manageable!  And… it was so perfect for the kids.

As long as the temperatures remain low enough, RHR has 100% snow making ability.  They have a ski rental room where you fill out a form your first day with a release and all your pertinent information.  That form gets filed during your stay so all you have to do is give them your name and they pull out the right size boots and skis for you each time.  You get to know the staff very quickly while you are there since it is a very personal experience.  There is a bunny hill to learn on (they call it the “never ever area”) with instructors right there to help you learn how to snowplow and turn and use the rope lifts.  After one morning of lessons my boys were going half way up “the big hill” and by the second day they were going all the way to the top and skiing down by themselves.  You can ski from 10am to 4pm daily.

All your meals at Rocking Horse Ranch are included in the price of your stay.  On your first day, you don’t get lunch so prepare ahead for that if you plan to arrive early like we did.  We packed a lunch and ate it in the lobby which has many inviting couches, seats and tables, a bar and a fireplace.  There is also a side room (called the Round-up Room) with more seating, a big table and a TV.  That room has hot chocolate and coffee available with free food such as pound cake, cookies, brownies, etc.  There is also free At the dining room, you are seated with other guests at tables of 8 or 10.  The Turks wanted to set it up this way so that guests had a chance to mingle and get to know each other.  Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and there is a great variety to choose from.  Dinner is ordered from a menu of about 5 appetizer choices and 5 dinner choices.  They wanted to avoid a buffet style at every meal and give the guests the chance to “be served.”

Guests come mainly from Long Island, New York City, Westchester, north and central New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.  The general demographics of their average guest family has kids that range in age from 2 to 13.  They do not charge for children under age 4.  They have a supervised day camp and nursery for the youngest guests if you care to take advantage of that, and have activities for the tweens and teens too!  There is a Wii room where you can play wii games for free, as well as an arcade room with various video games and a ping pong table.  Every evening they have entertainment.  The ranch scouts for their entertainment in New York City as well as via the internet and by holding trial runs at the ranch.  A musical guest generally starts off and the headliner is either a magician, ventriloquist, juggler, circus act, comedian or general family entertainer!  All the acts we’ve seen were great and fun for the whole family.  We made sure we didn’t miss any of them while we were there.

Also during the winter months they offer night snow tubing from 7-9:30, weather permitting.  At the base of the run they have a bonfire where you can keep warm and provide marshmallows for roasting after a frosty ride!  By the end of the day, the tubing trail gets slick so the rides are fun and fast!  Another activity you don’t want to miss!

Although we’ve only been there in the winter, their busiest season begins at the end of June when school lets out and runs through Labor Day.  They are always at full capacity with 120 rooms booked solid.  They have a main lodge and a detached lodge called the Oklahoma Building.  The main lodge has 2 room sizes which can accommodate up to 4 people, or up to 6 people.  Bunk beds are provided in the larger rooms and some even connect with other rooms if you are staying with other families.  Oklahoma rooms are less expensive but only hold up to 2 people, or up to 6 people.  More rooms are expected to be built in coming years.

In the summer, the activities are endless.  They have a lake on site.  They provide waterskiing rides where you are taken around the lake 3 times and have a bar on the side of the boat to hold onto which is easier than attempting to get up when pulled by a rope.  There is no age limit; you just need to know how to swim.  They also have banana boat rides where you have up to 10 people straddling a big banana boat that is pulled by a ski boat.  For those that want a more serene ride, you can go kayaking or get on a paddle boat and ride around the lake.

There is catch and release fishing for fresh water bass.  You can play miniature golf, tennis, horseshoes, bocce ball and shuffle board.  There is both organized and “pick up” play for basketball, volleyball and softball.  For the adult crowds, there is “beer” softball and “beer” volleyball activities which are always a hoot.  There is the outdoor pool to utilize in the summer, as well as the indoor pool all year round.  You feel like you are on a campus with something to do at every turn.

Of course, we can’t forget about the horses.  There is horseback riding available every day.  They have 4 trail rides times during the week and 6 on the weekends.  There are 3 levels of rides including beginners, novice and advanced.  The beginner trail rides are the most popular and they have many wranglers along the trails making sure everyone has control of their horses.  You walk along the wooded trails at that level.  The novice riders do get to trot a little.  If you don’t have the skills to maintain proper control of your horse, then they will take you over to the beginner riders.  The advanced riders get to canter (gallop) with the horses along the trails.  The saddles are western so you have to be comfortable in that style.  I rode horses as a young girl but learned English so I was actually dropped down to novice when I was told I wasn’t keeping my but in the saddle!  I’m used to being up on my heels and posting!  All trail rides take about an hour and you must be 7 years old to ride.

If you have a younger child 6 or under, don’t worry, they have pony rides!  You can take your child over to the small area in the morning from 9:30-12:30 or after lunch between 2 and 3pm.  A staff member will walk your child around on a pony and you can ride as much and as often as you want.  Horse drawn hay rides are also available throughout the day.  They pick you up by the tennis courts and take you through the woods for a short ride.

Other activities which are available year round include the fun barn and rifle range.  The rifle range includes a shooting gallery and indoor archery.  The rifles shoot at an array of black light targets with air powered BB’s.  The fun barn is an indoor facility off by itself that’s great to visit as its own activity or a filler in between other events you are planning in your day.  There is a foam factory with interactive soft play with 10 air powered cannons, a climbing wall, a moon bounce, volleyball net and ping pong tables.  My kids love to go there.

There are activities and special events planned for each and every day.  These may include such things as riding demonstrations, tour of the stables, sports trivia, bingo, character lunches in the dining room, shoot out contest, scavenger hunts, horse betting, karaoke, arts & crafts, line dancing, etc, etc.  A schedule is available when you check in or can be picked up at any time at the front desk during your stay.

Don’t forget to take some time out for yourself.  Relax, rejuvenate and refresh yourself at the massage and facial center.  These services are not included in the price but rates are competitive.  There is also a fully equipped exercise room and men and women sauna rooms to enjoy.

New in 2009 is the Big Splash Indoor Water Park.  It was an expansion to the indoor pool area and now includes interactive fountains and dumping buckets, twin slides for toddlers, a water walk challenge with cargo netting, mini geysers and a 230 foot giant waterslide.

Don’t forget to visit their Gift Shoppe located right in the lobby.  I love to get Christmas tree ornaments from our vacations and they have a few on hand.  It’s always nice to go home with a souvenir so you can be reminded of the wonderful stay you had at Rocking Horse Ranch!

Over the next 5 years, they are planning to add on about 30 more rooms, increase the size of their dining room (and possibly have the option of eating at your own table instead of with other guests), provide a public meeting space, add on to their new indoor water slides and change their ski rope lifts to a magic carpet lift.  They are constantly looking for ways to attract and maintain their guests as well as keep them happy while they are there.  We sure were happy every time we went and are looking forward to our next visit!

Rocking Horse Ranch is located at 600 Route 44/45 Highland, NY 12528.  You can contact them at 1-800-647-2624 or visit their website at www.rockinghorseranch.com. There is a lot of information on the site and rates are posted for various seasons.  I also suggest signing up for their email list so you can take advantage of promotions and specials.