* Note: Non-profit organizations list for free on EssentialMom.com & for-profit organizations listed are paid advertisers, please research your choices personally, this is not a
"recommended list", although there are certainly some great options out there! Have fun! |
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| Art Classes |
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| Aldrich Museum of Art, Ridgefield, CT, 203.438.4519 |
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| Aldrich Buddies. Ages 3 1/2 to 6 (with adult). Inspired by the art represented in our current exhibitions, these workshops are designed to expand a child's developing definition of art, while magnifying their creativity through stories, artwork and hands-on projects. Parents and caretakers are encouraged to participate alongside their children and to extend the learning experiences back at home. Materials and snacks are included and registration is required. To register and for more information, please call 203.438.4519, www.aldrichart.org cpedraza@aldrichart.org |
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| Right Brain Saturdays. Ages 6 to 10. Cost per workshop: $20 Family member; $25 non-member. Cost for series: $85 Family member; $115 non-members. The two-hour workshops taught by local artists and museum educators allow children to experience artwork in the galleries and to apply the methods, concepts or ideas they see into their own projects. All materials are provided and registration is required a week before workshop date.
RSVP: 203.438.4519
www.aldrichart.org cpedraza@aldrichart.org |
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| Katonah Art Museum, Katonah. 914.232.9555 |
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 Tuesdays For Tots.
Ages 3 to 5 with an adult.
A course of four sessions will introduce both the young artists and the adult care giver (mother, father, grandparent, or friend) to the imaginative use of different art materials. Reservations required.
www.katonah-museum.com |
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| Art Adventures is a child-friendly blend of art history, art appreciation, and art project. The current exhibition will be the starting point for this hands-on approach to looking at, understanding, and creating art. Reservations required. www.katonah-museum.com |
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| Pelham Arts Center, Pelham, NY. 914-738-2525 |
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| Summer Art Classes for Youth and Adults. A wide range of courses for the beginner or advanced student. Youth 15 and older may enroll in adult classes and classes for children 9mos to 14 offered.
Classes are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening running 4-7 weeks. Classes for adults and children 15 yrs and up can register for a variety of classes including Botanical illustration, Crocheting, Yoga, Stained Glass studio, Glass painting, Quilting, Faux Finishing and more. Some of the classes offered for children 9 mos and up include Adult and Tot Music and Movement for ages 9mos-2yrs and adult, Comedy and Improv for children 8- 14 yrs, Fashion Illustration for children 10-18 yrs and Mask-making for ages 5-9 yrs. Scholarships are available. Contact the Art Center for a complete listing of classes and workshops at 914-738-2525.
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| The Westchester Art Workshop, White Plains, NY |
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| Children ages 6-13 years create jewelry, ceramics, and paintings. White Plains, 914-684-0094. |
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| Pound Ridge Recreation Art Classes at Scotts Corner, Pound Ridge, NY |
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| Toddler Art:
This is a drop-off program for children aged 2 to 5 years old. There are also afterschool programs available. For information and registration, call 914.764.0947.
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| Gym/Sports Classes |
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| American Heritage Goju Karate, Mount Kisco Recreation Department
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| Students will develop stronger and healthier bodies, a positive attitude about themselves and others, and self-defense techniques. All classes held in the Multi-Purpose Room, Leonard Park, Mount Kisco. For information, call: 914.666.3059.
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| Bedford Bears Hockey Team |
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| The Bedford Katonah Hockey Association, also known as the Bedford Bears, is a youth travel hockey program whose mission is to help young players develop their skills and foster a love for the game in a family friendly environment. We encourage healthy competition, but place a greater emphasis on sportsmanship, team-play and simply having fun than on wins and losses. Bedford Bears, PO Box 766, Katonah, NY 10536.
Visit www.bedfordbears.com, Email hockey@bedfordbears.org |
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| Language Classes |
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| Mommy and Me Language Center |
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| Mommy and Me Language Center. Mommy and me language classes for children ages 6 months to 5 years. Language classes for school-aged children and hourly tutoring for teens. Spring offerings include: mommy and me Spanish for preschoolers. Summer offerings include: mommy and me Spanish for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Lessons are given by certified language teachers. Activies are varied and offer an exciting introduction to learning a foreign language. Many pricing options and discounts are available. To register or learn more please visit www.momandmespanish.com or call 914-214-8235. |
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| Music Classes |
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| Amadeus Conservatory of Music, Chappaqua & Katonah, NY |
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| Amadeus Conservatory of Music offers private music lessons in piano, guitar, bass guitar, voice, drums, suzuki violin and cello (ages 4-6), and all band and orchestral instruments to children and adults of all ages. Our international faculty is composed of enthusiastic and inspiring artists, graduates of the renowned Juilliard School or schools of like caliber who are dedicated to passing on their passion and expertise. Students participate in frequent recitals and have the opportunity to hear their teachers perform. Early Childhood classes (ages 2-5) give young children the opportunity to play real instruments in child-sized proportions, such as 1/8 violins, miniature accordions and guitars, recorders, bongo and conga drums, and other percussion instruments. Music theory, electronic composition, chamber ensembles, and jazz ensembles are offered along with the new Amadeus Chamber Orchestra (audition only ages 13-18). The musical theater department gives students the opportunity to become knowledgeable in the art of theater. From performance of Broadway musicals to the various technical aspects of theater, students acquire a real hands-on experience, while working with trained professionals in the field. Call 914-238-0388 for more information or visit www.Amadeusconservatory.com |
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| GROOVE (TM), Larchmont, NY
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| Groove is a family-friendly music and arts studio offering eclectic, enriching programs and events for kids and their grown-ups based in Larchmont, NY. Groove is Westchester's home to the popular Music for Aardvarks classes, along with a range of innovative music and arts programs for children from 6 months to 10 years old. Among the many Music for Aardvarks classes offered are Baby ROCK (4-12 months), Mixed Ages (6 months-3 years); drop-off options for 3-6 year olds in Big KID (3-4 years) or Super AARDVARKS (5-6 years), as well as a weekly Saturday drop-in Family JAM. This spring, Groove also presents Salsa Babies for parents and babies 6 weeks+ and Kids for Drums for rockin' older kids ages 7-10 years. All classes are held in Groove's recently expanded studio space at 157 Larchmont Avenue (1 block north of Route 1). For complete schedule, on-line registration and more information. visit www.findgroove.com or call (914) 834-3383.
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| Music & Make Believe |
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Music & Make Believe: Ages 3 and 4 years old. A wonderful opportunity for your child to explore the magical world of make believe through music, dance and drama. Taught by Kerri LuBell, Saturdays 10 to 11 AM. For further information, contact Kerri at 914.232.9441.
Ken Marsolais, Nancy Zander, Kerri LuBell and other teachers from the former Northern Westchester Center for the Arts have teamed with the Harvey School to provide art & music classes and programs in the Harvey School's Arts Center program. The Arts Center at the Harvey School is open to all who wish to study on the campus, located at 260 Jay Street, Katonah, NY. The phone number is 914.232.3161, or visit
www.harveyschool.org. |
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| Nature Classes |
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| Nature Discovery for Preschoolers, Cross River, NY
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 Nature through discovery activities and related crafts. Students aged 3-4 years. Trailside Nature Museum, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Route 35 and 121 South, Cross River. Westchester County Parks, 914-864-7322. |
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| Marshlands Conservancy, Rye, NY |
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| Nature discovery for children aged 3 - 4 years and their caregivers. Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye, NY. Westchester County Parks Department, 914-835-4466. |
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| New Canaan Nature Center, New Canaan, CT |
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Early Childhood Programs.
The New Canaan Nature Center's programs for youth foster hands-on learning about our natural world, teaching our children to enjoy and care for their environment as they master the skills needed to assume a leadership role in our society.
Nurturing Nature:
Explore the seasons at the Nature Center along with your toddler. Nurturing Nature, one of the Nature Center's most popular programs, is designed to introduce two and three-year-old children to the delights of nature. Our early childhood instructor creates an unhurried atmosphere for parents and children to share stories, art experiences, visits with live animals and seasonal trail walks. Parents and children should dress for messy play as well as for the weather. All children must be two by the first day of class and must be accompanied by an adult. This is a special time for parents and toddlers. Kindly make other arrangements for siblings. Enrollment for each class is limited to eleven adult-child pairs, so please register early for your preferred day and time.
Beginner's Nature Program:
In operation since 1967, the "BNP" is a unique, nature-focused preschool offering classes for three, four and five-year-olds and runs from September through May. Environmental education is integrated into a curriculum which addresses each child's individual needs: social, emotional, physical, creative and cognitive. Based on seasonal changes, the curriculum makes extensive use of the Center's grounds. The Beginner's Nature Program is fully licensed by the State Department of Public Health under Connecticut Day Care regulations and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
All of our classes are half-day programs, meeting from 9:00 - 12:00 or 12:30 - 3:30. All classes include a daily nature walk through the Nature Center's diverse habitats. We schedule special events with Nature Center teacher/naturalists on a monthly and seasonal basis and include live animal demonstrations, apple cidering, maple sugaring, pond exploration, and greenhouse projects.
Discovers: Age 3:
The Discoverers program for three-year-olds stresses developmental activities. Their curriculum is based upon the seasonal changes found at the Nature Center. Themes reflect current events in the natural world and provide the basis for daily activities. Their daily schedule allows them to explore and express themselves through art, music, movement, dramatic play and language activities. Our Discoverers may attend either a two day or a three day program.
Trail Blazers: Ages 3 - 4:
Our Trail Blazer class is a combination of three and four-year-old children. As with the other two programs, the focus is nature and the environment. Mixed-age grouping provides benefits because differences within a group of children are a source of rich intellectual and social experiences. The intention of mixed-age grouping is to increase the heterogeneity of the group to capitalize on the differences in the experience, knowledge, and abilities of the children. Young children can be encouraged and nurtured by the older children, while the older ones can demonstrate leadership and nurturing roles.
The Trail Blazer class attends a four day program.
Explorers: Ages 4 - 5:
The four and five-year-old Explorers focus on active learning situations in which children have opportunities to make choices and decisions and work with teachers and other children to support their social, emotional, physical, creative and cognitive skills. We base this curriculum on seasonal changes at the Nature Center and enhance it by offering hands-on opportunities for learning in science, art, math, music, movement and dramatic play. These experiences reinforce the children's understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Explorers may attend either a four day or a five day program.
To visit our school and our grounds, please call the Nature Center's Director of Early Childhood Programs, Priscilla Woyke at (203) 966-9577 x 16. www.newcanaannature.org |
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| Stone Barns Center, Pocantico Hills, NY |
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After School Programs:
This fall Stone Barns will again offer two after school programs for students in grades K-6. The After School Explorers program caters to our younger farmers in grades K-2 and the Farmers in Training program is perfect for our older students in grades 3-6.
Farm Explorers:
K-2.
Session One: Gardening at Stone Barns, 3:30-5:00 pm. During September explorers will learn about plants and what they need to survive. We will work alongside our farmers and gardeners to save seeds, harvest vegetables, and prepare beds for the winter months.
Session Two: Animals at Stone Barns, 3:30-5:00 pm.
During their four weeks on the farm, explorers learn about all of our animals and help our farmers with the afternoon farm chores. Explorers will collect eggs, feed pigs and observe animal behavior.
Session Three: Farm to Table and Farm Crafts at Stone Barns, 3:30-5:00pm. Explorers will learn how to prepare a seasonal farm fresh snack. We will explore the farm for our ingredients and make the preparations in the classroom. Explorers will go home with recipes and farm crafts.
Farmers-in Training (FIT):
Grades 3-6. Farmers in training are hard at work at Stone Barns. When they arrive at the farm, FIT will head right to work and help the farmers with evening chores such as collecting eggs or feeding the pigs. After chores are finished, the young farmers will start a structured activity such as building trails, amending beds, or moving animals.
Little Farmers Program: The Little Farmers Program is designed to involve parents and their children, ages 2 ½ to 3 ½, in exploring the farm, discovering the joy of being outdoors, and connecting to the wonder of nature in our lives. Each of the four classes will focus on a different farm theme, and will include hands-on activities and visits to the animals and gardens to learn about livestock care and growing our own food. Using stories, songs, crafts and games we'll foster our sense of wonder and learn about the farm right in our backyard.
If you have any questions please contact Shelby MacLeish at 914-366-6200 X111, shelbym@stonebarnscenter.org,
www.stonebarnscenter.org |
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| Teatown Lake Reservation, Ossining, NY |
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Teatown Lake Reservation is a nonprofit, environmental organization with a nature education center and 834-acre preserve located in the Towns of Yorktown, Cortlandt and New Castle. Teatown's preserve includes the 33-acre Teatown Lake; 15 miles of trails; habitats including streams, a scenic gorge, hardwood swamps, mixed forests, meadows, hemlock and laurel groves; numerous live animals and exhibits in our living museum/nature center, including nine birds of prey; and a two-acre wildflower preserve (Wildflower Island) with some 230 species of native and endangered wildflowers. Teatown offers a variety of children's classes for ages 2 through 9 years, all include outdoor explorations with activities, games and crafts for a fun-filled experience!
Preschool Discovery Classes:
Our Preschool Discovery Classes are designed to empower our youngest participants through awareness and knowledge. Our educators help foster young people's innate curiosity and enthusiasm about flora and fauna through a mix of outdoor explorations and age-appropriate activities, games and crafts. Teatown offers Preschool Discovery Classes in the fall, winter and spring. The multi-week programs typically run 8 weeks in the fall and spring and 4 weeks in the winter. Children meet with an instructor once weekly for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Classes are divided by age groups: Children 2- 3 years old, 4-5 years old and 5-7 years old. All programs are $130 for members and $150 for non-members, except Puddle Stompers.
Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. 914-872-2912. For more information on Teatown, visit www.teatown.org |
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| Other |
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| Chappaqua Children's Workshop (CCW)
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| Chappaqua Children's Workshop was established in 1982 and is a non-profit organization providing programs for children before and after school in the Chappaqua School District. There is also a preschool program for 2, 3, and pre-k aged children. For more information, call 914.238.3295.
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| The Clover Hill Early Childhood Center |
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| The Waldorf-inspired Clover Hill Early Childhood Center has an open enrollment for its programs. The Parent and infant for ages 2 months to 18 months meets Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30. The Parent and Child classes for ages 18 months to the 4th year meet Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30. These special programs, held in a home-like setting, offer unique experiences for you and your child, including bread making, simple crafts, puppetry, celebration of seasonal festivals, circle play with songs, lap games, rhymes and finger games, outdoor play and a wholesome snack. Address: Friends Meeting House, 572 Roxbury Rd., Stamford CT. For more information or an application please contact Sarah Brown, School Administrator at 203.661.6484 and visit our website at
www.cloverhillschool.org |
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| Girl Scouts of Westchester*Putnam, Inc.
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| The Girl Scouts provides quality programming, leadership training, and empowerment for young women throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To join or for more information, call 914.747.3080. Girl Scouts of Westchester*Putnam, Pleasantville, NY 10570-2110.
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| Father/Son Book Discussion Group, Chappaqua, NY
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| A great opportunity for boys entering 5-8th grades and their fathers (or other important men in their lives) to read and discuss books in a casual, non-academic setting. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info call: 914.238.4779.
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| Irvington Theater Workshop Classes |
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| Fairytale Theater. Ages 3 1/2 to 5 years old. Play, pretend, move, imagine and more! Children will enhance imagination, coordination, and creativity by learning fun and fanciful theater games. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington. For more information, call 914.591.6602 or visit www.IrvingtonTheater.com. |
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| Creative Dramatics. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades. Creativity is the key as children learn basic theater skills through theater games, story telling, songs, and movement. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington. For more information, call 914.591.6602 or visit www.IrvingtonTheater.com |
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| Improvisational Acting. For grades 3-6. We will be using our props and our own bodies to act out scenarios to develop characters and original scenes and stories. Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main Street, Irvington. For more information, clal 914.591.6602 or visit www.IrvingtonTheater.com. |
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| Mother/daughter Book Discussion Group, Chappaqua, NY
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| A great opportunity for girls entering 5-8th grades and their mother (or other important women in their lives) to read and discuss books in a casual, non-academic setting. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info. call: 914.238.4779. |
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| Rosenthal JCC |
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Classes for Infants/Toddlers: The Rosenthal JCC Parenting Center offers innovative programs for newborns through two year olds with their parents or caregivers that challenge their fine and gross motor skills, and promote physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. Activities also offer caregivers the opportunity to make new friends.
Fall classes at the Rosenthal JCC Main Campus, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, include: Budding Picassos; Mood Art; Shake, Rattle & Roll; Almost Two; Toddler Tunes; Nanny & Me; Busy Babies; and Shabbat Tots. Classes are weekly or twice-weekly beginning in September or October, and are priced between $220 and $540. Contact (914) 741-0333x19 for more information.
Fall classes at the Rosenthal JCC Yorktown Branch, 3565 Crompond Rd. (Route 202), Cortlandt Manor, include: Step-By-Step; Mommy & Me; and Moms of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS). Classes are weekly beginning in September or October, and are priced between $195 and $390. Contact (914) 736-3076 for more information. www.rosenthaljcc.org
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Classes for Pre-Schoolers: The Rosenthal JCC offers classes that engage and excite your child and are taught by specialists in their fields. Fall classes at the Rosenthal JCC Main Campus, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, include: Daddy & Me Sports; Yummy Tummies; Gymnastics on the Fun Bus; Kids Love to Rock; Soccer with Super Soccer Stars; Theatre Arts Junior Program; and Karate Club. Classes take place 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. daily beginning in September or October, and are priced $125 to $360. Contact (914) 741-0333x21 for more information. Fall classes at the Rosenthal JCC Yorktown Branch, 3565 Crompond Rd. (Route 202), Cortlandt Manor, include: Jungle Beat; Crafts for Pre-Schoolers; Healthy Harvest; When I Grow Up, I Want to Be...; and Stay n' Play. Classes take place 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. daily beginning in September or October, and are priced $150 to $225. Contact (914) 736-3076 for more information. www.rosenthaljcc.org
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After-School Classes: The Rosenthal JCC offers interesting and unusual after-school classes for children in K through 6th grades. Fall classes at the Rosenthal JCC Main Campus, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, include: Cyber Discoveries; TechnoDrama; Hot Art-- Cooking; Cheerleading; Hoop Dreams-- Basketball; Kids Rock or Rock Band; Mad Science; Drama Kids International; Chess; Super Soccer; Hip Hop Dancers; All that Jazz-- Dance; and Knitting. Classes take place from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. TRANSPORTATION IS FREE from Bedford Road, Todd, Armonk, Grafflin and Mt. Pleasant schools! Classes start in September or October and are priced beginning at $185 for eight to 12 weeks. Call (914) 741-0333x15 for more information. Fall classes at the Rosenthal JCC Yorktown Branch, 3565 Crompond Rd. (Route 202), Cortlandt Manor, include: Adventure Club-- hiking and orienteering; Craft Club-- scrap booking; Young Chefs Club; and Jewish Jamboree-- learning Jewish holidays and traditions. Classes take place 4:00 to 5:30. Classes start in September or October and are priced around $210 for 10 weeks. Call (914) 736-3076 for more information. www.rosenthaljcc.org
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| Stepping Stones Museum |
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Cooking Corner. Children will count, measure and mix their way to making healthy edible creations. Each class will feature a non-baking cooking activity that will allow children to discover the fun of culinary art. Geared for children ages 3 to 5. When registering a sibling, each additional child will receive 10% off. For more information or to register, call (203) 899-0606, ext. 247. Financial assistance is available. Please call to inquire. Visit the museum online at www.steppingstonesmuseum.org. |
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Stepping into Senses. A class designed to inspire the senses. By understanding how animals use their senses through role playing, children can develop an understanding of their own senses. Children will have fun walking and talking like an animal, listening to animal sounds and building animal homes. Each class will also explore an exhibit-related theme through music, movement and other forms of play. Geared to children ages 6 to 24 months. When registering a sibling, each additional child will receive 10% off. For more information or to register, call (203) 899-0606, ext. 247. Financial assistance is available. Please call to inquire. Visit the museum online at www.steppingstonesmuseum.org. |
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