Article newsfeed http://www.hvparent.com/ en-us Copyright 2010 The Professional Image. All Rights Reserved. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Not long after my partner Stephanie announced that she was pregnant, I ran into a friend who was also expecting. She was a strong advocate for home births-this would be her third. Being somewhat enamored of de-medicalizing the birth experience, I asked her to have a chat with Stephanie. � It may have been a case of too much too soon. This was Steph's first child, and she was 40 years old, and none of this had even been on her radar. While she did not feel comfortable with the home birth option, she did think it made sense to try a drug-free labor at a birthing center. � Of course, while birthing centers encourage you to write up a "birthing plan," there are no guarantees as to what happens during the actual event. That's part of the appeal of a more "hospital-oriented" process-there is a fairly standard and systematic procedure in place. My mom had five kids in the 1960s this way. There was no option to forego drugs. There were no pre-birth prep classes for mom and dad, and certainly no need for breastfeeding class. The baby was shuttled off to a nursery immediately, and it was fed formula from the get go. � My partner Stephanie and I had our baby in November at the Birthing Pavillion at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt. It was a relaxed, comfortable, low-key environment. Our friend Kate was our doula. Everything went according to plan-until it didn't. When it came down to it, Stephanie seemed unable to push the baby out. There were tense moments for dad, when monitors showed the baby's heart rate going way down. I could see how exhausted my partner was. The doctor and midwife had gone into strictly business mode. � Finally, all hands on duty at the time were called into our room for one final chance to help deliver our baby boy before going to the Caesarean option. The operating room was on standby. A vacuum suction was employed several times, and the midwife climbed up onto the bed to help push the baby out. An episiotomy was performed. And our little guy finally started to emerge into the world. With his large, sloped head he looked like a purple baby gorilla to his stunned and exhausted dad. � It turned out that Mackinley Aden Roland, at 9 pounds 7 ounces, was about 2 pounds heavier than expected. There is no way to know how a home birth would have gone in this particular situation. � I still believe home birth can be the first choice for many parents, as long as mom is 100 percent behind it and has full confidence in all those involved. But as older, first-time parents, we felt more comfortable in a birthing center. In the end, the goal is the same: as safe and healthy a birth as possible for all. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1263 Editorial http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1263 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Are you familiar with this lullaby? "Generals gathered in their masses Just like witches at black masses Evil minds that plot destruction Sorcerers of death's construction." � No? Well, the folks at Rockabye Baby did have the good sense to leave out the lyrics to Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" and other timeless rock music songs when they created their popular nursery-friendly renditions. The infantized tunes will sooth parents as well as babies, as mom and dad recall their glory days while humming along: "Cutie the bomb Met her at a beauty salon With a baby Louis Vuitton Under her underarm" From "Gold Digger" by Kanye West. $16.98 each.� � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1270 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1270 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Bon Secours��Community Hospital 160 East Main St., Port Jervis 845-858-7175 Catskill Regional Medical Center P.O. Box 800, 68 Harris-Bushville Rd. The Birthing Center 845-794-3300� Good Samaritan Hospital 255 Lafayette Ave.,�Suffern 845-368-5000 Hudson Valley Hospital Center 1980 Crompond Rd. |Cortlandt Manor The Women's Pavilion�for Birthing 914-737-9000� Kingston Hospital 396 Broadway, Kingston The Family Birthplace 845-331-3131 Northern Dutchess Hospital 6511 Springbrook Ave., Rhinebeck Neugarten Birth Center 845-876-3001 Orange Regional Medical Center 60 Prospect Ave., Middletown Rowley Family�Birthing Center 845-342-7240 Sharon Hospital�Birthing Suites 50 Hospital Hill Rd. Sharon, CT 860-364-4000� St Anthony Community Hospital 15 Maple Ave., Warwick Kennedy Birthing Center 845-986-2276 St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital 70 Dubois St., Newburgh SLCH Birthing Center 845-561-4400 Vassar Brothers Medical Center 45 Reade Pl., Poughkeepsie 845-454-8500 http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1273 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1273 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Shopping at farmers markets may not be as convenient as the supermarket, but it's a wonderful way to introduce healthy foods to your family, and help kids understand our food systems. We asked Cathy Vogt, a certified health counselor and professional chef who uses fresh Hudson Valley ingredients in her meals to share her market shopping secrets and her tips on how to create summer meals for busy families. Find more of her recipes at anaturalchef.com. � Choose foods in season Focus your meal planning around these foods. You can find what's fresh using the calendar on New York State's Department of Agriculture and Markets website. Include your children in the shopping experience by having them pick out a new vegetable or fruit. � Bring cash. Or food stamps. � It'll be faster and easier for everyone. Unlike what is available at the supermarket, fresh, local food is not subsidized and can sometimes cost more. Many farmers markets in the United States participate in the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program. WIC provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women. If your family qualifies, you can receive coupons good at farmer's markets that help supplement your meals. Find more information on the Food and Nutrition Service website. � Another money saving alternative is participating in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). CSAs provide a partnership between a farm and a community of supporters. Common Ground Farm in Beacon is part of the CSA movement and offers a traveling farm stand called "Common Greens" that sets up in Beacon and also visits other towns. This mobile market accepts foods stamps and features cooking demonstrations, raffles, giveaways and more. � Shop early in the day � You'll find the best selection and the freshest produce at this time. Go late if you are looking for deals and are not picky. Vendors will be happy not to haul anything back with them and will want to get rid of leftovers. � Be social � Ask the farmers about their growing practices, how the food is raised, and if they have any cooking suggestions. Many markets offer free recipes and samples, and have cooking demonstrations to inspire you to try new foods. This is a great time to get your kids to experiment, too. � Keep your meals simple � Focus on one or two main farm market ingredients and build a meal around those. A recent trip Vogt took to her local market resulted in the following menu when she purchased a large head of crispy cabbage: quick summer slaw with cabbage, carrots, summer herbs, apples and toasted sunflower seeds, served with locally raised organic turkey burgers on toasted olive bread. Vogt�loves planning meals from farm market finds. Read�here for one her favorites. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1264 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1264 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The following meal of Mediterranean style quinoa salad, poached chicken, and a minty melon bowl is one of Cathy Vogt's, who runs anaturalchef.com,�favorites. Quinoa is a quick-cooking gluten-free grain and perfect for an easy family meal. It stores well and is a great whole grain alternative to those pasta salad combinations that are so popular when the weather is hot. Vogt likes using red quinoa, which has a nuttier flavor and looks pretty mixed with colorful market vegetables. Pick up a loaf of country style crusty whole grain bread or a baguette at the market to serve with the salad. � For those who like some animal protein with their meal, serve the quinoa salad with shredded poached chicken. The poaching liquid can be used for preparing a simple sauce, added to yellow squash, onions and other summer veggies for a quick light soup, or frozen for later use. Use the poaching liquid instead of water when cooking rice or other grains for added flavor and extra nutrients. � Finish off the meal with a fruit salad of chilled seasonal melons tossed with fresh lime juice and chopped mint leaves, and drizzled with a teaspoon of local honey. Top with toasted almonds and serve parfait style in tall glasses. Recipe: 1 cup Quinoa, raw 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut into �'s 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 each garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp. Oregano, fresh, chopped 2 Tbsp. Parsley, chopped � cup calamata olives, chopped 1 15 oz. can Artichoke hearts, drained, chopped 1 bunch Spinach or arugula, fresh, cleaned and chopped or torn into bite sized pieces. � cup-fresh lemon juice � cup-extra virgin olive oil � - � tsp. Sea salt � Rinse quinoa well in cool water and drain in fine mesh strainer. Place in small pot with 2 cups of water and a dash of sea salt. Bring to a boil, stir to combine, turn down heat and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit an additional 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and place in a bowl. Toss gently. � In a large bowl, toss warm quinoa with lemon juice, oil and salt. Let sit until it reached room temperature. In a saut� pan heat olive oil, add green garlic and saut� on medium heat to soften. Add tomato, oregano and olives, and toss again. Add lightly saut�ed vegetables to quinoa toss and add parsley, artichoke hearts and spinach. Combine all ingredients thoroughly, season with salt and fresh ground pepper and serve. Poached chicken 4 - 6 oz boneless chicken breasts 3 qts. water 2 each celery stalks, cut into chunks 2 each carrots, cut into chunks 1 each onion or fresh leek, cut into chunks 2 each garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 6 each parsley stems, fresh 2 sprigs thyme, fresh 2 each bay leaves � In a medium pot, combine water, celery, carrots, onions, and garlic. Place parsley stems, thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns in a paper coffee filter or piece of cheese cloth and tie with a string. Place sachet bag into the pot along with vegetables. Add salt to the pot. � Bring contents to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Place chicken breasts in poaching liquid, making sure the breasts are covered fully with liquid, simmer for about 15-18 minutes, until the inside temperature reads 160 degrees, or the chicken is firm to the touch. � Remove chicken from poaching liquid, cool and shred into thin strips. Set aside until ready to use. Strain poaching liquid. The liquid can be put in small containers and frozen for other uses. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1265 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1265 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Some children thrive with a full schedule of activities while others feel stressed and overscheduled. "Well meaning parents sometimes push kids too hard and are trying to make up for lost childhood opportunities." How do you know your child is on extracurricular overload? Here are some red flags according to Smith who remarks if you see these you need to reevaluate your child's schedule: Your child is irritable Your child is exhausted much of the time Your child doesn't want to go to the activity Your child has frequent psychosomatic complaints like stomach aches and headaches Your child doesn't want to go to school Your child's schoolwork begins to suffer Your child doesn't have enough time to do homework How can you ease the stress of finding an afterschool activity? Get the answer!   � � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1262 Education http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1262 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT There are good reasons to enroll your child in after school activities, according to Ellen Smith, a licensed clinical social worker and certified health coach in Poughkeepsie. It's a great opportunity for them to develop hobbies, learn new skills, and socialize. It also provides supervision to kids who might otherwise go to an empty home. � Research shows that after school programs can boost academic performance and test scores. However, Smith says a key factor to extracurricular success is that kids enjoy the particular activity. � When selecting after school activities, begin by thinking about what your child chooses to do in his or her down time. Every child has natural abilities. Smith tells parents to observe their child to discover what they are good at and help them further their interests in that direction. � Once you have an idea of the possibilities, make a list of activities that your child has expressed an interest in, along with their daily schedule. Help them weigh the pros and cons. Explain the time commitment involved. If they chose an activity that involves purchasing equipment, discuss whether they will be partially responsible. While parents should have the final say, children are more likely to practice and actively participate in an activity they helped select. � If your child demonstrates a gift, it is wonderful to nurture that talent through lessons. But pushing your child into a full load of after school classes in order to give her a head start may backfire, says Smith. One solution is to break it up with something different. For the budding concert pianist, that might mean a martial arts class one day a week rather than piano lessons every day. For the sports star, a fun science-related program at a local Mad Science program could expand her horizons. Give her other options and encourage other interests so she doesn't feel pressure. � Roberta Cruse-Fordham of Sports, Fitness and Fun in Florida says if trial classes are offered that is a good way to find out which activities your child will be happy participating in. If trials aren't an option, Cruse-Fordham suggests visiting a potential activity while it is in session so you and your child can get a true picture of the environment, the staff and the program. Sports, Fitness and Fun offers a wide range of after school activities that develop gross motor and fine motor skills. She points out that not all children are naturally gifted athletes, so there are programs where kids can simply get moving, socialize, practice teamwork and have fun. � Most experts recommend that parents enroll their children in no more than two activities during the school year. If there is a huge time commitment limit it to one. Smith says that when trying to determine if your child should get involved in multiple activities, consider your child's temperament, how much homework they have each night and the amount of time each week that the activities require. "Listening to your child is key." � A safe environment � Nancy Moore, child care director of the YMCA in Newburgh, says the YMCA after school program is a safe haven for children of working parents that offers a well-rounded program where kids can make friends and feel they belong. Beyond the basic concerns such as safety, trained staff and enjoyable activities what else should you look for? Ask yourself these questions when evaluating potential after school activities: � Is the programming age appropriate? Does it offer fun, hands on approach to learning? Are the kids enthusiastic and do they seem happy? � Keep your expectations realistic. Your child may need to try a few different actitivities before they find one that suits them. In the process of choosing after school activities remember they will get more out of the activity if they are having fun while doing it. Look around until you find a good match for your child's temperament and your family's needs. Are your kids doing too much all at once? Find out here. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1261 Education http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1261 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Evenflo Momentum 65 is a child car seat designed to offer greater protection during side impact crashes. In terms of day to day features, car seat harnesses can be a time wasting pain in the neck (literally), so the Momentum features an easily adjustable harness system. The seat works in both forward and rear facing modes, and can handle a child up to 65 pounds. Most important, it comes with a flip-up cup holder. $199.99, Babies R' Us. Enter to win our Evenflo giveaway here! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1271 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1271 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The following recipes are�courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Try one or all three to satisfy your watermelon craving. Watermelon Shirley Temple � This recipe was created by Chef Joe Poon for the National Watermelon Promotion Board. � Ingredients: 4 shots (6 ounces) watermelon juice 4 shots (6 ounces) lemon lime soda 2 teaspoons confectioner's sugar � Instructions: Place all ingredients in a mixer. Mix, then pour over crushed ice and strain into glass. � Servings: Serves 2; Per serving: 186 Calories; 1g Fat (3% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 46g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 24mg Sodium � Grilled Kielbasa with Watermelon Relish � 1 cup minced watermelon � cup minced onion � cup finely chopped cabbage 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 2 tablespoons honey mustard 3 pounds kielbasa � Mix the watermelon, onion and cabbage in a mixing bowl. �In another small bowl slowly mix the vinegar into the mustard and then pour the mixture over the watermelon/onion/cabbage mixture and toss together. �Grill the kielbasa until brown and crisp on the exterior but still juicy inside. �Remove from grill to a cutting board and cool for 5 minutes before cutting the kielbasa into bite sized pieces and skewer them with a pick.� Serve warm with the relish for scooping with the kielbasa. Serves 12 as an appetizer. Red White and Blue Watermelon Sundaes � 4 cups watermelon balls 2 cups fresh blueberries 4 dollops prepared whipped topping Red, white and blue star sprinkles � Gently mix together the watermelon and blueberries. Divide among 4 sundae bowls. Top each with a dollop of topping and sprinkle with red ,white and blue sprinkles. Serve immediately. Serves 4. � � � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1272 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1272 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT There are variables within a woman's control that can help shape her birthing experience. Your attitude is critical, of course. And your support system. But at least as important is the place where you choose to deliver. It will often determine what kind of practitioner you have and what sort of freedom you're allowed during your labor and delivery. � "Women need to have choices," says Mary Riley, a doula from Glenford. "In the Hudson Valley you have choices - you can choose a homebirth or a birth center. It depends on what you're looking for. Where do you feel safest? Whatever choice you make has responsibilities. You have to get educated about your options." � In many states, birth centers are, by legal definition, private facilities (other than hospitals) that provide labor, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. They are usually run by midwives, and offer an environment where labor and birth are embraced as normal biological processes. � While there are technically no freestanding, midwife-run birth centers in New York at this time, a number of hospital labor and delivery units in the Hudson Valley have distinguished themselves by adopting a more family-centered, non-interventional approach to obstetrics. � "It's more effort, it requires more attention to do birth center-style care," explains Dr. George Verrilli, who founded the Neugarten Family Birth Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital. "Doctors today have to deal with volume, there isn't time to watch women closely for long periods of time - to unhook them from heart monitors so they can walk, or offer support to help work through pain." The Neugarten Birth Center, which turns 25 this year, was founded to provide an alternative, supportive, and family-oriented birth experience. � Most birth centers will give you a tour of the facilities. Do not skip this critical opportunity. It allows you not only to check out the rooms, amenities, etc., but to get a feel for the staff that will be present to assist during labor and the birth of your child. Most centers will allow you to develop a birthing plan that sets forth what you would like to happen. This is a good time to review your plan and make sure the facility is willing and able to follow through on your requirements. Read�on to discover�some of the things you can expect from a birth center (Remember, features and guidelines are different�for every center.) � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1257 Babies and Toddlers http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1257 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Some of the features of a birth center include: Private, homey rooms � Creating a relaxed environment is a primary goal of birth centers Most offer spacious, private rooms, with bathroom, TV, and sleeping accommodations for a support person. Others provide separate birthing rooms with a large tub, low lighting, etc., and a post-partum recovery room where couples are encouraged to bring items from home, including lamps, pictures, music, and bedding. � Mobility during labor � In traditional hospital births, the woman is kept in the supine position for labor and delivery. However, it is neither efficient nor natural for a woman to remain on her back for the whole of childbirth - consider gravity and the task at hand. Movement helps labor progress naturally, and contractions are frequently better weathered squatting, on all fours, lying over a birthing ball, or sitting on a birthing stool. At a birth center you are not connected to IVs and heart rate monitors at all times. You will be encouraged to walk the halls, move about your room, and change positions as often as you'd like. � Non-intervention approach � Though you may want to rush to the hospital at the first sign of labor (especially if it's your first), it is recommended you adhere to the 4-1-1 rule: Wait until contractions are four minutes apart, lasting for at least one minute, and have been doing so for an hour or more. If you arrive at the hospital too early, your labor may slow or stop altogether in the new and bustling environment. With the traditional approach you were more likely to be given labor inducing drugs to speed things along, which can trigger a cascade of interventions. At a birth center, the natural labor process will be respected. � No hospital gowns � Though they may be available, hospital gowns are not required apparel. Neither are masks, hats, booties, and scrubs for dad or anyone else attending the birth (unless you have a C-section). You can also bring your own diapers, clothes, and blankets for the baby. � Natural is the norm � While the incidence of induction and anesthesia is still significantly higher in a hospital birth center, birth plans that do not include anesthesia will likely be acknowledged and respected. Epidurals, intrathecals ("walking" epidurals), Caesareans suites, forceps, vacuums, and other tools for intervention are on hand, but theoretically considered Plan B's. To accommodate the desire for a natural birth, nurses, midwives, and doctors will encourage alternative pain management strategies including hypnosis, meditation, showers, walking, birth balls, or the birthing tub. � Education and support � Many birth centers offer a wide array of classes to prepare and empower expectant and new families, including pre- and postnatal exercise; infant CPR; sibling preparation; childbirth, labor, and delivery; and breastfeeding support and education. � Midwives and Doulas � The incorporation of certified nurse midwives into obstetric practices has become common. Prenatal visits with a midwife are generally 30 minutes longer than those with an OB/GYN. The use of doulas is also common in birth centers. Doulas are a non-medical labor support person and advocate who offers support to both mother, and partner. Statistics show that the use of a doula increases the chance of having a natural childbirth by over fifty percent. � Birthing tub � Proponents of water birth cite benefits to the laboring mother including less painful contractions, greater relaxation, and a more peaceful transition from the womb for the newborn. � No separation � Child development experts agree that the moments after birth are a critical time for bonding to begin, to take advantage of the flood of hormones released in natural childbirth and also to initiate breastfeeding. At a birth center, your baby will go right into your arms upon delivery. At Neugarten all newborn care, including tests and check-ups are done in-room. Many centers, in lieu of a traditional nursery, will honor a parent's request that the baby stay in-room for the duration. � VBACS � It is estimated that one in three women delivers by C-section, making it the most common surgery performed in U.S. hospitals today. The high rate of C-sections has made the question of vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) a pertinent and controversial one. The extensive internal scarring caused by C-sections is considered a significant risk factor under the stress of natural labor in subsequent pregnancies; for this reason, hospitals almost unilaterally do not permit VBACS. Many birth centers will attempt a VBAC. � Pro-breastfeeding � Many centers have lactation consultants and nurses on staff that are qualified to assist new moms with the task of learning to breastfeed their newborn in those first days. Many birth centers encourage on-demand breastfeeding which increases the likelihood of a long-term nursing relationship. Looking for a local birth center? Read about the The Neugarten Family Birth Center here. � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1258 Babies and Toddlers http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1258 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT When the Neugarten Family Birth Center at Northern Dutchess Hospital opened in 1985, it was the first hospital-affiliated birth center in the state. Today, Neugarten is one of the most popular birth centers in the Hudson Valley - it has been 5-star rated for maternity care by HealthGrades four years in a row. In the early 60s when he began to practice obstetrics, founder Dr. George Verrilli recalls his discomfort with what was considered the "art of delivery" at the time. "Knock the woman out with ether, give her a big episiotomy and deliver the baby with forceps - she woke up 40 minutes later not knowing she'd delivered, whether she had a boy or a girl." Dr. Verrilli decided to open his own practice, where he offered childbirth classes to prepare expectant families "much like you'd prepare an athlete for the Olympics." He delivered his patient's babies at Northern Dutchess Hospital. � A family affair � Thanks to the open-mindedness of the board at Northern Dutchess, Dr. Verrilli established a family-oriented birthing environment within the hospital. No one was required to wear masks or hospital gowns. Women could walk the halls or stand in the shower during labor. Nurse midwives were brought onto the staff. Babies stayed in a private room with the parents at all times, and sleeping accommodations were eventually made for fathers. � Despite having such unorthodox practices for the time, Northern Dutchess' annual births quickly rose from around 200 to almost 400 by 1975. When the state required that small hospital maternity centers (fewer than 1,500 births annually) merge into larger regional centers, the NDH Mother's Club gathered 5,000 petition signatures to keep obstetric services at the hospital, and by 1979 the state agreed. Five years later a generous donation from Dr. Ludwig Neugarten allowed Dr. Verrilli to expand the birth center into its own space. On July 1, 1985 he delivered the first Neugarten Family Birth Center baby. � Today almost 800 babies are delivered at Neugarten annually, and the center maintains its reputation as a progressive birth facility. "We give patients options, we allow them to really be part of the team in making decisions regarding their healthcare," says Pam Rhodes, Northern Dutchess' Director of Women's Services. " The Neugarten Family Birth Center's 25th Anniversary celebration is September 15, 2010. Learn more about home births and midwives here. � � � � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1259 Babies and Toddlers http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1259 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT When Antonia Kannengiesser was pregnant with her daughter Sofi, now two and a half, she was not ready for home birth. "I knew I wanted a natural childbirth, and that Northern Dutchess was supportive of that, and pro-breastfeeding, so it was the only place to go." Almost two years later, Kannengiesser prepared to deliver her second child. After seeing the documentary The Business of Being Born and with the encouragement of doula Mary Riley, who attended Sofi's birth, she decided to do it at home. She once again enlisted Riley, and chose "The Susans" - Susanrachel "Birdie" Condon, CNM, LM and Susan Rannestad, CPM, LM, CM - of River and Mountain Midwives. Her husband was nervous about the choice to birth at home, but as the pregnancy progressed and their relationship with the midwives grew, he relaxed. When she went into labor at 7am on a Tuesday in December, Kannengiesser took her daughter to school, went grocery shopping, and watched a movie with her husband and sister. By 11pm she was in active labor, on all fours on the stairs, with Riley by her side while her husband tended to Sofi upstairs. Eventually she moved into the birthing tub set up in the living room, and after a 20-minute nap there - what is called the "rest and be thankful period" - she woke up and began to push, and son Magnus was born that night underwater. � Kannengiesser felt even the occasional checks required at a birth center interrupted her rhythms. "I needed to just be able to do it. At home while I was in the tub, the midwife asked if I wanted to be checked to see how far dilated I was and I said 'no,' so she sat down and kept knitting. They had total confidence in me and my body, and seeing that boosted my confidence." That confidence is the defining force behind the midwifery model, which homebirth fully embodies. � "As women actually use their voice and their power and see that they are major players, they see that the medical system is not necessarily the best guide for what's 'normal,'" explains Jenna Houston, CNM, MS. "Midwives - experts in normal - work with what's working, know how to keep things normal, know how to nurture and support the intelligence of the body." � Houston, who has been assisting homebirths in the Hudson Valley since 1972, says that they are on the rise again. Though homebirths accounted for half of all births in the U.S. in 1938, today they account for less than one percent. Often criticized as reckless and unsafe, statistically homebirths are as safe as a hospital birth. According to Houston, homebirth midwives come equipped with IVs, oxygen, emergency drugs, and a wealth of knowledge on how to best usher a woman through the physical and emotional demands of childbirth. � Homebirth benefits include: � Cost-around $10,000 for a normal vaginal delivery in a hospital. A midwife costs about half that, a fee which includes prenatal home visits, and postpartum and newborn care. No travel stress while in labor. "[Traveling to the hospital] You're yanking yourself out of your nest - it's not in the flow," says Houston. You're not around any of the germs that linger in hospitals, including MRSA, or You're not connected to unnecessary technology solely for the sake of protocol. You are not sharing doctors or nurses with other laboring women, and you can enjoy the privacy of your own home, in the company of as many (or as few) of your loved ones as you'd like. You are able enjoy your newest family member without having to think about transitioning home. New York is not one of the 33 States that allow freestanding birth centers unaffiliated with any hospital. New York State assemblywoman Amy Paulin recently sponsored a bill that would repeal New York's requirement that midwives have a "written practice agreement" with a doctor or hospital. The bill made it through Assembly and Senate committees in early June, but is now stalled because of opposition from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Find a homebirth midwife practicing in your area. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1260 Babies and Toddlers http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1260 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The 75 recipes in Love in Spoonfuls, by the editors of Parenting, are arranged by age, from 6 months to 2 years, so a new parent will be referring to this from first bites through toddlerhood. Each chapter starts with the age-relevant lowdown of how to approach feeding. The beautiful food photography is used not only to accompany the recipes (raspberry puree, Asian-style pork meatballs, baked fish with mango) but also to illustrate early eating concepts-for instance, the minimum safe sizes for various finger foods. Topics such as picky eating, global flavors, and family meals are presented as mini-features. Preparation tricks include making bento boxes, and using cookie cutters to keep food fun, with an eye on creating habitual and healthy meals for your infant that compliment the family meals. This has worked at our house: Mackie's pea and mint puree is so tasty I've been known to slip it onto dad's plate. -Stephanie H., Beacon Love in Spoonfuls, published by Chronicle Books, 159 pages. $19.95. chroniclebooks.com http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1255 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1255 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The rotating hook on chair by�Chicco let's you bring baby to the table with a minimum of fuss & spin her for dinner. It goes on and off easily, and works on most tables, so no hassle taking it with you to grandma's house. The only inconvenience is pressing two little buttons at the same time to remove the chair arms, which requires dexterity and finger strength. Another useful feature is the removable serving tray, which can be popped in the dishwasher. The seat pad comes in two prints for 2010, Miro (shown) and Sea Dreams, and is machine washable. $69.99. Target. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1256 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1256 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT Firefly by Dr. Fresh has been the number one kid's toothbrush in America for the past four years. And now they've brought Barbie into the Firefly fold.� "Barbie is an enduring brand, and she is the number one license for girls ages 6 to 12," says Dr. Fresh. "We are confident that parents and children will love this toothbrush, which is poised to make cavities forever unfashionable." Who knew there was an actual Dr. Fresh? Kids press a small rubber button and the toothbrush flashes for one minute, the amount of time recommended by dentists to brush one arch. Press once more for the second arch and then, voila!-time for some orange juice. $3.49. Walgreens, Target. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1250 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1250 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT I reviewed the Ocean Wonders Jumperoo a little while back on our blog, regarding it as an odd configuration of metal and plastic that nevertheless produced a drooling smile every time. The report from the field after a few more weeks gets even better. Mom and dad love it because it's the perfect place to put baby Mack while preparing his breakfast, and a great way to jump-start his day. All the various doo-dads still amuse, and even the little ditty it plays over and over is less annoying than, say, the ice cream truck jingle. Overall, I'd call the Jumperoo our "Ten-Minute Nanny" (my partner calls it baby crack). It's the rare toy that has actually paid for itself! -MR $99. Babies R Us. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1252 What's New http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1252 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT In a matter of seconds, my sixteen month old daughter grabbed a bottle of cleanser from a cabinet where the child safety lock had become loose and started running through the house. When I found her covered in white powder, I didn't know if she had swallowed any of the chemicals. In the end, everything turned out fine with my daughter. But, according to the�Home Safety Council (HSC), approximately every 7 seconds, a child under the age of six arrives at an emergency room due to a suspected poisoning. "Each year, there are over 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits (because of events) that happen in the place we like to think is the safest place we can be," says Meri-K Appy, President of HSC. "We believe the majority of these can be prevented." While many parents think of traditional childproofing like securing medicine cabinets and covering outlets, there are many other areas that should be considered to make a home safe. From checking the temperature of water coming out of the tap to ensuring playground safety and checking the smoke detectors, parents need to take a look in and around their homes for safety issues that can become a hazard for their children. From baby to toddler Many parents think about buying clothes and toys for their new baby, but how many parents think about making home safety preparations before their infant arrives? In a recent study done by the HSC, nine out of ten parents reported that they were going to baby proof, but almost half were going to wait to do it until their child was crawling. "The time to think about home safety is before you bring the baby home," says Appy. "And certainly before they become mobile." The top five causes of unintentional home death for children under the age of 15 years old are fire/burn, choking/suffocation, drowning/submersion, firearm, and poisoning. Children under the age of one have the highest rate. Appy points out the temperature of the water from a tap as one area many parents don't consider. She says that infants have thinner skin and if the hot water heater is set to higher than 120 degrees, a baby is at risk of being scalded. In a 2009 baby safety survey done by the HSC, less than one-third of parents set their hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or just below the medium setting. And twenty percent of parents surveyed didn't know that infants should never be left unattended in the bathtub, no matter how shallow the water. "Babies have been badly injured when they were left alone for the parent to get another child," says Appy. "Practice constant supervision when children are in and near water for both drowning and scalding." As summer approaches, parents should understand that even a wading pool or bucket of water to wash the car poses a potential drowning hazard for a toddler. "Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water. Toddlers are top heavy and can easily fall over. Any amount of water is a real hazard," says Appy. "You must be within touch distance to your child when they are around water." Janine Boldrin is a freelance writer who lives in West Point with her husband and three children. Read�on for preschool safety tips. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1248 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1248 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Opponents of same sex schooling maintain that same sex education will have the reverse of the intended effect and actually increase gender stereotypes. Additionally it is believed that same sex education will also diminish and even negate the gains made by Title IX, a Higher Education Act that calls for federally funded schools to treat males and females equally in academics and in sports. Gender differences lie on a continuum Most teacher education programs do not train prospective teachers for same gender education. The differences between boys and girls lie on an overlapping continuum, and there is no one way to teach boys and another to teach girls. Some boys are highly sensitive and as the clich� goes; "in touch with their feminine side." Conversely some girls are extremely aggressive and assertive, and more dominant than some boys. Sooner or later males and females will live and work together. Advocates of coeducational education believe that single sex schools limits the opportunity to learn to work cooperatively and experience the real gender differences between the sexes, not the stereotypes. Case by case basis What is the answer; do single sex schools improve academic performance and give kids a competitive edge? As I have said before the answer cannot be stated as a simple yes or no, and additionally, the answer is often contradictory. There is some compelling evidence that both at the elementary and secondary level academic performance is enhanced when girls are present in the majority. However there are still a multitude of unanswered questions that need to be researched. If you are considering a single sex educational setting for your child, be aware of how your child learns best, including their learning style, temperament, interests and where they would be happiest. When you have the answers to these questions for your child, then you can make an informed decision, and your child will benefit, wherever they go to school. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. What are the�pros of a same sex education? http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1249 Ask Dr. Schwartz http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1249 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT For a listing of all hospitals that accept cord blood donations: marrow.org. For a list of public and private cord blood banks: parentsguidecordblood.org. This site also lists all current diseases treated with cord blood and all diseases and conditions being researched. The two companies that accept public donations from anywhere: Cryobanks International, Inc. 800-869-8608 STORAGE: Altamonte Springs, FL LifebankUSA 1-877-543-3226 STORAGE: Cedar Knolls, NJ http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1247 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1247 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Summer is known as "trauma season" among safety experts and health professionals. Here are some summer safety considerations for parents to review as their family enjoys the warmer weather. For more home safety tips, visit homesafetycouncil.org�and our home safety article. If you have a pool or spa, install a fence that is at least five feet high and goes around all four sides. The fence gate should be self closing and self locking. A sliding glass door is not considered a barrier. When children are in or near the water, make sure a grownup is watching them. Do not get distracted by cell phones or conversations, and do not put older children in charge of watching younger children in the pool area. Make sure the area under your child's playground equipment is covered with a thick layer of appropriate safety material. Keep sidewalks and pathways clear of toys and clutter so you or your child doesn't trip. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never run a barbeque grill in the garage or any other enclosed area of your home. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1246 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1246 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT In our increasingly competitive society, professionals as well as parents are always looking for the educational environment that best allows children to perform to their maximum potential. A controversial issue in this quest for the optimal environment is finding the ideal setting for every child. One of the often discussed and debated options in this quest is the consideration of single gender education. Some considerations for same gender educational practices include, the setting itself in contrast to a coeducational setting, the potential social benefits of this setting, and the potential enhancement of learning outcomes. It is also important to take into account that boys and girls learn differently. There is evidence that their brains are also structurally different as well. However, these differences between boys and girls are one of degree and not of kind. This month's column discusses the prevailing arguments with regard to same gender education. Parents can evaluate what the research suggests and weigh that against how their child responds to various aspects of the educational environment. Historically, it was believed that same gender education supported the prevailing gender stereotypes; that men should study courses that prepared them for careers in medicine and engineering, and that girls should prepare for the fields of nursing or teaching. Professionals at that time believed that coeducational schooling would change these stereotypes. Coeducation appears to not only have not changed these behaviors and stereotypes, but has rather reinforced them. Girls in coed settings tend to avoid math and science so as not to be seen as masculine, and boys shy away from the arts to avoid being seen in any way feminine. The following is an outline of the "facts" about same sex education. There is a real shortage of hard research evidence or facts either way. The facts presented by most research studies are more like generalizations about the genders. If you are thinking about placing your child in a single sex education environment, first and foremost you should predicate your decision on whether your child will be happy in that setting, and then consider the research and how placement might impact your child. Pros of same sex school There seems to be less social pressure based on gender in same sex settings. Girls are more competitive, compete in sports more and appear to be more outspoken and less shy when boys are not around. They also participate in traditionally male dominated subjects when boys are not there to potentially evaluate them. Boys also seem to feel the relaxed social pressure to be seen as masculine, and become less competitive and more cooperative. They may participate more in what are usually seen as feminine subjects like art and drama. Since boys mature later than girls, it may be an added benefit for them. Researchers suggest that this freedom from, what is perceived as evaluation from the other gender, allows kids to concentrate on their studies and become more well rounded learners. Teachers can plan and adapt their lessons to the particular learning styles that the children have, as well as planning events that don't need to include activities for both genders. Without the constant bombardment of social pressure throughout the school day found in a typical mixed-sex setting, advocates feel single gender schooling is a more relaxed learning environment. Simply stated, single sex proponents believe single sex settings encourage kids to break out of stereotypical roles and just be themselves. It is believed in a single sex setting that kids might explore areas of strength they possess, that might not have explored in a coeducational setting. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh. What are the�cons of a same sex education? http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1237 Ask Dr. Schwartz http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1237 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Many expectant couples are not aware that they may have the option of saving their baby's cord blood. In fact, more than a few are likely unfamiliar with the term itself. Here are some facts about cord blood and what options for saving the blood are currently available. "Cord blood is the blood taken from the umbilical cord and placenta after the birth of a healthy baby," says Misty Marchioni, director of�Community Blood Services in New Windsor. The stem cells found in cord blood are currently used to treat leukemias and certain cancers. Research is being done with stem cells to treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injuries. Stem cells are cells that have the capacity to become other types of cells-lung cells, heart, muscle, etc. Other sources of non-embryonic stem cells are bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells. Cord blood has several advantages over other stem cells. Because cord blood is collected and cryogenically stored, it can be available for transplant in 24 hours. Finding a registered viable bone marrow donor can be a time-consuming process, and in some cases patients do not have much time. Bone marrow donation is painful, and peripheral blood donation is uncomfortable and time-consuming. Also, the more mature stem cells found in bone marrow and peripheral blood are more likely to cause graft vs. host disease, which occurs when the body recognizes the transplanted stem cells as foreign substances and begins to attack and destroy these new stem cells. Because cord blood stem cells have not done a lot of "fighting," they may reduce graft vs. host disease by as much as 50 percent, according to Donald Hudspeth, general manager and international project manager at Cryobanks International, Inc. Saving is expensive One of the biggest concerns about cord blood banking is cost. Saving cord blood in a private bank has an initial cost along with an annual fee. "It's not free and it's not cheap," says Hudspeth. "One of the first questions you have to ask is can you afford to do it." There is an upfront cost of about $2,000 and then a yearly fee of $100 or more to maintain the cord blood. The perceived advantage is that you are guaranteed that your child or someone else in the family who is a compatible recipient would have the cord blood available if the need arose. Public banking is also an option. However, it costs a public bank about $1,000 to process cord blood for storage. To accept donations without charge, the bank must have income to support the laboratory. That income may come from federal funding (The C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program authorized by the Stem Cell Therapeutic and research Act of 2005 provides funding to cover the expense of collecting and storing public cord blood donations) it may come from private banking profits, or selling some of the donations to research programs. Still, many hospitals do not offer this service-there are currently none in the Hudson Valley region. The closest hospitals are in New York City. Jamie Lober is a nationally known speaker providing information on women's and pediatric health topics. jamie@getpinkpower.com. How does cord blood banking work? http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1239 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1239 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Falls account for approximately 1.3 million injuries each year and are the leading cause of nonfatal home injuries for children. According to the NYS Department of Health, one of the most common causes of fall related hospitalizations for children include falling from playground equipment. "I have yet to see a safe play area in a backyard," says Meri-K Appy, President of the Home Safety Council. "Every swing set needs to provide a safe landing with padding in the fall zone. Beyond a bone breaking, there is head trauma which is not so easily fixed." From 2004 to 2006, Dutchess County had the highest rate of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) hospitalizations in New York State. Falls, which are the leading cause of TBIs, constituted twenty nine percent of the causes of injury related hospitalizations for children in Dutchess County in 2006.� The NYS Department of Health recommends that playground surfaces consist of shredded rubber, fiber mulch, or fine sand that extends 12 inches deep and 6 feet around equipment to reduce injuries due to falls. "Children are going to climb and they are going to fall. Make sure they have a safe landing and supervise them," says Appy. "Parents buy play sets for their kids to grow into, but kids are going to use them right away." The whole family Does your family have a fire escape plan? "As a family talk about what you're going to do when the fire alarm goes off," recommends Appy. "Have a family fire drill. Make sure the children know what the alarms sounds like and where they should go. Elementary age children can sleep through an alarm. You may have only minutes to wake up and get your children." Michael Vatter, Chief of the Newburgh Fire Department, recommends changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year and using Daylight Savings Time as a good reminder for the switch out. "We still find very old wiring in residences along with substandard electrical service," says Vatter. "Older homes are a major concern for us. We do find that heating systems are neglected. Failure to maintain the heating systems is a major cause of carbon monoxide incidents." Beginning on February 22, 2010, NY State Law requires that every dwelling unit have a Carbon Monoxide Detector installed. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is highly toxic to humans. "Wood stoves, fireplaces, even an attached garage, all of these are key sources of carbon monoxide," says Appy. "The scary part is that you only know it is there if the alarm goes off." Think ahead Parents need to continue to reevaluate their home's safety as their child grows. Resources are available through the Home Safety Council, your local health department and fire department to learn about what you can do to keep your home safe. Janine Boldrin is a freelance writer who lives in West Point with her husband and three children. Home safety starts at birth, find out more here. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1236 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1236 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Whether you decide to bank privately or publicly, you must first enroll by filling out an extensive questionnaire. If banking privately, a deposit will be required. (If choose public banking, find out if the attending physician will charge a collection fee. Some do and some do not.) The questionnaire must be usually be completed and signed by your physician by the end of the 34th week of pregnancy. Most companies will then send out a collection kit and follow up with a phone call. After the birth, the doctor obtains the cord blood and returns it to the couple, who pack it according to instructions. The lab will usually arrange a pickup. That's it. The procedure itself is safe and painless. Once it reaches the lab, it undergoes further screening. According to Donald Hudspeth, general manager and international project manager at Cryobanks International, Inc., about forty percent of public donations are accepted, with the largest majority being rejected to to a low volume of stem cells in the sample. Nationally, the cord blood being used averages 1.4 billion cells per sample. "If the sample is already below that minimum cell count to become transplantable, chances are its viability will be overshadowed by processing fees and storage costs." Another ten percent or so is rejected for medical reasons, and a further ten percent due to errors in handling and collection. Future uses forseen Public banking makes the blood available to anyone who is compatible through human leukocyte antigen, or HLA, testing. It checks the recipient's likelihood to create antibodies against the blood.� Ethnic minority donations are the most underrepresented in the banks, so mothers from these populations are encouraged to donate. Right now the applications for cord blood are limited, but the scientists are busy. "The Food and Drug Administration just cleared a clinical trial for the use of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood for cerebral palsy," says Misty Marchioni, director of Community Blood Services in New Windsor. It's impossible to say what the possibilities may be for cord blood stem cells in the future, but some parents are banking on it. Jamie Lober is a nationally known speaker providing information on women's and pediatric health topics. jamie@getpinkpower.com. Find�local resources! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1240 Health http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1240 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT School's out, and summer is now in full swing, but education has been in our local news, with many budgets being slashed, due in large measure to the disappearing State treasury. It's a problem that seems to emerge every few years, but unless something changes drastically, it looks like this issue of school funding will be a constant for some time. So what's a parent to do? It's not like most of us are that much better off than the State in terms of financial health. If you can afford it, private school may be an option. Read "Economics of Education" in our special Education Guide this month to learn how to choose a school for your child-the answer may surprise you. Even with limited financial resources, though, we as parents can help our kids, from getting involved with their schools to making more time to share with them our enthusiasms in life. At hvparent.com, we'll continue to blog about local media coverage. And we will continue to write about the issues involved within the pages of this magazine. There are many settings for kids to learn other than school. I'm always amazed at the sheer volume of events geared toward children available to Hudson Valley parents-museum exhibits, craft and art workshops, story times, outdoor learning activities, concerts, and much, much more. Both our print magazine and our website are full of events every month. To make things even simpler, I urge you to sign up for our weekly newsletter. Our editorial team picks a sample of events, along with highlights from our online content, and delivers it in one tidy package to your inbox once a week, in plenty of time to plan your weekend. As if that were not enough, we run newsletter-exclusive giveaways every week. In the last month we gave away hundreds of dollars in prizes, including a Flip video camera, a St. Eve Kids loungewear set, and a Jumperoo from Fisher Price. We invite you to visit us online, to join our Facebook page, and to get connected with the issues important to you and other Hudson Valley parents. So, to sum up this month's lesson, Hudson Valley Parent brings you: A. Informative articles about important parenting issues B. A treasure trove of great activities to do with your kids C. Valuable weekly giveaways, prizes, and coupons D. A way to connect with other Hudson Valley parents E. All of the above If you circled E with your number 2 pencil, go to the head of the class. Dismissed. Have a great July. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1234 http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1234 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Check out these recipes courtesy of� "Dish 'n' That" that are a twist on classic picnic meals. Chocolate Cookie Berry Cups with Strawberry Mascarpone Ingredients an Directions: For the cookie cups: 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder and cinnamon. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time; beat well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract; beat until combined. Turn the mixer down a notch and add the flour mixture in three stages, blending until just combined and you have a smooth dough. Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour or longer until ready to use. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove one half of the dough and on a lightly floured surface, roll it out to a 1/4 inch thickness. Using a 3-inch glass or cookie cutter, cut out circles and place them in greased muffin tins, gently patting them to form little cups. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes until firm. Remove from pan and cool on a rack. For the filling: 1 8-ounce container of mascarpone cream. 3-4 tablespoons confectioner's sugar 1/4 cup frozen, defrosted strawberries with juice (gauge how much you need to prevent the cream from getting too loose) 1 teaspoon vanilla � teaspoon lemon zest Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Spoon a teaspoon of the cream into the cooled cookie cups. Top each one with a combination of fresh blueberries and strawberries. http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1233 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1233 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Check out these recipes courtesy of� "Dish 'n' That" that are a twist on classic picnic meals. Main Course-Grilled Tofu-Pepper Hoagies Makes enough for six 6-inch hoagies Ingredients: 6 club or ciabatta rolls 1 pound extra firm tofu 4-6 bell peppers, assorted colors 1 large yellow onion, sliced 1 large red onion, sliced 4-5 cloves fresh garlic, minced Olive oil Sesame oil Tamari 1 tablespoon fennel seeds Salt, pepper, to taste Directions: Squeeze as much water as possible out of the tofu, either using a tofu press or setting it on a paper towel and weighing it down with a heavy plate. Slice the tofu into rectangles and place them in a shallow baking dish. Add 2 tablespoons of Tamari and 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Turn the slices over and mix them gently in the marinade. Let the tofu marinate as you prepare the peppers. Wash the peppers and pat dry. Place them directly on a heated grill or on a baking sheet in a pre-heated 400-degree oven. Roast or grill until the peppers blister. Place them in a large bowl and cover with a lid to cool (this makes for easy peeling). For the tofu: Place the marinated tofu slices on a heated grill on top of the outdoor grill (this will prevent the slices from slipping through the grate). Cook until well browned on each side, about 5-6 minutes per side. Do not try to flip the slices until they are well browned on the first side. Set the slices aside to cool, then slice them into strips. Heat a large skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the garlic and sliced onions. Saute until the onions are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. (The onions and garlic can alternately be roasted right on the grill. Slice the top off a whole bulb of garlic and wrap it in aluminum foil, drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let roast for about 30 minutes until soft. Thickly slice the onions, brush them with a little olive oil and place directly on the grill. Brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes.) Slice the roasted peppers into strips and add to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the fennel seeds. Toss in the tofu slices and let the mixture cook together for several minutes. Slice the rolls and toast on the grill. Top them with a generous portion of the tofu-pepper mixture. � http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1232 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1232 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Check out these recipes courtesy of� "Dish 'n' That" that are a twist on classic picnic meals. Corn Salsa: Cedar-Grilled Corn and Red Onion Salsa Start to finish: 1 hour (15 minutes active) Makes 3 cups Ingredients: 10-ounce bag frozen corn kernels 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (with or without seeds, according to taste) 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided 1 large red onion, halved 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 scallion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Salt and ground black pepper, to taste Directions: About 30 minutes before grilling, soak a cedar plank in water. You may need to weigh it down to keep it submerged. When ready to grill, heat all areas of the grill to medium. In a medium bowl, combine the corn, jalapeno, garlic and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Toss well to coat. Carefully spoon the mixture in an even layer on the cedar plank. Place the plank on one side of the grill, and reduce the heat on that side of the grill to low. Cover the grill and cook for 10 minutes. Rub the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil over the slices of red onion. Place the onion on the other side of the grill (the side still set to medium). Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the corn and onion from the grill and set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder and red wine vinegar. Add the scallion and cilantro, then mix. When the corn and onion have cooled, chop the onion, then add both to the bowl. Mix well, then season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or refrigerate until cool. Plan the rest of your picnic menu! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1231 Family http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1231 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT "Our strong advice to parents is to pick a school rather than a type of school," says Bryan C. Hassel, Co-Director of Public Impact and the author of the Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child's School with Confidence. Here is what two local school administrators have to say: � Public � "The ability for us in the public sector to bring together students from all backgrounds and ethnicities to make sure that all children get a good education is a real gift," says Debra Jackson, Superintendent of the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District in Orange County. The Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District serves the communities of Fort Montgomery, Highland Falls, and (for its high school) West Point and Garrison. Jackson remains upbeat about public school education even though the district has been one of hardest hit by New York State's education budget problems. � Jackson highlights the successful art and music programs in her district along with some of its other innovative programs, like virtual learning environments, which they are working toward implementing and current programs, like the exchanges between the district's second graders with fourth and fifth graders in Taiwan through video conferencing and work sharing. � "I really believe that one of the nice pieces about a public school is that you need to hear from the community on what they value and build a program that reflects those values," said Jackson. � Private � "Every strong independent school has a distinct mission," says Peter Baily, Head of Oakwood Friends School, New York State's oldest co-educational boarding and day school, located in Poughkeepsie. "In other words, the school's philosophy and programs are in alignment to serve particular learning needs and goals and community values." � According to Baily, independent schools offer an array of choices and alternatives for families. "Oakwood Friends seeks to nurture the scholar, the artist, the athlete, and the spirit in each student," says Baily. "Academic classes are led by skilled, innovative teachers and are based on dialogue, discussion, research, and analysis in which all members participate." � Baily also points out that the school has a diverse student and faculty community that encourages an understanding of many different viewpoints, traditions and life experiences. "Because Oakwood is a small school, all students have the opportunity to be involved in leadership positions, athletic teams, and a variety of arts activities and service learning programs," said Baily. � He adds that Oakwood has been able to maintain a steady enrollment and continues to support its diverse programs through the current downturn in the economy. What do you think? Leave us a comment and let us know! http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1224 Education http://www.hvparent.com/articles/article.aspx?id=1224 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT