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Music to our Westchester Ears

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Former Yankee Mariano Rivera (left) and fellow honoree Robert Heath (right) share a couple of moments before the award ceremony.
Former Yankee Mariano Rivera (left) and fellow honoree Robert Heath (right) share a couple of moments before the award ceremony.
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Former Yankee Mariano Rivera (left) and fellow honoree Robert Heath (right) share a couple of moments before the award ceremony.

By Miriam Longobardi

Photos by Cathy Pinsky & Jim D’Angelo

What do you get when you bring together heroes of the New York Yankees, musicians, businessmen and community leaders? The answer is new musical opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds courtesy of the Music Conservatory of Westchester and its benefactors. This past June, the Whippoorwill Club in Armonk hosted the 14th annual Golf and Tennis Classic followed by a reception, silent auction and star-studded awards dinner. This year’s recipient of the Community Vision Award was given to former Yankee All-Star and World Series Champion Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara. What made receiving the award extra special was that it was presented to them by Rivera’s former teammate and musician, Bernie Williams of Armonk.

Rivera’s former teammate and musician, Bernie Williams (left) and Communications Director, Jon Chattman (center), present the Community Vision Award to Clara and Mariano Rivera.
Rivera’s former teammate and musician, Bernie Williams (left) and Communications Director, Jon Chattman (center), present the Community Vision Award to Clara and Mariano Rivera.

Amid the bustle of eager fans awaiting photo ops, Rivera and his wife took some time to talk about the rebuilding and renovations done to their New Rochelle church, Refugio de Esperanza (Refuge of Hope) Church,  where Clara Rivera serves as pastor. The funding to rebuild the church came from the Mariano Rivera Foundation.  “We are able to work with community doing something that we love,” Mrs. Rivera shared. She added, “We have the Foundation and we both work together to reach people and bring them together.  We have been doing this type of work for many years.”

Rivera feels his calling is helping others. “It has truly been a blessing helping the community as much as we can. I am really happy with what we have done and hopefully we continue to do this work for many years to come,” he said about being honored with the Community Vision Award. When asked about the fact that Williams would be presenting the award, Rivera said, “Bernie has been a friend and a teammate for so long that having him here tonight is really special.” In addition to the work done with the church for his community, his fundraising is enabling two children to receive scholarships to the Conservatory, and they were also in attendance with the Riveras. “It is always rewarding to help children learn music. Music is something that connects all of us.”

Bernie Williams (left), Conservatory Executive Director Jean Newton (center), and Mariano Rivera with the first recipients of the Clara and Mariano Rivera Music Scholarship, Dyana Taylor Garcia (left) and Mia Sarai Suarez (right).
Bernie Williams (left), Conservatory Executive Director Jean Newton (center), and Mariano Rivera with the first recipients of the Clara and Mariano Rivera Music Scholarship, Dyana
Taylor Garcia (left) and Mia Sarai Suarez (right).

Another honoree of the evening was Armonk resident and Chairman of the Conservatory Board of Trustees Robert Heath, who received the Distinguished Leadership Award. In addition to serving on the Board for the past twenty years, Heath is on several committees at the Conservatory as well, including marketing, events and the treasurer. He notes that the school is still a business and, having successfully run his own business for over twenty years, that expertise along with the talented faculty and staff help keep the Conservatory thriving. “I like collaborating with other board members.  Rodd Berro and I are a great team. We’ll meet outside the office, go to the Beehive and work over lunch. There’s always a huge list of what you would like to accomplish, but at the end of the day you have to pick what will have the most impact.”

Heath is not only a businessman but an accomplished musician in his own right, and he described a new scholarship program being offered for adult students, particularly qualifying seniors. Like many people who took instrument lessons as a child, Heath stopped playing piano around his teenage years when school and other interests got in the way. “When I joined the board I realized I should be a customer here as well. I started taking piano lessons again at age 50.”  While he had always had a rich musical life, having formed an opera group and conducted, his actual piano playing had taken a backseat. Since then he has performed in over fifty recitals as well as playing in small ensembles with other adult students at the Conservatory. “A lot of the students are really quite talented,” Heath shared. “Like any activity once learned but not done in a while, picking it up again is not super difficult, but it is super rewarding.” Colleagues of Heath’s offered their praise, saying even passing by and hearing him play in a practice hall is like a concert in and of itself.

Board President Rodd Berro elaborated on more programs being offered by the Conservatory.  In addition to expanding their scholarship programs and adult education, another new initiative is the veterans program Healing our Heroes, which offers music therapy. Currently there are nearly 25 veterans participating. Music therapy takes many forms- taking lessons, playing music or just listening–whatever the therapist feels is appropriate for each individual case. Veterans are not the only ones benefitting from music therapy; music therapy has long been proven to help autistic children lower anxiety and improve communication skills.

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Robert Heath (right accepts the Distinguished Leadership Award from Jean Newton (left) and longtime collaborator Rodd Berro, Board President (center); the two friends and colleagues then share a congratulatory embrace.
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Robert Heath (right accepts the Distinguished Leadership Award from Jean Newton (left) and longtime collaborator Rodd Berro, Board President (center); the two friends and colleagues then share a congratulatory embrace.

In his fifth year as president, Berro admits he is not a musician himself although both his children attended the Conservatory. He hopes that the expanded programs being offered will help college-bound students realize that serious participation in music programs is as impressive on a college application as sports and academics. “Music is not just for music’s sake, but can help kids get into college,” Berro said. He takes tremendous pride in the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

Rounding out an evening celebrating all the honorees, Broadway stars were also there lending their vocal talents. Tony award winner Lena Hall, Tony nominee Constantine Maroulis, and Nick Cordero sang and entertained the crowd following the dinner and live auction. It was an exciting night to be among such diverse and talented people, all coming together to share the gift of music. In the words of Rodd Berro, “It’s a great school, we have a wonderful facility and staff, and we just keep moving forward.”

For information on the fall programs and opportunities at the Music Conservatory of Westchester, go to:
www.musicconservatory.org

Miriam is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester. 
A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society and has completed four marathons and travels the world.  Follow her on Twitter@writerMimiLong.com.

 

Playgrounds: Some You Know and Some You Don’t

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Heather Skolnick Photo
Heather Skolnick Photo

By Heather Skolnick

The Play’s the Thing!

What is the one place where everyone has fun (besides Disney)? The playground! What could be better than good, old fashioned fun outside?

Playgrounds offer an opportunity for children to be children. Playgrounds are one of the few places left where no batteries are needed, there is nary an iPad, iPhone, or Playstation in sight. Kids can run around to their hearts’ content and can use their imagination to create play scenarios. My own kids love to pretend that the clubhouse in the playground is the lookout point where they can watch out for pirates.

While often the site for playdates, playgrounds offer more than a place to just play. For moms and caretakers, they are a place to meet others. New resident Nikki Cosentino has been using playgrounds as one way to meet other moms within the community. She comes with her two daughters and lets them play safely in an enclosed environment while she socializes. Nikki says, “We have moved twice since I had my first daughter, and I always head to the local playground right away to connect with other moms. The park was our first stop here after move-in day in April. Sure enough, I was able to chat with a local mom and get some inside tips on our new town while our kids played together.” Nannies, too, enjoy the social benefits of the playground. When my nanny started, she used the playground as a place to meet people caring for kids in the same age range.

Playgrounds also serve as a place where children can develop and hone social skills. The playground is a place where children interact with other children, whether on a playdate or just mingling with other kids there. Special Educator Janet Weingarden works with children in many of our local schools. She often uses the playground as a forum for learning. She said, “The way we learn social skills is through practice and watching others. Being in a playground is a particularly effective place to do both of those things.” She continued, the playground “offers opportunities for sharing, turn taking, collaborating, cooperating and a fantastic opportunity to build empathy. There’s also an opportunity to practice social scripts…as well as problem solving skills.” It’s no wonder Janet often goes there with her students!

From a physical standpoint, the playground offers all kinds of opportunities to strengthen gross motor skills. Climbing up a wall, for example, requires the muscle strength to accomplish it. It also requires the motor planning needed to reach the top of the wall. Both can be practiced at the playground. Play structures are also filled with opportunities to improve some sensory and vestibular sensitivities. Swinging on a tire swing provides all kinds of vestibular input to help increase the ability to process movement. Jumping is an example of “heavy work” which many teachers and therapists have found to improve attention and calmness for hours afterwards. Physical activity also increases arousal level which can help raise confidence. All in all, the learning opportunities on the playground could rival the classroom!

Hide and Go Seek an Old or New Favorite Spot or Two

Now that we know all the benefits of our playgrounds, where can we find them within our community? Specifically in North Castle, there are several playgrounds from which to choose. According to the 2010 census, the Town of North Castle has an approximate population of 12,000 people, 30% of which are under the age of 18. With about 3,600 kids to keep busy, it’s no wonder that the Town has a plethora of exciting playgrounds! Armonk resident Megan Elkowitz has a four-year-old and a two-year-old and, as a result, knows the area’s parks well. She shared that each of the community’s parks offers something different for her–and while she frequents all of them, she finds that she chooses the park based on what she’s looking for that day.

John Lombardi Park is a great all around park that offers basketball courts, tennis courts and a great playground. The playground area includes swings, a climbing wall and large playground structure with all the standard fixings–twisty slides, bouncy bridges, poles to slide down, etc. What else could a child want? There’s a large, covered gazebo with picnic tables for snacks and taking periodic breaks from the sun. In addition, John Lombardi Park also has clean bathroom facilities just off the path from the playground. This is an important feature for the potty training set.

The author’s twin boys “hanging out” at the playground.
The author’s twin boys “hanging out” at the playground.

Formally listed as the North Castle Community Park on the Town’s website (but informally known as IBM Park) is a tucked away, hidden enclave for those in the know. If someone doesn’t tell you it’s there, you’d never know. In fact, one mom recently said that she took classes at Equinox with her toddler son and never even knew it was there! It offers something for everyone with very well maintained recreational options including a track, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields as well as a playground. The playground itself offers two separate playstructures, one a bit smaller in scale than the other for younger kids. The larger one is filled with great activities to keep kids entertained and having fun. Mother of two Lauren Schecter recently had a playdate at IBM Park. The park had been recommended to her by two Armonk moms and this was her first visit there. She said, “I can’t believe I never even knew this park existed! This is a great playground; the equipment is current, there are lots of activities and most importantly, my son is having fun!”

Another fun option is Winkler Park on Bedford Banksville Rd. Donated to the Town in the 1970’s, it was recently renovated in 2013. The play structure was updated to meet all safety regulations. Winkler Park now also offers a new fishing dock as well as newly resurfaced tennis and basketball courts.

Clove Road Park outside the Community Center is another great option offering two unique play structures with lots of activities for kids. This is one that works well for older kids as well as younger kids with lots of different activities to engage kids of all ages. Baseball fields are next door and the proximity to the Community Center is an asset as well.

Lastly, Quarry Park off Old Orchard Street also has a playground. With so many options, how is one to choose?? So while the weather is nice, have the kids put down the electronics, get outside and head to the playground!!

Heather Skolnick, her husband and three young children are often found at one of our neighborhood playgrounds. When not swinging from the monkey bars, Heather works for a major retailer designing their Omnichannel process
and systems.

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show: A Celebration of Art and Community

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Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.
Byram Hills High School AP Art students are also juried for participation in the show.

By Sarah Jane Weill

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show, ranked as one of the “Elite 100 Fine Art Craft Shows” by Art Fair Sourcebook as well as one of the “Top Fine Art and Fine Craft Shows” in the New York Metro Area by Sunshine Artist Magazine, is back for its 54th year this September. With approximately 8,000-10,000 visitors from the tri-state area annually, there is a lot of anticipation leading up to the show.

A community-supported event, there are approximately 300 people working on the completely volunteer-run show. In particular, the five co-chairs: Stacy Wilder, Marian Hamilton, Debbie Heidecorn, Ava Zukowsky, and David Africk begin working on the next year’s Show almost immediately after the conclusion of the current year’s event. There are always things to be done to “keep it fresh,” says Wilder of the preparation. “What does change is not always noticeable…much of it is ‘behind the scenes.”

The Art Show consists of about 185 exhibitors, 42 of which will be new to the event. All artists have to apply, with the exception of the previous year’s award winners who are automatically welcomed back. The applicants are reviewed by the Art Show jury, which is comprised of about twelve local jurors, all of whom have varied professional art backgrounds. “The Art Show jury meets twice a week in the spring for about six weeks reviewing applicants,” explains Judy Moniz, who is in charge of the jury. “The show is quite competitive,” she adds. This year, there were approximately 550 hopeful applicants.

The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.
The nationally recognized show welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the tri-state area.

The artists are divided into eight categories: printmaking, drawing, pastels; oils and acrylics; photography and digital art; sculpture; watercolors; mixed media; fine arts; and wearable art. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in each of the categories. There is also an award for Best-in-Show, which, last year, was presented to Robert Hessler for his work in pottery. At the end of the first day of the Show, three new judges, all of whom also have professional art backgrounds, decide the winners following detailed discussions and careful scoring of all the artists’ work. The distinguished ribbons are then handed out on the second morning of the show. “Artists from throughout the country, as well as from Canada and Israel, will be exhibiting this year,” Moniz says.

For the second year now, there will also be a booth of high school student artists at the Art Show. Approximately ten artists from the Byram Hills’ AP art program will be exhibiting. These students also had to apply to the Art Show, and were juried for selection. The addition of local student artists establishes another great connection to and within the Armonk community.

The Art Show puts out a detailed directory displaying all the artists and images of their work. This is a unique approach for this type of event and, as a result, it is very “popular among the artists…it’s a big draw,” explains Wilder. “A lot of work goes into making [the directory], ” she continues, “it sets the show apart” as it showcases the artists beyond the Art Show itself. The student artists and their work will also be fully featured in the directory this year.

There’s a lot to do at the show, for people of all ages and interests. Primarily, attendees visit various artists’ booths and have the opportunity to engage with them and learn about their work firsthand; a truly unique opportunity for art-lovers of all kinds. Free guided-tours are also organized at the show, during which tour guides escort people through the event at scheduled times; each tour focuses on different aspects of the show, specifically planned so that all interested attendees will be able to find at least one tour that appeals to them.

The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.
The 185 juried artists offer a wide range of art to suit every taste and budget.

Personal shoppers are likewise available to help those looking to purchase art, perhaps with an eye toward some home decorating. There are also events for children: an art booth at the back of the show featuring sand art, face painting, and other crafts, as well as a scavenger hunt that takes place throughout the whole venue. A food court with a wide selection tasty treats including some organic options, completes the scene.

This year, a transportation feature is being added to the Art Show. Castle Cab, an Armonk-based taxicab-company that uses App on-demand and advanced reservation requests, is acting in partnership with the Art Show to help bring more people to the event. Primarily, this will help New York City residents get to the show, as transportation can be difficult. Attendees who take the train from Grand Central Station to North White Plains will find will find Castle Cab cars waiting for them upon arrival. For a flat fee of $10 per car, instead of the usual rate of $18, the cars will take their passengers directly to the show and drop them off at a premium entry spot. When visitors are ready to leave the Show, the cars will be standing by to take them to the station. Or, if people are looking for a bite to eat or to do some sightseeing in town, the cars will accommodate travel to any local destination–to or from the show–for half price. This is an exciting new development and partnership, and will hopefully be a big draw for even more attendees, especially from places farther away.

art show 5The connections to the community deepen as net proceeds from the Art Show go to the North Castle Public Library. The annual event is the library’s biggest fundraiser, and benefits many aspects of the library including new programming, children’s programs, technology and facility upgrades. A recent example of funding allocation is the wonderful indoor playground in the children’s reading section. “The show has three levels of sponsorship,” Wilder explains, “gold, silver, bronze and also additional sponsors and community supporters”. All are listed in the Art Show’s directory, which is also great exposure for sponsoring local businesses.

The Art Show will take place the weekend of September 26th – 27th, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event goes on rain or shine. Admission price is $10, or $8 for senior citizens and coupon holders. The discount coupon is available for print on the Armonk Outdoor Art Show website: armonkoutdoorartshow.org. Ages 18 and under are free. There is ample free on-site parking for those driving themselves, as well as senior and  parking. No dogs are allowed, not even art-loving ones!

With so much to see and do, the excitement for the Art Show is palpable. This event has become one of huge importance to the Armonk community. Not only is it a great place to see a variety of talented, diverse artists, but it is also a perfect opportunity to go out and enjoy the experience of being with people who share an enthusiasm for art and the town itself. Events like these are truly special, and so it is no surprise that after all of the hard work, year after year, it is a great success. Of course, this year will be no different!

Sarah Jane Weill attends Bowdoin college. She is a graduate of the Horace Greeley High School class of 2014.

 

 

 

Adventures In Armonk: Walks And Hikes Right In Our Backyard

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Moss-carpeted ground at the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve
Moss-carpeted ground at the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve

Article & Photos By Liz Susman Karp

Let the phrase “take a hike” take on a different, and far more positive meaning this fall by heading outdoors on one of the many noteworthy local hikes and walks in and around Armonk. The nearly 350 acres of parkland in North Castle feature trails for walking and hiking at all different levels and various lengths.

The Betsy Sluder Preserve offers a beautiful, easy walk in shady, leafy environs off of Old Route 22. Cat Rocks Park (Bedford), designated a nature conservancy by North Castle, is a similar spot; note parking can be difficult on the narrow roads. North Castle Superintendent of Recreation & Parks, Matt Trainor, recommends the Johnson Tract, a wooded area off of North Greenwich Road, as “a wonderful quiet hiking area.”

In the heart of downtown Armonk, meander through the paths of bucolic Wampus Brook Park for a lovely, leisurely walk. Looking for more of a challenge? Resident Jane Ellen Gertz comments, “Since the 16 years I have lived in the Whippoorwill Hills neighborhood, close to town, I have run or jogged with and without a baby jogger or walked, depending on my level of fitness, a 3-5 mile loop that takes me through town and back home again. There are various turns to make each day’s exercise a little different, including Old Mount Kisco Road, Lombardi Park, Rainbow Bridge over Interstate 684, H.C. Crittenden fields, Wampus School fields and connecting paths to Lombardi Park and Wampus Brook Park.” Trainor agrees, saying that those fields and parks “sort of interconnect, which in itself would make for a great circuit. Just a thought: If you are taking a dog–please remember to clean up!”

A well-trodden trail at the Betsy Sluder Preserve beckons to be walked.
A well-trodden trail at the Betsy Sluder Preserve beckons to be walked.

Two superb spaces in which to walk or hike are the Eugene and Agnes Meyer Preserve and the Herbert L. Nichols Preserve, both owned by the Nature Conservancy. The 247-acre Meyer Preserve, primarily donated by the former owners of The Washington Post who once lived at the nearby Seven Springs estate now owned by Donald Trump, encompasses vernal pools, rare flora and fauna and over 6.5 miles of wooded trails and fields. Enter on Bretton Ridge Rd for the western parcel or on Oregon Road for the eastern parcel. Near the Greenwich border off of Riversville Road, the 87-acre Nichols Preserve offers walking trails and several ponds and streams.

For those who prefer walking on a track, there are two available, at Byram Hills High School (Tripp Lane) when school is not in session, and at North Castle Community Park (Business Park Drive) which Trainor says, “is desirable for runners and athletes with knee issues because of its cinder base…it’s better on the joints and muscles.” The high school also has a network of paths used in season by the cross country team, and the park has a long asphalt path that runs the length of the playing fields, providing a nice walk and community atmosphere for spectators and residents.

Wide pathways run alongside the water at picturesque Wampus Brook Park.
Wide pathways run alongside the water at picturesque Wampus Brook Park.

The Bronx River Greenway, a series of disconnected paths that run parallel to the Bronx River Parkway beginning in Yonkers and ending at the Kensico Dam “to me,” says Trainor, ”unofficially connects North White Plains to the Kensico Dam Complex,” where he often takes his family. “It’s a great all-around facility and you can’t beat the view from the top of the dam.” The wide pathway at the top of this Westchester County symbol opened in May 2012. He suggests taking that trail along with the Greenway and heading south on Route 22 towards North White Plains. “The great thing here is that you can get super creative with the routes and length of walks you take, even in the more ‘urban’ settings,” enthuses Trainor.

Another popular destination close by is Cranberry Lake Preserve, a Westchester County Park in North White Plains. Trails range from 1-2.4 miles in length and include cliffs and a history trail past remnants of an early 20th century stone mining operation.

Heading farther afield, the exceptional Rockefeller State Park Preserve offers over 30 miles of specially-designed wide interconnected carriage roads past rolling hills and picturesque scenery for easy to moderate walks. Trail maps are available online and at the Preserve office, entrance on Phelps Way in Pleasantville.

North Castle Seniors Nellie Palamarczuk (left) and Faye Barresi (right) walk with Liz Thomas (center), North Castle Senior Recrea- tion Leader, in Wampus Brook Park. Senior walks are regularly scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
North Castle Seniors Nellie Palamarczuk (left) and Faye Barresi (right) walk with Liz Thomas (center), North Castle Senior Recrea- tion Leader, in Wampus Brook Park. Senior walks are regularly scheduled on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.

A recent thread on Facebook’s Armonk Moms page discussed additional prime spots frequented by locals, including Westmoreland and Butler Sanctuaries (Mount Kisco), the Mianus River Gorge Preserve (Bedford), Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, the county’s largest park (Pound Ridge), and Audobon Greenwich. The Zofnass Family Preserve, also in Pound Ridge, offers a family Westchester Wilderness Walk. The Westchester County Parks website (parks.westchestergov.com) and numerous books, such as Walkable Westchester, are excellent resources.

To join organized hikes in the county and surrounding areas, local groups available include Westchester Trails Association (www.westhike.org), New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (www.nynjtc.org), The Westchester Hiking Meetup Group (www.meetup.com/Westchester-Hiking-Group) and the Facebook group, Bedford Castle Baby Trails, which plans monthly family hikes.

Remember to wear proper footgear, use bug spray, bring water and check for ticks! Whether your preference is for a walk or a hike, living in Armonk provides abundant opportunities for a pleasant pastime or invigorating exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of our area.

Liz Susman Karp is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner. She, her husband and their two teenage boys live in Briarcliff Manor. They all look forward to trying some new walks and hikes.

The Eyes Have It!

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Dr. Janet Woo, an optometrist for more than 18 years and with Eye Designs of Armonk since 2011.
Dr. Janet Woo, an optometrist for more than 18 years and with Eye Designs of Armonk since 2011.

By Miriam Longobardi

If you thought vision screening for your child was only for accuracy, think again. What we see is determined by our brain’s interpretation and processing of information and there are a number of connections between learning and vision. Dr. Janet Woo, an optometrist with Eye Designs of Armonk, and Dr. Carolyn Lederman, an ophthalmologist with Lederman and Lederman, LLP in Purchase, shared some of the impact visual processing and other issues can have on learning, as well as some common warning signs your child may well be experiencing vision problems.

According to Dr. Woo, “As young children acquire language, they tend to visualize images associated with people, colors and objects. Visual memory helps them recall something that they have been asked to retrieve or, as in reading, parts of a story. Children with poor visual memory tend to struggle with recall and multistep directions.” As an elementary teacher I see this type of behavior often. For example, if students are directed to go and take out their homework planner, a highlighter and red notebook, they may only remember one or two of those directions. Another common processing issue is visual closure. In other words, if an adult is shown a picture with parts missing or a word with letters missing, the brain takes over and fills in these gaps. Children who struggle with closure need to be taught other strategies to do this.

Other common visual processing issues I have seen amongst students are reversals of letters and numbers, color blindness and difficulty tracking without using a finger while reading. Some children skip entire words or lines of a book which leads to gaps in reading comprehension. Dr. Woo noted that many children experience double-vision when their eye muscles are fatigued but think that is normal so do not report it. They may abandon books or stop watching a movie and claim they are bored or tired when in fact eye fatigue is the cause.

Carolyn Lederman, M.D., is a pediatric opthalmologist in practice for 18 years with Lederman and Lederman, LLP, with offices in Purchase and Stamford. She is also assistant attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Carolyn Lederman, M.D., is a pediatric opthalmologist in practice for 18 years with Lederman and Lederman, LLP, with offices in Purchase and Stamford. She is also assistant attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Dr. Lederman agrees that vision issues may go undetected in children. “A child does not complain because he or she does not know what normal vision is. Good vision is essential for proper learning in school. Children who cannot see well may not be able to participate in class and may be distracted or withdrawn. Children, parents and teachers are often unaware of a child’s visual difficulties. Parents and teachers are frustrated by a child’s lack of progress which may resolve after a comprehensive eye exam uncovers a problem and treatment is initiated.” Lederman notes that while vision problems are not the cause of primary dyslexia or other learning disabilities, any child who isn’t reading at grade level or is suspected to have or has been diagnosed with a learning disability should have a comprehensive ocular exam.

Another concern Dr. Woo reports is that eye strain due to screen exposure is hazardous. “I recommend no more than 30 minutes at a time of looking at a screen, whether phone, computer or video game,” she said.

Dr. Lederman cautions parents and teachers to note warning signs in children. “Squinting, blinking or face turning may indicate a vision problem, as can holding books close or moving closer to the board or television. If the eyes don’t seem aligned (both eyes looking at the same thing at the same time), a child should be examined immediately. Normal ocular alignment is critical. If a child closes one eye when reading or comments on double vision, he or she should be examined.”
Headaches may also be an indicator.

Early detection of vision problems is a key part of treatment. Tracy M., a Mount Kisco mother of three, was told by her pediatrician that her youngest daughter, Maggie, may have amblyopia, commonly termed, “lazy eye,” and was referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist. This was at Maggie’s 18-month-old well check-up. The ophthalmologist confirmed the diagnosis, and prescribed a patch to be worn three hours a day on the dominant eye as well as glasses. The patch was used for another five years. Tracy herself was diagnosed with the same condition (but not until she was age five), and recalls wearing an eye patch. “Nowadays they have patches with all sorts of cute designs on them for kids. Maggie would even decorate her own patches.” Maggie continues to wear corrective lenses and her eyes are now able to work together.

So what tests and screenings should typical children have? According to Dr. Lederman, “The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have designed a screening schedule for all children from birth through school years. Children as young as three years old should have their vision checked at their annual well visit examination; newer devices assess visual development even in pre-verbal children. School nurses assess vision and ocular alignment when students are entering kindergarten and periodically during a child’s years in school. Some test color vision and depth perception. If any abnormalities are suspected as well, a child should have a comprehensive ocular examination.”

Miriam Longobardi is a freelance writer, fourth grade teacher and single mother of two daughters living in Westchester.  A breast cancer survivor, she volunteers for the American Cancer Society, has completed four marathons and travels the world. Follow her on Twitter@writerMimiLong.com.