I’ll Have What They’re Having

Photo by Karen Haberberg Photography

My children have been back at school for a few weeks now; the pace at my job is accelerating madly after my summer vacation (and my wife’s even more so); my 13-year-old daughter, along with a few friends, was recently on the receiving end of some anonymous online bullying but is otherwise enjoying her return to school; and my 9-year-old son, much more so than last year, is trying to do all his homework before without turning to my wife and me for counsel.

In other words, fall is here, and as I consider the state of my family, I’m reminded of how pleased I am to be able to share our cover interview with Sean MacPherson and Rachelle Hruska-MacPherson. As you’ll see, there’s an admirable sense of openness, curiosity, and joy that informs their union and their parenting, and perhaps even their professional lives as well. When they agreed to come along on this adventure, we knew we were getting a couple with tastemaking chops—if you haven’t been to one of Sean’s hotels or restaurants, go; likewise, check out Rachelle’s website—but we had no idea that we’d be getting two of the most laidback successful folk in town. I want what they’re having—and I think their secret recipe may be hiding somewhere between the lines of our cover story. Enjoy!

I also want to recommend a few more essential pit stops in this issue: Our Last Word this month may be the most deceptively profound personal essay we’ve ever run about being a parent. Thank you, Heather Chaet, for going there. Our photo essay of great NYC dance programs is a delight. The list of the city’s best pediatricians and pediatric specialists is a keeper. And, finally, what would a family magazine be without all sorts of spooky ideas for a happy Halloween?

Have A Good October,

Eric Messinger
Editor, emessinger@manhattanmedia.com

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Purchase College Youth and Precollege Programs

<p>Welcome to the Summer 2024 Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts!</p> <p>For more than 40 years, these programs have been much more than camps. Summer students from grades 7-12 learn new skills in a rich environment full of exciting beginnings, new friends and achievements, growth and independence.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Summer 2024 Youth and Precollege Programs in the Arts. Serious Foundation. Serious Fun.</strong></p> <p>Ignite your passion for performing arts, creative writing, filmmaking, songwriting and music production, journalism, voice, auditioning, photography and photo editing, or visual art in these intensive enrichment experiences, led by experienced educators and teaching artists. Students in grades 7 – 12 engage in 1-, 2- and 4-week, full day programs designed to foster growth and independence while gaining new skills and meeting new friends with similar interests!</p> <p>Join the instructors you know and love in daily sessions that teach new skills and provide social interaction. We have kept the same low staff-to-student ratio and quality instruction that you have come to expect. They are immersed in a variety of exciting and enriching learning opportunities, such as songwriting, acting, visual arts, creative writing, filmmaking, digital arts, voice, and musical theatre. We hope that you choose Purchase College for your child’s summer experience. It is sure to create many treasured memories for your entire family.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Programs:</strong></p> <p>- Programs meet 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday–Friday, with early drop-off and extended</p> <p>day options also available.</p> <p>- There are no programs Thursday and Friday, July 4 & 5.</p> <p>- 10% discount for early registration and Purchase College faculty/staff discount</p> <p>- Session I: July 1 – July 12 Session II: July 15 – 26 Session III: July 29 – August 9</p> <p> </p> <p>Each program concludes with a performance, exhibit, reading, film screening, or other culminating event for families and friends to showcase the skills that they have learned.</p> <p> </p>

Ghostlight Theater Camp

<p>Ghostlight Theater Camp is a summer theater camp for campers ages 9-17. Providing 10-day, 3-week, and 6-week programs that combine high-caliber theater training with a traditional summer camp experience. </p> <p>Working with Broadway artists both in classes and in productions, campers will have access to skill development, mentorships, and lifelong connections that will follow them beyond camp. Ghostlight focuses on ensemble theatre values and practicies that support individuality and self-expression in the context of community. This means that no camper at Ghostlight is in the back row or sitting on the side. Each day brings multiple opportunities to perform and create with fellow campers in an environment filled with support. </p> <p>When not making theater, campers can enjoy the benefits of a summer camp in Maine that no other theater camp offers. Stargazing in a hammock, walks in the woods, downtime by the pool, and quiet time reading in the Gazebos with the sound of wind all around are some of highlights of a summer unplugged and away from screens. </p> <p>Finally, the most meaningful and lasting gift of a summer at Ghostlight is the friendships made that last a lifetime. Though the love of theater brings us together, and the work we do stands out from other experiences, the community focus of Ghostlight Theater Camp is why we hear, year after year, that campers cannot wait to return. </p>

Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp

<p>Buck’s Rock Camp is a freedom-of-choice creative and performing arts camp for teenagers ages 10 to 17. Every summer at Buck’s Rock is completely different. The campers who join us each year make the summer their own adventure, and the camp constantly evolves and changes to meet the needs of that year’s campers. So to answer the question “What is Buck’s Rock?” is simple: it is a safe space where young people can grow into whatever they want and need to be. </p> <p>The day at Buck’s Rock starts at 7:30am and ends at 10:15pm. What happens in between is as varied as our campers and as friendly as our beautiful campus. Every day at Buck’s Rock is different. What doesn’t change: our stunning pastoral setting, committed, professional counselors, and a camper-to-counselor ratio of 2:1.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Every day at Buck’s Rock is a new opportunity for self-discovery and creative expression. From the professionally-equipped studios and exciting performance spaces, to the state-of-the-art recording facilities and pool, campers are free to try anything and everything! Over 30 world-class programs await our artists every day, including everything from glassblowing to dance to painting to sketch comedy to radio to weaving to gardening and so much more!</p> <p> </p> <p>Many generations of Buck’s Rockers, including campers, their parents, and decades of dedicated staff make up our unique community. Just one summer at Buck’s Rock will make you a life-long member of our big, creative family. We can’t wait for you to join us!</p> <p> </p> <p>Tiered Tuition System based on gross annual income and household size; $0-$12,000</p> <p> </p> <p>Age: 10-17 years old</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>