Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/669136
4 Hudson Valley Parent n May 2016 ON OUR COVER In this issue COLUMNS FEATURES 6 Editor's Journal: How my thumb turned green BY FELICIA HODGES 32 Calendar: Great places to go and things to do 38 Marketplace: Hudson Valley products and services HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK Who taught your teen to drive? "I taught my son [and] he passed the first time, but I should've used a school. My patience was lacking some days." — Tracy Wilson "My husband taught both my girls. It went well. I think it depends on the teacher." — Monica Celeste "I thought letting the school teach them was better. My nerves couldn't take it. I had no control to stop the car like a school can." — Dawn Radice "I'm teaching her but would love for her to get some professional classes also. She's turning 16." — Dee Michelle Bulson "I tried to teach my daughter to drive. I made her go 20 miles an hour - line of angry cars behind her! After that...her Pop-Pop took her!" — Donna Goess-Gallagher "My dad taught me, so when my boys are old enough I'll teach them!" — Courtney Leigh "My husband is teaching my daughter and she will also take a few lessons with a local driving school." — Christine Souhlakis Aselta "I have two. About to get them both driving lessons...and I also will teach them separately - especially the importance of safety..." — Dana Bass 8 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Ruth Quinn: Finding a ticket to ride BY ROXANNE FERBER 10 Hudson Valley Parent's Camp Guide Great – and unique – area summer programs for kids 12 Summer fun!: Creative programs for young artisans Find the right camp for the right-brained child in your life BY LISA IANNUCCI 16 I love my pet! Our Earth Angels Veterinary Hospital-sponsored photo contest 18 Treats for the sweet: Mother's Day dining Celebrate mom with an amazing meal at a fabulous restaurant. BY ELORA TOCCI 19 Teens and safe driving How to help your child learn to drive more carefully 22 Area get-aways: Top family picnic spots Relatively close places for inexpensive ways to enjoy the sunshine BY BRITTANY L. MORGAN 24 Happy trails to you: Family biking in the Valley How to get the entire family on two wheels BY KYMBERLY BRECKENRIDGE 30 Surprising ways pets benef it your kids How pet/family bonds are good for your children BY LISA A. BEACH This month's cover kid is Jasmine, 13, from Newburgh. In addition to singing, dancing and playing the baritone sax, she loves cuddling with all her animals and spending time with family. Photo by Michael Bloom