I'm so pleased about the passion and fun a certain special individual has injected into my son's life. I try to show my appreciation now and then the best way I know how, by saying thank you. Saturday was so beautiful. There I was chatting with this person, offering my thanks, getting to know him a little better--and learning that that he had a serious illness that he still has to manage. No great lesson here. Just a powerful reminder of how much we don't know about each other--and how it's always a good thing to try to transmute our pain into something positive, like helping children. Local heroes are my favorite kind.         

*Did you know that November is National Adoption Month? Whether you're considering adoption, or would simply like to support others who are looking to grow a family, we hope you'll take a moment to learn about a very special screening of "Happy Feet" next weekend--special because it's a chance for you and your children to support Helpusadopt.org, a wonderful organization that enables families to afford adoptions.  

For more about adoption, we have a detailed article on understanding the differences between domestic, international and independent adoptions along with the psychological effects of adopting.  

*Lights! Cameras! PONIES! The Big Apple Circus is celebrating 34 wonderful years and the infamous Grandma the Clown is buttoning up his...erm, her dress for the very last season. With typical circus fare in hand, two New York Family editors see the colorful--okay, and a little bit wacky--show for the very first time. Read Let's Go To The Circus for their reviews. Plus, a chance to win tickets to the circus!

*The cover profile in our November issue, Gorgeously Gretchen, is a great way to get to know one of Boardwalk Empire's leading ladies. She may play crazy onscreen, but in person Gretchen Mol is a wise, centered and dedicated city mom.  

*The CAMP FAIRS kick off this weekend on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side! If you want to know more about day camps or sleep-away camps, we encourage you and your children to come to our free and fun camp fairs and meet over 30 program directors. For more information and to quality for a ton of good raffles, pre-register now at newyorkfamilycamps.com.  

*Free Family Fun Day To Celebrate Volunteerism! On the morning of Saturday, November 19th, generationOn is hosting a free Family Fun'Raiser (and New York Family is the media supporter!). Guests will participate in youth-led service projects while enjoying live entertainment and a holiday meal catered by Dinosaur BBQ. Click here for details, and RSVP immediately because space is limited.

*Today's reinvented way of play is bold, bright and glow-in-the-dark. We dig the Oglo Sports Playground Ball, perfect for the 8 and up set. And we have two of the Oglo Playground Balls to give away! Send us an email about your brood with the subject line "Oglo" and be sure to include your contact information and address. Then, comment on our Facebook Page. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, November 16.   

*Tailored for babies four- to six-months-old, Ella's Kitchen's five lines are perfect for little ones gearing up for solid foods. Want to get a taste of this healthy organic goodness? Five New York Family readers will walk away with a box of 10 assorted samples from Ella's Kitchen. To enter to win, follow Born & Bred by signing up for its free newsletter using the box on the top right of this page. Then send us an email with the subject line, "Ella's Kitchen." Deadline is Friday, November 18.

KidMemoryUSA 

NY Theatre Ballet    

Private School Edge