Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • April 18, 2012 Ridgewood Dr. Wayne Yankus has been named 2011 Pediatrician of the Year by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Ridgewood resident has been practicing since 1979, and has been based in Midland Park since 1985, where he currently works with Dr. Deborah Ungerleider. Dr. Yankus is being honored for providing outstanding care. He will be recognized May 5 at the New Jersey Children’s Ball, which will be held at The Manor in West Orange. Proceeds from this event will support education and research in the areas of autism, child abuse and neglect, and the prevention of obesity. “The nice part of being a community pediatrician – and being here so long – is that my former patients bring their kids to see me,” Dr. Yankus said. “The nice part of being in pediatrics is that you get a sense of the community over time. The rewards are great.” The doctor, who serves as chief medical adviser for Ridgewood’s public schools, continues to move with the times. When Yankus learned that many of his patients’ parents were checking the Internet to learn more about Doctor Wayne Yankus named Pediatrician of the Year various medical conditions, the doctor campaigned to have his peers use social media, including Facebook and Twitter, so parents would find reliable information online. Yankus posts regularly, commenting on topics that range from current health issues to personal matters. He is involved in awareness efforts regarding the increase in concussions in children. His professional endeavors have also included organizing health conferences for pediatricians, school nurses, and other school personnel. Honorees at the May 5 event will also include Dr. Jeanne Craft, a pediatric critical care specialist at Saint Barnabas Medical Center who developed the protocol for pulse oximetry to detect heart issues in newborns, and Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell of District 31, who promoted the related Assembly bill to support the groundbreaking pulse oximetry program. At right: Dr. Wayne Yankus The Ridgewood Department of Recreation is offering a variety of after school classes for children. Registration may be completed in person or by mail at the Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue in Ridgewood, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or online at www.ridgewoodnj. net/communitypass. Visit www.ridgewoodnj.net for details, or call (201) 670-5560. Classes will be held at The Stable. Explore Science: Energy Exploration will be offered to children in kindergarten through grade three on Mondays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 7. Children will explore various forms of energy when they make their own hot air balloons soar, create a vehicle run on marbles, and explore how friction plays a role in energy use when they compete in a marble maze competition. The fee is $95 for six classes and includes all materials. Children in grades two through five may take the acrylic painting class, which will meet on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 1. Participants Spring enrichment classes offered to village youth will receive individual attention and will be provided with goals and objectives to help them find their own personal approach to painting. Cost for the six classes is $54; materials are additional and a list will be provided at registration. A calligraphy class will be offered to students in grades three and up on Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 1. Students will learn the art of beautiful handwriting and will create invitations, greeting cards, and more. The fee is $70 for six classes. Materials are additional for new participants and may be obtained for an additional $20 at the first class. Drawing will be offered to children in grades two through five on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 2. Students will work at their own level using drawing pencils and pastels. The six classes cost $54; materials are additional and a list will be provided at registration. Fashion with Abrakadoodle is for children in grades one through four. This program will meet on Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 3. Students will learn about famous designers, basic elements of fashion design, and create fashion accessories. The fee for six classes is $120 and includes all materials. Nature in the Village with New Jersey Audubon will be offered to children in kindergarten through grade two on Thursdays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 17. Students will enjoy seasonal nature discussions, handson crafts, and nature walks to explore the environs. New topics will be provided weekly. The fee is $80 for five classes and includes all materials. The Aviation Club with Hobby Quest will be offered to students in kindergarten through grade five on Fridays from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. beginning May 4. Participants will gain knowledge of the fascinating world of aviation, learn how to read and evaluate construction plans, and use hobby tools as they create and operate a (continued on page 14)