Capital District FAMILY NOW - MARCH 2023 +Hannaford Kidz Expo Parents Children & Senior Citizens

Head outside for family fun

How many kids beg their parents for a puppy? ere are so many pets that Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca have asked for over the years. With many allergies and my not wanting to take care of *another* living thing, Harlan and I politely declined each request. e kids go to school, Harlan went to work (and later dialysis), and I would take care of the house. If I was going to be in charge

of one more life, I would likely lose my mind. If COVID quarantines, lockdowns and an endless number of make-up tutorials on Tik Tok have taught us anything, it is that life is short and being happy can be eeting. I have felt lonely and stuck in my own head since March of 2020. ree years have passed, and I can pick out bits and

On the Bookshelf picture books

A great month for books

‘Palace of Books’

By Patricia Polacco

When young Patricia’s family moves to Battle Creek, Michigan, she nds it hard to believe this new place will ever feel like home. But soon she meets the kind librarian Mrs. Creavy and discovers the library’s doors are always open. Now, Patricia has a place to explore and study books about the birds that she loves. Simon & Schuster/ Paula

Wiseman Books

‘Leeva at Last’

By Sara Pennypacker;

Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

is hilarious absurdist tale is about a precocious girl who transforms her community in surprising ways. Leeva Spayce ornblossom wants to know, “What are people for? With the help of an orphaned badger, a risk-averse boy in a hazmat suit, and the town’s librarians, Leeva sets o to discover her own answer. Balzer + Bray

‘S tella and the Mystery of the Missing Tooth’

By Clothilde Ewing;

Illustrated by Lynn Gaines

Stella, her bestie Roger, and her second-best friend Owen are excited to go see Sue the T-Rex at the museum. When Owen has to leave early because he lost a tooth, Stella becomes determined to nd it for him. How did he manage to lose a tooth? Was it stolen? Could the tooth fairy be responsible?

Simon & Schuster

‘When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left’

By Marc Colagiovanni;

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Told with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path. e lyrical text and stunning art create an enduring message of strength and perseverance that is both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again. Orchard Books

pieces that are good, but I also remember the relentless stress and despair.

Post-traumatic stress disorder from the pandemic is real, not just for people who faced COVID or the health care workers who dealt with the relentless illness. e PTSD is also present in those of us who could not be with friends and family and watched in horror as the death toll was climbing. It was impossible to hide this from my children.

Growing up, I had a few di erent pets. e responsibilities helped me understand the needs of creatures that are dependent on humans. We had all kinds of pets, and the four of us kids took care of them. It wasn’t all fun and games. We had birds, sh, dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and for a very, very brief time, we fostered a monkey. We didn’t have all those animals at once, but there were plenty of days when animals outnumbered the humans in the house.

Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia have lost so much in the past few months. I am trying to nd the balance between giving them everything that they want and holding the line and being the strict parent. Our family is lucky to have lots of love and people who have been supportive since my mother died in October, and even more so in December when Harlan died. I am all the kids have now.

In January, I decided we were adopting a dog. Ben acted like a parent. He asked who would take care of the dog when they were at school. I ended up sounding like a kid. I promised to feed, walk and do pet-related chores. I think Olivia and Rebecca were quite amused.

e quest to nd our dog began!

From the cover

I cannot believe how many websites and di erent ways there are to nd a dog. In the beginning, we searched for a little dog but found that these dogs were hard to come by. I stopped and pivoted. I knew I wanted to rescue. So many dogs were available, and we decided to check out the dogs others may not have considered.

I was trying to do something for the kids and for me. I wanted to help, and this was driving me. e Mohawk Hudson Humane Society has a great website and is helpful when meeting a potential pet. ey made sure that our dog was a good t for our family.

We met Barnes and fell in love with him. He went to each of us and introduced himself and seemed to fall in love with us. at night we brought him home. ere has been so much mourning and sadness in our family in the past few months. e fact that we can give Barnes a loving home and he can give us love has made our lives richer.

ere was a shift in my thinking. I planned on a small dog. Barnes thwarted those plans. is joyful puppy is not a small dog. Barnes is a mix of some of the best kinds of dogs and is strong. He thinks that he is a lap dog. A 50-pound lap dog.  He acts like all puppies do: enthusiastic, joyful, chewing on stu and physically awkward. Barnes is loved tremendously.

Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca have faced some of the most stressful times: death of a grandparent, death of a father and a pandemic. No amount of love that I give will ever make up for the love they have lost. Under a star- lled sky, we fell in love with Barnes. is new friend will love unconditionally, just like a grandmother and a father.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom with 15-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca, and their 50-pound lap dog, Barnes. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

publisher | John McIntyre editor | Kristen Roberts

| Michael

director | David Abbott graphic design | Martha Eriksen Engagement Coordinators | Rachel Dottino, Frank Gillen

There has been so much mourning and sadness in our family in the past few months. The fact that we can give Barnes a loving home and he can give us love has made our lives richer.

Time for a change

When does Daylight Saving Time begin and where does it stand going forward?

Each March, Daylight Saving Time (DST) is welcomed by millions of people in the northern hemisphere, especially those who lament the lack of sunlight when leaving their offices in the evenings throughout winter.

The future of DST is an open question in the United States and elsewhere, but the clock switching that is synonymous with DST will again take place in participating locales in March 2023. This year, DST will take place at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, at which time clocks will be moved forward one hour. That means sunset will take place one hour later that night, providing that muchloved extra hour of evening sunlight.

The tradition of DST could soon end in the United States. That’s because the United States Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021, which makes DST permanent, thus removing the need to change clock times twice a year. However, the bill stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives, and thus never became law. So while Americans could one day soon stop changing their clocks twice a year, they will still be doing so this year, and perhaps beyond.

The reason the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 stalled in the House can be traced to a debate regarding which

time should be permanent should DST be abandoned. Some support making DST time the permanent time, while others insist standard time is the safer option. In addition, certain advocates for abandoning DST simply say that changing clocks is the real threat, and that any fixed permanent time, be it DST or standard time, is a favorable alternative to switching clocks twice per year. Among the concerns on both sides of the debate are the effects of DST on human health and its potential link to traffic accidents.

The issue of DST and health is not insignificant, as AARP reports that a 2020 analysis of more than 6,000 patient admissions at the Montefiore Medical Center in New York found that admissions for atrial fibrillation, a type of heart arrhythmia often referred to as “AFib,” surged in the days following spring DST. The American Heart Association suggests that spike could be linked to a disruption in the body’s circadian rhythm caused by the time change.

The debate in the U.S. is not isolated and has even prompted discussions in other locales, including various areas of Canada, where DST is observed in nine of ten provinces and two of three territories.

The future of Daylight Saving Time is an open question, but the clock switching that will take place this year on March 12.

Check out these spring activities for families to enjoy

After several months of chilly temperatures in many regions, spring provides a welcome reprieve from the cold. Moderate temperatures makes it much more comfortable to venture outdoors. e following are some family-friendly activities that make the most of spring. Visit a botanical garden. A visit to a botanical garden in spring is a great time to soak in the beauty of nature. at’s because an abundance of owers bloom during the spring, meaning a garden will be in peak form. Visitors can meander through rows of rose bushes or tour the labyrinth of trimmed hedges. Beautiful, owering cherry trees, with their delicate pink or white petals, also are sights to behold in spring. Locally, you can check out the Pine Hollow Arboretum, the Troy Botanical Garden or the Berkshire Botanical Garden in Stockbridge, Mass.

Prepare a home garden. Visiting a garden is one thing, creating one at home is another. In addition to planning a vegetable garden to enjoy tasty pickings throughout summer, you can devote some property to owers that will attract wildlife. Check with a garden center about which owers and plants attract butter ies and other bene cial insects. Many garden centers sell butter y and hummingbird mixes

to attract wildlife. Go animal watching. Flowers are not the only thing on display come the spring. Many animals, including birds, are born this time of year. Baby animals are not only adorable, they can be entertaining to watch grow. Families can spend time viewing the animals that visit their yards or surrounding parks, being careful to keep their distance. Adults may be quite protective of their

young, so it’s better to watch from the lens of a camera or with binoculars. Always resist the urge to help a baby animal who seems like it was abandoned. e parent may be a short distance away gathering food or trying to avoid drawing attention to the young to deter predators. Indian Ladder Farms in Voorheesville o ers a great opportunity to visit with cute animals during their Baby Animal Days in early April.

Get out on the water. A bright, warm day is an ideal time to enjoy the open water. Spring is a season when many marinas reopen and avid boaters put their vessels back into the water. You also can venture into streams or lakes aboard kayaks or canoes, getting exercise and seeing the scenery in the process. Bring a shing pole along and cast it into the water for a few hours of recreation.Make wind chimes

Get crafty. Enhance the garden or decor around the home by making wind chimes or other percussion items that can create beautiful music when spring breezes blow. Commercially available kits are sold, but wind chimes also can be made from items like bamboo or even strung shells.

As the weather warms, the water beckons. While it might be too early to go for a swim, spring is a great time to paddle around in a canoe or kayak.

Everyday moments can be the perfect opportunity to teach your preschooler. Get them involved around the house or use your already scheduled time to try and add in a little learning. If you make it fun, they won’t notice you’re teaching them but they are sure to absorb what you’re saying.

Cook and bake together. is is the perfect way to teach math concepts, even to the youngest children. Let them measure with you and explain the difference between a half cup and full cup. ey may be a few years away from understanding fractions but it’s helpful to introduce the terminology now. Use words such as less, more, rst, and last. ose are concepts preschoolers are starting to grasp. Let them observe reactions. What happens when the ingredients are mixed, or the batter is put in the oven? Does the consistency change when the batter is baked? Many parents frequently count from 1-10 to encourage that memorization, but it’s more di cult to

learn the one-to-one correspondence. Teach this by having children pass you the carrots one by one or count the number of potatoes for dinner.

Investigate while playing outside. Observe the plants and trees and talk about what might be happening to each plant. Teach your child what they can expect from season to season and watch together throughout the year. It may seem tough to do this at the end of winter, but you can still observe what has fallen on top of the snow, or maybe there are animal tracks in the snow. What happens to the ground as the snow melts and the weather warms up? Explore some new areas and turn over rocks, look under shrubs, or at the cracks in the sidewalk. Talk about the size, color, and texture of what you nd. If you have an older preschool have them draw their obser-

by Vanessa Banks

vations when you return home. Turn bath time into a science or math lesson. Gather some toys from around the house and see what will sink and what will oat. What happens to the toys if you add water to them or pile them on top of each other? You can count the number of toys in the tub, or sort by shape and size.

Don’t forget to encourage free play! Many young children don’t have enough free play time. ey are overscheduled or left to be entertained by electronics so parents can get things done. Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. e American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

ity and develop their imagination and other strengths.

• Encourages kids to interact with and explore the world around them.

• Helps children adjust to school and enhance their learning readiness and problem-solving skills.

• Helps kids learn and practice selfregulation.

• Helps kids build decision-making skills.

• Teaches kids to work in groups so they learn to share and resolve con icts.

Most of all, have fun with your preschooler. It won’t be long before they’re o to school every day. Use your time with them to connect and they’ll be sure to listen to all you have to say and teach them.

Vanessa Banks is Co-Founder of Kernel Creative Media and the marketing

Genealogy tips to streamline search

The number of people learning more about their families and heritage through genealogy increases year to year. According to FamilyTree.com, genealogy is the second only to gardening as the most popular hobby in the United States.

People explore genealogy for many reasons, including learning about their ancestry. A rundown of the basics of genealogy can make such pursuits more enjoyable.

Genealogy and family history are subtly di erent: Genealogy is a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor, while family history is de ned as the history or narrative of a family. ey are intertwined but not synonymous.

Vital records are key: Genealogists explore vital records to obtain information about their ancestors. Vital records include documentation of ancestors’ life events, including births, deaths, marriages, and more. Civil registration began at di erent times around the world, and even across North America, so it’s often challenging, though entirely possible, to develop an accurate history.Surnames may be di erent

Surnames were not commonplace until around the eleventh century in Europe, according to S.C. Perkins, who is the author of a mystery series featuring a Texas genealogist as the protagonist. Surnames fall into four general categories:

1. Place or geographical features (i.e., “Hill”)

2. Nicknames or appearance (“Little”)

3. Occupation (“Baker”)

4. Father’s name (“Peterson”)

Some names may not have been recorded correctly, so a person’s last name actually may be a derivative of the real name or a misspelling. Often immigrants changed their own surnames to make them sound more American or more native to wherever they were emigrating to.

Cities change: Discovering records of ancestors can be even more challenging because of shifting borders or municipalities, which change over time.

e Family Tree Factbook provides European maps from throughout history and a timeline of European border changes that can help with research

Preserve family history. In addition to uncovering mysteries of one’s heritage, dabbling in genealogy helps to preserve family history by con rming tales and tracing ancestors’ journeys. It also may help shed light on the history of artifacts or jewelry that ancestors owned and passed down.

Connect with others: A motivator behind genealogy research is to uncover relatives. Cousins from all over the world can discover they are related and bridge the gap between them through shared genetics and history. is may be particularly important to those who were adopted and hope to understand more about where they came from for personal or health-related reasons.

anks to the internet and growing databases of civil records that can be found at libraries, it’s now easier than ever to trace family histories.

Dabbling in genealogy helps to preserve family history by confirming tales and tracing ancestors’ journeys.

5. Cameo

6. Lucky DOWN

1. Patrick

2. Cheap

3. Shamrock

Our

Secrets from longevity

‘There’s no single secret to living a long life,” centenarian Bill Scharoun of Glenmont said. “Just don’t look back because there is always something to look forward to. Keep yourself interested and look ahead.”

A good example is an upcoming trip that the 100-year-old is excited about to the Amish country and one to Connecticut.

But even when he does reminisce, it’s with the clarity from the age which he’s remembering.

“I got my first paycheck in 1941,” he recalls. “It was also the year I came home and Mom was leaning up against the radio with a concerned look. I asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ She told me that the Japanese had just bombed Pearl Harbor. I said, ‘What!’

“I was 18 and I wanted to enlist,” he recalls. “But Mom said that I had to stay home through the summer and then I could go in, and that’s what I did.”

His reaction to joining the Navy was typical of his generation. However, he doesn’t believe that kind of patriotism would fly nowadays.

“I grew up, and it was a different country then,” he said. “We figured it was our turn to protect it. That’s it. We all went.

“Today, if there was an 18-year-old,” he theorizes, “He’d probably walk right past his mom and that radio and not pay any attention to it. It’s a whole different concept today. Our thing back then was that we were all one group as a nation. Now, it’s more that everyone is individuals.

“In those days, if I earned five dollars, I wouldn’t have thought about not turning it in to give to my mother for the house. Today, if you ask a kid to go shovel a sidewalk, he wants to know how much he’s going to get paid.”

elders. When I went down the street, I didn’t hurt someone’s property. I don’t know what joy a lad gets puncturing tires or keying someone’s car. What kind of thrill is that?”

Scharoun feels the responsibility for the moral slippage must be laid at the feet of the parents.

by Robert LaCosta

Another gradual though big change that he has observed over the past 10 decades is the growing disrespect for parents, authority and others, in general.

“I would never think of sassing Mom or Dad,” he said. “You respect

“The parent is no longer in control,” he continued. “Hitting children is not the answer, but a little tap on the backside when you are a 4- or 5-year-old boy makes a big difference when you get to be 11 or 12. You don’t hurt the child. But you let them know what they did was wrong. If you did that today, you’d have the police department on your back.

“It all started when a bunch of people started saying, ‘You can’t do this or that,’ and now our children have no reason to be afraid. People listened to Dr. Spock. If I did something wrong as a kid, my father would find out. If he didn’t get the information from the neighbor, he’d get it from the cop on the

corner. If I was keeping bad company, somebody would say, ‘You’d better get Bill away from that crowd.’”

In the second part of this story, we will mine more of the insights from the 100-year-old World War II veteran.

Robert J. LaCosta writes a daily devotional called “Portals to Heaven” that you can receive free in your email. He has also launched a podcast that features seniors doing great things called “The Age Sage.”

Bill Scharoun of Glenmont says patriotism and respect for parents was important to his generation.

Brain Teasers answers are on page 19.

Solve the code to discover words related to SPRING. Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 26 = L)

LANDSCAPE WORD SEARCH

CLUES ACROSS

Beverage container

59. Long narrow hilltop

60. Sir (abbr.)

61. Data executive

62. Doctor of Education

63. Car mechanics group

64. Autonomic nervous system

65. “The Partridge Family” actress

CLUES DOWN

1. Cavalry-sword

2. Gland above the kidneys

3. Hat

4. Predict

5. A team’s best pitcher

6. Countries

7. Substitutions

8. Peruses again

9. Popular food

13. Reciprocal of a sine

14. Of or relating to the ears

17. __ juris: Independent

18. Keyboard key

20. Fat from a pig

22. AC manufacturer

27. Organization of N. and S. American countries

28. 22nd star of a constellation

29. Scoundrel

Social Security Corner

It’s time to slam the scam

How to spot government imposters

Do you know how to spot a government imposter scam?  Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information.

There are common elements to many of these scams.  Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action.  Scammers also pose as Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Social Security number (SSN) or your benefits.  They may even claim your SSN is linked to a crime.

Report the scam immediately to our Office of the Inspector General at oig. ssa.gov/scam-awareness/report-thescam.

If you owe money to Social Security, we’ll mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights.  We only accept payments electronically through Pay.gov, Online Bill Pay, or physically by check or money order through our offices.

by Elizabeth Pivonka

When you identify a potential scammer:

Hang up right away or ignore the message.

Never give personal information or money.

We will never do the following:

Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay us money immediately.

Promise a benefit increase in exchange for money.

Ask you to send us gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, internet currency, cryptocurrency, or cash through the U.S. mail.

Scammers continue to evolve and

Scammers often exploit fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action.

find new ways to steal your money and personal information.  Please stay vigilant and help raise awareness about Social Security-related scams and other government imposter scams.  For more information on scams, please visit www. ssa.gov/scam.

Tell your friends and family about government imposter scams.  Let them

know they don’t have to be embarrassed to report if they shared personal financial information or suffered a financial loss.  The important thing is to report the scam right away.

Together, we can slam the scam!

The writer is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.

Senior centers

Clifton Park Senior Community Center

6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park

(518) 383-1343

For information about current services and programs, please visit cliftonpark.org/ index.php/services/senior-services/seniorcenter.

Membership is available for $20.

Mondays: Game room activities, tap dance, jazz dance, chair yoga, beginner clogging, intermediate clogging, discussion group, Rummikub, quilting group, soul line dancing

Tuesdays: Exercise to tape, game room activities, yoga, dice games, duplicate bridge group, qi-gong and tai chi, scrabble, hand and foot cards, square and round dancing, tai chi for seniors

Wednesdays: Exercise to tape, game room activities, investment group, ukulele group, dice games, social bridge, bowling, poker, euchre, beginner tai chi for seniors, knitting and crocheting

Thursdays: Exercise to tape, game room activities, chorus, Rummikub, yoga, watercolors, modern dance, pinochle, mahjong

Fridays: Tap dance, ballet, orchestra,

woodcarving, game room activities, dominoes, jewelry making class, Bingo, Latin line dancing LifePath

28 Colvin Ave., Suite 2, Albany

www.lifepathny.org;

(518) 465-3322

Supportive services for older adults. To register: www.lifepathny.org/all-events; (518) 465-3322

Thursday, March 2 at 12:15 p.m.: CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION

A representative from Cornell Cooperative Extension will promote eating healthy. Nutritious meals will be prepared in person-on site and guest will be able to taste test the meals plus leave with the recipe so that they can try it at home. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Thursday, March 9 and 23 at 10 a.m.: CARD MAKING

Come and learn how to make homemade greeting cards to share. Show someone you care with a special card made by you. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

Thursday, March 9 and 23 at 1 p.m.: CRAFTS WITH PATTI

Come and participate with others in making a seasonal craft. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Friday, March 10 at 12:30 p.m.: DON MAURER THE TROUBADOUR

Listen with us to stories and songs highlighting the American experience as related by Don Maurer the Troubadour. Don will explain the roots of bluegrass and folk music and how American music has evolved. Free, but donations are welcome. Registration not required. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Monday, March 13 and 27 at 10 a.m.:

CHAIR YOGA WITH KARINNE

Come participate in chair yoga with Karinne. Please note the date and time is subject to change. Free, but donations are welcome. Registration required. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Tuesday, March 14: SENIOR LEGAL AID

Free legal Advice an attorney from the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY will offer free legal advice to people over 60 who reside in Albany County. No fee to participate, registration required. Takes place at 9:30 a.m. at Westview Homes Apartments, 680 Central Ave., Albany; and at 10 a.m. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes.

Thursday, March 16: DRIVETHROUGH CORNED BEEF DINNER FUNDRAISER

Cost is $15 per takeout meal and includes salad, dinner, dessert – Irish soda bread. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes and Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Tuesday, March 21 at 11 a.m.: CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION

A representative from Cornell Cooperative Extension will promote eating healthy. Nutritious meals will be prepared in person-on site and guest will be able to taste test the meals plus leave with the recipe so that they can try it at home. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

Tuesday, March 28 at 1 p.m.: DEB CAVANAUGH & DANDELION WINE

Please join us for this in-person, free performance from Deb Cavanaugh and Dandelion Wine sponsored by the Albany Musician’s Association and the Music Performance Trust Fund as they play familiar jazz standards. Albany County residents 60 and older may enjoy a $3 luncheon at noon. Please call Beth at (518) 235-2420 to reserve meals or email reservation request at cohoes@ lifepathny.org. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes ***

Monday-Friday at 9 a.m.: POOL CREW

Sticks and chalk are available to use. No fee to play. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Mondays at 10 a.m.: LINE DANCING WITH LU

Line dancing is proven to create and maintain neural pathways that help our brains stay young. You will find the added benefit of better balance while learning the gentle steps and routines to favorite oldies. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Mondays at 1 p.m.: MAH-JONGG

Join this wonderful, social group as they play through the timeless game Mahjong, a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Tuesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m.: POOL CREW

Sticks and chalk are available to use. No fee to play. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: KNIT WITS

Come join this lovely group of people who enjoy knitting and crocheting.  All experience levels are welcome.  Come for lunch and stay for the creating!  Please call 518-273-4422 for more information.  Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: GET THE LEAD OUT! SPREAD POSITIVE ENERGY

This group of positive people comes together weekly to color and make bookmarks to spread joy and beauty in our community. Supplies are included and donations are welcome. This is an informal group of older people who enjoy spending time with others and like to create art to share. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.: COMPLETE THE STORY

Join in the opportunity to express your imagination and writing skills by completing a story. Weekly story prompts provided. No fee to participate, registration required. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m.: JEOPARDY

Come for lunch and stay for a fun game of Jeopardy.  This authentic styled game looks and plays like the Jeopardy you know and love.  Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m.:

CANNONAIRES SENIOR CHOIR PRACTICE

Join The Cannonaires, a wonderful group of folks that love to share music every week. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Continued on Page 17

Continued from Page 16

Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.: MAHJONG

Join this wonderful, social group as they play through the timeless game Mahjong, a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet Wednesdays at 10 a.m.: UFOS – UNFINISHED OBJECTS

Do you have Unfinished Objects (UFOS) sitting by your chair that you would love to complete but want the company to do so? This is a group that enjoys working on lap crafts while conversing and enjoying the company of others. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint and so many more have been completed. This is an in-person activity and all are welcome. Come for the crafting and stay for lunch, call Beth at 518-235-2420 for more information.

Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Wednesdays at noon: THE BEAUKNITTERS

The Beau-Knitters are a lively group of people who enjoy knitting and crocheting.  All experience levels are welcome.  Come for lunch and stay for the creating!  Call Beth at 518-235-2420 for more information. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.: MEN’S GROUP

Are you an older man looking for a place to be yourself and meet with other men in a respectful space?  A men’s group is a healing and enriching place to share your experiences and listen as others share theirs. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Fridays at 10:15 a.m.: TEA TIME

WOMEN’S GROUP

Come and join other women for a cup of tea and conversation. Bring your own mug, liquid refreshment provided. No fee, registration not required. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway

Fridays at 1 p.m.: FRIENDLY FILM

FRIDAYS WITH THE COHOES

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Come for lunch and stay for a movie. Call the Cohoes Public Library or Beth at the Cohoes Senior Center at 518235-2420 for more information. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Niskayuna

Senior Center

2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna

(518) 372-4969

Additional information along with the calendar will be posted on the Niskayuna Town website at www.niskayuna.org/ senior-center. Call with any questions.

Tuesdays

9 a.m.-noon: Tom’s Computer Class

Senior centers

(March 7, 21), Unite US program signup with Dottie (March 7, 21)

10 a.m.: Tai Chi

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/ outdoor socialization/coffee service

10 a.m.: Cards, Mahjong and Bridge

11 a.m.: CDPHP Zumba Gold, Zoom only (March 21, 28)

1 p.m.: MVP Chair Moves available in-house and Zoom (March 7, 14)

Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service

Thursdays

10 a.m.: Tai Chi

10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/ outdoor socialization/coffee service

10 a.m.: Cards, Mahjong, Bridge, 11 a.m.: Bocce and Pickleball

Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service

1 p.m.: Trinity Health Alert chair yoga, in-house and Zoom (March 23, 30)

Exercise Update

Mondays at 10 a.m.: Qigong, in house, please call to confirm Mondays at 12:30 p.m.: CDPHP Chair Pilates, in-house and Zoom

Mondays at 5:30 p.m.: American Mohjongg (March 13, 20, 27)

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.: CDPHP

Gentle Yoga

Some classes remain available on Zoom with a couple in-house. You can email Edie for registration, dates and times at ecannizzo@niskayuna.org. Pilates, yoga, walks and art are available on YouTube at “Niskayuna Seniors.” Dates for Exercise Classes scheduled inside are only tentative, and subject to change.

Monthly Activities

March 2: Book Group at 11 a.m. –“The Woman they Couldn’t Silence” by Kate Moore; March Birthday Celebration

March 3: Alzheimer’s Association

Caregiver Support Group at 11 a.m.

March 11: Blood Pressure Clinic by St. Peter’s Health Partners at 11 a.m.

March 16: Art with SAS – Fun with buttons at 12:30 p.m.

March 21: Coffee with a Cop

Stop by and socialize. Bring friends, activities, interests or just pop over for coffee and conversation. We’ll provide the space and hospitality.

Dates for exercise classes scheduled inside are only tentative, and subject to change. These classes may continue on Zoom, based on recommendation from NYS, Schenectady County and The Town of Niskayuna.

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Calendar of events March

March

5 Sunday Origin of Dutch Names

Dr. Charles Gehring, Dutch language scholar, Director of New Netherland Research Center, will discuss the origin and meaning of Dutch family and place names prominent in the regions that were part of New Netherland, 2 p.m. New Scotland Historical Association at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 The Old Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.newscotlandhistoricalassociation.org.

6 Monday Oscar Trivia Night

Join us for an exciting Academy Awards themed Trivia

Submit an event

Night. Compete for bragging rights as an individual or team in a battle of wits, 6:30 p.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

10 Friday

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. Guild Meeting

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. annual service meeting, 9:45 a.m. at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave., Delmar. The group will be putting together quilts to be donated to those in need. All are welcome. www. quiltinc.org.

Downsizing and Organizing

Learn some important tips in this program presented by a representative from Organize Senior Moves, 10 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Take and Make: Shamrock!

Decorate for St. Patrick’s Day with this fun shamrock craft. *Please register each child individually by March 8. For grades K and younger with caregiver. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

11 Saturday Soup Sale

Soup and chili available, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost is $5 per pint. St. Andrew’s Church, 50 Sacandaga Road.

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap

Looking for a new challenge? Bring gently used, 500+ piece complete jigsaw puzzles to swap with the Library’s collection. No donations please. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Join us for a sing-along with Diane Payette (aka Grama Tippy Toes) and a leprechaun, 2 p.m. For all ages, with an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs. For more information, call (518) 584-9330.

Author Talk with David Epstein

The author of “Range” and “The Sports Gene” will take part in a virtual discussion through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, 1 p.m. Visit libraryc.org/bethlehempubliclibrary for more information or to register for one or more upcoming talks. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

14 Tuesday

Dungeons and Dragons

All playing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own dice or D&D 5th Edition Character Sheet, 6 p.m. For adults; beginners welcome. Registration is required. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Teen Writing Workshop: Creating Characters

13 Monday

An Evening with David,

Wu Han and Arnaud

Shamrock Truck

• To have your event included in our print edition, email the information, including date, time, place, cost and contact information to robertsk@ spotlightnews.com by the 10th of the preceding month. Events run space permitting, and submission does not guarantee publication. Continued

Drive your way into St. Patrick’s Day with this shamrock-themed truck craft. *Please register each child individually by March 8. For grades 1-5.

This talented trio will present two of Beethoven’s most vivacious works from his early period, followed by Dvořák’s sentimental farewell to his beloved Bohemia, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $54. Spa Little Theatre, 19

This workshop led by Janine De Tillio Cammarata will focus on creating characters for a fiction story, essay, or memoir piece. There will be time to write and share for feedback, 6:30 p.m. For grades 6-12. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

both our advertisers and our readers.

We will continue to showcase family activities and monthly calendar events as we always have, along with our great columns and features.

15 Wednesday

CraftTEEN: Wire Button Tree

Use colorful buttons and wire to create a tree as unique as you are, 4:30 p.m. For grades 6-12. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

17 Friday

Craftapalooza!

Drop by the Children’s Place and get creative with a variety of fun arts and craft projects. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

18 Saturday

Voices of the Americas

Experience the wide range of ideas, sounds, and cultures that have inspired composers from the Americas in the 20th century, including Copland, Gershwin, Ginastera, Villa-Lobos, and Bernstein, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $54. Spa Little Theatre, 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs. For more information, call (518) 584-9330.

19 Sunday

New York Dulcimer Orchestra

The 15-piece New York Dulcimer Orchestra’s varied repertoire includes classical favorites, hymns, spiritu-

als, Celtic tunes, and selections from the American Songbook, 2 p.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

20 Monday

Bilingual Family Story Time

Join Xuehan Liu for stories and songs, and learn a little Chinese while nurturing your child’s love of reading, 10 a.m. Stay for a fun vocabulary lesson. For all ages, with an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

21 Tuesday

Author Talk with Jernard A. Wells

The celebrity chef will take part in a virtual discussion through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, 4 p.m. Visit libraryc.org/bethlehempubliclibrary for more information or to register for one or more upcoming talks.   Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

22 Wednesday

Parenting for Success Beyond High School

What skills should we teach our children to help them find success beyond high school? Please join

Shenendehowa School counselors at the Library for a discussion based on concepts from the book “How to Raise an Adult” by Julie Lythcott-Haims, 7 p.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

24 Friday Grange Rummage Sale

Also Saturday. Housewares, kitchen items, linens, toys, puzzles, small kitchen appliances, small wooden furniture, records, men’s, ladies and children’s clothing and shoes, jewelry, decorative items, holiday items, dishes, glassware, pictures and more, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cash or check only. Bethlehem Grange 137, 24 Bridge St., Selkirk. For more information, call (518) 421-1384.

Middle School Jazz Bands

Join us for performances by the three Middle School Jazz Bands: Acadia, Gowana, and Koda Middle Schools, 10 a.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Mini-Golf in the Library

Bring your friends or family to the Library after hours for a fun game of mini-golf! Every person who participates will be entered into a prize raffle. Attendees may arrive anytime between 6:30-7:30 pm. For all ages. Regular Library business will not be conducted during this program. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

25 Saturday Saturday Scrabble Meetup

Come out for an afternoon of word-building fun and play Scrabble with friends and neighbors. All skill levels welcome, 1-3 p.m. Anyone (age 11 and up) is welcome to join the fun. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

28 Tuesday

Red Cross Community Blood Drive

Nearly every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Help boost the regional blood supply by donating, noon-5 p.m. Registration required: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or register online at RedCrossBlood.org. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

29 Friday Community Yoga

Enjoy a class designed for yoga practitioners of any skill level. Dan May shares Jai Yoga School’s Bhakti yoga practice, which includes song, cultural information and stories, 6 p.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

CDPHP® Medicare highlights:

f All local hospitals are part of our network

f 5-Star Medicare Advantage plans

f $0 premium plans

f $0 primary care physician office visits

f $0 mail order prescriptions on hundreds of medications

f In-home support for companionship, help around the house, transportation, and more

f Up to $75 in over-the-counter (OTC) health supplies from CVS

f Enjoy the flexibility of a PPO* plan and see any doctor in the United States that accepts Medicare

f Vision and dental benefits with all plans offering enhanced dental coverage

CDPHP® refers to Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. and CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc. CDPHP is an HMO, PPO, and HMO SNP plan that contracts with the federal government. Enrollment in CDPHP Medicare plans depends on contract renewal.

Based on a Model of Care review, Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. has been approved by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) to operate a Chronic or Disabling Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP) through 12/31/2023. Y0019_23_23213 _M