Capital District Family Now - July 2021

Inside:

Encouraging independence

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

Vol. 2, #7| JULY 2021 |FREE

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Stay sharp over summer The bygone games of summer An outdoor space for all ages

cdFamilyNow.com July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 1

2 Family Now — July 2021

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Editor’s desk

Stay sharp all summer long

Lazy days can still be learning days

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ho wants to think about homework when they are splashing in the pool or jetting off on a fun summertime adventure? I’ll tell you — no one. Oh, I guess, there might be that rare kid or two who misses those math fact sheets and word study assignments of the school year, but they are the exception to the rule.

Even so, countless studies have shown that students can lose as much as a month to three months of learning if they let their brains go idle the entire summer vacation.

And that’s on top of the fractured learning that took place during the pandemic school year. That leaves teachers with one heck of a task of “re-teaching” in the fall, and it sets the entire class back as everyone gets up to speed.

Where does that leave us? Kids have worked hard for this break, and parents deserve it too. How do we balance the need to keep our kids’ school skills up to speed while still allowing them the unstructured freedom that summer affords?

Educators suggest finding ways to get kids using their math and reading skills without it feeling like “learning.” They can do this by planning outings — budgets, research, persuasive writing (“Please, please, please can we go to the beach!), playing board games like Scrabble or Monopoly, and, most of all, reading. Our Learning Center columnist Patrick McNamara lists some fun suggestions on Page 6.

Parents and grandparents can get in on the fun and learn something new, too, by taking up birding as a family. The New York State DEC has tons of great resources for beginners. Read about it on Page 16.

Check out our articles and more at www.cdfamilynow.com and mail your story ideas and pictures to Capital District Family Now, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, NY 12054, or e-mail me at robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

Kristen Roberts Editor, Capital District Family Now

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

For every age and stage of family life.

July 2021 Features For the grill of it

14-15

Be a birder

16

Columnists Parenting with Confidence

4

Learning Center

6

Triple Threat

7

Retiring Retirement

19

Social Security Corner

22

What’s new On the Bookshelf

5

Kids fun page

8

Brainteasers

18

Resources Senior Centers

20-21

publisher - John McIntyre editor - Kristen Roberts editor-at-large - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Engagement Coordinator - Rachel Dottino

The backyard barbecue is a time-honored summer tradition. In this issue, we share a couple of recipes on Pages 14-15 that will impress guests.

Capital District Family Now is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request. Capital District Family Now reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. © Copyright Capital District Family Now. No portion of Capital District Family Now may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.

July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 3

Parenting with Confidence

Practice summertime safety

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ummertime in New your family are going to enjoy, York is the best. We get I wanted to write about how this short time here in important it is to teach them New York for amazing summer safety. weather. You have the great Summertime often means outdoors, fresh air and so many swimming pools, beaches and fun things you can do with lakes. Make sure you are your kids. Summertime mindful of water means kids are out safety when you of school, and by take your kids you get to create swimming. Teach even more fun them to swim, memories with but remind them them. Between to never go in playgrounds, the water without camping, swimyou or an adult. ming, traveling and Make sure when you all the adventures you go boating you put a life have planned, remember that jackets on your little ones (it’s even though school is out for the law!) and tell them why it’s the summer, there are so many incredible opportunities for you really important. Have a good quality SPF to protect against to teach your children. With sunburns, use sun hats and even all the fun adventures you and

Quoida Lauzon

Teach your children to swim, but remind them to never go in the water without you or an adult.

Don’t forget a good-quality SPF sunscreen too! swimsuits that protect their skin. Remember that modeling is a great way to promote safety – that means sunscreen for yourself too!

Grilling is often a given with summer. When you are grilling, you are usually right there or

very close by, but make sure to remind your kids to stay far away from the grill even after you’re done cooking because it’s still very hot for a while afterward. Many things are natural to us, but for kids who haven’t

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GENERATIONS TOGETHER

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4 Family Now — July 2021

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picture books

On the Bookshelf

Silly and smart summer reads ‘The Giggles Are Coming’

‘Are You a Cheeseburger?’

By Christopher Eliopoulos

By Monica Arnaldo

Two best friends are so excited to go back to school. They’re in the same class, their classroom is full of art supplies, and they’ve even made a new friend. Just as the teacher introduces herself, the GIGGLES show up!

What will their teacher think if they can’t avoid laughing in the middle of her first lesson? Dial Books

Grub is a lonely racoon. Rumbling in the trash. Looking for food. Seed is, well, a seed! Patiently waiting in the trash. Hoping someone will plant it. When the two finally meet, a hilarious friendship follows as they learn more about each other and the pressure that comes with fulfilling expectations.

Katherine Tegen Books

‘My Voice Is a Trumpet’

By Jimmie Allen; illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson From rising country star Jimmie Allen comes a lyrical celebration of the many types of voices that can effect change. From voices tall as a tree, to voices small as a bee, all it takes is confidence and a belief in the goodness of others to change the world.

Flamingo

To all of our

A Heartfelt Thank You!

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ESSENTIAL WORKERS

July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 5

Learning Center

Education insight for parents

Spend summer learning

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or most children, summer is a time to leave classes and homework behind. However, when they return to school in the fall after the long summer break, students can find themselves struggling to catch up. Further, the challenges of this past year have meant that many students haven’t learned all that they’ll need to succeed next year.

A break from school is great for recharging your children’s batteries, but if they aren’t using the skills and knowledge that they learned in the classroom, they could find themselves lagging behind when school starts up again.

In addition, for children who have been struggling at school,

summer can be their opportunity to catch-up on key skills and feel more confident when they head back to class. For students who do well, it’s an opportunity to keep their enthusiasm for learning high.

Parents can play a key role in reinforcing learning on an ongoing basis.

Here are some practical tips for integrating continuous learning into fun, family activities all summer long:

communication. For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting. Parents can even turn Harry Potter or Twilight mania into a learning opportunity. Read the books together with your children and ask questions about the plot and by characters. Active engagement in reading is how reading comprehension skills are developed.

Patrick McNamara

Read with your child You can’t start too early. You can’t read too much. Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and

Search for fun activities for your child to do There are an abundance of sites that provide summer resources for families. You might want to identify some

likely websites, but have your child look through those websites and then choose the activities they would like to do.

The more agency they have in choosing an activity, the more likely they are to fully engage in that activity.

Plan a field trip Plan a trip to an interesting site close to home – a historic site, a museum, the zoo, etc.

Again, involve your child in the selection of the field trip.

Research the trip in advance with your child and discuss it afterwards.

Find pen pals Encourage your child to write notes and letters to family

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We’re online!

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Be sure to visit our website…

cdFamilyNow.com

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6 Family Now — July 2021

parenting triplets in the Capital District

Triple Threat

Growing independent ndependence is nothing new to the United States.

Especially in the month we celebrate this country’s founding, we talk about freedom, democracy and inalienable rights. The desire to be able to do things as we want is part of our DNA. The big question becomes, “What if my desire for independence infringes on another person’s idea of independence?”

Some of the biggest debates recently have been whether to vaccinate or not, to wear a mask or not and what activities are safe during a pandemic. How much independence is safe?

When Olivia, Benjamin and

Rebecca were little and learning to do new things, they wanted to do some things on their own. Is there anything better than watching a 2-year-old try over and over to button a shirt? If I was in a hurry, I would try by to move things along and do it myself. The shrieks of “I do it!” became deafening at times because all three would be unhappy that we had limited time. Getting out the door for an appointment could take hours. No matter how much planning I did, we barely got places on time. I tried to let them do things on their

own, and as they got older the desire to be independent of me became stronger.

The last 454-plus days have gone from things being whatever they were to being told to shelter at home, social distance and wear masks if we must leave our homes. I went from running to the grocery store on a whim to really trying to plan every outing to avoid the most people.

Doctors’ appointments became a virtual experience. If an appointment had to be in-person no one could be with you. Having masks on made it harder to

Jennifer Steuer

communicate and understand what the person was saying.

Understanding a person with no facial clues was frustrating.

Depending on those around us to also use masks and quarantine as needed was so hard. We lost our independence because of a virus.

In early 2020, Rebecca, Olivia and Benjamin had been gaining independence and learning what it means to be responsible for themselves.

Just before being forced to stay home, they had been staying after school with friends, joining clubs and figuring out what they were really interested in

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The pandemic temporarily halted siblings’ steps toward autonomy

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n u F s d i K ge Pa

CROSSWORD

Coloring Fun

8 Family Now — July 2021

Crossword Answers: ACROSS 1. Voyages 4. Ambition 6. Neatness DOWN 1. Vacation 2. Anti 3. Rentals 5. Train

ACROSS: 1. Long journeys 4. Strong desire to achieve something 6. Quality of being orderly DOWN: 1. Break from work or school 2. Against 3. Vacation properties 5. Runs on rails

In early 2020, Rebecca, Olivia and Benjamin had been gaining independence and learning what it means to be responsible for themselves. Just before being forced to stay home, they had been staying after school with friends, joining clubs and figuring out what they were really interested in and discovering themselves.

n Triple Threat continued from Page 7 and discovering themselves. I watched the blossoming of my kids get taken away. Now, with great trepidation, they are each starting to put a big toe back in the world. Harlan and I are just as leery. We don’t want to be responsible for being part of another surge in Covid-19 cases.

Once the little ones are off to college or their first apartment and the nest gets quiet, I won’t know what to do with myself. It

is weird to me that as my babies are gaining their independence Harlan, and I will be getting a new kind of independence. I’ve had anxiety attacks about what my life might be like when all this happens. Who am I without Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia by my side? There are so many parts of my life that

my children have touched. My heart will never be the same.

I believe kids need independence. My kids are growing up and no longer exclaim “I do it!”

As Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca become more grown up, they will have more and more independence. Being their

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Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 13-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

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I realize that my job is to make myself obsolete and let the kids be on their own. I have been teaching Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia how to take care of themselves to the best of my abilities: brushing teeth, bathing and getting dressed.

They are learning to protect their bodies and minds. Each of my children knows they can tell or ask Harlan, my mom or me anything.

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The Write Stuff

Finally home Local mom writes about her children’s adoptions and finding a path forward through faith RAVENA — Sandra Flach is, above all, a mom.

The mother of eight — five through adoption — has her hands full at any given time.

When she’s not tending to her large family, she’s involved in her church or working on her nonprofit, Justice for Orphans.

The root of JFO, whose mission is to rally the church to serve children and families in crisis, is inspired by Flach’s own journey of adoption.

When she’s not tending to her large family, Sandra Flach’s involved in her church or working on her nonprofit, Justice for Orphans. Her first book Flach released her debut book, “Orphans No More: A Journey Back to the Father,” was released in June.

“Orphans No More: A Journey Back to the Father,” in June. The book touches on the adoptions of her children Andrii, Anna, Jordan, Slava and Missy. Andrii, Anna, Jordan and Slava are a group of siblings from Ukraine, while Missy is a family member who found herself in the Flach home after circumstances beyond her control.

“The journey of adopting our children was one where we had to have immense amounts of faith, especially in the eye of a government that is the polar opposite of what we are used to here,” Flach said. “There were many times [my husband] Wayne and I would be enveloped in prayer while in Ukraine, hoping for a sign from God that we were on the right path of bringing the kids home.”

Andrii and Anna were found abandoned together. Because Ukraine doesn’t have a foster system like the States, the siblings were thrown into the vortex of the Ukrainian orphanage network, where it isn’t uncommon to be separated from other siblings. That’s exactly what happened to Slava and Jordan; Andrii and Anna knew they had a baby brother somewhere in the country, but because Jordan was a baby, he was in an orphanage in another city. It wasn’t until

10 Family Now — July 2021

Andrii, Anna and Jordan were about to depart Ukraine with Flach did they learn of Slava’s existence. Even so, it took the Flachs a couple more years to finally bring Slava home.

“When we brought Slava home, it was a whirlwind where each person in the family had to pitch in to keep him from destroying things or hurting himself,” Flach said. “All of the kids, but Slava especially, were in survival mode when they came home. When we first brought Andrii, Anna and Jordan back from the orphanage, I had to close the kitchen down after dinner one night because we had days worth of food they were inhaling in hours.”

“When we first got the trio home, I thought of their birth mother often,” Flach said, adding she was told the siblings’ birth mother was an alcoholic. Their birth mother died by shortly after Slava was born.

“I believe in my heart she knew the kids were safe Missy was a huge with a good famhelp to Flach when ily and with all of Wayne and her other her own suffering, she children flew back to the could take comfort in knowing United States. She’s had her own the kids were safe.” demons from the trauma she endured in her previous situation; A big part of “Orphans No Flach said her relationship with More” centers on trauma-based Missy wasn’t always roses. Misparenting. Jordan and Slava were sy’s own trauma-based behaviors born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, which is common resulted in the Flachs and her not being able to fully connect. with babies who were exposed It was only after the Flachs went to alcohol in the womb. Flach through trauma training were said alcohol abuse is rampant in they able to understand how Ukraine. Slava’s symptoms are more intense than Jordan’s, which their connection with Missy faltered and how they could betpresented a challenge when he ter parent the siblings who came came home and was unable to from across the world. function in the same environments as his siblings.

“Trauma-based behaviors

Kaitlin Lembo

do not mean a bad child or a broken child,” Flach said.

“Ultimately, behaviors are needs trying to be met. When we used to get mad at Missy, we’d ask her things like, ‘Why did you do that?’ or ‘What were you thinking?’ and it really ended up only making Missy feel worse.

We didn’t understand where she was coming from and she was dealing with her trauma in the way she knew how.”

Flach said one of the biggest saving graces of the time when the family was going through the initial stages of growing was homeschooling. The Flachs have homeschooled each of their children at one point or another — when Slava first came home, this was a huge help as Flach could work with the older kids on a school item and the younger ones could keep him occupied.

“Slava has been the one most affected by Covid-19 because he needs that routine that school pre-pandemic brought him,” Flach said. “He disclosed to us he was terrified of us getting Covid-19 and dying, which would leave him abandoned again.

Even with him knowing we are his family and we aren’t going anywhere, the trauma of abandonment is one he still struggles with. We ended up taking him out of school and homeschooling him so he could keep as much of a normal life as possible.”

Ultimately, Flach acknowledged she couldn’t have navigated the waters of adoption without her deep faith in God — her belief in unconditional love and purpose is something she showers on her family each day.

“As a woman of faith, I try to channel my beliefs into my life,” Flach concluded.

For more information on Justice for Orphans, visit sandraflach.com.

Libraries can recommend books appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children’s programs. If you tell a librarian the books that your child has previously liked, there is a good chance that the librarian can recommend other books that are similar.

n Learning Center continued from Page 6 members and friends as a way of practicing writing. The only way to improve writing is to write. There are no shortcuts.

Some children, if given the opportunity can embrace journaling or other kinds of regular writing. Buy them a journal, and see what happens.

Plan a meal together Helping mom or dad with the regular grocery shopping and meal preparation creates opportunities to use math skills such as making change, adjusting proportions, weighing fruits and vegetables, etc.

Visit the library Libraries can recommend books appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children’s programs. If you tell a librarian the books that your child has previously liked,

n Parenting continued from Page 4 been around grills much, you may want to give reminders and set them up for success by keeping the grill far from their play space.

Camping, fire pits and s’mores are usually enjoyed this time of year. Teach your kids how far they should be from the fire pit. Assist them with marshmallow making. Keep vigilant and never leave a child unattended near an open fire.

Many people love to go on long walks and bring their dogs lots of places. Remind young children about safety with dogs. You should keep your distance and always ask if the dog is friendly with kids before approaching. Teach them to ask before petting a dog. Not all animals are friendly with kids. Teach kids what to do if someone says

there is a good chance that the librarian can recommend other books that are similar.

Summer enrichment There are many enrichment

activities available for children when school is out-of-session.

Some, like Sylvan Learning, offer summer programs in math, reading, and writing.

Patrick McNamara is the owner and executive director at Sylvan Learning of Albany and Clifton Park. For more information, visit SylvanLearning.com.

that their dog isn’t friendly.

After a fun day out and about, you should turn on the car and blast the air conditioner. Cool down your car for a few minutes before you put your kids in. Also check the car seats first to make sure the buckles aren’t hot.

Remember to go on out there and do those amazing summer activities, make the best memories, and don’t forget safety, too.

Remember you only get 18 summers with them!

Quoida Lauzon is a Capital District mom and a Registered Nurse who specializes in maternal and infant health, breastfeeding and childbirth education. She teaches classes and coaches new mothers in their pregnancy and “fourth trimester” journey and believes women should thrive, not just survive, motherhood. Connect with her on social media @ nurse.q.lauzon or visit nurseq.com.

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July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 11

Making a difference

FamilyNow Sounding it out CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

ESYO team creates an immersive musical exhibit in Washington Park

UPCOMING

Monthly Deadlines August

Deadline:

September Deadline:

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ESYO’s youth, led by Bethlehem Central High School senior Emma Edgar, created a soundwalk exhibit, which premiered over Memorial Day weekend and will be up through the summer. In the project, Edgar and her peers created an accompanied walk through Washington Park. Edgar’s team did everything from commissioning the composers — high school students as well, by the way — to marketing the project, including navigating the software needed for the walk and working with mentors and teachers alike to make all of the moving parts a reality.

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Bethlehem Central High School senior Emma Edgar and a group from the ESYO Young Leaders program created a soundwalk exhibit in Washington Park that allows walkers to be aware of their surroundings while experiencing a collaboration of nature and music.

“The vision and scope of this project is so impressive,” ESYO executive director Becky Calos their natural surroundings and said. “The best part of this their local park. The Washingwas seeing these musicians ton Park lake trail was catreally step up into egorized into sections these adult roles by the soundwalk by and watching our team. As a walker adults work with passes through them on the same each section, the level. Everything, music changes right down to to match the navigating finanparticular sections cial compensation of the trail. Young and the nitty gritty of composers from ESYO hiring people, was done by and guest artists composed Emma and her team.” pieces of music for specific parts of the trail, highlighting A soundwalk is an immersive its features. In addition to the audio experience curated to ac- focus on nature, some pieces company a walker as they stroll will center on the significance along various nature trails, increasing appreciation for Continued on Page 13

Kaitlin Lembo

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To advertise in one or more of these issues please call: Denice Mau at 518-439-4940 or email: maud@spotlightnews.com 113091_4

12 Family Now — July 2021

ALBANY — Despite the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Young Leaders program only being in its second year, the program’s young musicians are already making an indelible mark on Albany’s footprint.

n Soundwalk continued from Page 12 of Albany’s heritage, both Dutch and Native American.

This soundwalk will allow walkers to be aware of their surroundings and experience the remarkable collaboration of nature and music. Just as the pieces of a puzzle fit together to construct a beautiful picture, the soundwalk will permit technology, music, and nature to come together to create an unforgettable experience for each walker.

Edgar said the creation of her project was inspired by the recent soundwalk done at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and New York City’s Central Park. Both projects were headed by Ellen Reid.

Edgar said the project was a great outlet for her to learn many of the skills she will need in college and beyond.

While the musician will major in computer sciences at college, she understands the impact music has on each field in the world and how the ability to write contracts, commission people and make projects a real thing will only serve her well.

“My mentor and I worked together on how to make all of these different components come together,” Edgar said.

“I think the biggest surprise of the whole journey was how many different things I had to work on. But it wasn’t work; I loved each moment of this

journey and the rush you get from making all of these parts move together was second to none. If I do nothing but soundwalks for the rest of my life, I’ll be very happy.”

Perhaps the most intricate part for Edgar was working with available technology; because the students went from concept to execution in three months, there was not enough time to create an app specifically for Washington Park. Edgar was forced to resort to using existing software, which presented its own set of learning curves. Because the software refuses to change tracks until the previous track is done, even if the user walks into a different part of the exhibit, Edgar was tasked with having commissioned artists create pieces within a certain time frame.

“My team and I actually walked through Washington Park and timed each leg, and from there we had

the composers create based on that pace,” Edgar said.

“This software isn’t meant for soundwalks, so next time I do something like this, I would love to create an app or program specifically for this type of activity.”

Calos, Edgar and a bunch of the team walked through the finished product recently on their own time. Calos said she’s beyond impressed with her students’ feat, while Edgar was ecstatic at how well each of the pieces ended up fitting into their purposeful places.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a student with more professionalism or organization than Emma,” Justin Cook, ESYO’s marketing and publications manager, said. “I’ve worked with kids most of my career and she’s brilliant. I think what really sticks out is how I didn’t negotiate contracts like these until I was in my 30s.

Emma did it and she’s in high school.”

Have a

Fabulous Fourth!

From the staff at:

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HIHIHIHIH

“This soundwalk is an important project for so many reasons,” Edgar said. “I joined ESYO and the Young Leader program because I wanted to make music with other

dedicated young musicians like myself, and now, I want to give that opportunity back to the community. A park is a place that brings people together, and I am reaffirming that statement through this music.”

July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 13

Grilled Garlic Shrimp with a Fresh Heirloom Tomato Sauce Makes 6 servings For the marinated shrimp: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 garlic cloves, minced 36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 12 6-inch wooden skewers For the tomato sauce: 3 pounds assorted large heirloom tomatoes 1 small sweet onion, minced 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon honey 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper To marinate the shrimp, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar and garlic in a large bowl.

Stir to combine. Add the shrimp and allow to sit, covered, for 1 hour.

Stir occasionally.

Prepare a medium fire in a

14 Family Now — July 2021

charcoal or gas grill. Soak the skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.

To make the tomato sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Place one or two tomatoes at a time into the boiling water. Watch them and, as you see the skin split, remove with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl of cool water. At this point, it will be very easy to slip off the skins.

Cut the peeled tomatoes into a small dice. Put the cut tomatoes into a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Stir gently to combine.

Skewer the shrimp, 3 per skewer. Grill the skewered shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and a couple grinds of fresh pepper.

Just before serving, add the basil leaves to the tomato sauce.

Taste and add more salt if necessary.

Ladle the tomato sauce onto a serving platter and arrange the skewers on top of the sauce.

Garnish with more basil leaves.

Elevate

GRILL

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ure, burgers and hot dogs are a crowd pleaser, and a nice juicy steak is a thing of beauty when you get those char lines just right, but red meat isn’t the only thing that goes from good to great when it’s grilled.

Grilling chicken is an easy way to transform a staple protein into something even more delicious.

Many cultures have a version of the chicken kebab, and this type of grilling over an open flame brings out some big flavors. We’ve found a tasty recipe for spiedini from “Cooking Light: Dinner’s Ready.” The chicken spiedini, which means “little skewers” in Italian, is paired with a zesty salsa full

e your

GAME of nuts, herbs and citrus – a perfect complement to the smoky grilled flavor.

Grilled seafood can also be a perfect light alternative to red meat, something many people prefer to avoid when the weather is especially warm. A recipe from Laurey Masterton’s “The Fresh Honey Cookbook” pairing grilled garlic shrimp with a fresh tomato sauce provides a less filling but delicious alternative to more traditional backyard barbecue fare.

Serve one of these recipes at your next barbecue and show your guests how versatile outdoor cooking can be.

Spiedini of Chicken and Zucchini with Almond Salsa Verde Makes 6 servings Salsa: 1 cup chopped flat parsley 2 tablespoons chopped almonds, toasted 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 3 tablespoons capers, chopped 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 garlic clove, minced Spiedini: 1-1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces 6 small zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices (about 1-1/4 pounds) Cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Soak 12 (10-inch) wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Bring the grill to medium-high heat To prepare the salsa, combine the first 12 ingredients; set aside. To prepare the spiedini, thread the chicken and zucchini alternately on each of the 12 skewers.

Coat the spiedini with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place on a grill rack; grill 6 minutes or until done, turning once. Serve with salsa.

Tip: Prepare the salsa up to a day ahead, and assemble the skewers earlier in the day. Coat with the seasonings just before grilling.

July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 15

Out and About

Winging it ALBANY — Nature enthusiasts of all ages can take part in the State Department of Environmental Conservation 2021 I Bird NY challenges for beginning and experienced birders.

Two levels of challenges provide the opportunity to identify birds and learn about birdlife and offer a chance to win birding equipment.

“No matter where you live or where you come from, birdwatching is a fun, safe activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said.

New York State’s wide-ranging habitat types, from the Atlantic Ocean’s sandy beaches to majestic Catskill and Adirondack peaks, Great Lakes shorelines,

and everything in between, create a birder’s paradise, supporting more than 450 different bird species throughout the year.

“Bird watching is like a treasure hunt – once you start looking, it’s amazing how much diversity and beauty in wildlife you can encounter right around you,” said Miyoko Chu, Director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Birdwatching can be enjoyed by people from all economic backgrounds and education levels. While binoculars can help, many birds can be identified without special equipment.

DEC is hosting its annual I Bird NY Beginner’s Birding Challenge, which is open to anyone 16 years of age and younger. To complete the Beginner’s Birding

Birders new and experienced can take part in I Bird NY challenge Challenge, participants must identify 10 common New York bird species and submit their challenge sheet to DEC. Entries can be mailed or emailed. All challenge participants will receive a certificate of participation and be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win birding accessories.

In addition to the Beginner’s Birding Challenge, DEC is offering the I Bird NY Experienced Birder Challenge. To complete the experienced birder challenge, birders of any age must identify at least 10 different bird species found across New York State.

To learn more or to download a challenge sheet, visit www.dec. ny.gov/animals/109900.html.

You will also find information

Birdwatching can be enjoyed by people from all economic backgrounds and education levels.

While binoculars can help, many birds can be identified without special equipment. on where and how to watch birds, upcoming bird walks or other events, a downloadable Beginner’s Guide to Birding and additional resources.

We Help You Help.

When you help care for a loved one, you take care of everything. But are you taking care of yourself?

AARP can help with information and useful tips on how you can maintain a healthy life balance, care for your own physical and mental well-being, and manage the challenges of caring for a loved one. Because the better care you take of yourself, the better care you can provide for your loved one.

You’re there for them.

We’re here for you.

Find free Care Guides to support you and your loved one at AARP.org/caregiving

16 Family Now — July 2021

Recollections

The games of summer In the absence of baseball, kids came up with some creative pastimes

N

ortheast summers once developed idle minds for kids like me leaving the baseball field. July was the cruelest of months. The summer was just a few weeks old, and my Little League season waned to a close following the Fourth of July. That’s when we resorted to more creative games.

There were few things in the world more valuable to an 11-year-old boy than his bicycle and his baseball glove.

The latter would remain a fixed accessory to the former on the hottest of days. Whether you rose the ranks in the Cub Scouts, there was an unspoken understanding that you’d be

prepared for a pick-up game at the drop of your handlebars.

It wasn’t like a baseball game would materialize among the neighborhood kids on a regular basis.

Simple math suggests 18 kids lining up at the ready to play. How often can a dozen kids agree on a singular goal? More problematic was gathering enough kids to assemble two teams onto a field. It didn’t often happen. It may not have ever happened. But, there was no worse imagined fate than to be without your glove should it happen.

There’s an innate need for competition in a young boy’s life. Forget fun. That’s cute.

Boy’s aren’t cute, they’re cutthroat. Games create a sense of hierarchy. by Establishing who is best at what creates a sort of caste system. Athletes will deny it. Book nerds will confirm it. The process is painful. One’s inability to hit a Wiffle Ball stays with a person long into adulthood.

Michael Hallisey

*

But Wiffle Ball was tame compared to a game we ominously called Chicken. In every other childhood game, there is a rush to avoid being “It.” It was a punishment that

The person who was It would stand with a tennis ball in hand about 15 to 30 feet away from a brick wall. The rest of the kids ran in a chaotic stream between safety points on both sides. It was a Draconian form of Pickle; instead of a slap with the glove, runners were pegged. Because no one walks while seeking safety, there’s a need to throw fast, and even tennis balls smart when they make contact with skin.

Continued on Page 21

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followed ridicule. It often meant you couldn’t avoid the consequences of failure. It meant you were too slow or just lousy at finding a good hiding spot. But, in Chicken, It wielded power.

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Glenvilleterrace@belmontmgmt.com July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 17

Ice Cream Puzzle Answers on Page 20

Clues Down

CRYPTO F UN

1. Presides 2. Artist’s tool Clues Across 3. On a higher floor 1. Central processing unit 4. Commercial 4. Military action 10. How electricity gets to train car- 5. Something to watch 6. Chased riages (abbr.)

7. Commercial producers 11. Unsafe 8. Keyboard instrument 12. Of (French) 9. Blue grass state 14. Autonomic nervous system 12. Phonograph recording 15. Type of bean 13. Unusual 16. Accuse formally of a crime 17. Popular average 18. Promote 19. A native or inhabitant of Asia 22. Type of lava 20. N. Sweden river 23. Meat from a deer 21. Related on the mother’s side 24. Herbaceous plants 25. Mediator 26. Potato state 29. Partner of to 27. Helsinki neighborhood 31. Arm bones 28. Sports officials 32. Korean seafood dish 30. Shout wildly 33. Tap of the foot 31. Reptile genus 35. Astronauts 34. Frocks 38. Carolina footballer 36. Born of 41. Indiana city 37. N. Scandinavian indigenous 43. Of or relating to bears people 44. Not widely known 39. Poultry cage 45. Body part 40. Aquatic insect genus 46. At the peak 41. Of I 47. High-pitched cries of a cat 42. Ad __: tirelessly repetitive 49. A way to intimidate 48. Item 56. Prosecutor 50. Produce 57. Atomic #66 51. Seedless raisin 52. Bond in a third party’s control 53. Legendary character __ Finn 54. Space station 55. Note at the end of a letter 56. In a way, contradicted 58. Midway between northeast and east 59. Bears important traffic 60. Brooklyn hoopster

Ice Cream Shop

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18 Family Now — July 2021

CARAMEL COLD CHIPS CONE CHOCOLATE COOKIES COLA COUNTER

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Retiring Retirement

Robert LaCosta

Nature nurtures

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Glenmont’s BioReserve is a unique educational resource for area students

“Parks are good,” he says, “but communities need open areas like this.”

The BioReserve (thebioreserve.org) sits directly across the street from Cumberland Farms on Route 9W and Corning Hill Road and that is within a quarter mile of the City of Albany.

A microscopist by trade, O’Leary is used to the tiny. Yet he has a big vision for accessible bio reserves that can offer teachers a nearby resource and reach and instruct inner city children, homeschoolers and students of all kinds.

“When the kids come here,” he says, “their reactions can range from the ‘wow-effect’ for the urban children who are used to tall buildings to a sense of the familiar for home-schoolers who tend to come from rural settings.”

Students have access to macroscopes and microscopes in the lab where they can explore rocks, leaves, bugs and single-cell organisms while not missing out on basket weaving, tanning deer hides or simply staying overnight and looking at the stars.

Although there are no steep cliffs on the reserve, O’Leary has

drawn from his vast experience in rock climbing to build a 43foot high tree-platform that allows visitors to repel, shed some fear of heights and prepare them for some of the aspects of rock climbing. (Read last month’s column to learn about O’Leary’s one-of-a-kind indoor rock gym.)

The BioReserve is on the verge of adding acres that include an Old Forest that has trees dating back further than the founding of Albany.

A quick peek into one of Albany County’s few yurts reveals ample space for living, cooking and sleeping while being economical to heat in a coldweather climate.

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“Why have long and straight paths through a preserve, when you can bend and wind them to highlight the vast amounts of trees, shrubs and wildlife while getting you to slow down?” he asks rhetorically.

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O’Leary’s knowledge of nature and biology is matched only by his creativity. In the same way he designed his indoor caves and rock climbing walls, he is engineering a complex series of trails that are actually similar to a giant labyrinth.

What gets O’Leary up in the morning are not just the responsibilities and daily chores of such a complex-but-simple vision.

It’s a forward-thinking idea that these students will be the world’s future leaders and they will have a greater sense of how much life is dependent upon nature.

Roy F. Bordeau

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lenmont’s BioReserve should be emulated by every town in the United States according to 76-year-old Dennis O’Leary, whose 68-acre parcel on the former Corning Estate is home to elaborate trails, an Old Forest, thousands of plant and wildlife species, a working laboratory and a 28-foot yurt – the circular Asian version of a teepee.

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Senior Centers LifePath www.lifepathny.org; (518) 465-3322 Programs will be conducted via Zoom unless otherwise noted and are no cost to the participants unless noted.

The (**) symbol denotes a hybrid class. Register and log in from the comfort of your home or join us at one of our Senior Centers.

Individuals can visit the website to register for the programs or call.

July 6 at 12:30 p.m.: ** Travel Log: “Titanic.” Join us as we explore the splendor of the most magnificent ocean liner of its day, the RMS Titanic. We will learn about the furnishings, the gorgeous art, the fine dining and peerage aboard the great ship in 1912.

July 8 and 22 at 2 p.m.: ** Seated Tai Chi with Cheryl

Hurd. Stretch your body through a series of movements designed to improve your alignment and release stress. No experience is required.

July 9 at 9:30 a.m.: Play Reading Club. Have you wanted to be in a play or have you wanted to get back into the swing of acting? The Play Reading Club will explore a new play each month, parts and scripts will be assigned, or you can log in to listen.

July 12 at 10 a.m.: ** Seated Tap & Jazz. This will bring dancing in your seat to a whole new level! Learn tap and jazz foot moves while staying safely seated on a chair. Guaranteed to make you smile and maybe sweat a little.

July 13 and 16 at 4:30 p.m.: Dinner and a Show. Come join us for a wonderful evening of dinner as the Bunbury Players theatre troupe performs an exerpt of their cabaret show

“As We Stumble Along!” This show features some of the most memorable songs in Broadway history. Check website for potential cost. Will take place at Livingston School Apartments on July 13 and Watervliet Senior Center on July 16.

July 21 at 1 p.m.: Falls Prevention. We will prepare you for the evidenced-based Falls Talk Program that has been proven to help you stay independent. Gain confidence, support and knowledge on keeping safe in your home and environment. Located at the Watervliet Senior Center.

July 26 at 1 p.m.: Book Club. “The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows will be discussed.

This NY Times Bestseller is “a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German Occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name.”

Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969 All opening information along with the calendar will be posted on the Niskayuna Town website at www.niskayuna.org/ senior-center. *Denotes registration or possible additional fee.

Please note that all details are subject to change. Call with any questions or concerns.

Tuesdays 9 a.m.-noon: Tom’s Computer Class (first and third Tuesday of the month) 10 a.m.: Tai Chi 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service* 10 a.m.: Cards, Bridge, Bocce Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service

Continued on Page 21

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20 Family Now — July 2021

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Senior Centers 1 p.m.: Zoom Chair Moves Thursdays 10 a.m.: Tai Chi 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service* 10 a.m.: Cards, Bridge, Bocce Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service 1 p.m.: Zoom Chair Yoga and In House (July 1, 15, 29)* Exercise Update: Classes such as chair pilates, chair yoga, etc. remain available on Zoom. You can email Edie for registration, dates and times at ecannizo@niskayuna. org. Pilates, yoga, walks and art are available on YouTube at “Niskayuna Seniors.”

11 a.m. Mondays: Zoom Zumba and In House (July 19, 26)* 11 a.m. Wednesdays: SilverSneakers Zoom Zumba (July

n Recollections continued from Page 17 Back and forth, kids would run between points. There was safety in numbers. Smart players would time their sprints to coincide with others until the field was culled down to a final few. The last person standing would then be named It, and the next round would begin.

But those who kept to the side were either teased or pushed into the fire. In the worst of situations, the game would stop to address the most blatant of violators. Those staying off to the side were breaking the trust of everyone else fac-

21,28)* 11 a.m. Fridays: Zoom Chair Pilates (July 2, 16, 23, 30)* Fridays 10 a.m.-Noon: Beginner Mahjong 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Alzheimer’s Support Group (first Friday of the month) 10:30 a.m.: Open Art Studio 11 a.m.-noon: Chair Pilates Monthly Activities July 1 at 11 a.m.: Brand-new Book Club; Birthday celebrations July 13 at noon: Melanie the flutist July 15 at 10:30 a.m.: Art with Edie; 12:30 p.m. Phyllis Diller Day trivia July 20 at 12:30 p.m.: Ice Cream Day trivia and treat July 22 at 11 a.m.: Centers Healthcare: The Importance of Medical Nutrition discussion July 27 at 12:30 p.m.: Take ing scraped knees, bumped heads and cherry apple welts.

They would be forced out into the open and face a “one-onone” with It, the Executioner.

As I write this, I think about the comprehensive movement to abolish Dodgeball from our schools. William Golding surely played a game or two before writing “Lord of the Flies.” This is why I have self-esteem issues. Glad to see Little League extends past July these days.

The author is editor-at-large of Capital District Family Now and managing editor of Spotlight Newspapers.

your pants for a walk day and exercise July 29 at 12:30 p.m.: National Lasagna Day discussion

Colonie Senior Services Center 6 Winners Circle, Albany (518) 459-2857; cbarrett@colonieseniors.org Colonie Senior Service Centers is currently accepting nominations for their 2021 Colonie Senior Spirit Awards.

The awards are presented to outstanding individuals and organizations in the Capital Region that provide seniors with support services or who have advocated on their behalf which results in seniors remaining independent and allowing them to age in place in the community which they choose.

The Colonie Spirit Award winners will be honored at CSSC’s Annual Founders Celebration Dinner in October.

Nominees may be nominated for one of the following areas: • Transportation Award • Bright Horizons Award • Senior Dining Award • Health & Wellness Award • Senior Housing Award • Building a Senior Community Award To nominate a deserving individual, business or organization submit a Colonie Spirit Award nomination form to Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. Attn: Laurie Miedema, Development Director, 6 Winners Circle, Albany, NY 12205 or at www.colonieseniors.org.

Nomination forms are available at The Beltrone Living Center, King Thiel Living Senior Center, Sheehy Manor, William K. Sanford Town Library, and on the Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. website www.colonieseniors.org.

The deadline for nominations is August 31, 2021.

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But Wiffle Ball was tame compared to a game we ominously called Chicken.

In every other childhood game, there is a rush to avoid being “It.” But, in Chicken, It wielded power.

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July 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 21

Social Security Corner

Find your past earnings Social Security can tell you what you made at that first job – or any other year of employment

E

ver wonder what you earned the year you worked your first job?

Or perhaps any other year you worked? We can tell you.

Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your future Social Security benefits. We keep track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your Social Security earnings record is so important.

While it’s your employer’s responsibility to provide accurate earnings information to us, you should still review your

earnings history and inform us of any errors or omissions.

This is so you get credit for the contributions you’ve made through payroll taxes.

You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. If an employer didn’t properly report even just one year of your earnings to us, your future benefit payments could be less than they should be. Over the course of a lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. It’s

important to identify and report errors as soon as possible.

As time passes, you may no longer have easy access to past tax documents. Also, some employers may no longer by exist or be able to provide past payroll information.

tax returns. Keep in mind that earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet.

The easiest way to verify your earnings record is to visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount and set up or sign in to your personal my Social Security account. You should review each year of listed earnings carefully and confirm them using your own records, such as W-2s and

Let your friends and family know they can access important information like this any time at www.ssa.gov and do much of their business with us online.

Elizabeth Pivonka

You can find out how to correct your Social Security earnings record by reading our publication How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10081.pdf.

The author is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Capital District FAMILY NOW,

a monthly publication with timely features for every age and stage of family life.

With Capital District FAMILY NOW, you will find great columns and features to enjoy every month, plus so much more.

Pick up your copy today!

To advertise, please call Denice Mau at 518-439-4940 or email maud@spotlightnews.com.

22 Family Now — July 2021

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Belmont Management Co., Inc. was formed in 1975 and in 1980, we began to offer our management services to other property owners. Since that time the company has grown to 76 apartment communities across New York State.

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Visit our website at www.BelmontMgmt.com for details on each property.

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24 Family Now — July 2021