Inside:
A fond farewell
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
Vol. 2, #6 | JUNE 2021 | FREE
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
Responsibility is learned A big league honor Give grads their due
cdFamilyNow.com
June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 1
2 Family Now — June 2021
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Editor’s desk
Never ready for the goodbyes They break our hearts whether we know they’re coming or not
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
For every age and stage of family life.
June 2021 Features Graduation celebrations
14-15
Local vet honored
F
or our students, June marks the culmination of a fractured and uncertain school year, and for our seniors it’s an anticlimactic milestone that in years past would have been marked by big parties and family gatherings. Our 2021 grads are being unceremoniously launched into an uncertain future (but aren’t all futures a little uncertain?). And yet, the ones I’ve talked to seem remarkably unfazed by it all. They’re resilient and ready to see what this next adventure brings. I know this because my oldest daughter is among them. And while it was a year where SATs were repeatedly cancelled and rescheduled, college visits were prohibited, and a glut of applications meant wait-list purgatory for many, my daughter has ended up on the other side of this with a destination and a clear purpose. So here she is on the precipice of her independence, and I have a few short weeks to get used to the idea that she will no longer be spending the majority of her time under my roof. I can do this. And I try to take comfort in her eagerness to strike out on her own. If she feels ready, that means I’ve done my job. But, oh, just thinking about dropping her off and driving away this fall causes me to blink back unsolicited tears. Goodbyes are never easy, and it is with a heavy heart that I share the news that longtime Senior Spotlight and Family Now columnist Frank DeSorbo has passed. He had a larger-than-life presence in this community, and he will be missed. Our Editorat-Large Michael Hallisey shares some of his memories about Frank on Pages 16-17. We at Family Now wish his family peace and comfort. 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
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Columnists Parenting with Confidence
4
Triple Threat
8
Learning center
10
Social Security Corner
19
Retiring Retirement
21
What’s new Kids fun page Brainteasers
6 18
Resources Senior Centers
22
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 - Kaitlin Lembo
The Class of 2021 may be celebrating graduation a little different this year, but their achievement is still worth honoring. Read how on Pages 14-15.
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.
June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 3
Parenting with Confidence
I
Children and chores
once was told, “Life can be long, and it can be hard.” Some people think they need to toughen their children up. However, truly we don’t need to do that. Loving them, validating them, supporting them and staying in their corners builds strength, security, love and raises children whose needs are met. When we raise children, it is very important for children to also have structure. You see kids actually thrive in routine. Even at an early age, whenever we add in the routine of them helping with chores that are ageappropriate, they start to thrive in their role as a family member and individual. Having roles and responsibilities helps to give us purpose and respect for the things we have, and it allows us
to develop a good work ethic at a young age.
Make sure you make chores fun, age-appropriate, and safe. If you get excited about doing By being responsible at a these things, your kids will young age, children will learn different life tasks, critical think- mimic you as well. If they hear you dread cleaning or feel that ing, and build more confienergy that chores are dence through doing just awful to do, chores and giving a they are also going by helping hand. to think that It is our job to they should be teach and love avoided. our children to At first, you be the best verwill notice yoursions of themself having to rediselves. rect them to get back It is a disservice to our on task. This is especially children if we give them no true if they were not shown responsibilities and chores. enough times the proper way or if it’s not a daily or weekly The youngest of children, routine and schedule yet. You at even 4 years old, can help make their bed with you, set out have to make sure you set them napkins and some silverware for up for success!
Quoida Lauzon
dinner, and help clean up toys.
They will also have to be redi-
rected and assisted. If it’s not an age appropriate task, they will be overwhelmed or overstimulated by the mess, so it is important to keep expectations realistic but also consistent. Children thrive on routine. For example, if your child knows they put their laundry in the hamper every night for bath time it will become a habit and second nature. 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.
Get the word out!
2021 Albany JCC Summer Camps
List your local event or meeting in our monthly calendar
Send calendar submissions by the 5th of the previous month to:
Capital District Family Now, Attn: Calendar, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, N.Y. 12054 or Email: robertsk@spotlightnews.com
FamilyNow
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CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
MAKE SURE THEY’RE IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT
June 28-September 3, 1, 2021. For kids 3 to 15. More info - www.albanyjcc.org, 518-438-6651 Follow us on @AlbanyJCC 113634_4
4 Family Now — June 2021
NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat
picture books
On the Bookshelf
Books are out of this world ‘Strange Planet: The Sneaking, Hiding, Vibrating Creature’
‘Anemone is not the Enemy’
By Nathan W. Pyle
A funny tale of mishap, misunderstanding, and the search for true friendship in an ocean rockpool. All Anemone wants is a friend, but friends are hard to make when you accidentally sting everyone who comes near you. Perhaps Clownfish has a solution to the problem ... Scribble
By Anna McGregor
Based on the popular Instagram comics, this story follows and alien family as they observe a strange creature that sneaks, hides, and vibrates around the house. Hilarity ensues as the blue beings try to mimic this talented creature. HarperCollins
‘Tabitha and Fritz Trade Places’ By Katie Frawley; Illustrated by Laurie Stansfield Tabitha the cat is tired of her easy, coddled life. Fritz the elephant dreams of celebrating an exciting voyage to a faraway place. The two connect online via Lair-bnb and pack their bags to trade places. Will Fritz love the city life? Will the rain forest be all that Tabitha has hoped for? Two Lions
Words Are Powerful. Use Yours to Help Stop Bullying. Bullying can make kids feel isolated, sad and hopeless, but a kind word or gesture from a classmate can make a world of difference. Help fight bullying by setting an example of kindness and caring with your words and actions at home, and encouraging your child to do the same at school.
Friendship. Kindness. Respect. Compassion.
A reminder from:
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
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June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 5
n u F s d i K e g Pa
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? There are four things different between Picture A & Picture B. Can you find them all?
A
B
What’s The Difference Answers: 1. Tusk is shorter 2. Bird in background 3. Two rocks 4. Missing tree branch
Coloring Fun
6 Family Now — June 2021
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Health benefit plans are issued or administered by MVP Health Plan, Inc.; MVP Health Insurance Company; MVP Select Care, Inc.; and MVP Health Services Corp., operating subsidiaries of MVP Health Care, Inc. Not all plans available in all states and counties. Print_CHP (10/20) © 2020 MVP Health Care MVP Health Plan, Inc. complies with Federal civil rights laws. MVP Health Plan, Inc. does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-852-7826 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文， 您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。 請致電 1-800-852-7826 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). This information is available in other formats for members with special needs or who speak a language other than English. Please call us at 1-800-852-7826 (TTY/TTD: 1-800-662-1220).
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June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 7
Triple Threat
parenting triplets in the Capital District
Tackling the hard things Family digs deep to find the strength to face the challenges of a pandemic year
H
arlan, my mom and I have all gotten our vaccinations. Half of our house is vaccinated! In mid-May the vaccine was released for 12-15 year olds, and Rebecca, Olivia and Benjamin had never been so excited to get a shot in their lives. Another countdown began: How long until their appointments? Trying to make the appointments was frustrating and time-consuming. The vaccine gives me hope for the future. I like showing my trio that hope is still possible in all of this devastation. When things get complicated, I like to remember a phrase
from “Untamed,” a memoir by Glennon Doyle: “We can do hard things.” If anything, the last 15 months have shown us all that we can do hard things.
never end. There are days that are over in the blink of an eye. I am a mom, and I do hard things.
Life is full of hard things. As a mom, by there are days with hurdles that begin the second my head comes off the pillow and my feet hit the floor. As a mom to triplets, just getting my head on the pillow can be a challenge sometimes. Not only am I a mom, but I am also Harlan’s care partner for his hemodialysis. I have days that feel like they will
I knew that getting pregnant with Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. Hormones, shots and procedures were all necessary in order to get and stay pregnant. Harlan learned how to give me shots in my backside and how to deal with my persistent vomiting during my entire pregnancy. I had plenty of bed rest, boredom and trips to the bathroom. There were lots of
Jennifer Steuer
doctor’s appointments, anxiety attacks and ultrasounds. Getting pregnant, being pregnant and giving birth via C-section were all hard things, and I did all of those hard things! There is hard stuff coming up for my kids. Olivia is counting down until the first day of eighth grade. By the time their last year of middle school starts, it will have been 18 months since Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca have been inside their school. It will be 18 months since they have seen most of their friends and teachers in real life. This may not seem like a long time, but
Continued on Page 9
The staff at
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
wishes you a
Happy Father’s Day! 8 Family Now — June 2021
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continued from Page 8 it is 11 percent of their lives! A little perspective: For me it is only 3 percent of my lifetime. Being away from their peers is hard … and lonely, so very lonely. I’m a mom raising triplet teenagers as they attend school virtually, deal with hormones, chores and loneliness. All of this during a pandemic feels like a trial by fire. We are coming up on a second summer break that is touched by COVID. My kids remember how carefree vacations used to be: friends, parks, swimming, the summer reading program, visiting cousins and staying up later to read or play games. Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia are doing the best they can, and sometimes a meltdown happens. I am often overwhelmed with the need to constantly be “on.” I don’t hold the meltdowns against them,
and hopefully they don’t count my meltdowns against me. Masks may be coming down and in-person human interactions going up, but fear is the new normal. I would like to believe that COVID is going to be wiped from the Earth, but I am also a realist. In my opinion, this virus and the variants will be around for a very long time, and we will need to stay vigilant. We will keep washing our hands. We will carry hand sanitizer. We will hang out with friends outside. We will avoid large crowds. We will all be vaccinated. We will hang out with vaccinated friends. We will do all we can to be safe. Thanks to Glennon Doyle my new battle cry is, “We can do hard things!” 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.
Even once the masks come off, many will practice ongoing diligence to avoid a COVID-19 resurgence.
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n Triple Threat
June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 9
Learning Center
Education insight for parents
Wrapping up the school year 10 questions to ask to keep learning on track
A
very trying school year is coming to an end, so it makes sense to review what your kids have learned and how they have experienced the year. Here are some discussion starters to stimulate an informal conversation that will surely result in some pride. Notice that none of these questions can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” If you ask a question that can be answered in one word, that may be the only answer you’ll get.
What school project are you most proud of? The project doesn’t need to be the one with the best grade or that took the longest. Perhaps it isn’t even academic.
can get excited about history or sports books. Part of your Perhaps it was finally mastering job as a parent is to help your that tough piece of music or child discover what interests helping out on a charity event. them most. Sometimes just The idea is to celebrate (and giving them a gift card to not forget) that, ala bookstore, and then though it was a tough an hour to find by something to puryear, it did have chase, will provide some highlights. insight into your What was the child’s developing interests. best book you
Patrick McNamara
read?
Establishing the habit of reading is important and should be celebrated. If they can’t come up with anything, that may be a heads-up that they need to be exposed to a broader range of reading material. Some kids really don’t respond to fiction, but
What stretched your talent and interest the most? Children don’t always understand that working on something difficult leads to growth, regardless of whether they actually achieved the initial goal. A discussion about what
was particularly difficult this year can help them understand that connection.
What’s the most helpful thing you learned from your teacher? It can be surprising what a student considers “helpful.” It can also be interesting to hear how students judge teachers and why they like or don’t like a given teacher.
What are some examples of skills and facts you know now that you didn’t know in fall We know that many students didn’t learn all that they should
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We’re online!
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
Be sure to visit our website…
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10 Family Now — June 2021
the best way to get through it. That’s a great life lesson.
n Learning Center continued from Page 10
It can be helpful to have more than one child as part of some of these conversations. If you are still virtual, consider setting up a Zoom for a small group of friends or classmates, or have an outdoor get together. Make it a game with some kind of compensation for participating.
have this year, but almost all of them did move forward in their academic skills, and it is important to help them see that.
What did you learn from your biggest mistake? Learning from mistakes is an important part of growth, and yet it can be easy to focus entirely on the mistake and ignore the growth that occurred. Helping your child identify that growth can help minimize the chances of repeating those mistakes and lessen the fear of making them in the first place.
What new friends did you make? Are your children making new friends? If not, why not?
What surprised you most about this year? Okay, school was tough
These questions might be too advanced for younger students As summer vacation approaches, ask your children what was their favorite or too many for a “fun activity,” book that they read during the school year. Establishing the habit of reading but getting a conversation going is important and should be celebrated, and they can continue the habit by about the past year can provide you with new insight into your participating in the summer reading program at their library. children learning process, pervery well be the teacher who this year, but learning in new sonality and priorities. Keep the teaches you the most can be a ways can lead to insight into a discussion informal, with pizza valuable lesson. student’s learning preferences, or some favorite food involved. challenges and strategies. Listen without too much comWhat’s the funniest ment. Follow their lead. Laugh Which teacher thing that happened a lot. Make it all about them. Praise lavishly. challenged you most? this past year? Getting students to think about their learning process is an important part of academic growth. Recognizing that a teacher who challenges you may
Trying to find something positive and humorous from this past academic year might be difficult, but if you can find humor in a painful situation, it is often
Patrick McNamara is the owner and executive director at Sylvan Learning of Albany and Clifton Park. For more information, visit SylvanLearning.com.
To all of our
A Heartfelt Thank You!
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ESSENTIAL WORKERS
June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 11
Y
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
UPCOMING
Monthly Deadlines July
Deadline:
August
Deadline:
September Deadline:
October Deadline:
E
SCHENECTADY — All AP students know the frustration of devoting hours to a class expected to give you a leg up in college, only to find out the credits you literally poured blood, sweat and tears into aren’t going to transfer.
JUL Y
Kaitlin Lembo
AU
G
SEP
7
T
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 — June 2021
dy’s most famous community college to offer classes to its students. These classes, which will contribute to a student’s associate’s degree, are guaranteed to transfer to either SUNY Schenectady’s matriculations or other higher institutions.
The college journey can be The goal? Make college as tough. Not only are freshmen affordable as possible for every thrown into a vortex student and allow some of experiences they to walk across the by weren’t privy to stage with both in high school, a high school but the process is diploma and asintense. How do sociate’s degree in you graduate in the their hands. four years that’s ex“The reason why pected? How do these this works so well is credits equal a degree? Why didn’t anyone mention if I because we have the support took this elective, it would push structure to make sure these students are able to get the graduation off by three lousy college experience while still credits? being at Brown School,” Steady Brown School and SUNY Moono, president of SUNY Schenectady are trying to mitiSchenectady, said. “Allowing gate some of the most infamous students access to credits from gripes about college. The K-12 SUNY Schenectady gives them independent institution, known a chance to explore specialized for its hands-on approach to programs in a format that is education and its ability to gear at minimal or nominal cost to its curriculum to each student, them.” is teaming up with SchenectaContinued on Page 13
6
2
Partnership gives students a leg up Brown School teams up with SUNY Schenectady to let high schoolers explore college curriculum
JUN
7
In our schools
‘It’s been a really nice ice breaker into what college will be like for me. It gives me a chance to explore engineering and see if that’s potentially where I can end up or if I want to try a different career path.’ – Kabir Pabla, high school junior
said both Morley and Pabla have grown significantly as students since joining the program, and because it is open to any Brown student who wants to participate, it gives her students another option.
n Schools continued from Page 12 Moono said his staff prides itself in its 360-degree support system, which allows students, including those at Brown School, access to resources that will improve both their academic careers and lifestyles. Because college can be a stressful time, his staff takes pride in offering students a safe haven to work through life problems in the same capacity as they would a complicated math problem. Two of Brown School’s students, juniors Owen Morley and Kabir Pabla, are excited at the prospects coming from the partnership between the schools.
“All of the possibilities this partnership offers are groundbreaking for independent schools like ours,” Burke said. “It gives us something to hang our hats on and another service we can offer our students as we continue their academic journey.”
Steady Moono, President, SUNY Schenectady, and Patti Vitale, Head of School, Brown School share a pandemic high five. Photo from Buzz Media
“Compared to last year, I am able to focus more on my own studies and the things I want to learn more about,” Morley said. “In this program, I’ve focused more about how I can learn and grow as a student and become more independent.”
Pabla agreed, calling his experience delightful. “It’s been a really nice ice breaker into what college will be like for me,” he said. “It gives me a chance to explore engineering and see if that’s
potentially where I can end up or if I want to try a different career path.” Teresa Burke, head of upper school at Brown, said the program is in line with Brown’s philosophy on learning. She
Burke added she’s excited to see students continue making schedules and eventually being able to spend most of their days on SUNY Schenectady’s campus. “Our students have really hit the ground running with this,” Burke concluded, “and there have been bumps along the way, but this is a safe place for those bumps because we’re here to help them shoulder some of it.”
SO CAN YOU. June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 13
CLASS OF 2021
Still so much to celebra
J
How to mark this major milestone despite an unusual school year (and a half!)
ust as it’s compromised many other traditional celebrations, the COVID-19 pandemic is changing how families can safely celebrate graduation.
Even if dining at home, everyone c dressed up and go the extra mile by restaurant-like atmosphere at home
As more and more people become vaccinated, the world is gradually emerging from the pandemic. However, members of the class of 2021 will likely have to celebrate in unique circumstances. Such celebrations may not be traditional, but they can still be fun. Families may even enjoy finding new and unique ways to celebrate graduation this spring.
Toast the guest of honor b meal, and reserve a special the graduate that’s only rev ing the meal. For example, parents a special bottle of wine to commem college grads who can legally drink of newly minted high school gradu present a special video with well wi all the relatives who would normal dinner but cannot due to the pand
1.
Create a school-themed “movie” where grads are the stars. Students’ academic careers are filled with milestones, and the emergence of various technologies over the past two decades has made it easier than ever for families to document those milestones. Parents can pore through the many photos and videos they’ve created through the years and create a “This Is Your Life” video montage documenting all the special school-related moments students have had on their way to earning their diplomas and degrees. Parents can share the video with relatives if they still aren’t able to gather en masse.
14 Family Now — June 2021
3. Graduation celebrations will be different in 2021, but families can still make the most of their chances to honor grads in these unique circumstances.
2.
Plan a special dinner. Graduation dinners are one tradition that need not fall by the wayside, even if meals might not resemble traditional meals. Families comfortable dining out can book a reservation at the grad’s favorite restaurant, while those who prefer to avoid dining out can order takeout from that establishment. But families also can gather and prepare a special meal together.
4.
Organize a ceremony at ho lighthearted graduation ce the living room or the bac ensure graduates don’t miss out on to stride across the stage and receiv ploma. Invite a favorite teacher ove the diploma or present it yourself w your best school principal/presiden ation. This can be a fun way to add to celebrations and will be a fun m grads to look back on in the years t
ate
can get y creating a e.
before the l surprise for vealed durs can uncork morate k. Parents uates can ishes from lly attend the demic.
ome. A eremony in ckyard can n their chance ve their dier to give out while doing nt impersond some levity memory for to come.
Popular graduation traditions
C
ome the day of graduation, many grads-to-be might be focusing on receiving their diplomas, but before the party begins, it can be fun to reflect on the many traditions associated with graduation ceremonies.
Cap and gown The tradition is anything but new, as Columbia University notes caps and gowns have been linked to academia since the 12th century. Back then, students wore gowns and hoods to emulate the clergy who taught them, but also to stay warm. Many universities dressed their scholars in gowns from the 1700s onward. In 1786, one school, Brown University, even mandated that degree candidates be clad in flowing robes and caps at commencement ceremonies.
Tassel turning The tradition of turning the tassel dates back only decades rather than centuries. Graduates typically turn the tassels after everyone has received their degrees during the ceremony. The turn is symbolic of their transition from student to graduate. Tassels start on the right for high school students and college undergraduates and are then turned to the left, while recipients of master’s degrees and doctorates keep their tassels on the left.
Tossing caps in the air The tossing of graduation caps in the air is believed to date back more than 100 years. Prior to 1912, graduates of the United States Naval Academy had to serve as midshipmen for two years before they were commissioned as officers. As a result, they still needed their graduation caps. But beginning with the class of 1912, graduates were automatically commissioned as officers, so they no longer needed their hats. That led the graduates to throw them in the air, thus beginning one of the more fun and photo-worthy graduation traditions.
Pomp and Circumstance Sir Edward Elgar composed “Pomp and Circumstance” in 1901 and the title for the song was inspired by a line in the Shakespeare’s “Othello.” Elgar received an honorary degree from Yale University in 1905, and during that ceremony “Pomp and Circumstance” was played. June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 15
In Memory Of
A lifetime of stories Family Now bids farewell to longtime columnist Frank DeSorbo, who always told it like it was
D
eath, taxes, and baseball debates without true resolutions — these are life’s absolute constants.
My Saturday morning started by engaging in one of those impossible arguments. Someone posed the question, had Ted Williams not lost five in a half seasons to serving in World War II and the Korean War, would he be considered the best that ever was? Frank DeSorbo would have loved it. Frank would have tackled the debate from two angles; the first of which may not have solved anything other than satisfying his own passion for sharing stories of war veterans. He shared those
stories on the pages of our Senior Spotlight (precursor to Family Now) magazine. Frank’s monthly column would often place personal stories of local veterans within proper, historical context. They were often brief by anecdotes, but always poignant. Though he never served in the military, he earned the respect of many veterans — talking and listening to their stories on many Patriot Flight events to which he’d lead the charge as president of the organization. He
Michael Hallisey
Continued on Page 17
FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT
GENERATIONS TOGETHER
The Capital District family has changed -- and we have changed too. In recognition of the multi-generational nature of the modern household, we’ve merged Capital District Parent Pages with Capital District Senior Spotlight to create 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 all the great columns and features you already enjoy every month, plus so much more.
To advertise, please call Denice Mau at 518-439-4940 or email maud@spotlightnews.com. 16 Family Now — June 2021
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Despite the years that separated us, I spent more time than I could afford talking with him about his days umpiring in the Twilight League, or trying to trump one another on baseball trivia. When he moved on from Patriot Flight, we worked on changing his column to mirror our conversations. His memories of the games he played while growing up in Albany, how they built character and later helped develop his life in sports, provided a few lessons in life but more insight into a man who I learned to respect. As I write this, Frank died just a few days ago. Before learning of the news, I observed a few quirky occurrences in my own behavior. I picked up our Baseball Guide, in which Frank submitted a piece about locals who went on to play Major League Baseball. He was behind the plate for some of those kids, and he was excited about the research that led to the article — which is why I couldn’t
Frank A. “Jig” DeSorbo 1947-2021
DELMAR- Frank A. “Jig” DeSorbo, passed away suddenly and peacefully on Thursday, May 6, 2021 in his home. Born in Albany on October 9, 1947. He was the son of Joseph and Rose (Garufi) DeSorbo. Frank graduated from Vincentian High School and received his Master Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Albany. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dawn (Jones) DeSorbo, children Michael (Sharon Fischer) and Stephanie (Michael Paonessa), grandchildren Michael DeSorbo, Michaella, Alex, Nicholas, and Ryan Paonessa; and siblings Joseph, John, Rose, and Mary Catherine DeSorbo. He worked for the Albany City School District and later, became Assistant Superintendent for business at Catskill Central School District for many years. Although Frank was not a military veteran himself he was very supportive of all U.S. military
personnel past and present. Frank founded and was President of the D-Day Revisited Organization and was the past-President of the Capital District Patriot Flight Inc. Frank was also a long time member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and Capital District Baseball Umpires Association. He wrote monthly articles for the Senior Spotlight magazine. Frank greatly enjoyed all sports, watching horse races, card games with friends and family, boating and fishing with his grandchildren, and handing out Christmas IOUs. He enjoyed over 20 years of traveling to Aruba with his Wife and Family. His sense of humor will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends were invited to visit with his family at Daniel Keenan Funeral Home in Albany. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave. MC 119, Albany, NY 12208 in honor of Ryan Paonessa.
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wrote like he spoke, too. He’d often throw two or three veterans into each of his columns, running over the amount of copy space we had set aside for him.
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tell him we’d already passed the deadline. I made room for him. I always did. I went from our book, to David Halberstam’s “Summer of ’49,” and then to my baseball cards. It was the most baseball I consumed in one morning since I could last remember. In retrospect, I think Frank had a hand in it. Frank rooted for the wrong team, but over time, I found myself developing into a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, too. I confessed that point in our last conversation together. I emailed a few of my most recent acquisitions to my baseball card collection. A few beat up cards of Roy Campenella and Sandy Koufax. He picked up the phone and I told him I would have had a Duke Snider, too, had I not missed out on a recent auction. “I know someone who may have a few Sniders lying around,” he said. Once the pandemic settled down, he said he’d introduce me to a few more old-time baseball friends of his in Schenectady. I didn’t get a chance to tell him I finally grabbed a Snider for myself, though I’d trade it away to have Frank back. Michael Hallisey is editor-atlarge of Capital District Family Now and managing editor of Spotlight Newspapers.
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Glenvilleterrace@belmontmgmt.com June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 17
Puzzle Answers on Page 21
Clues Across
CRYPTO F UN
1. Formed by burning tobacco 4. Luxury automaker 7. Religious residences 12. Crusaders 14. Puzzled 15. In a curt way 18. Selling tool 19. Solid material 20. Gold 21. Thick piece of something 24. Pouch 27. “Wonder Years” actor Fred 30. Strong and healthy 31. Waste matter 33. Apply lightly 34. Type of squad 35. Secret political faction 37. Mock 39. Immoral act 41. Early Syrian kingdom 42. Neutralizes alkalis 44. Loud, confused noise 47. Sweet potato 48. Yemen’s largest city 49. Farm state 50. Bird’s beak 52. Measures distance 53. Pacify 56. Spanish noble 61. Lodging supplied for public convenience 63. Womanized 64. Not divisible by two 65. Monetary unit
Clues Down 1. Used in perfumery 2. Arabic man’s name 3. Assess 4. Prickly plants 5. Falsely assess 6. “__ the whistle” 7. Mama 8. Rocker __ Vicious 9. Toward 10. Prefix meaning within 11. Midway between south and southeast 12. Cause to be embarrassed 13. Pandemonium 16. Fall behind 17. Cantonese 22. Shad 23. A way to make dark 24. Specialized systems consultant 25. Wings 26. Taxi driver 28. Linear units 29. Large Philippine plant 32. Celebration 36. Fugitives are on this 38. Chinese tree 40. Not sour 43. “Bourne” actor Matt 44. Former OSS 45. Runners run this 46. Offered again 51. Sanctuary 54. Food suitable for babies 55. Caused by a reflection of sound 56. Mortar trough 57. Days in mid-month 58. Exhibit the courage to do 59. Disk of the sun in Egyptian mythology 60. Protects from weather 62. Manganese
CYCLING
WORD SEARCH
Solve the code to discover words related to BIKES Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 4 = e)
18 Family Now — June 2021
I WHEELS STOP SEAT PUMP INDICATE
FRAME ACCIDENT BRAKES TYRES SPROCKET
SAFETY TUBE CORNERS PEDALS SPOKES BIKE HELMET RIDING TICKET CYCLING MOUNTAIN BIKE SIGNS BEARINGS HANDLE BARS REFLECTORS
LIGHTS GEARS CHAIN BMX
Social Security Corner
S
Look in to spouse benefits
ocial Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be one of the following: • 62 years of age or older. • Any age and have in your care a child who is younger than age 16 or who is disabled and entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. Your full spouse’s benefit
could be up to one-half the amount your spouse is entitled to receive at their full retirement age. If you choose to receive your spouse’s benefits before you reach full retirement age, you will get a permanently reduced benefit.
• The child has a disability and is entitled to receive benefits on your spouse’s record.
$1,000 retirement benefit. We will add $250 from her spouse’s benefit, for a total of $1,250.
If you’re eligible to receive retirement benefits on your own record, Social Security will pay that amount first. If your benby efits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits that equal the higher spouse benefit.
Want to apply for either your or your spouse’s benefits? Are you at least 61 years and eight months old? If you answered yes to both, visit www.ssa. gov/benefits/retirement to get started today.
Elizabeth Pivonka
If you wait until you reach full retirement age to receive benefits, you’ll receive your full spouse’s benefit amount, which is up to half the amount your spouse can receive. You’ll also get your full spouse’s benefit if you are under full retirement age, but care for a child and one of the following applies:
• The child is younger than 16.
For example, Sandy qualifies for a retirement benefit of $1,000 and a spouse’s benefit of $1,250. At her full retirement age, she will receive her own
Are you divorced from a marriage that lasted at least 10 years? You may be able to get benefits on your former spouse’s record. You can find out more by visiting www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html for more information. The author is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.
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June 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 19
The Neighborhood
Ultimate honor for Yankees fan Delmar’s ‘Joe the Barber’ recognized for his service in Vietnam during seventh inning stretch
DELMAR – Most kids growing up in Albany have a dream of being announced at Yankee Stadium and appearing on the scoreboard in center field.
Joe Bruno
It took Joe Bruno 73 years, but his wish came true last month during the Yankees win over the Houston Astros.
“I have always been a Yankees fan,” Bruno said softly from his barber’s chair in his shop on Delaware Avenue in Delmar. “I used to like the (Brooklyn)
came true last month. He is a relieve the Marines after (Tet) past commander of the post, but and they really took a beating.” most people in town know him He was stationed at a Duc Pho base camp 50 miles south Dodgers early on, but they left,” as “Joe the Barber.” When you walk into his shop of Da Nang. He was injured he said with a smile. and look on the walls, there is in August 1969 and spent five Bruno’s path to the no doubt where his alweeks in the hospital before scoreboard was not the legiance lies. returning to duty. He earned his way most people sergeant stripe while in Vietnam. by “I am thrilled to make it. His path have this honor Upon returning home he travelled through and I didn’t worked as a barber in various South Vietnam expect it,” Bruno shops in the area, but hung his in 1969 and said. “I watch own barber pole at 337 Delaincluded a Purple every game on ware Ave., on July 1, 2000. Heart for taking TV — and I mean shrapnel from a is Where “I cut soHome many [veterans’] hair You’ll every game.” mortar round in the every week,” Bruno said. “This neck on his journey. Bruno grew up in Albany was an honor for all of us. It is and was drafted into the Army great that the Yankees do this The Yankees have a special in 1968. He was deployed to every game.” moment during each home game Vietnam in January of 1968 Bruno celebrated where the team honors a military Home You’ll Find the Us night and arrived just after the Tetis Where with many of his friends and veteran for their service during Offensive. relatives at the Blanchardthe seventh-inning stretch. His “It was a mess when I got Curry American Legion Post in VFW Post 3185 nominated him there,” he said. “We came in to Delmar. to be honored and his moment
John McIntyre
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20 Family Now — June 2021
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Retiring Retirement
Climber shows how it’s done This article is the first in a series.
D
ennis O’Leary is not a big kid because he’s a 76-year-old rock climber and spelunker. But he has hosted thousands of little and medium children and adults of any size to his indoor climbing and caving paradise called Albany’s Indoor Rock Gym. It’s the only one of its kind in the nation that combines elaborate tunnels behind the climbing walls. Squeals of delight come from these hidden holes that one has to experience to believe. In fact, it’s almost impossible to successfully navigate the entire cave staying completely forward. “We were the Orville Wright’s of inside caving,” he jokes. It took two years to design
and modify the elaborate gym and only an experienced spelunker could have made it challenging, safe and surprising with twists and turns so ingenious that nobody has ever memorized his design. He drew on years of knowledge.
“Experience helps you come to a pitch and recognize it or see it as a variation and you’re able to pick the line you want to take and yet foresee how to escape it or revise,” O’Leary says. “It’s like a regular trail, only this one by is a vertical trail. With regard to movements, you “I’ve assisted learn from expein the research of rience that every the world’s longest motion you make cave in Kentucky is essentially weight which has 400 miles of lifting and so you engage connecting caves,” he said. your legs. You have to distribute With regard to rock climbing, mass by complimenting leg and he notes that he’s usually the arm coordination. It’s like chess oldest or one of the oldest on figuring out your next move.” his expeditions. The New York Although no chess champion to State Certified Rock Climbing date has ever fallen off their chair. and White Water Rafting Guide sees age as an advantage when it “There’s the basic fear of comes to scaling and planning. falling,” he says, “so you don’t
Robert LaCosta
BRAINTEASERS ANSWERS
Dennis O’Leary practice high and you learn from experts.” And now, you know where to find one. NEXT COLUMN: Explore O’Leary’s Glenmont Bio Reserve! The author’s books, devotional blogs and music is available on robertlacosta.com.
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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/seniorservices/senior-center.
Colonie Senior Services Center 6 Winners Circle, Albany (518) 459-2857; cbarrett@colonieseniors.org The center will continue to offer fun and interesting programming via Zoom because we know that not everyone is ready to gather. For those who are ready, we are offering a select number of events, to be held outside at The Beltrone Living Center. Please reach out for membership and registration information. Membership is $20 per year. June meals and events at Colonie Seniors Join us for a hot meal, available for pick up or limited capacity, at The Beltrone Living Center Monday-Friday from 11:30-noon. This program is funded in part by the Albany County Dept. for Aging, NYS Office for the Aging, Administration for Community Living, Town of Colonie and participant contributions. This program is an equal opportunity provider. Suggested donation of $3, and registration and reservations are required. Call (518) 459-2857, ext. 327. Zoom Cooking Demonstrations Tuesday, June 8, at 11 a.m.: Join Diane Conroy-LaCivita, CSSC’s Executive Director, for a virtual cooking demonstration. Diane uses a combination of local, fresh and everyday
ingredients to create fun and delicious food. Demonstration is free for members, ingredients delivery, $10 Music at the center Our popular lunch and dinnertime events are now being held outside, and via Zoom for those not ready to gather. Bring your own chair. Call (518) 4592857, ext. 327 or email to be included in the Zoom concerts. Concerts are free for all and made possible with a grant from Albany County Department for Aging. • June 4 at noon: Come hear the sweet sound of Joe Gorman and his guitar. • June 21 at 5 p.m.: Rick Bedrosian will play rock n’ roll and favorites. Beginning Ukulele Wednesdays, June 2-23 from 2:30-3:45 p.m.: Learn how to strum, play chords and play a few songs in the fresh air and sunlight. Bring your own ukulele, or contact us for info on where to purchase one. This event will be held in the gazebo at The Beltrone. Taught by Sherri Bellucci, a teacher and musician for over 45 years. $30 for members, $36 for not-yetmembers. Paint Chip Mosaic Wednesday, June 16, at 1:30 p.m.; rain date is Friday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m.: Come relax and have fun with us outside as we create a beautiful sunflower mosaic with colorful paint chips. Free for members. Social exercise at The Beltrone Weather permitting, registration required. Meet by the gazebo. • Tuesdays at 10 a.m.: Walking Club • Fridays at 10:30 a.m.: Cornhole
22 Family Now — June 2021
Yoga for Delightful Aging Thursdays, June 3-24, 1011 a.m.: Through accessible yoga poses and some guided meditation, yoga teacher Gail Witte will lead us in finding the joy of being alive. $25 for members, $30 for not-yetmembers. Tour of Albany Area Murals Thursday, June 24 at 10 a.m.: Did you know that Albany is the home to many great and inspiring murals? Step on one of our buses to take a tour of these wonders. $5 for members David Louis: Animal Communicator Thursday, June 10 at 1 p.m.: David will explain the process of communicating with animals and tell amazing stories of his experiences of almost twenty years as an animal communicator. Father Kane: Islam 101 Thursday, June 17, at noon: Fr. Jim Kane, Interfaith Affairs Director of the Catholic Diocese since 1982, will offer an overview of Islam, the religion of the Muslims.
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
• Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service • 1 p.m.: Zoom Chair Moves (not held June 29) Thursdays • 10 a.m.: Tai Chi • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service* • 10 a.m.: Cards, Bridge • Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service • 1 p.m.: Zoom Chair Yoga and In House (June 10, 17 and 24)* 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 (June 7, 14, 21 and 28)* • 11 a.m. Wednesdays: SilverSneakers Zoom Zumba June 2, 16, 23 and 30* (no class June 9) • 11 a.m. Fridays: Zoom Chair Pilates June 4, 11, 18* (no class June 25) Fridays • 10 a.m.-Noon: Beginner Mahjong • 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Alzheimer’s Support Group (first Friday of the month) • 10:30: Open Art Studio Monthly Activities • June 3 at 12:30: Birthday Celebration • June 3 at 1 p.m.: Art & Crafts with Edie • June 8 at 11 a.m.: The Eddy Senior Care PACE - blood pressure • June 8 at 12:30 p.m.: Radio Sports Day Trivia
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Visit our website at www.BelmontMgmt.com for details on each property.
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24 Family Now — June 2021
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