Capital District FAMILY NOW - February 2023 Parents Children & Senior Citizens

Few things can elicit “oohs and aahs” on Valentine’s Day as much as decadent desserts. That’s why heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and other sweets are snatched up in droves come Feb. 14.

Valentine’s Day chocolate sales bring in about $11 billion worldwide. In terms of baked goods, the top-selling items sold during Valentine’s Day included dipped treats, message cookies, iced cookies, cupcakes and doughnuts. Those feeling particularly ambitions can whip up their own tasty macarons following the recipe on Page 3.

Other popular sweet treats that will impress your valentine (whether you make them or pick them up from your favorite bakery) include:

Bananas Foster: This treat is made from bananas and vanilla ice cream. A sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur

just be the way to that special someone’s heart this

On the Bookshelf picture books

Books to love this February

‘ The Animal Song’

By Jonty Howley

‘What’s Sweeter’

By June Tate

Snap! Poom-poom! Jingle-Jangle! Three talented animals – a crocodile playing a snare drum, a big brown bear with a bass, and a weasel with a banjo – form a traveling band to sing and play for the other animals in the woods. From spring to fall, they always attract an eager crowd. But when winter comes, the animals in the audience go off to bed and the band searches for a new stage. Random House Studio

‘This Little Kitty’

By Karen Obuhanych

This little kitty starts the day and meows, “Wake up! It’s time to play!” All the little kitties get out of bed. Their bellies grumble – it’s time to be fed. Read along as these frisky felines pounce and play, claw and climb, and snack and sleep – until daylight fades and these little kitties are ready to receive some love and affection.

Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers

‘Little Owl’s Love’

By Divya Srinivasan

Gliding along on a quiet night, Little Owl looks for the things that make him happy – shimmering stars, winking fireflies, listening to the cricket song, and most of all, spending time with his good friends. Lyrical and deeply heartfelt, this book is perfect for Valentine’s Day and is a love letter to the natural world on a child’s level.

Katherine Tegen Books

This extraordinary book focuses on the everyday moments that slow the world down for us: a hug from someone we haven’t seen in a long time, the soft spot behind a cat’s ear, a ladybug landing on your arm. And in the end, the answer to the question of what’s sweeter rings truest of all. This soothing bedtime read will help children experience and reflect on the rich sensations of life.

Viking Books for Young Readers

n Sweets

continued from Page 1 is placed over the cooked bananas and ignited like a flambé to create a caramelized dessert.

Black Forest cake: This chocolate cake marries layers of chocolate sponge cake with a rich cherry filling. It is based on the German dessert, Schwarzwaelder Kirschtorte. Whipped cream often tops off this rich cake.

Cannoli: These Italian pastries originated on the island of Sicily. They consist of tube-shaped fried pastry dough filled with a ricotta cheese-based cream.

Cheesecake: Cheesecake often is made with a crust of crushed cookies, graham crackers or sponge cake. A thick layer of batter made from sour cream, cream cheese, eggs, and sugar is cooked into a semi-soft consistency. Some cheesecakes are light and fluffy,

while others are dense and decadent.

Chocolate truffles: Not to be mistaken for their fungi cousins, chocolate truffles are made by forming balls out of chocolate ganache (made from heavy cream and melted chocolate), and rolling them in cocoa powder.

Cream puffs: These tasty morsels are made from a French choux pastry dough filled with a moist filling of sweet cream or custard.

Napoleon: The French offer a layered dessert, and it comes by way of mille feuille, also known as a Napoleon pastry. Puff pastry dough sandwiches vanilla custard or cream in various layers.

Tiramisu: Meaning “pick me up,” tiramisu is the Italian take on a layered dessert made from ladyfingers cookies dipped in coffee and a whipped mixture of mascarpone cheese and cream, topped with cocoa.

Dessert and other sweets are often a part of Valentine’s Day celebrations.

French Macarons

Make 20 macarons

100 grams powdered sugar

100 grams superfine almond flour

100 grams egg whites

100 grams granulated sugar

Food coloring, if desired

Vanilla buttercream filling

4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Up to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Food coloring, if desired

1. Measure out all ingredients.

2. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. Set aside.

3. Add 1 cup of water to your saucepan.

4. Heat the water over medium heat until steaming.

5. While the water is heating, add the egg and 3 tablespoons of the measured out sugar to the bowl you’ll be using for the double boiler.

6. Once the water is steaming, place the bowl over the steaming water and whisk until the egg whites are foamy and white. When they are foamy and white, remove the bowl from the pan.

7. Add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and mix using an electric hand mixture until the egg whites are white, glossy and can form stiff peaks.

8. Add the food coloring now if you’d like to color your macarons. Mix until combined.

9. Add the powdered sugar and almond flour to the bowl and mix with your mixer for 8 seconds. After the 8 seconds is up, use a silicone spatula to stir and smear the batter from the outside of the bowl towards the center. Turn the bowl as you do this to make sure all of the batter gets stirred equally.

10. Do this until your batter thins and is able to drizzle a ribbon of batter for a few seconds without it breaking.

11. Transfer the batter to a piping bag equipped with a round piping tip.

12. Pipe equal circles onto a silicone or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Make sure that your piping bag is straight up and down. Apply equal pressure and release pulling straight back up. Repeat with the remaining batter.

13. Bang the pan gently but firmly onto the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

14. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

15. Allow the macarons to dry out as the oven preheats, for about 20 to 30 minutes. Your macarons should be dry to the touch before going into the oven.

16. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes at 300 F. The macarons should not turn brown.

17. Allow the macarons to cool completely on the pan.

18. When the macarons are completely cool, make your filling.

19. Make your filling by combining all ingredients using either a stand mixer or your electric hand mixer. Slowly add in the heavy cream (you can substitute milk if you’d like) because you want a thick buttercream so it doesn’t squirt out while eating the macaron.

20. Once the buttercream is mixed together and your desired consistency, gently pipe some frosting onto the bottom side of one cookie and then sandwich the frosting with the bottom side of a second cookie to create your macaron.

21. Repeat with remaining cookies.

publisher | John McIntyre

editor | Kristen Roberts editor-at-large | Michael Hallisey

advertising sales | Denice Mau

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

Cannoli are Italian pastries that originated on the island of Sicily and are a decadent treat for Valentine’s Day.

Triple Threat parenting triplets in the Capital District

In loving memory

Steuer family patriarch loses hard-fought battle

The man. The myth. The legend.

I cannot begin to understand what my life is going to be like going forward. My heart is breaking for what my children are feeling. My heart is broken.

On our first date, Harlan brought me flowers. Not roses, tulips. I had planned on having lunch with Harlan. Well, lunch led to talking, bowling led to more talking. I am not sure where the time went that day.

I got to spend 6,499 days with Harlan. We were married for 17 years, three months and two days. Lots of numbers, I know. He could remember the minute details of calendars. He was beyond amazing that way.

On our second date, Harlan brought me a book. That was it. My heart was his.

We talked on the phone for hours.

We emailed back and forth. On the weekends, we would do something. Every weekend I would find a penny on the ground and we agreed that the weekends didn’t start until we found that penny.

On my way out of the hospital on Tuesday, I found a penny.

We met in the beginning of March in 2005. Harlan proposed at the end of April and we married in September. Six months. It was quick, but it was right. After we were engaged, he was introducing me to a co-worker and he made a mistake of epic proportions: He introduced me as Stacey. Names were not always his strong suit and he had been facing a placard with Stacey’s name on it.

one to hear: You aren’t Herbert.

Those two mix-ups created Stacey and Herbert, our aliases. When Harlan really started having trouble with his memory, I would ask him if he knew who I was, and he would always look at me and with a smile he would say, “Of course I do. You’re Stacey.” I would reply with, “Thank you, Herbert,” and I would give him a squeeze or a kiss. It made both of us smile.

by Jennifer Steuer

We were on the bima, getting married when another name was used. This time it was Rabbi Sobol who made a small error: Do you Herbert … Oy! I giggled and the Rabbi looked up and smiled and said, loud enough for every-

Our first Valentine’s Day, Harlan gave me a huge bouquet of daisies. The woman at the florist told him that he should get roses since all women want roses on Valentine’s Day. My husband told her, “Not my wife.” Harlan listened. He knew. I appreciated that he listened. Harlan was the person people turned to if they needed help. He could fix or create. He knew plumbing, heating, electrical and a variety of ways to get a job done. Harlan was the guy who would clear the snow well past his own

sidewalk going in both directions. He would mow the lawn and feel like he accomplished something that day.

Harlan told me that he always wanted to be a father. The love he had for his kids was beautiful to see. He was proud of Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Every little thing that they did was fascinating. I watched him blossom into an amazing dad. He believed in teaching all the kids the same skills when a job needed to be done. There was no man’s work or women’s work. Just work to be done.

Seven years ago, Harlan asked to go to the emergency room. That was surprising since he avoided doctors at all costs. That morning we learned that not only did he have a tumor growing on his kidney, he only had one kidney. In six short weeks, he lost that kidney and very slowly his health declined. I have felt like I have been holding my breath for the last seven years. And he fought.

The never-ending dialysis, procedures, blood draws, shots, scans, exhaustion, always too cold or too hot.

Continued on Page 5

n Triple Threat

continued from Page 4

Depression, anxiety and the fear of leaving us behind kept him up at night, and those were the nights we would talk all night. I would listen to him and pray for him to get better. And he fought.

We tried to keep him as healthy as possible, and he just got sick over and over. Each time he was a little weaker. And he fought.

I thought I would have more time. In June, Harlan got sicker. Calciphylaxis is the stuff of nightmares and was destroying his body. There was little to be done. Harlan learned that he had between six and 12 months left to live. He fought.

After so many procedures, treatments, surgeries and amputations, his body decided that it had enough. Watching him in such pain was the worst. Olivia, Benjamin, Rebecca and I would do everything possible to ease his suffering. Harlan lost the fight.

We talked about what Harlan wanted when his end came. I honored his wishes. Harlan was cremated. He was worried about the amount of space that could be used for housing the homeless and playgrounds for children. He wanted the kids to each be able to have a little of him wherever they went in the world. I will keep him in my

heart forever and maybe a small piece of him so that I won’t be alone.

I am a widow now. My children do not have their father.

I love you Herbert. My first. My last. My everything.

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

What’s in a name?

Valentine’s Day may have gotten its name from one or more individuals

Valentine’s Day is a bright light in the middle of the winter. The origin of Valentine’s Day has generated much speculation over the years. Most early accounts do not point to heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates. Rather, a few distinctive tales may paint the picture of early Valentine’s Day, and they have nothing to do with stuffed animals or romantic dinners.

One of the earliest records of the term Valentine’s Day is traced to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was a fertility festival. This annual event held on Feb. 15 included animal sacrifices and priests called the Luperci who would take pieces of animal hide and touch it to the foreheads of women in the hopes it would make them more fertile. Fortunately for the squeamish (and the sacrificial animals), Pope Gelasius I ended Lupercalia and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day by the end of the fifth century.

Most people attribute the origins of Valentine’s Day to the holiday’s namesake, St. Valentine. But it seems that

Valentine was the surname of a few different individuals. According to History. com, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus. One Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who decided that single men made better soldiers than those with families or wives. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine disagreed with the decree and would perform marriages in secret. Others believe it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop beheaded by Claudius II outside of Rome, who was the true namesake.

Yet another Valentine may have been jailed and fell in love with a jailer’s daughter while in prison. He purportedly wrote to her, beginning the first Valentine card or letter tradition. Other stories say the imprisoned Valentine actually was writing to a blind woman he purportedly healed, and signed the note “from your Valentine.”

It is hard to know who is who in regard to the name Valentine, as the stories and the people behind them are used interchangeably. Some historians believe they actually are the same person rather than several Valentines, while others insist there were multiple martyred individuals.

Harlan Steuer died on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, after a fight to the death with End Stage Renal Disease.

KidsFun Page

What’s the Difference?

There are four things different between Picture A & Picture B. Can you find them all?

A B

Answers: 1. Fortune cookie next to wrist 2. Missing cookie heart middle at bottom 3. Cookie middle inside of cookie in middle 4. Cream instead of jam

Education insight for parents

Learning Center

Why grammar is important

Language skills help students think analytically and communicate confidently

Many people shudder at the mere mention of grammar because they have poor memories of learning grammar in school. The memorization and repetitive drills seemed torturous and unnecessary. However, grammar is an extremely vital component of communication, both verbal and written. Having good grammar skills can improve a student’s ability to think analytically and communicate confidently.

by Vanessa Banks

Grammar instruction is not only about finding errors and correcting them; it is also about creating precise and clear documents and oral communication with others. It’s about making interesting and vivid images with words. The following are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Teaching grammar will not make all students’ errors disappear.

Grammar is a very complex system

of rules. As students’ writing develops, they often make new errors (but not always fewer!). Grammar instruction evolves as students’ abilities to communicate evolve. Therefore, grammar must be studied in conjunction with writing assignments throughout students’ academic experiences. Plus, grammar instruction equips students with a tool to analyze the way they think about the presentation of their ideas.

2. Understanding grammar helps students become better readers and writers.

The first step to becoming a good writer is to be a good reader. Knowledge of basic grammar helps students comprehend a complicated story by enabling them to break apart sentences or locate the main subject and verb in a phrase. If students appreciate the way a certain author writes, they can draw on their grammatical knowledge to figure out the types of sentence structures that the

author uses—and can then experiment with their own writing styles. Ask your students about their favorite authors, and wherever possible, use examples of those authors’ works to illustrate new topics in grammar.

3. Grammar instruction is most effective when applied in meaningful contexts.

Grammar drills are not the most effective way to improve student writing. Using instruction that focuses on context-based approach shows students how parts of language work together to create meaning. When students under-

Using instruction that focuses on context-based approach shows students how parts of language work together to create meaning.

stand how language works, it will help them become effective writers.

Grammar drills and direct instruction are most meaningful when they are applied in the context of the students’ own writing and editing, and in the context of what they are reading. By applying grammar principles to authentic texts, students see the relevance of grammar instruction.

Vanessa Banks is Co-Founder of Kernel Creative Media and the marketing strategist for Sylvan Learning of Clifton Park and Albany. For more information, visit SylvanLearning.com.

How to avoid ‘senioritis’

Tips to stay focused until it’s time to don that cap and gown

Senior year of high school can be a whirlwind of activity. The early months are spent wrapping up standardized testing and applying to college. Since many colleges and universities ask for mid-year transcripts for students to aid with class placement and/or make final admissions decisions, students also need to maintain their studies and grades throughout the fall and winter.

Come the spring, when graduating seniors have already picked a college, students with their eyes on the finish line may feel like pulling back a bit.

According to Southern New Hampshire University, the term “senioritis” refers to a common condition reflecting a lack of motivation by students who are reaching the end of their coursework. While it occurs in high school seniors and college seniors, those in trade schools or other programs also can experience senioritis. Students hope that they can simply coast until the end of school. It’s important not to let senioritis set in to the point that students’ academic futures are suddenly compromised.

Consider the repercussions. According to the University of the People, many colleges have a policy that incoming freshmen must maintain a certain GPA to become students at their institutions. Letting grades slip can ruin chances of attending the school you worked hard to get into, even if you’ve

already been accepted. Dartmouth College, for example, notes that they reserve the right to rescind an offer if “the student’s final academic record has lowered significantly.” A similar policy is enforced by Stanford University.

Schedule breaks. Take advantage of time off from school and on the weekends to engage in fun activities. Respites from school work can help you return to studies fresh and ready to engage anew.

Plan your senior courses wisely. Work with your guidance counselor to schedule courses throughout your time at school so your senior year schedule features few rigorous classes and includes more enjoyable electives.

Hold each other accountable. Get together with a close group of classmates to inspire one another to continue to study and maintain good grades. Accountability to another person can serve as motivation.

Ask for help and support. It’s common for seniors to want to slack off if they’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed. If various factors in your life are causing you anxiety, reach out to your parents and friends for help.

Establish strong habits. Learning to stay focused even throughout the spring of senior year can help set the course for good habits that spill over into college, like time management and focus.

The term “senioritis” refers to a common condition reflecting a lack of motivation by students who are reaching the end of their coursework.

Making friends after 50

Connect with others by pursuing your hobbies and interests

The early years of midlife are a hectic time for many people. Around the time many people reach their late 30s and early 40s, they’re balancing the responsibilities of a career and a family. But as people enter their 50s, some of those responsibilities tend to be less significant, leaving more time for recreational pursuits.

Hobbies and other pursuits outside of work are often more fun when enjoyed with friends. People over 50 undoubtedly recognize that it’s not always so easy to make new friends, even though it’s undeniably beneficial to have supportive relationships into your golden years. A recent study from researchers at Michigan State University found that valuing friendships was a stronger predictor of health and happiness among older adults than valuing family.

Making friends after 50 might not be as simple as it was during school days, but these strategies can help.

Identify your interests. Fiftysomethings who have spent the last couple of

decades building a career and raising a family can give some serious thought to their interests outside of work or passions they hope to pursue now that they have more time to commit to such pursuits.

The more interested you are in a given activity, the more likely you are to stick with it. And the longer you stick with something, the more likely you are to meet like-minded individuals willing to

make similar commitments.

Utilize social media. In years past, men and women over 50 may not have had any readily available tools to reach out and connect with new people. Social media has made it much easier to build such connections. Even the most obscure passions likely have a social media group of locals devoted to them, and these groups can be great ways to meet new people.

Sign up for group outings. Communities often sponsor group outings to museums, the theater, sporting events, and other day trips. Signing up for a bus trip to a local museum presents a great opportunity to meet people who share your interests, providing the potential to build lasting friendships built on a foundation of shared interests.

Broaden your horizons. Just because you’re in your 50s doesn’t mean your friends have to be. Don’t hesitate to invite younger or older acquaintances and colleagues over for dinner or on weekend excursions. Friends come in all shapes, sizes and ages.

Making friends after 50 can be challenging. However, various strategies can help men and women over 50 connect with new people.

Calendar of events February

February 6 Monday Make Your Own Valentine

Through Feb. 13. Stop by the Children’s Desk and ask to borrow the art cart so you can make a Valentine for someone special. For ages 3 and up, with an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Quilt North Charity Event

Join Quilt North in making quilts for their charity program, noon-6 p.m. Drop-ins welcome. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary. org.

7 Tuesday Reading to Therapy Dogs

Improve reading skills or help your child gain confidence in reading with a therapy dog, 4 p.m. Please sign up for a 15-minute appointment. For grades 1-4. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Middle School Book Club: ‘The Wild Robot’

Join us for our informal hang-out, book discussion of “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown, and craft activity, 6:30 p.m. For grades 6-8. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

8 Wednesday Albany Rural Cemetery

Incorporated April 2, 1841, Albany Rural Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents one of the earliest and grandest examples of the rural cemetery movement in America.

UAlbany Professor Emeritus John S. Pipkin will discuss its cultural and historical importance, 7 p.m.

Registration is not required, but is advised due to limited seating. This series of historical talks is presented through a partnership with the Town of Bethlehem Historical Association. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Using Email Lists

Every organization needs an email list to send out important news, upcoming events, and helpful tips. In this Tech-Talk webinar you will learn how to create, grow, and use your email list, 3 p.m. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Journaling for Adults

Whether it’s in a notebook, blog, or sketchpad, journaling can help you lead a whole and fulfilling life, as well as be a way to keep track of goals, your life activities, and dreams, 6:30 p.m. Attend in person or from home. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Lincoln Highway Trivia

Join us for Trivia Night as part of our Two Towns One Book events. The topic will be all things related to the Lincoln Highway, 6:30 p.m. Come with a team, or you can join a team when you arrive. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

9 Thursday Foreign Film: ‘Amundsen’

The life and facts of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the first man to arrive on the South Pole, 6:30 p.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Teen Book Club

Come hang out, discuss our monthly book selection or any book you want to, 4:30 p.m. Have

Pick of the month

the Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. website www. quiltinc.org.

Civil War in the Mohawk Valley: The Battle of Oriskany

The Revolutionary War in the Mohawk Valley was largely a civil war between neighbors, siblings, and fathers and sons. Historian Terry McMaster will discuss the Battle of Oriskany, one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War and the major players that influenced and participated in actions that tore the Mohawk Valley apart including the Herkimers, Johnsons, Brants, Butlers, the Palatine German, Dutch and Scots-Irish settlers, and the Mohawk, Oneida, Seneca and other Native participants, 2 p.m. New Scotland Historical Association at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 The Old Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.newscotlandhistoricalassociation.org.

a snack, make a craft, and just be you. For grades 9-12. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Lunchtime Docs: ‘Cy Dear’

Join us for an afternoon screening of Andrea Bettinetti’s documentary (not rated, 92 min.) about painter, illustrator, sculptor and photographer Cy Twombly, 1 p.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Author Talk with Lana Harper

The author of “Back in a Spell” series will take part in a virtual discussion through a partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium, 7 p.m. Visit libraryc.org/ bethlehempubliclibrary for more information or to register for one or more upcoming talks.  Bethlehem

Feb. 5

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

10 Friday

Baby Story Time

A special time just for non-walking infants. Join us for stories, rhymes, and games, 10 a.m. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

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

Monthly Guild Meeting

Q.U.I.L.T., Inc. is a not-forprofit guild of quilters interested in learning about the art of making quilts. All levels of quilters are welcome. This meeting will be held on Zoom at 9:30 a.m. and will feature a lecture/trunk show “One Wild Ride – A Quilting Adventure” by Canadian fiber artist Mary Pal. Preregistration is required on

Saturday Winterfest: Outdoor Story Time

11

Bundle up and join us for a chilly outdoor story time during Clifton Park’s Winterfest, 2 p.m. After the stories, we will play in the snow and enjoy a cup of warm hot chocolate. For all ages, with an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

12 Sunday

Hot Vox Trio Performs Live

Hot Vox Trio’s Rob, Chris and Lisa, perform an array of great 60s and 70s tunes that will lift your spirit with tight vocal harmonies and beautiful guitar instrumentals, 2 p.m. Free, registration required at http://libr.info/HotVox. Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit www.colonielibrary.org.

Concert: Alexandra Chang’s Harp Hour

A harp performance of Regency era love songs, that one might imagine inspiring the world of Jane Austen, 2 p.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

13 Monday

Dive Into the Library of Things

Join one of our librarians to learn about the “things” in our collection that are available to borrow with your library card, 11 a.m. For all ages. Sign up at bethlehem. librarycalendar.com. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

15 Wednesday Community Yoga

Enjoy a class designed for yoga practitioners of any skill level. Dan May shares Jai Yoga School’s Bhakti yoga practice, which includes song, cultural information and stories, 6

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

Reading to Therapy Dogs

Improve reading skills or help your child gain confidence in reading with a therapy dog, 4 p.m. Please sign up for a 15-minute appointment. For grades 1-4. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Enhance your Skills with Tech-Talk

No matter your tech skill level, you’ll find something useful in our new database, Tech-Talk, a new library resource, 11 a.m. This class is perfect for retirees, seniors and digital newbies with basic computer skills interested in learning more and want to stay up to date with technology. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

16 Thursday

Who’s That Bird?

Join us on for a free virtual introduction to basic bird identification, 7 p.m. The winter months are a wonderful time to learn how to identify a few of the over 450 species of birds New York State’s diverse habitats support. Free, but registration required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road. For more information call (518) 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Author Talk with Grace M. Cho

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

Pokemon Party

Do you love Pokemon? Join us for an afternoon of crafts, trivia,

puzzles, and more! This program will include activities related to Pokemon, but the actual game of Pokemon will not be played, so you can leave your cards at home, 4 p.m. For grades 3-5. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

17 Friday Music and Motion

Experience all the fun music and motion bring! Enjoy a variety of music, dancing, and other interactive movement activities to share with your child, 10 a.m. Ages 2-6, with an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

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

School Break Breakout

Follow the clues to unlock the puzzles needed to break out of a fun scenario, 10 a.m. For ages 8-14. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Parent/Teen Hangout: Mini Masterpieces

Spend time together painting on mini canvases, 2 p.m. For grades 6-12, with a parent/guardian. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Pick of the month

to compete in a challenge to win LEGO prizes, or just free-build with your friends, 1 p.m. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Snowballs: Story and Craft

Join us as we read “Snowballs” by Lois Ehlert followed by a craft a snowman using recycled materials, 11 a.m. For ages 3-5, with an adult. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Paws to Read

Night at the Discovery Center

wiltonpreserve.org.

27 Monday ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’

Enjoy your afternoon with a free movie on the big screen. “Downton Abbey: a New Era” is rated PG for some suggestive references, language and thematic elements. In the film, the Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess’s newly inherited villa, 2 p.m. Free, registration required at http://libr. info/MovieFeb2023. Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit www. colonielibrary.org.

19

Sunday Sunrise Hike

View nature in a new light, at the break of day, on the trails in the Saratoga Sandplains. The walk covers approximately 1.5 miles of trail through the meadow and forest over gently rolling terrain, 7 a.m. This is a free program guided by an environmental educator. If there is snow on the trail, the walk will take place on snowshoes with rentals available 15 minutes before the start of the program. Registration is required and space is limited. Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. For more information or to sign up, call (518) 450-0321 or visit www. wiltonpreserve.org.

21 Tuesday Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Enjoy pancakes, sausage, applesauce, orange juice, milk and coffee, 4-6 p.m. The cost for adults is $6, children ages 5-12 are $4 and children under 5 are free. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Feeding America. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 510 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. For more information call Danny Patrick at (518) 477-5355.

Make Your Own Buttons

Create your own original art and make a button out of it with the library’s button maker, 2 p.m. For children, tweens and teens. Bethlehem Public Library, 451

22 Wednesday

On-The-Go Vision Boards

Join Mrs. Q for a fun crafternoon, 2 p.m. We will be making pocket-sized vision boards so you can be inspired wherever you go. For grades 6 and up. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Rock and Ride

Join us for a rocking good time as we ride some “roads” in the library, 11 a.m. Bring your nonmotorized, ride-on toys, tricycles, or push toys. Look out for those wacky street signs and obstacles, 11 a.m. For grades 2-5, with an adult. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Vacation Cinema: ‘Minions’

Join us for a screening of this family favorite (PG, 90 min., Universal Pictures), 10 a.m. Kids can bring pillows and blankets to get comfy on the floor in front of the big screen. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Become an Expert Communicator

Feb. 22

You’re invited to Night at the Discovery Center to see the exhibits come to life. Meet Pine Bush characters from the past and present and enjoy interactive exhibits, games, storytelling and more. Highlights include live local wildlife programs, an augmented reality sandbox, storytime and reenactors that bring historic exhibits alive. This is a drop-in special event. You’re welcome to stop by anytime between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Activities will be ongoing throughout the evening. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road. For more information call (518) 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Communicating is both an art and a science. In this webinar you will learn techniques for dealing with conflict, listening, gaining clarity, and being positive, 3 p.m. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

23 Thursday Make a Melted Snowman

Roll up your sleeves and make your very own melted snowman. Children of all ages and ability levels are welcome, 2:30 p.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Build a Mini Yeti House

Come build a tiny house for your very own yeti using marshmallows and toothpicks, 2

p.m. For grades K-5. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

‘The Princess Bride’ Interactive Movie Adventure

Whether it’s your first time watching or your 50th, this will be a unique experience. Shout out iconic lines and join in the swashbuckling as we watch and perform “The Princess Bride” movie, 6:30 p.m. Please arrive at 6:15 to get your supplies and stake out your spot. For grades 6-12. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

24 Friday

Teen LEGO Build

Use the library’s LEGO bricks

Learning to read, especially out loud, can be scary. Come to the library and practice reading skills with a gentle, furry friend! A registered therapy dog will listen calmly and quietly, creating a safe space for children to practice reading skills without fear or judgment, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For grades K-5. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

25 Saturday Saturday Scrabble Meetup

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

26 Sunday Sunrise Hike

View nature in a new light, at the break of day, on the trails in the Saratoga Sandplains. The walk covers approximately 1.5 miles of trail through the meadow and forest over gently rolling terrain, 7 a.m. This is a free program guided by an environmental educator. If there is snow on the trail, the walk will take place on snowshoes with rentals available 15 minutes before the start of the program. Registration is required and space is limited. Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park. For more information or to sign up, call (518) 450-0321 or visit www.

Poetry Club for Teens: Between the Lines

Teens in grades 7-12 get together to explore poetry through art, games, and writing activities. There will also be time to write and share poetry with like-minded people, 6 p.m. Free, registration required at http://libr. info/PoetryFeb2023 Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit www. colonielibrary.org.

Demystifying Shakespeare

Join us for a lively discussion of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. This five-session program, presented by Tom Bulger, a Shakespeare Scholar and retired professor from Sienna College, will run from February 27-March 27, with a different act discussed each week, 6 p.m. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

28 Tuesday

Social Media Privacy

Bring your child and explore social media privacy together. Learn what is safe to share and how to protect privacy on social media, 6 p.m. For children grades 4-8, with an adult. Registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 518-371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Straight talk about colonoscopies

A simple screening can stop cancer in its tracks

Your choice to avoid getting a colonoscopy is a selfish one. If there’s a better way to start this conversation, I’m all for it. But, if you’re 45 or older, you should appreciate the blunt honesty. At your age, you’ve likely broken a bone, twisted an ankle, tweaked a muscle or had a teeth cleaning — all of which are more uncomfortable and none of which benefits you more.

This month marks 25 years since Jay Monahan died of colon cancer. He’s the late first husband to Today morning show host Katie Couric. When he died at 42, it pushed her into action, becoming the most visible advocate for colorectal health awareness, televising her own colonoscopy on national television. Her loss would later push the conversation to everyone’s breakfast table.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults 45 to 75 years old be screened for colorectal cancer. I’ve had three.

“You’re 49. How is it you’re on your

third?” asked the floor nurse. The incredulous look on her face replaced what was a cheerful demeanor as she glanced over my chart. Quick math, she thought I was late for my first.

The recommended age to start screening had been 50 up until a few years ago. My wife had urged me to go. I didn’t show symptoms, but she had lost a loved one to the disease when she was young. It was one of those fears that lingered into adulthood.

Cancer is a cowardly disease. It hides within the folds and disrupts what’s supposed to happen within whatever organ it leaches itself onto. Like an unchecked politician, its influence spreads to create more havoc. Discomfort, excused away as a byproduct of growing older, advances to something more nefarious. At its worst, cancer orchestrates the final movement; conducting organs to fail and introducing fatal steps that will lead to the body’s decrescendo. People

die of heart attacks, sepsis or organ failure, but not cancer. Cancer doesn’t always take responsibility for the act.

My personal story with cancer started with my mother. She was first diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer while

by Michael Hallisey

I was away at college. Unbeknownst to me, she was in the hospital following a procedure when I called home to wish my father a happy birthday. On Thanksgiving break, she sat me down in the living room before I could put down my bag, and she told me. She was certain I would see that she had a double mastectomy. The cancer had spread to three lymph nodes.

My mother, the oldest of seven children, had always possessed a quiet strength. She helped her mother raise her younger siblings, and lived with her ailing grandmother across the hallway. Prick her, she’d cry like anyone else, but she never buckled under adversity. She went along with her daily routine even though

Happy Valentine’s Day from the staff at

her treatments should have knocked her down. Through her actions, she refused to let anyone believe she was dying.

For the 30 years that followed, her approach was a testament to positive thinking. She had beaten cancer aside. Unfortunately, I developed a cavalier attitude toward the disease. When it returned, she had a port surgically implanted into her chest to receive chemotherapy treatments. When I asked how long she’d have to receive treatments, she knew how to speak to her son. She looked up, smiled, and said, “for the rest of my life.” I should have known better what she meant by that.

She died of breast cancer two years later.

As common as it is for an adult to have a growth within their colon — despite the high survival rate tied to early treatment — colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death.

As many as 40 percent of the adult population may have polyps in their co-

n Recollections

continued from Page 12

lon, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps and not know it.

Finding a polyp isn’t so alarming. In most cases, the surgeon will remove it as soon as one is discovered. About 5 to 10 percent of such growths are found to be cancerous. In an early stage, in which the cancer has not spread, there is a 91 survival rate according to the Centers for Disease Control.

As I explained to the nurse, my first procedure unveiled a single polyp about 35 mm in diameter. Anything over 10 mm adds another layer of concern. The size of it was too large for my doctor to comfortably remove at Albany Gastroenterology Consultants’ patient center on Washington Avenue. The second one was scheduled for Albany Medical Center three months later, where it was removed without issue. The third was a follow-up to make sure it didn’t grow back.

It didn’t grow back.

The task force recommends a screening every ten years following your first at 45. If something pops up, like mine, the suggestion is every three years. Nothing suggested that I had a problem when I went in for my first colonoscopy last May. I approached it as another item on my “Honey Do” list.

As common as it is for an adult to have a growth within their colon — despite the high survival rate tied to early treatment — colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death.

Something to ease my wife’s concerns. Friends and family proceeded to tell how the clean out was the most difficult part: no solid foods and a steady regiment of clear liquids and laxatives. The worst part of it all leads to several visits to the bathroom. Maybe you’ll take issue with exposing your rear-end before passing out in an operating room in front of a room full of strangers. The way I see it, they get the worst end of the deal.

The writer is editor-at-large of Family Now.

by Elizabeth Pivonka

Social Security Corner

Build financial confidence

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement

Commit to saving successfully during America Saves Week. This year’s theme is “A Financially Confident You.”

You can increase your financial confidence by building healthy saving habits and taking advantage of resources available to support your financial stability.

America Saves Week, which runs from Feb. 27 through March 3, is a great opportunity to learn about good financial habits and assess your own saving status. It’s also a perfect time to create a plan, start saving, and begin your journey toward financial stability.

Planning and saving are key to a successful retirement. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the better

off you will be in the future. People who have a plan are twice as likely to save effectively. We encourage you to pledge to save for America Saves Week at www.americasavesweek. org. Visit www.ssa.gov/retirement for useful information to help you plan for your retirement.

It’s never too early in your career to begin saving. Our website, www.ssa. gov/people/earlycareer, has resources that can help young workers secure their today and tomorrow.

The sooner you start saving, the more your money can grow.

The writer is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.

Brain Teasers answers are on page 18.

Solve the code to discover words related to rEADInG BooKS. Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 3 = s)

Library Word Search

CluES ACroSS

1. Stain one’s hands

7. Subdivision 10. A passage to be performed slow

12. Invests in little enterprises

13. Medians

CluES Down

1. Mental object

2. Blackbird

3. Undergarments 4. Old cloth 5. One from Utah

6. Greek goddess of the dawn

7. Become less intense

8. Developed to readiness

9. Defunct phone company

10. About Freemason

11. Taking everything into account

12. Famed Czech engineer

14. Impress into silence

Boxing term

“Rule, Britannia” composer

Clifton Park Senior Community Center 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park

(518) 383-1343

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

Membership is available for $20.

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

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

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

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

Fridays: Tap dance, ballet, orchestra,

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

Colonie Senior Service Centers

Serving Seniors and Their Families in Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer Counties.

Visit colonieseniors.org or call (518) 4592857 ext. 303

RSVP inviting older adults to volunteer

Retired Senior Volunteer Program of the Capital District (RSVP), a program of AmeriCorps Seniors, is inviting older adults to join its community of volunteers. RSVP enrolls adults, age 55 plus years, who want to continue to use their skills, talents, and wisdom, by staying involved in their community, all while helping worthwhile, local organizations. Along with 56 Volunteer Stations in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, RSVP works to connect enrolled individuals to volunteer opportunities that are meaningful to them. On Friday, Feb. 10 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the John Paine Mansion, 49 Second Street, Troy, RSVP will hold a Volunteer Information and Station Opportunity Fair. For additional information and questions, contact Kristin Vivian, Director RSVP

Valentine s Lunch N Learn

and Volunteers at Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. 518-459-2857, ext. 308 or kvivian@colonieseniors.org.

Get ready to rock out

Join Colonie Senior Service Centers on Monday, Feb. 13, at The Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Albany for great music and dancing with Jade, a Classic Rock band originated in 1971. They’ll play your favorite rock tunes with an emphasis on love for Valentine’s Day, so come to sing and dance along. Refreshments and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your sweetheart or come alone, entry is free and open to the public. The concert begins at 6pm. Doors open at 5:30pm. Visit our website for more information about this concert and other monthly events at www.colonieseniors.org

LifePath

28 Colvin Ave., Suite 2, Albany

www.lifepathny.org;

(518) 465-3322

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

Monday, Feb. 6 at 1 p.m.: VALENTINE PAPER-CRAFT WITH NICKY

Help us make lovely folded hearts out of festive colored paper in time for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.: CARD MAKING

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

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at noon: LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Come for lunch, and stay after for an afternoon of live entertainment from the Albany Musician Association. Garry and Joe will sing a mixer of songs from the 50’s and 60’s. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

Thursday, Feb. 23 at 12:45 p.m.: CRAFTS WITH PATTI

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

Monday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.: LIFEPATH BOOK CLUB

The book club selection this month will feature a book about the Underground Railroad, a part of history the Capital District has participated in. Code talk through quilt patterns was a method

If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air.

Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you.

• No heavy oxygen tanks

• Ultra quiet operation

• Lightweight and easy to use

• Safe for car and air travel

• Full range of options and

•

Senior centers

Continued from Page 15 of communication that is explored and explained in this selection. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 4:30 p.m.: PAINT AND SNACKS WITH NICKY

You will paint a seasonal picture to decorate your home or to give as a gift.  All supplies are provided. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes ***

Monday-Friday at 9 a.m.: POOL

CREW

Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Mondays at 9:30-10:30 a.m.: MORNING EXPRESS

Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while socializing. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

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

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

Mondays at 12:30 p.m.: SNACK AND PAINT

Bring your snacks to nibble on while you get your paint on and get your creative juices flowing. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

Mondays at 1 p.m.: MAH-JONGG

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

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

Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.: EARLY MORNING PUZZLES

Puzzles are a great way to preserve and strengthen mental health in seniors. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or hot tea while engaging with other seniors and working on crossword and word search puzzles. Puzzles will be provided for free or you can bring your own. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

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

This group of positive people comes together weekly to color and make bookmarks to spread joy and beauty in our community. Supplies are included and donations are welcome. This is an

informal group of older people who enjoy spending time with others and like to create art to share. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m.: BINGO

Come for lunch and stay for the fun. This is a friendly, free game, and you might go home with a prize. Cohoes

Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Tuesdays from 12:45-1:45 p.m.:

CANNONAIRES SENIOR CHOIR PRACTICE

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

Tuesdays Feb. 14, 21 and 28 at 12:45 p.m.: JEOPARDY

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

Tuesdays Feb. 7, 21 and 28 at 1 p.m.: CARD CRAFTING

Join us at Westview for an hour of card making. Spread some cheer this year and learn how to make handmade cards for your family and friends. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.: BAGELS AND CREAM CHEESE SOCIAL

Join us for a variety of tasty bagels with cream cheese while socializing and catching up. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany

Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.: MAHJONG

Join this wonderful, social group as they play through the timeless game Mahjong, a tile-based game that was developed in the 19th century in China. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.: FIND THE LOVE

Hearts abound during the Month of February. Here is an opportunity to find the love that exists in nature. On a walk or outing anywhere and you have your phone with you find a natural made heart shape formed by nature. It could be made by some trees, a puddle, some leaves or some cracks in the pavement. You have a whole month to participate and submit your photos. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet Wednesdays at 10 a.m.: UFOS –UNFINISHED OBJECTS

Do you have Unfinished Objects (UFOS) sitting by your chair that you would love to complete but want the company to do so? This is a group that enjoys working on lap crafts while

Continued from Page 16

conversing and enjoying the company of others. Knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint and so many more have been completed. This is an in-person activity and all are welcome. Come for the crafting and stay for lunch, call Beth at 518-235-2420 for more information. Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza

Wednesdays at noon: THE BEAU-KNITTERS

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

Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m.: GETCHA

CRAFT ON

Create fun art projects. If you have an idea and would like to share, this is the place to show us it. Westview Homes, 680 Central Ave., Albany Wednesdays at 1 p.m.: BINGO

Join us as we pull the numbers for an hour of Bingo fun every Wednesday. Crazy T, Round Robin, Letter X, Kite and more; 2-3 cards and prizes available. Zoom and Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway

Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.: MEN’S GROUP

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

Fridays at 10 a.m.: BRIDGE CLUB

Bridge, is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. In its basic format, it is played by four players in two competing partnerships, with partners sitting opposite each other around a table. Watervliet Senior Center, 1501 Broadway, Watervliet

Fridays at 1 p.m.: FRIENDLY FILM

FRIDAYS WITH THE COHOES

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Come for lunch and stay for a movie. Call the Cohoes Public Library or Beth at the Cohoes Senior Center at 518-235-2420 for more information.

Cohoes Senior Center, 10 Cayuga Plaza, Cohoes

Niskayuna

Senior Center

2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969

Additional information along with the calendar will be posted on the Niskayuna Town website at www.niskayuna.org/

senior-center. Call with any questions.

Tuesdays

9 a.m.-noon: Tom’s Computer Class (Feb. 7, 21), Unite US program signup with Dottie (Feb. 7, 21)

10 a.m.: Tai Chi

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

10 a.m.: Cards, Mahjong and Bridge

11 a.m.: CDPHP Zumba Gold available in-house and Zoom

1 p.m.: MVP Chair Moves available in-house and Zoom

Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service

Thursdays

10 a.m.: Tai Chi

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

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

Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service

1 p.m.: Trinity Health Alert chair yoga, in-house and Zoom (Feb. 2, 9)

Exercise Update

Mondays at 10 a.m.: Qigong, in house (Feb. 6, 13, 27)

Mondays at 12:30 p.m.: CDPHP Chair Pilates, in-house and Zoom (Feb. 6, 13, 27)

Mondays at 5:30 p.m.: American Mohjongg (Feb. 6, 13, 27)

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.: CDPHP Gentle Yoga

Some classes remain available on Zoom with a couple in-house. You can email Edie for registration, dates and times at ecannizzo@niskayuna.org. Pilates, yoga, walks and art are available on YouTube at “Niskayuna Seniors.”

Dates for Exercise Classes scheduled inside are only tentative, and subject to change.

Monthly Activities

Feb. 2: Book Group at 11 a.m. –“Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin; January Birthday

Celebration

Feb. 3: Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group at 11 a.m.

Feb. 7: Blood Pressure Clinic by St. Peter’s Health Partners at 11 a.m.; Entertainment by Tony Schettino at 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 9: Potato Chip Day

Feb. 14: Sweets and Treats

Feb. 16: Art with SAS at 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 21: Coffee with a Cop

Feb. 23: Movie and popcorn

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

Retiring Retirement Embracing age with gratitude

Making time to help others and reconcile with family keeps Kevin Anderson ‘young-minded’

This is the second in a two-part series. Last month, we looked back on how Kevin Anderson’s past helped shape his future.

Upon pondering his decades of incarceration, Kevin Anderson concluded that no one is beyond hope. Each night the Evening Supervisor at the Capital City Rescue Mission exercises his “Mister Softee” or “Tough Watchman” personas without a split second of identity confusion as he deals with men and women who need one aspect of his character or the other.

said. “Who am? I am no different than them. I had to go through some things because if God didn’t have a plan for my life, I’d be gone because I lived a reckless suicidal lifestyle. God spared me. He didn’t spare me because I was a good guy, but because I was part of his plan to help the other guys.”

by Robert LaCosta

He has been where these men and women have lived – on the streets either succumbing to their addictions and the “wolves of the street” or breaking free like Anderson.

“If you’re still breathing, God is giving you the opportunity to change,” he

Anderson related a recent crisis in which a girl on the streets got caught up on fentanyl and overdosed. He got her medical and counseling help and made sure she had a coat to protect her from the subfreezing temperatures, or “Code Blue” – an unfortunately common term at the mission.

“I will share my experiences with these people” he said, “but my main thing is to help them and point them to resources. Now, money I can’t help you with that, but I can help you with the

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Kevin Anderson, shown here with his daughter, Toya, was inspired to make up for the time he lost with her during his reckless years.

n Retiring

continued from Page 18 necessities you need.”

At 60, Anderson instinctively knows that the changes that he had to go through weren’t just for self-actualization. It was all meant to be shared – and not just at the mission.

“One day, a scripture from Joel 2:25 came to mind when thinking about losing track of my daughter during the prison years: ‘I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,’” he recalled. “So I caught a bus on no notice and went to Harlem and sat in a shop opposite a bus stop. And no more than 5 minutes later, I spot my daughter. I had to watch the traffic because I was in such a hurry. When I jumped on the bus, she said, ‘Dad!’ Everybody on the bus understood what they were seeing.

“You know, daughters need their dads as much as dads miss them. I was honest with her about my past. She relieved me of all of my guilt for the lost time when she said, ‘Dad, I don’t care about back then. I care about now.’ She melted my heart and showed me

pictures of her two grandchildren. Her fiancé even asked me for permission for her hand before he flew her to Paris to surprise her with his proposal.”

Beyond that reconciliation, Kevin knows what it is to be in love himself and wants to get married.

“The woman I am with now is involved in helping people as well, and together we take care of her mother,” he said.

He says that God didn’t make him “young-minded” for nothing and says his middle name is “Another Chance.”

“Don’t let your age dictate your future,” he said, noting that some of his friends didn’t make it to 50. “I embrace my age with gratitude. My job is not done.”

Robert J. LaCosta’s “The Age Sage” podcast is available on most phones and computers and you can hear Kevin Anderson’s rich and resonant voice from this interview on that show. LaCosta’s online devotional is called “Portals to Heaven.” He has also been the invited speaker to over 700 groups and may be reached at norepcom@gmail. com.

No babysitter? No problem

Low-key ways to celebrate the day

Come Valentine’s Day, couples may want to enjoy some time together at a restaurant or a few hours of uninterrupted conversation at home, but babysitters may be hard to come by on this popular date night. This leaves parents of children of all ages potentially wondering how to celebrate with kids in tow. Here are some ideas to get started.

Who says Valentine’s Day love and affection is restricted to the evening? Make use of your time by tinkering with the schedule so that you can enjoy one-on-one moments in the morning or afternoon while children are in school or at daycare. Enjoy a couple’s breakfast or brunch, followed by a massage.

If you can’t spare a day off from work, make a point to meet for lunch at a place halfway between your offices. This is yet another kid-free opportunity to enjoy meaningful conversation and time spent as a couple.

Enlist the kids to give you the night off from dinner, or have them select the perfect take-out menu for a Valentine’s Day dinner. Children do not always have the opportunity to give back to their parents, and on Feb. 14 they can step up their game. Move up bed times

a little so the kids are tucked in early enough to allow you to cuddle on the couch.Catch up on family time

Children are a shining example of their parents’ love for one another. Use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to skip other obligations, including extracurricular activities, and have a family day. Watch a movie together and enjoy a picnic.

On Valentine’s Day, there are many workarounds if the babysitter is unavailable.