Capital District Parent Pages April 2017

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Inside:

2017 Summer Camp Listings

arent pages

Capital District

Volume 22 • Number 4 • APRIL 2017 • Complimentary

Three times the love Helping those on the spectrum Calendar Listings

Pages 20-26

The Resource for Parents

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2 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

Start your summer camp planning now It’s never too early to begin the search

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Editor’s desk

arent pages The Resource for Parents

April 2017 Features Aging out 101

14-15

Columnists

T

hose of you who have been reading Capital District Parent Pages for a while might remember that April is the month we put out our first of two summer camp themed issues. Every year, we run a list in April and May of local camps that cater to such broad and varied interests as foreign language study, horseback riding, drama, music and more. And these aren’t just camps for the older crowd. Included in our listings are a number of options for preschoolers, who are traditionally too young for the town-sponsored summer activities in the area.

Planning ahead means you and your child have the best options for a camp that is the right fit. You also have a chance to make some calls and gather more information before making your decision.

The camp listings on pages 6-7 cover a variety of interests, age ranges and schedules, and it will likely grow by our next issue to include even more opportunities. If you’re looking for something to cover your summer childcare needs or just a way to supplement your child’s summer vacation, there is a camp in the Capital District for you. The listing will also be available online at www.cdparentpages.com.

Also in this issue, in recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month, is an article by writer Lianne Webster-Kim on pages 14-15 that discusses the journey for families facing the prospect of their children “aging out” of some of the services available to kids and teens with ASD. British Nanny also tackles the topic in her column on page 10 about children on the milder end of the spectrum.

Also, check out the calendar listings on pages 20-26 for fun things to do all month long – including spring break! *** We received so many great portraits and candids of Capital District kids during our contest this winter, and you can expect to see them on future covers in the coming months.

One more thing: You don’t have to wait for a contest to submit a potential cover shot; email them to me anytime at robertsk@spotlightnews.com. Also feel free to send your suggestions, ideas, comments and pictures to me at robertsk@spotlightnews.com. You can check out the latest at www.cdparentpages.com.

Kristen Roberts, editor

On the cover: Liam Greenfield, 9 months, of Delmar, is all in at mealtime in this photo submitted by his mom, Lina. Parent Pages is always accepting photos for potential covers. Submissions should be at least 8-by-10-inches with a dpi of 400. They can be sent via email to robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

Acorn Advice

4

24-Hour Shift

8

Let’s Cook!

9

British Nanny

10

Triple Threat

12

What’s new On the Bookshelf

5

Earth Day essay contest

19

Resources Summer camp listings Calendar

6-7 20-26

publisher - John

McIntyre editor - Kristen Roberts advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Parent Pages 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 Parent Pages 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 2013 by Capital District Parent Pages. No portion of Capital District Parent Pages may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC. Rachelle & Lawrence Stallman Founders of Capital District Parent Pages

APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 3

Acorn Advice

growth from within

Help kids learn how to help uestion: I’m wondering if you have any tips to share on how to get my kids to help out with chores and just doing some daily clean-up. It seems like my husband and I spend every weekend doing the chores that get ignored all week, and then no one has any fun together on our days off. Our kids are young, 5 and 8 years old, but old enough to pick up after themselves.

A

nswer: It can be really hard to motivate our kids to do chores, especially in the beginning when a routine hasn’t been established, or when expectations to help out have been low. I recommend starting out with small steps. Do you have any rituals already put in place, such as picking up toys at the end of the day or helping to set the table before dinner? Choose one area where you’ve seen some cooperation or willingness to help in the past and build upon it. In our house, the kids always seem to linger around the kitchen during dinner prep.

While it can certainly be an inconvenience to have them around while I cook, I also see it as an opportunity to capitalize on their interests and attention. It is fairly routine now

that the kids will help me with some dinner prep like peeling carrots or setting the table while I make dinner. We built on this area recently by setting the expectation that the kids clear the table after dinner and help with tidying up the dinner mess. I believe a key factor in making this work for us is our full participation as a family. We are all engaged in the act of preparing for dinner by and then cleaning up from dinner. It can often be a nice time, generating good feelings on all sides as it fosters our sense that we are a family, all invested in this thing called life together.

Establishing chores as part of a routine that is already in place, such as family dinner time, can foster a sense of shared purpose.

Julia Cadieux

I would also recommend creating some incentive around the housework. Call a family meeting and explain your desire to have more fun family time on the weekends. Explain the barriers to getting this time. Ask for ideas and solutions to this problem; be careful not to assign blame or to push your own solutions.

Remember, you want the kids to buy in to the idea of doing some chores in order to get more fun time as a family. Once you’ve had a meeting and generated some small do-able solutions, create a plan (perhaps a chart or a checklist to help you all keep

track of daily progress). Then decide together on a reward. The “reward” should be connected to the goal of spending more time together on the weekends, such as an afternoon spent at the park or a Saturday matinee. It should not be something for the children like a new toy or candy.

Finally, I advise you to have realistic expectations. Yes, your children are old enough to pick up after themselves. However, they lack key executive functioning skills to carry out this skill independently. You will need to provide the structure and guidance to help them be successful in learning to do

Woodland Hill welcomes you to tinker, build, learn, and create! Become a forest explorer, learn about things that go, make upcycled art, and much more!

Space is limited so register today.

the tasks and chores that are necessary to caring for a home.

So instead of giving a broad directive such as, “Clean your room,” which assumes they know how to carry out this multi-level job, try breaking it down into small steps, offering support and encouragement along the way.

Julia Cadieux, a PCI Certified Parent Coach and Capital District mom, helps other parents look within for the answers they seek and believes there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to child-rearing. Send you questions and comments to julia@thesupportedparent.com.

2017

Ages Ǖ

JUNE 26 - AUGUST 25 Woodland Hill Montessori School woodlandhill.org 100 Montessori Place t North Greenbush 518.283.5400

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On the Bookshelf

An amazing April for reading ‘Celebrating Earth Day’

‘Harry and Clare’s Amazing Staycation’

by M. J. York This celebration of Earth Day introduces youngsters to Earth Day activities, such as planting trees and cleaning up litter, and includes a kid-friendly project that will inspire creativity and hands-on fun. Published by The Child’s World.

by Ted Staunton; illustrated by Mika Song.

Disappointed when spring break arrives and their family stays home instead of embarking on an exotic vacation, Harry and Clare use their imaginations to take them to exciting locations. Tundra Books.

‘How Many Baby Animals?’

by Guido Van Genechten A lighthearted rhyming story features split-page spreads presenting mommy animals who are having babies and who invite young children to practice early skills by counting how many babies each mom has.

From Clavis Publishing.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR CHILD CARE FOR THE SUMMER? OR PLANNING AHEAD FOR T THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR? ?

Come check out The Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel!

Located right next to St Peter’s Hospital

• Care for children 18 months 5 years old • Register for 2 - 5 days a week Full day 8:00am - 5:30pm Half day care 9:00am - 1:00pm • A unique Hebrew Immersion Program; ages 3 - 5 years • Music, art, gardening, and so much more, through daily hands-on learning

Registration for the upcoming school year begins Feburary 1, 2017.

Summer camp registration begins March 1.

Take a tour, learn more, or register by contacting: Amie Bloom, Director • 518 438-7858 x120 amiebloom@tialbany.org • 600 New Scotland Ave, Albany 101641_4

APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 5

2017 Summer Camp Listings

A summer to remember Capital District camp options from A to Z Summer dance camps and intensives for ages 4 to adult, beginner to professional.

25 Monroe St., Albany Call 426-0660 or visit www.SchoolofABB.org

Albany JCC Summer Camps Tons of incredible choices for ages 3-15 with water sports, the arts, science, circus and much more.

340 Whitehall Road, Albany Call 438-6651 or visit www.AlbanyJCC.org

All About Kids Enrichment Program Six-week summer program available for 3-4-year-olds with art, play and fun.

Sacandaga Elementary School, Scotia Call 608-6563 for details.

SUNY Poly summer hands-on summer camp for ages 5-11 explores engineering and robotics to film creation and much more.

250 Jordan Road, Troy Call 235-2120 or visit www.CMOST.org

Capital District YMCA Over 12 locations. From day camps to overnight camps to specialty camps, field trips and weekly themes, there is something for everyone.

Call 869-3500 or visit www.CDYMCA.org/camp

Club Scientific Colonie Classes and camps throughout the Capital District for pre-K to teens.

Call 479-9888 or visit www.Colonie.ClubScientific.com

We’re online!

Be sure to visit our website…

p Capital District

Albany Berkshire Ballet

Children’s Museum of Science & Technology (CMOST)

Colonie KidzArt Classes and camps throughout the Capital District for pre-K to teens.

Call 479-9888 or visit www.Colonie.KidzArt.com

Doane Stuart School Announcing SCAMP – a great summer experience for 3-8-year-olds with dance, music, science and tons of outdoor fun.

199 Washington Ave., Rensselaer Call 465-5222 or email: scamp@DoaneStuart.org or visit www.DoaneStuart.org/SCAMP

Continued on the next page

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2017 Summer Camp Listings Continued ...

Drama Kids International Weekly full and half-day summer camps held in the Capital District for ages 4-11.

Call 458-1313 or visit www.DramaKids.com

Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY Day camps and overnight camps available with weekly add-on specialty programs. You don’t need to be a Girl Scout to attend Visit www.gsneny.org/ summer-camp

preschool kids ages 18 months to 5 years old. Full or part-time availability.

113 New Krumkill Road, Albany Call Sheryl @ 489-4894 or visit www.OhavShalom.com/EarlyChildhood

Samaritan-Rensselaer Children’s Center – Summer Fun at RPI For kids ages 4-12 with swimming, arts and crafts, sports, drama, field trips and more. Full or part-time. Located on the campus of RPI. Call Deirdre or Kristina @ 2713748 or www.NortheastHealth. com/SummerCamp

Krumkill Stables Riding lessons, trail rides and more.

Spring Break Horse Camp: April 17-21.

Summer Camp: June 26-Sept. 1.

460 Krumkill Road, Albany Call 482-8704 or visit www.KrumkillStables.com

Newmeadow Preschool A six-week summer term from July 10Aug. 18 building Kindergarten readiness skills, self-esteem and confidence.

100 Saratoga Village Blvd., Malta Call 899-9235 15 Burke Drive, Queensbury Call 338-3482 or visit www.NewMeadow.org

Ohav Shalom Nursery School Summer weekly themed camp for

Serendipity Day Care Center Summer Dippin’ 2017: Seven themed weeks for children in grade 1-5 with horseback riding, beaches, parks, pools, field trips and more.

Summer Dippin’ Drama Camp: For children in grade 1-7.

22 Grove St., Voorheesville Call 765-2399 or email: KateNovitsky@yahoo.com

Temple Israel – Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Education Center Summer Fun program for kids under 5 with creative play and activities.

600 New Scotland Ave., Albany Call Amie at 438-7858 x 120 or visit www.AmieBloom@tialbany.org

The Albany Academies A variety of summer programs for students in pre-K through 10th grade.

135 Academy Road, Albany For more information, visit www.AlbanyAcademies.org

The College of Saint Rose 25th Summer Academy: Four weeks of fun and learning for grades 6-10.

432 Western Ave., Albany Call 454-5144 or visit www.StRose.edu/summer academy

The Music Studio Summer fun with music for ages 2-7.

Piano camp for pianists ages 9 and up.

1237 Central Ave., Albany Call 459-7799 or visit www.TheMusicStudio.com

Choose a camp that will challenge and engage your child.

The Spotted Zebra Learning Center Playing in the Sandbox – Social Skills Camp for children ages 4-6.

26 Computer Drive East, Albany Call 438-4800 or visit www.SpottedZebra.org

Woodland Hill Montessori Summer day camp for ages 3-12 with fun and creative play and exploration.

100 Montessori Place, North Greenbush Call 283-5400 or visit www.WoodlandHill.org

Find this list online at www.cdparentpages.com.

NEXT MONTH: Even more summer camp options to choose from!

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 7

The 24-hour shift

parenting is a full-time job

A little empathy goes far

W

hat do you think about when you hear about children who go hungry as a result of living in poverty? Are you empathizing with their parents or are you criticizing them?

If you are empathizing, great!

Now go raid your pantry or write a check to a food bank. We’ll wait. Oh, non-perishable food please, and nothing expired.

OK, critics, your turn! What does your child want to be when he or she grows up? Does he say he wants to be a drug addict?

Does your daughter plan on becoming a single mother living in poverty? No? Neither does anyone else’s child.

No one wakes up in the morning and decides to become a drug addict or a single mother. No

one chooses poverty. No one. No children right? Don’t want to pay one wishes to have an addiction, for the unemployed? Great! I’ll mental or physical disability, or tell them you’re hiring. ailment that prevents them from Maybe you think the child working. No one. No one wants should not have been born in the to be continually fired from first place if the parents every job because they live in poverty. So, do can’t afford child care you believe people by and no trusted perwho live in poverty son was available should have no to babysit. The right to have a family with the family? People in WIC checks at poverty have the the grocery store same rights you do, probably walked 10 they are protected blocks or more to get under the same Constithere. Do you have that tution that you are. We are all much grit? So why are you treatequal, and not just under the law. ing them harshly?

For those critics who say Is it because you basically pay parents should act responsibly for them through your taxes? and take care of their own kids, Think of it as philanthropy. Not I say yes, they should, but it goes a philanthropist? You’re feeding, both ways. clothing and housing children, Let’s say you can afford to meet and you’re not the kind to starve

Theresa Davis

your children’s needs and some of their wants. Do you plan on starting them on pot and alcohol “under your roof” to keep them “safe?” That’s bad parenting, and illegal. Are you going to abandon them if they come out to you as LGBTQ? Do you get down on your floor or the dirt and play with your kids, or do you throw money at them or sit them in front of a screen you don’t monitor so you can text your friends?

See? Criticism is hurtful and offensive. Keep those opinions to yourself. Parenting is hard enough, let’s not make it harder on each other.

Theresa Davis is a former early childhood educator and has worked in childcare centers for more than 15 years. She is also an adoptive mother, living and taking care of her family in the Capital District.

SPLASH INTO ALBANY JCC

SUMMER CAMPS!

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Tons of Incredible Choices including Scuba Travel Music Soccer Science Circus

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Summer Camps

Art and Science programs for any age.

Weekly themes to choose from.

Sidney ne ney ey Albert A bertt Alb Albany JCC

Colonie.KidzArt.com | Colonie.ClubScientific.com

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Register Early! Space is Limited!

EARLY BIR PRICING T D HRU APRIL 28

Cont Drew fo act r 438-665info: ext. 11 1, Andrew3, or albanyjc K@ c.org

www.albanyjcc.org 100531_4

8 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

Let’s Cook! by

Jodie Fitz

Easter eggs to dye for

O

ne of my family’s favorite things this time of year is to experiment with egg decorating. This year we dyed eggs with a solid color and then added food coloring to rice and made shakers to speckle the eggs. Find our entire process below, including hard-boiling directions.

You can also learn more

about our experimentations at www.jodiefitz.com and discover how to stripe eggs, marbleize them with whipped topping, use rubber bands as designs or create an ombre affect.

Get more recipes from Jodie Fitz through the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club at www. pricechopper.com. To learn more about her, visit www.jodiefitz. com.

Rice shaker eggs STEP ONE: Hard boil the eggs Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water at least a ¼ inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a boil. Cover the eggs and boil for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the stovetop and let the cooking eggs stay in the hot water on the burner for an additional 7 minutes. Run the eggs under cold water to stop the cooking process and let them cool before continuing with the coloring process.

STEP TWO: Color the base of the egg Purchase the basic color egg decorating kit in the seasonal aisle or food coloring in the baking aisle at the grocery store. Follow the directions on the package and dye the eggs for a short period of time to create a light-colored base.

STEP THREE: Make a rice shaker Use an extra-large plastic egg that can be found in the seasonal aisle at the grocery store or your local craft store.

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Add 4 tablespoons of instant rice and 2 teaspoons of food coloring to the large egg. Stir the rice and food coloring together until the rice is fully covered. Place the hard-boiled egg into the larger egg and gently shake for a speckled look. Let the eggs fully dry before displaying.

Note: Prepare the colored rice just before using. If you prep the rice in advance and let set, the rice will absorb all of the food coloring and dry out.

WWW.DRAMAKIDS.COM (518) 458-1313

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 9

British Nanny

F

speech matters

A little bit of autism

ifteen-year-old Lucas is smart, funny, sociable and extremely cute. His hobbies include bowling and building robots. He describes himself as “funny, wild and nerdy.” He has a loving family. He has lots of friends, and he also has Asperger’s, now known as mild Autism Spectrum Disorder.

non-verbal communication, is a science whiz but is failing integrating sensory input and everything else, or the colleague repetitive behaviors. Because who can’t function if his routine autism is a spectrum, no two is slightly off or the pencils people present exactly the same. aren’t in the right place.

There is a saying within the auAccording to Lucas’s tism community that when grandmother Ginny, you’ve met one person her 15-year-old with autism, you’ve by grandson has always met one person stood out. with autism.

He’s not alone. Many of our musical, scientific and business geniuses have Asperger’s. In fact, Hans Asperger observed, “It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential.”

The thinking and learning abilities of people with ASD varies from severely challenged to gifted. Those with mild ASD may just present as slightly quirky. For instance, the 3-yearold who ignores his toys but is passionately attached to the vacuum cleaner, the fourthgrader who doesn’t get invited to parties, the “Brainiac” who

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a general term for a group of complex neurological disorders.

These are characterized with varying degrees of difficulty in social situations, verbal and

Sharon Cole

“Even as a young baby he was slightly different,” she says.

“Most babies move into a hug, Lucas always pulled back.”

She says he also made limited eye contact, lined up objects and, although an early speaker, did not really want to use his words to share his world. When Lucas was 6 months old, Ginny’s daughter, Sarah, took

him to a baby massage class given by occupational therapists. The teacher overseeing the class saw something different about Lucas. His body was rigid. He also fought against being moved suggesting poorly integrated reflexes.

This teacher singled Lucas out and emphasized what she saw as his deficits. Sarah was scared and upset. She asked what was wrong with her baby.

The response turned her world around.

“I can’t say. It’s not my place, but I specialize in babies with Autism,” said the teacher.

For Sarah the world as she knew it was changed. For Ginny, this confirmed her suspicions.

Continued on Page 11

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Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York

Get the word out!

Check us out at:

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www.cdparentpages.com

10 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

Send calendar submission by the 5th of the previous month to: Capital District Parent Pages, Attn: Calendar, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, N.Y. 12054 email: robertsk@spotlightnews.com

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List your event for parents & children in our calendar section.

To advertise on our website, call Denice Mau at 439-4949

continued from Page 10 When he was 9 months old, Sarah took Lucas to a well-respected developmental specialist. This specialist didn’t see enough to give him a diagnosis of autism. Lucas could not be measured by the medical model. He was, after all, meeting all of his developmental milestones, and toddlers by definition are often quirky and rigid.

Sarah moved forward with her life. Lucas got older, and she adjusted to her funny, anxious, quirky child. She had another son, and life was busy.

It wasn’t until her younger son turned 2-1/2 that Sarah noticed the differences between her two sons. Although Lucas was highly intelligent, highly verbal and had a wicked sense of humor, on some levels the younger son seemed more mature than his brother. Lucas remained impulsive, ritualistic and demonstrated very little safety awareness. He was also a very anxious child. Certain noises bothered him. In addition, he had a rigid preference for certain clothing and routines. By now Lucas was 5 and was soon diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome.

Supporting our young people with mild autism continues to be a gray area. Historically, these children are diagnosed at a later date and receive very limited services. Often, their advanced communication skills and academic abilities camouflage other delays, such as social skills, severe sensory issues, understanding how others think, and extreme difficulties with organization. Lucas never received an Individual Education Plan. It wasn’t until Lucas was in fifth grade and the workload demands increased that the educational supports were offered. Sarah observes that, to this day, Lucas has difficulty with organization, which shows up in all areas of his life – his body, his room, his writing and overall schoolwork.

How can we as parents and educators create the least restrictive environment and expectations so that our children can be the best versions of themselves? How can they learn at an early age to channel their potential to be different into amazing opportunities and not feel less than their peers? For our children with mild ASD, this means giving them all the support they need within the most natural environment. Evaluations need to be comprehensive. Most screeners and tests indicate what the child cannot do. Strength-based evaluations illustrate what they can do.

Both are necessary.

SUNY Poly Summer Camp

Visit www.cmost.org

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“He’ll either consider himself different or will be considered different, which will channel him in the wrong direction.” Ginny observes, however, she adds, “His differences are what make him amazing.

Because of Lucas, I look at the world differently.”

Attention:

ALL ATHLETES AND COACHES!!

Are you visually ready for SPRING sports?

Do you want your team to have a visual advantage ?

If so, Ànd out how you can obtain the necessary visual skills for peak athletic performance by attending our ...

Sharon Cole is a licensed speech-language pathologist and proud grandmother. Her goal is to enhance children’s lives through love, laughter and language. Sharon can be contacted at britishnannyslp@gmail.com or British Nanny Facebook page for any questions about the British Nanny column or speech and language concerns.

“Sometimes it is the people who no one can imagine anything of that do the things no one can imagine.”

- Alan Turing

June 26 - Sept. 1 Ages 5 - 11

SUNY Poly CMOST hands-on Summer Camps explore exciting topics from HQJLQHHULQJ DQG URERWLFV WR ÀOP FUHDWLRQ and game makers, and much more!

For Sarah and Ginny, Lucas is a gift, a chance to step outside of conventional boundaries. Ginny worries, however, that Lucas won’t be respected for the unique individual he is.

She worries that his Asperger’s label will negatively impact his life.

Sports Vision Training Workshop on April 6th, 2017 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Dr. Robert Fox will review the importance of improving the following visual skills: • Eye Tracking • Eye Focusing • Peripheral Awareness • Depth Perception • Eye-Hand or Eye-Body Coordination Please RSVP to drfoxassistant@gmail.com or call the ofÀce at 518-374-8001 www.FoxVisionDevelopment.com

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British Nanny

Dr. Robert S. Fox OD, FCOVD

1202 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Latham, NY

(518) 374-8001

Vision therapy will change how you see the world!

APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 11

SERENDIPITY

Summer Dippin 2017 WHEN

July 10thAugust 25th 7:30am-5:30pm WHERE

22 Grove Street Voorheesville, NY 12186

7 Themed Weeks:

1ST GRADE-5TH GRADE SIBLING DISCOUNT

Swim Lessons July 24thAugust 3rd At the Voorheesville H.S. Pool

hree kids equals three different personalities with different needs – the level of urgency varying depending on the day.

FIELD TRIPS ADIRONDACK XTREME HOWE CAVERNS WATER RAPIDS GRAFTON LAKE

Barn Schoolers @ ILF

THOMPSONS LAKE

Baking at DDK,

FUNPLEX

Horseback (English) at Glynhafan

BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Horseback (Western) at Krumkill Stables with …

KidzArt / ScientiÀc Studio And Nature Week Contact Kate Novitsky at: katenovitsky@yahoo.com 518/765-2399

Part-time enrollment Half day options

INTRODUCING SUMMER DIPPIN DRAMA CAMP TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS/ THURSDAYS 4:30-6:00PM… ASK KATE

T

Sometimes my life feels like a gag reel from reality television. Who am I kidding? There is way too much reality in my life for a good reality television program. Not once have we heard about a Kardashian child vomiting their way through the parking lot of the grocery store.

Three kids – all with stuff going on. How do I make sure that each one feels loved, cherished and noticed?

TAWASENTHA PARK THACHER PARK VIA AQUARIUM ALTAMONT FAIR

Summer Extras: Explore the Vly Creek Walks to Stewarts Parks/Picnics Pool Sleepover

I worry about one or more of them getting lost in the shuffle. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! On any given day, one of the kids will need me for something, which means another one will have to wait.

The squeaky one today may not be the squeaky one from yesterday or the squeaky one for tomorrow. I look around and see the dust bunnies and the bathroom sink that needs to be wiped out. Part of me sees the mess and wants to clean it. The other part of me wants to bring out the jigsaw puzzles and games. Boggle for the win!

As parents, we all have a file in our minds about our kids.

At a moment’s notice, we can rattle off their favorite foods, favorite subject in school, their friends’ names, songs, games

Waterslides Golf Yoga 101745_4

12 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

parenting triplets in the Capital District

Getting lost in the shuffle

Tutoring available all 7 weeks

Adventure

Game

Triple Threat

by

Jennifer Steuer

and who they look like in the family. Parents of kids with special needs have a more complex file. This file takes up so much of our energy. There are some days you can almost see the weight of the file pressing down on a mom or dad. The amount of information would overwhelm us if we let it.

Not only do I know the name of Benjamin’s favorite food (ShopRite brand of Shells and Cheddar) and who his best friend is (another classmate with the same name), but I know the name and number of the neurologist he has been seeing since he was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 years old. I know jellied cranberry sauce is always a good choice as a side for any meal. I know when he last had an EEG and blood work. I know that if the canned corn is not ShopRite brand, he will not eat any of it. I can recall at will what medications and dosing he is taking. I can remember that he is a whiz at Snap Circuits.

Just before Olivia turned 2, she was diagnosed with lifethreatening peanut/tree nut allergies. Just two months shy of her turning 2, we started having Epi-Pens with us at all times. There was always liquid Benadryl available. Olivia was also diagnosed with asthma and many environmental allergies before she was 3 years old.

There was some adjusting to a new diet and what we us- to clean the house. We discovered foods that she would eat and

Continued on Page 13

Triple Threat continued from Page 12 what to do in case of cross contamination. We learned how to use an inhaler with a toddler.

We are still vigilant about Olivia and what she eats. There is more to her than the medical.

There is a girl who is smart, a talented artist, and loves babies.

Olivia is also an inventor and likes to work in the garden.

Rebecca? Oh, she isn’t squeaky. I feel like I hardly know her sometimes. Rebecca is an easy kid. She has asthma, but it is well controlled. She likes broccoli and red delicious apples. Rebecca is tall with big feet like her mother. She used to snore, but that was resolved in kindergarten when she had her tonsils and adenoids removed. Rebecca loves books, the library and the book store.

My baby girl is left-handed and graceful. I don’t hear her squeak. I don’t hear her ask for any more than I can give

at the moment. She is quick to help and give out a smile.

No, she isn’t squeaky and that is what makes me worry about Rebecca the most sometimes.

I don’t want her getting lost in the shuffle of the daily stuff that could keep me from knowing my daughter. I am afraid that because she can be such an easy kid she will feel like I am not paying attention.

I love all three of them for being independent individuals. Squeaky wheels may get greased, but the quiet ones also get noticed in the chaos. I can see how each child will shine with their own brilliance as they get older. I hope that each of my kids know that they are loved and their squeakiness is music to my ears.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 9-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

Three children with different wants and needs can make a busy mom feel like there is never enough quality time to spend one-on-one.

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 13

AGING O

An introduction to the sometimes co a child with ASD transition

P

arents know that at one point or another, they will have to ask – and answer – some tough questions regarding their child’s future: education, finances, health and otherwise.

For parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such questions and decisions arise with greater frequency and complexity, especially as their son or daughter reaches the age (21 here in New York) at which he or she is no longer eligible to receive school-based services, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “aging out.”

Laurie Frey, right, has learned from her own experience of raising a child with autism to never stop services and to find a services coordinator that has her daughter Brittany’s best interests in mind.

by

Lianne Webster-K

If this is the first time you have heard the term, it certainly won’t be the last, as more children are being diagnosed with ASD, and, in due time, will be transitioning into adult services themselves. In an article 2011 New York Times article titled “Autistic and Seeking a Place in an Adult World,” it was noted that “some 200,000 autistic teenagers [were] set to come of age in the United States over the next five years alone.”

Frequently asked questions with ever-changing answers “What is my child going to need? Is she going to be able to live

14 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

o g h

a e

c

OUT 101

times confusing process of helping nsition to the adult world on her own? Will she have to live in a [group] home? How is she going to be able to communicate her needs and wants? Will she have enough money for food? What happens if I’m not there?”

by

These are just a few of the questions that Laurie Frey of Colonie has been asking and trying to answer ever since her daughter, Brittany, now 25 with the developmental age of a 15- or 16-year-old, was first diagnosed with ASD when she was 15 months old. Frey, a registered nurse, is the author of “My Puzzled Angel: A Mom’s Journey with Autism,” a narrative of her experiences before and after Brittany’s diagnosis.

Lianne bster-Kim

While the questions surrounding “aging out” issues themselves may be the same, Frey says that the answers will vary widely both from person to person and day to

day.

“Everybody is so different on the spectrum,” she says. “[The] answers will be different for everyone. … Every day is new and exciting.”

Frey says the needs of an adult child with ASD are constantly changing. As a result, the questions need to be asked and answered

Continued on Page 17

Debbie Provost, shown here with her grandson, Eric, who is autistic, says her family would be lost without Eric’s service coordinator, who has been with them since he was 18 months old.

Online aging out resources page 18

APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 15

Kids Fun Page

What Rhymes with…

COLORING PICTURE PICTURE COLORING List 10 words that rhyme with “green.”

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

8.

9.

7.

7

Q: What did the sea say to the shore?

Q: What month do trees like least?

A: Nothing. It just waved.

A: Sep-timber!

Name That Item Buying things you can use over and over keeps them out of the landfill. Fill in the blanks to name some items that can be reused.

1)

C L O __ __

N A __ K I __ S

2)

D I __ __ E S

3)

R E C __ __ R G E A B L E B A __ __ E R I E S

4)

T H __ R M __ S __ S

5)

T __ T E

6)

S I L __ E ____ A R E

7)

C __ O __ H

B __ G S D I A __ E R __

Answers: 1) Cloth Napkins (instead of paper napkins), 2) Dishes (instead of paper plates and cups), 3) Rechargeable Batteries (instead of disposable batteries), 4) Thermoses (instead of plastic water bottles), 5) Tote Bags (instead of paper and plastic grocery bags), 6) Silverware (instead of plastic forks and spoons), 7) Cloth Diapers (instead of disposable diapers)

16 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

Some answers: been, dean, jean, keen, lean, mean, scene, seen, teen, wean

Jokes and Riddles

10.

Coloring Fun

continued from Page 15 on a regular basis.

“No two children on the spectrum are the same. Some are non-verbal, some are high functioning, while others fall into a moderate category,” says Debbie Provost, whose 11-yearold grandson, Eric, is non-verbal with severe to moderate ASD. Provost, author of the “Keep it Simple” blog published on spotlightnews.com, adds that “the very unpredictability of a child with autism” also contributes to those ever-changing answers.

Early and ongoing discussions Frey had already started to think about her daughter’s future, when at 5 years old, Brittany had yet to utter an actual word. While she remembers asking other family members questions (What are we going to do when she becomes of age?

Are we going to be able to be able to provide for her? What is her future going to be?), she says that more formal discussions with Brittany’s teachers didn’t begin until sometime between fourth and sixth grade.

sions about a child’s future, there is an even more compelling reason to start talking early and often. Frey says it best: “What happens if I get killed in a car accident tomorrow? If something happens to me, we have to make it so that she’s going to make it.”

“Please, never stop services,” she says. “Never.”

Frantically, Frey not only applied to a variety of adult programs for her daughter, she also put in requests for a coordinator to help “direct” her as she continues to make decisions about Brittany’s future. Her persistence has paid off. Brittany has adult services in place, while Frey has selected a coordinator whom she believes has Brittany’s best interests in mind and will advocate on her behalf to make certain she continues to get the services she needs.

Provost, on the other hand, believes that it’s best for parents to start those formal discussions with educators, social workers, extended family members and close friends — anyone actively involved with day-to-day care — “when the child is very young.”

In fact, she suggests that the dialogue about a child’s future should begin as soon as the parents start to evaluate schools, stating that “not all schools have the resources/staff needed to help make that decision and head in that direction.”

Required “aging out” navigation tools

“Ideally, the child will be enrolled in a school/program which has a complete program from toddler to adult,” she says.

A service coordinator is one of two components to ensure, when applicable, the child’s parents have the final say in what happens. Conte says the other is 17A guardianship.

While selecting the appropriate school or program is certainly a crucial component to discus-

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Frey made this stark realization about two years ago, several years after her intense determination — “I’m a nurse; I can do this!” — that she alone could figure out what Brittany really needed. Her determination was so intense that she cancelled all services when Brittany was in sixth grade. She now admits that decision was a big mistake.

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Aging out

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518.482.8704

In fact, having a service coordinator who has the child’s best interests in mind is essential for a successful “aging out” transition.

Tammy Conte, a Medicaid service coordinator with Community Living & Advocacy Supports, Inc., says that “having a service coordinator to help with the process is a must, [as] adult services and transitioning to them has changed a great deal over the past few years.”

Continued on Page 18

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 17

ď Žď&#x20AC; Aging out continued from Page 17 After trying to tackle the transition on her own, Frey is grateful to have a service coordinator to help. However, she strongly encourages parents and other family members to stay involved and also serve as advocates for the child.

Provost says her grandsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service coordinator has been working with the family since Eric was diagnosed at 18 months old â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are so very grateful for our service coordinator,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would be lost without her and her knowledge of autism and special needs.â&#x20AC;?

If a parent doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel their child is getting the very best from their service coordinator, Frey offers this simple suggestion: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Move on.â&#x20AC;?

Another must: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life insurance for [a] guardian to care for the

child,â&#x20AC;? says Provost.

The most important piece of this puzzle is 17A guardianship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without that in place,â&#x20AC;? says Conte, â&#x20AC;&#x153;legally, once your child turns 18, you cannot make decisions for them anymore.â&#x20AC;?

According to New York State Unified Court Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In New York state, when a person becomes 18 years old, they are assumed to be legally competent to make decisions for themselves. This means no other person is allowed to make a personal, medical or financial decision for that individual. If a person is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; has difficulty making decisions for themselves and [is] over 18 years old, you can ask the Surrogateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court to appoint a guardian for him or her.â&#x20AC;?

Parents can either start the process online or by contacting the Surrogateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court in their county of residence to request

an Article 17A Guardianship Packet.

So why should all parents become familiar with this concept even though they may never have to concern themselves with their own children â&#x20AC;&#x153;aging out?â&#x20AC;?

The prevalence of ASD continues to grow. Back in 2000, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network of the Centers for Disease Control estimated that only one in every 150 children had been identified as having ASD; by 2010, its estimate rose to one in every 68 children.

In the coming years, more and more parents will either have to wrestle with the questions and issues that come with â&#x20AC;&#x153;aging outâ&#x20AC;? themselves, or will they know someone else who will.

Aging out online resources: â&#x20AC;˘ Autism After 16 www.autismafter16.com

â&#x20AC;˘ Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region New York www.albanyautism.org/Home.aspx â&#x20AC;˘ Autism Speaks www.autismspeaks.org â&#x20AC;˘ Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University at Albany www.albany.edu/autism/about_card. php â&#x20AC;˘ Center for Disability Services www.cfdsny.org/htmlweb/ServicesAutism.html â&#x20AC;˘ Child Mind Institute childmind.org â&#x20AC;˘ Community Living & Advocacy Supports, Inc. clasinc.org/about-us/our-services/ Guardianship of a person who is intellectually disabled or mentally disabled www.nycourts.gov/courthelp/ guardianship/17a.shtml â&#x20AC;˘ Keep it Simple blog www.spotlightnews.com/opinion/blogs Look for the Feb. 24, 2017 entry

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Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we offer a range of personal options to make your experience your own, including access to highly-experienced OB/GYN and midwife providers, as well as private rooms and state-of-the-art services.

Earth Day essay contest Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park invites students to participate in an essay contest in honor of the 47th annual Earth Day on April 22.

Students should write an essay describing their feelings on the theme. Some ideas for the essay could include: plants and animals that have a particular meaning to you, how you feel connected to nature through plants and animals, why our actions as people can impact the Earth, things people do that hurt or help the Earth, endangered and threatened species, personal experiences, or anything else that you can think of that relates to the theme.

When the astronauts first saw the Earth from space, they talked about how it created a new feeling about the fragility and uniqueness of our planet. They said that they were struck by how all life shares this one, small planet that is surrounded by the vastness of space.

Earth Day was started in 1970 to help promote the importance of protecting our planet, not just for people but for all of the plants and animals that live here. Some people say that it was the start of the

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modern environmental movement. Many laws that protect the Earth came out of that first Earth Day; laws like the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The deadline for entries is Monday, April 10. Submissions may be mailed to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort, NY 12831, or emailed to info@wiltonpreserve.org by the deadline. Please include the student’s name, grade level, teacher’s name, and school that they attend. Also include the address, email and phone contact information with the submission.

For more information, please call the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

The Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park is a non-profit organization that conserves ecological systems and natural settings while providing opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation.

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Students can share what Earth Day means to them in an essay contest sponsored by the Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park.

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 19

Calendar of events

April 1 Saturday Annual Teddy Bear Hospital Day Bring a teddy bear to Albany Medical Center for a “checkup”hosted by Albany Medical College students who will teach children about general health, good nutritional habits and basic medical procedures. Children can also see the medical

family fun for April

evacuation helicopter, an ambulance, a police car and fire truck, 1 to 4 p.m. Choices Café at Albany Medical Center.

Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Camouflage in Nature

Golden Dragon Acrobats

Trees with eyes?! Sticks that walk?! Every day is April Fool’s Day in the natural world. Come and learn about different camouflage techniques used by plants and animals, both locally and worldwide, 10 a.m. Free. Registration required.

Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville. Call (518) 872-0800 for more information or to register.

Acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $12-$20. The Egg (Swyer Theater), Empire State Plaza, Albany. For more information, call (518) 473-1845.

Summer Camp Fair

Submit an event

Dozens of Capital Region summer camps will be on hand to highlight their summer camp offerings, 10 a.m. Free admission and activities. Hudson Valley Commu• To have your event included in nity College - McDonough Sports Complex. For more our print edition, email the information, information, visit www. including date, time, place, cost and hvcc.edu/kidscamps.

contact information to robertsk@ spotlightnews.com by the 10th of the preceding month. Events run space permitting, and submission does not guarantee publication.

Movie: ‘The Aristocats’ Cat-related activities throughout the day with a screening of Disney’s “The Aristocats”at 1 p.m. Clifton

This is an outdoor program so please come dressed for the weather, 10:30 a.m. Free.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort. For more information, call (518) 450-0321 or visit wiltonpreserve.org.

PJ Story Time Join Library staff for a quiet, drop-in story time for families and children ages 2-6, 6:15 p.m.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Children’s Art Classes

2 Sunday The Gazillion Bubble Show Step into an interactive bubble world and be dazzled by spellbinding lasers, spectacular lighting effects, and jaw-dropping masterpieces of bubble artistry, 3 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40.

Proctors, 432 State St., Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 346-6204 or visit www. proctors.org.

3 Monday Pre-K Discovery Day This monthly program is for our youngest explorers (ages 3-6 years old) where we use children’s love of nature to teach simple concepts. Adults are expected to attend.

Each week participants will learn new skills and get to create a new piece of artwork to take home, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Stage 1 – Albany Barn, 46 North Swan St., Albany. For more information, call 935-4858 or visit www. albanybarn.org.

Family Science Night Local college science and engineering departments will be here with fun science activities for kids, 6:30 p.m. For kids in grades 3-6, with their families. Registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www. guilpl.org.

Continued on the next page

SUMMER 2015

Playing in the Sandbox Connecting Kids

June 26 August June J une 22 2 2 –– August A ugust 25, 28, 28, 2017 2015 2015

The Spotted Zebra Learning Center offers a unique summer program for children entering the next stages of their childhood where good social skills are critical in helping them to negotiate the complex world of peers!

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20 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

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The Spotted Zebra Learning Center 26 Computer Drive East Albany, New York 12205 (518) 438-4800 www.spottedzebra.org

family fun for April

4 Tuesday Marble Madness Design and build a unique maze for a marble to go through, then drop a marble in and watch it work, 3-7 p.m. Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., Castleton-On-Hudson. For more information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www. castletonpubliclibrary.org.

Just for Parents: What You Need to Know if Your Child is Newly Diagnosed or You Suspect a Disability Parents of children birth through school-age will learn what to do if they suspect their child has a disability or has recently been diagnosed with a disability, 6 p.m. Presented by Mary Fornabia, special education resource specialist of the Parent Network of the Capital Region. Please register through presenter at pncrny.org or call 640-3390.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

6 Thursday Wild and Wacky Woodcock Walk Join Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission staff for our annual walk through the Pine

Bush to watch the elaborate flight displays of the American Woodcock, 1-8:30 p.m. We will start out inside and then continue outside for a 0.9 mile walk. For ages 8 and up. Registration required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Paws to Read Bring a book and read to a gentle dog who loves stories, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Grade 1-5.

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

Totally Toddler Storytime With a combination of traditional preschool storytime and lots of movement and participation games, your active toddler will learn through play as he/she starts the transition to becoming a “big kid,”9:45 a.m. For children ages 2-3. Storytime will be followed by playtime. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Babygarten Stories, rhymes, music and playtime for little ones newborn up to 24 months, 10:45 a.m.

Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road,

101639_4

Calendar of events

Voorheesville. For more information, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

7 Friday First Friday Friends Children ages 12 to 36 months and their parents are invited to the library to play and interact with others while using age appropriate toys, books and puzzles, 10 a.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Story Art Enjoy the Museum by listening to a story, exploring objects from the teaching collection and creating a fun art project, 11 a.m. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany.

For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

First Friday Family Films: ‘Trolls’ After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy, the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch set off on a journey to rescue her friends (PG, 1hour 32min.), 6:30 p.m. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland.

For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

8 Saturday Spring Comes in Like a Lion Join WMHT’s Barbara Lukas as we welcome spring with books and crafts about lions and get your own copy of the book the Lion and the Mouse to take home and keep, 10:30 a.m. Registration required and all children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Easter Egg Hunt YMCA Easter egg hunt, 10 a.m. Free. Southern Saratoga YMCA, 1 Wall St., Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-2139.

The Ice Age Lab! A Mad Science Museum Lab Also Sunday. Gain insight into Ice Age mysteries by exploring ancient evidence in fossils, skulls and bones and examining glacial sediments under the microscope, noon-3 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany.

For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Continued on the next page

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 21

Summer Dance

Calendar of events 8 Saturday (cont.)

Heat, Turn, Hatch

Madeline Cantarella Culpo, Director

Ballet * Modern * Pointe * Preâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ballet * Pilates * Jazz

Educator George Steele returns to candle the eggs in the libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incubator, 10:30 a.m. All ages welcome. Please register in person, online or by phone. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville.

For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

10 Monday Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Classes Learn new skills and get to create a new piece of artwork to take home, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Free. Stage 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Albany Barn, 46 North Swan St., Albany. For more information, call 935-4858 or visit www.albanybarn.org.

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12 Wednesday Nursery School Open House

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Learn about age appropriate play-based programs for 2, 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, 5-7 p.m. Clifton Park Nursery School, 344 Moe Road, Clifton Park.

For more information, visit www.cliftonparknurseryschool.org or call (518) 371-5850.

Pajama-Rama Wear your PJs and bring a stuffed friend to

enjoy some fun and stories before bedtime, 7 p.m. Up to age 6 with family and friends.

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

13 Thursday Totally Toddler Storytime Your active toddler will learn through play as he/she starts the transition to becoming a â&#x20AC;&#x153;big kid,â&#x20AC;?9:45 a.m. For children ages 2-3. Storytime will be followed by playtime. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Babygarten Stories, rhymes, music and playtime for little ones newborn up to 24 months, 10:45 a.m.

Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Lego Club We supply the Legos; you supply the imagination. Build structures and make friends, 4 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Little Wonders of Science: Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf Also Friday and Saturday. An educator-led reading of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Red Leaf, Yellow Leafâ&#x20AC;?by Lois Ehlert followed by some hands-on activities, 10:30-11:30 a.m. For ages 3-5. Register online or call. Free with admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit www.misci.org.

14 Friday World Language Friday: Russian This international story time will include stories and songs in foreign languages and English, plus a craft, 10 a.m. For children ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult; no registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.Â

Rainbow Art Stop by the library to create a rainbow craft using all kinds of materials, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., CastletonOn-Hudson. For more information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www.castletonpubliclibrary.org.

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family fun for April

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family fun for April

15 Saturday Challenger Adventure See what it’s like to do experiments in space while working with other visitors to complete your mission, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Space is limited.

For ages 5 and up. Each child under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5-$10 plus regular admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit www.misci.org.

Wild and Wacky World of Pond Join us for an exploration and observation of the many creatures that live in a Pine Bush pond.

Dress in footwear and clothing you don’t mind getting wet and dirty, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All ages. Registration required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Children’s Star Sighting Interactive program identifies stars, planets, comets and constellations in the night sky, 11 a.m. Geared to children ages 3-7 and their families. Cost is $3 all seats. Albany Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany. For more information, call (518) 434-0405 or visit www. albany.org.

16 Sunday Easter Egg Hunt Annual free children’s Easter egg hunt for children 12 and under. Easter service starts at 10 a.m. and the Easter egg hunt will start at11:30 a.m. Parkside Church, 14 Jarose Place (off of Grooms Road) in Clifton Park. Visit www. parksidecc.org/events/easter-egg-hunt for more information.

17 Monday LittleBits Build Workshop Make electric circuits that control lights, sounds, movements and more with LittleBits magnetic building blocks, 2-3 p.m. For grade 1-4. Sign up online or call. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Children’s Art Classes Each week participants will learn new skills and get to create a new piece of artwork to take home, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Stage 1 – Albany Barn, 46 North Swan St., Albany. For more information, call 935-4858 or visit www. albanybarn.org.

Lego Building We’ve got bricks for all ages and stages, toddlers to tweens, everyone is welcome to

Calendar of events drop in and enjoy building together, 10:30 a.m.

Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Kids Movie Matinee: ‘Trolls’ Popcorn and refreshments served, 1:30 p.m. Rated PG, 92 minutes. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Chalkboard Flower Pots Get into the spring mood with a special flower pot. Decorate it with chalk as many times as you want, then take it home for planting, noon-7 p.m.

Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., CastletonOn-Hudson. For more information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www.castletonpubliclibrary.org.

Spring Nature Scavenger Hunt Use your senses to explore the outdoors and complete a nature scavenger hunt with your family, 1 p.m. For ages 5 and up. Register by April 13. Meet at the kiosk at Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road. Free. Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort. For more information, call (518) 450-0321 or visit wiltonpreserve.org.

The Fourth Wall: Fruit Flies Like a Banana The Fourth Wall will blow your mind with tricks, bust your gut with laughter, and maybe even bring a tear to your eye with beautiful music, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 438-5503 or visit www. steamer10theatre.org.

18 Tuesday Silly Billy Magic Wearing his trade-mark jumbo-sized glasses, Silly Billy combines great magic with lots of comedy, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany.

For more information, call (518) 438-5503 or visit www.steamer10theatre.org.

at RPI! Swimming, arts and crafts, nature walks, sports, drama, field trips ... SamaritanRensselaer Children’s Center Discovery Day Camp has it all!

June 26 - August 31 6:30 am - 5:30 pm • For children ages 4 through 12.

• Full- and part-timee enrollment.

• Located on the campus of RPI. • Fees include all trips, supplies and two snacks daily. (Campers bring their own lunch.)

• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, or to register, call Deirdre or Kristina at (518) 271-3748. Or go to NortheastHealth.com/SummerCamp.

Sculpture Walk Join us for a walk to collect pieces of nature from the outdoors and then use them to make a unique sculpture, 4 p.m. Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., Castleton-On-Hudson. For more information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www. castletonpubliclibrary.org.

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’: A Palace Family Fun Day! A Palace Family Fun Day, featuring pre-film games and activities, 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5 each.

Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www. palacealbany.org.

Continued on the next page

Presented by:

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APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 23

Calendar of events

Open House

18 Tuesday (cont.)

Turtle Time Want to see a turtle up close (but no touching)? Come to the Discovery Center and meet one of our turtles, 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Newmeadow Preschool Building Kindergarten Readiness Skills Fostering Self-Esteem and ConĮdence Developing Leadership Skills For Life Prepare Them For Learning.

Prepare Them For Life.

Llama Live!

Listen to stories with Teri Conroy and a llama guest, 10:30 a.m. For kids up to age 6 and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

2017 OPEN HOUSES Malta

Pokémon Go(es) to the Four Corners

th

April 5 , 9:30-10:30 am May 3rd, 9:30-10:30 am June 7th, 9:30-10:30 am

Queensbury

100 Saratoga Village Blvd., Ste. 35, Malta, NY 12020

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April 12th, 9:30-10:30 am May 10th, 9:30-10:30 am June 14th, 9:30-10:30 am

(518)899-9235

Meet with your Pokémon Go app ready to play and get free WiFi using the library’s mobile hotspots as you walk to the Four Corners looking for Pokémon, 2-4 p.m. Adults must accompany children. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

(Malta locaƟon is moving to 23 SiƩerly Road, CliŌon Park September 2017!)

Chickens! Family Storytime

15 Burke Drive, Queensbury, NY 12804 (518)338-3482 www.newmeadow.org www.facebook.com/NewmeadowSchool

Shake your tail feathers and strut over for some egg-cellent storytime fun celebrating our

family fun for April

feathered friend, the chicken! Two bantam hens will be visiting at the end of the program, 10 a.m.For children ages 3-grade 2 and families.

Please register in person, online or by phone.

Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Museum History Detectives: Investigate & Explore Museum Historians determine the age of objects by looking at clues. Figure out how old the Fire Engines are by examining evidence. This program will meet in Fire Engine Hall, 11 a.m, noon and 2 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

19 Wednesday Star Lab Crawl inside our inflatable planetarium and experience a seasonal sky tour, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Free tickets will be available at the main lobby desk one hour before each show time.

Ages 5 years and above. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www. nysm.nysed.gov.

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ENROL Calling ALL L NOW 2017-2 Parents of 018 3 and 4 Year Olds!

DABLE AFFOR ES RAT idy) ubs (DSS S

“All About Kids Enrichment Program” Academics ~ Literature ~ Art ~ Play Peers ~ Motor ~ Fun

Full and Extended Day

Preschool/Daycare Program • Daily 9:00-2:30: $450 per month • Daily 7:30-4:00: $650 per month • Program to follow the Scotia-Glenville Central School District calendar • 6 week summer program available

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located in Sacandaga Elementary School, Scotia, NY

Call (518) 608-6563 for details.

Come join the fun as the journey of learning begins!

24 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

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family fun for April

Calendar of events

19 Wednesday (cont.)

Build a Nest Box Invite beautiful bluebirds or mosquito-eating tree swallows into your yard. Our kits are pre-cut and pre-drilled, all hardware included. You will learn how to correctly place and monitor your nest box. This program is open to adults and children of all ages. Materials fee is $8. Bring a cordless screw gun and join the fun. Each child registered must be accompanied by an adult. Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville. Call (518) 872-0800 for more information or to register.

Challenger Adventure Also Thursday, Friday and Saturday. See what it’s like to do experiments in space while working with other visitors to complete your mission, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Space is limited. For ages 5 and up.

Each child under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $5-$10 plus regular admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults.

MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit www.misci.org.

Solve a Rubik’s Cube Learn to solve the original 3-by-3-by-3 Rubik’s cube, the classic 1970s brainteaser. Rubik’s cubes will be provided, 2-3:30 p.m. Grade 3 and up. Sign up online or call. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visitbethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Catskill Puppets: Willow Girl This rod puppet show features a huge, gracefully animated Willow Tree and is a wonderful blend of humor, mystery, drama and magical effects, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15.

Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany.

For more information, call (518) 438-5503 or visit www.steamer10theatre.org.

Cool Science: Kazoos In this month’s science exploration, we will make kazoos and learn how sound works, 4-6 p.m. Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., Castleton-On-Hudson. For more information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www.castletonpubliclibrary.org.

Family Movie Night: ‘Sing’ Movie lovers of all ages are welcome at our family movie nigh, 6 p.m. Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., Castleton-On-Hudson. For more information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www. castletonpubliclibrary.org.

20 Thursday Poetry Games Stop by for some fun poetry exercises and games, noon-6 p.m. Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main St., Castleton-On-Hudson. For more

information, call (518) 732-0879 or visit www. castletonpubliclibrary.org.

Turtle Time Want to see a turtle up close (but no touching)? Come to the Discovery Center and meet one of our turtles, 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Green Screen Fun for Families

INTRODUCING SUMMER 2017…

Superimpose your image on a funky new background using the library’s green screen background and iPads! You can also bring your own cameras, 10-11:30 a.m. For all ages. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visitbethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Solar Power S’mores Celebrate Earth Day by making a solar powered oven using recycled materials, create an oven that uses heat from the sun to melt s’mores, 11 a.m. For ages 8 and up. Meet at the pavilion across the road from Parking Lot #1 on Scout Road. Register by April 19. Free. Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort.

For more information, call (518) 450-0321 or visit wiltonpreserve.org.

Ventriloquist Steve Charney Steve Charney, with his wooden assistant Harry, has performed magic, music, jokes, and other forms of comedy throughout the U.S. for several decades, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 4385503 or visit www.steamer10theatre.org.

21 Friday Bert the Nerd: Juggler Extraordinaire Whether perched atop a unicycle flinging around knives and torches, walking a rope, or simply smashing crackers with a sledgehammer, Bert manages to command the force of gravity but gets mystified by his necktie, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets cost $15. Steamer No. 10 Theatre, 500 Western Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 4385503 or visit www.steamer10theatre.org.

Creativity Lab: Cooking with Eggs Learn to make an egg burrito, and you’ll never go hungry at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, 1:30 p.m.

Grades 4 to 8. Please register in person, online or by phone. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Continued on the next page

SERENDIPITY SUMMER DIPPIN DRAMA CAMP! STARTING JULY 11TH…..

PRACTICES WILL BE HELD TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS/ THURSDAYS 4:30pm-6:00pm FACILITATED BY: Samantha Longton, Voorheesville graduate PERFORMANCE DATE DATE:: TBD WHERE: Serendipity, 22 Grove St., Voorheesville, 12186 WHO:

Children 1st-7th grade

COST:

$200

CONTACT KATE NOVITSKY:

Katenovitsky@yahoo.com / 765-2399 100553_4

APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 25

Calendar of events 21 Friday (cont.)

26 Wednesday

World Language Friday: Spanish

Teddy Bear Sleepover

This international story time will include stories and songs in foreign languages and English, plus a craft, 10 a.m. For children ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult; no registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Families with children ages 3-8 are invited to join Diane Payette, local performer and educator, for teddy bear songs and stories. Bring your favorite bear or cuddly friend to stay overnight in the Library and pick up your stuffed friend the next day, 6:30 p.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Vacation Cinema: ‘Moana’ The box office hit (PG, 113 min.) will transport you to a Hawaiian paradise, 10 a.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

22 Saturday Project Runway Fashion Show A fashion show and reception marks the end of Project Runway’s Go Green challenge.

See what styles the teens have created using recycled materials, 3 p.m. All ages are welcome.

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

Earth Day in the Pine Bush Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering on a conservation project in the Pine Bush, 9 a.m.noon. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. All ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Wildlife Presentation Meet some wild neighbors up close and personal and learn about where and how they live, 2 p.m. Donations accepted Registration required.

Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville. Call (518) 872-0800 for more information or to register.

23 Sunday Mother Goose Jazz Band Concert An entertaining and upbeat program that blends traditional children’s songs with contemporary styles to create music that will appeal to listeners young and old, 2 p.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

24 Monday 101911_4

PJ Story Time

26 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017

family fun for April

Join Library staff for a quiet, drop-in story time for families and children ages 2-6, 6:15 p.m.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

28 Friday World Language Friday: Japanese This international story time will include stories and songs in foreign languages and English, plus a craft, 10 a.m. For children ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult; no registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

29 Saturday Which Came First?

Meet a rooster and a hen while learning how an egg incubator works with environmental educator George Steele, 2:15 p.m. For all ages.

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

Spring Kids’ Exchange Consignment Sale Over 20,000 new and gently-used items, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Half-price sale runs from 1-3 p.m.

Free admission, all-you-can-bounce and face painting. Chase Sports Complex, 22 Hudson Falls Road, South Glens Falls. Visit exchangesale.org for all sale information.

Sesame Street Live!

‘Make a New Friend’ Also Sunday. Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Saturday showtimes at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Sunday showtime at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $21-$68.

Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www. palacealbany.org.

30 Sunday SenseAble Science A sensory friendly science center experience for those with autism and other sensory needs, 10 a.m.-noon. Free with admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit www.misci.org.

Our students say it all.

Pride in learning

is what it’s all about for students at Rochester School for the Deaf.

Since 1876, our students have been discovering the art of communication and education in a nurturing, inclusive environment—at no cost to families.

As a private school, our dynamic educational programs employ skilled professionals who educate students in a vibrant multicultural and bilingual scholastic setting which includes American Sign Language and English.

H Building futures for deaf and hard of hearing students

H Focusing on infant, early childhood, K-12 grades, up to age 21

H Sign language learning programs and community outreach services

Get in touch today and give your student pride in learning.

Dylan, 1 th Grade signing “Pride”

Rochester School for the Deaf Celebrating our 140th Year!

1545 St. Paul Street | Rochester, NY 14621 585-544-1240 • www.RSDeaf.org email info@RSDeaf.org 101645_4

APRIL 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 27

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28 PARENT PAGES — APRIL 2017