Capital District Parent Pages February 2018

p

Inside:

February calendar listings

arent pages

Capital District

Volume 22 • Number 2 • FEBRUARY 2018 • Complimentary

The Resource for Parents

Scout’s honor Climbing the family tree Treats to love

cdparentpages.com FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 1

We’re all about family.

At Burdett Birth Center, we want your birth experience to be as special as your new infant.

That’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.

103699_4

Burdett Birth Center. A family experience.

Located on the second floor of Samaritan Hospital in the heart of Troy.

burdettbirthcenter.org | 2215 Burdett Avenue, Suite 200, Troy, NY 12180 | (518) 271-3393

FEBRUARY 1st REGISTRATION OPENS

YMCA

SUMMER CAMPS • • • • •

READY ...

SET...

SUMM ER!

New Specialty Camps Swim Lessons Field Trips FREE Before & After Camp Care Fun Weekly Themes

Register online: www.CDYMCA.org/CAMP CAPITAL DISTRICT YMCA • 518.869.3500 • www.CDYMCA.org For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility

CDPP 2.18 103698_4

2 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

Warm options to ward off winter chill Plenty of things to do when you are ready to head in from the cold

L

ast month in this column, I urged everyone to get out and enjoy some winter fun with their families. I have to admit that at the time I wrote it, winter was still young and had yet to show its ugly side. Those long stretches of frigid temperatures can put the chill on even the best-laid winter plans.

Certainly those folks who revel in the snow and ice have been enjoying themselves. Ski hills are hopping, and ice rinks, which have fallen victim to early thaws in previous years, are bustling. But I am growing weary of hustling from one venue to the next before hypothermia sets in.

So, with that in mind, Parent Pages is sharing a list of one of my favorite indoor venues – museums – on page 13. Sure there are a couple of nature centers included, but most of those have some lovely indoor activities for visitors who are looking to warm up. One of my favorite indoor outings is the New York State Museum. There’s so much to see and discover, and ending the visit with a carousel ride is just the icing on the cake. Don’t forget to consult our museum listing, along with our calendar of events on pages 14-18, when you are looking for ways to entertain your little ones during winter break.

It’s a good thing February is the shortest month of the year. Just when you think you couldn’t take another snowsuit-wearing, teeth-chattering day, you realize that spring is just around the corner.

As always, thanks for reading. Please feel free to send your suggestions, ideas, comments and pictures to me at robertsk@spotlightnews.com. You can also check out the latest at www.cdparentpages.com.

Kristen Roberts Editor, Capital District Parent Pages

Cover submissions: Dominic Paratore, 4, of Charlton doesn’t let the cold stop him from enjoying the beauty of a Capital District winter day in this photo taken by his mom, Melissa. 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.

p Capital District

Editor’s desk

arent pages The Resource for Parents

February 2018 Features Fly like an Eagle

10-11

Columnists 24-Hour Shift

5

British Nanny

6-7

Triple Threat

8

Let’s Cook

9

What’s new On the Bookshelf Kids fun page

4 12

Resources Museum listing

13

Calendar 14-18

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

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 3

On the Bookshelf

For the love of reading ‘This Is Not a Valentine’

‘Valensteins’

By Carter Higgins; illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

by Ethan Long In this whimsical twist on Valentine’s Day, Fran K. Stein secretly preparing a Valentine to give to Vladimir the Vampire, proving that she is ready to embark on love, the biggest fright of all. Bloomsbury

This testament to handmade, wacky, bashful, honest love depicts friends who, while declaring that they are not exchanging valentines, nevertheless share lucky rocks, secret hiding spots, gumball machine treasures and other tokens of affection that are just as significant. Chronicle Books

‘Teddy’s Favorite Toy’

By Christian Trimmer; illustrated by Madeline Valentine Teddy has a lot of cool toys, but his very favorite doll has the best manners, the sickest fighting skills and a fierce sense of style – until one morning something truly awful happens, and it’s up to Mom to reunite Teddy with his favorite toy. Atheneum

Well-nourished kids are ready to learn, grow, and play!

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps childcare providers pay for healthy meals and snacks.

Visit ChildcareMealsNY.org to learn more.

Quality nutrition adds up!

CACFP reimburses providers for serving healthy meals and snacks. A daycare home provider serving five children a morning snack, lunch, and supper 20 days per month could receive up to $565 per month in reimbursement. That’s up to $6,780 per year!

= up to $565 per month to nourish kids

103684_4

4 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

103681_4

The 24-hour shift

parenting is a full-time job

Navigating new waters

S

Adoption can create multi-racial families – and learning opportunities

urprise! Your foster or adopted child is a different race than you.

Now what? On top of every other issue surrounding this grand adventure, this is also something that needs addressing.

Our child is biracial. After 6 years, I still don’t know what to do with her hair, let alone figure out how to honor and help her celebrate both of her heritages. In our case, we are Caucasian, and she is Caucasian/ African American. At age 6, we haven’t talked much about race in particular, just addressed that people are different colors. We have only recently talked about Martin Luther King Jr. and segregation in simple terms, but she hasn’t fully grasped the whole

scope of what it all means to her.

We have told her about Watch Night on New Year’s Eve, when enslaved African Americans watched and prayed through the night for the next day when on Jan. 1, 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Again, mere facts to her.

especially me, when it’s just her and I out together. When we are all together, it’s obvious we are a different family. When it has been just me and my baby, yes, at by times I get stares.

Theresa Davis

She has been blessed so far in that she has not had a real brush with racism yet, which I am thankful for, especially in this social and political climate we are in. My partner and I have seen it with other adults,

We don’t focus on race too much. We keep a “people are just people” attitude. One time, we were watching TV, and she asked me why the brown dog had puppies with a black dog.

“Shouldn’t the brown dog be with another brown dog?” I told her dogs came in all different colors like we do, and that color doesn’t matter. The brown dog and the black dog like each

other, and that’s what important.

I don’t know if I’m teaching my biracial child much about her blended heritages. I’m learning as I go and dealing with race as it comes. I don’t know much of anything about social norms, customs or mores of the African American culture. I rely mostly on history and the Internet, using scholarly sites. And if a friendly stranger stops to chat, I hang on every word about what to do about her hair.

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.

AS 2017 COMES TO A CLOSE, IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT PRESCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMPS FOR 2018!

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

Located right next to St Peter’s Hospital

Temple Israel Nursery School offers: • Care for children 18 months 5 years • Register for 2 - 5 days per week, Full Day 8:00am - 5:30pm or Half Day 9:00am - 1:00pm • Unique Hebrew immersion program, ages 3 - 5 years • Music, art, gardening, and so much more every day!

Summer Camp is right around the corner…Registration begins March 1 for our 2018 Summer Camp season!

Take a tour, learn more, or register by contacting: Amie Bloom, Director • 518 438-7858 x120 amiebloom@tialbany.org • 600 New Scotland Ave, Albany 103683_4

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 5

British Nanny

speech matters

Exploring your roots Giving the gift of family love

United States, having left my country England in 1981 at 21 years old to start a new life.

ith Valentine’s Day the highlight of the month of February, my thoughts turn to what embodies love in my life: family.

Whether were born into it or find our way there through adoption, our family is our link to our connections through the ages.

Growing up, I knew very little about my family. My own parents were unable to provide for my brothers and me, and we were put in care.

W by

Sharon Cole

With the recent popularity of such sites as Ancestry.com and the PBS show “Finding Your Roots,” people are looking into their pasts in record numbers. With the addition of readily available DNA analysis, even individuals with no information are able to find and learn about family members.

I am an immigrant to the

Many children in care can count on one hand the caring adults who are involved in their lives. In addition, many of those are paid to care. Disconnection from family leads to feelings of insecurity , sorrow, isolations and hopelessness.

Conversely, researchers have discovered that children with a sense of family history are emotionally healthier with a better sense of self. They are better adjusted and more resilient in the face of adversity. Learning that you are one (very important) link in a long family chain is empowering.

My knowledge of our family tree was limited to my parents and my mother’s parents, my Nanny and Granddad.

Before being placed in care at age 7, Nanny’s house was my retreat. My childhood memories include sitting at the kitchen table drinking tea with Nanny and other older women. There was always a sense of familial connectedness between them all. I later found out they were my great grandmother and great aunts.

My Nanny provided continuation, caring and connection.

Throughout a life of transitions, it was up to my Nanny to instill in me the values of family during the precious moments I spent with her.

During the time I was raising my own daughters, I had very little family information to share. My own disconnect

Continued ...

ABOVE: The author as a young child, just before she went into care.

LEFT: Ellie, Henry and Copeland wear paper crowns made from Christmas crackers.

6 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

Learning about family ancestry is an empowering way to begin a conversation with your children about the meaning of family. ... Continued became my children’s disconnect. There were few pieces of information and even fewer photos. Those few photos have become increasingly precious to our family as it has grown to include grandchildren. As a recent gift of love to my growing family, I decided to research our ancestors and connect our lives and our stories.

How do we make our ancestors real? The following are fun ways to teach children about their ancestry.

Research your family name and cultural background.

Even if you have no knowledge of actual relatives, you can incorporate popular traditions for your family. Growing up in England meant Christmas traditions that included wearing paper crowns ripped from Christmas crackers. This has been passed down to my family, and all are required to don the silly crown!

Share family stories.

All families have stories to tell regardless of their culture. America continues to be a land of immigrants, and many families are first and second generation.

Family stories provide a sense of identity through time and help children understand who they are in the world. Oral storytelling has been part of the human experience as long as there have been humans. Many stories will be funny and positive, but children also benefit from stories of adversity. Studies have shown that children and adolescents can learn a lot from stories of

their family’s difficult times.

Educate with books and movies.

Many books are available to teach children of all ages about different countries. Read to your younger children from books that feature your family heritage.

It’s certainly not difficult to find books with British characters.

My own children were raised with Paddington Bear, Beatrix Potter and “The Wind in the Willows.” My youngest daughter, Ellie’s, nursery theme was Peter Rabbit. I handmade a crib quilt as a keepsake. When my eldest daughter’s son Jack was born, Diella picked that theme for his nursery, and my youngest child passed her Peter Rabbit quilt down to her nephew. For Christmas, I bought my 1-yearold granddaughter a board book about London. My 4-year-old grandson Copeland and I recently watched the Paddington Bear movie and talked about London.

Discuss the language or accent differences My grandchildren noticed very early that I sounded different even though I speak the same language. My grandson Jack, in particular, likes to point out how I say things slightly differently. If your ancestors spoke a different language, learning some words in that language can be strong connection to them.

Explore your family tree.

Even if you only know your parents’ names, you can still research your family tree. I knew my mother’s maiden name. I

knew my Nanny’s first name but not her maiden name. On the paternal side, I knew last name only. In two weeks, I was able to build our family tree to my fifth great grandparents on both sides. I recently began a conversation with a woman in England I shared third great grandparents with. She had been adopted into the family, but her roots were even stronger than mine. Finding my people is a very emotional and empowering journey for my whole family. During this search, I’ve found other relatives who were, like me, raised in orphanages or by grandparents. My youngest daughter was thrilled to learn that her sixth great grandmother was born 200 years to the day before her.

The site FamilySearch.com has a printable keepsake that pulls names from your family tree accounts and builds a printout of that tree for a hands-on experience.

Learning about family ancestry is an empowering way to begin a conversation with your children about the meaning of family. It provides them with an important connection to their identities and introduces them to other cultures and different ways of looking at the world. As they grow, your children will never have to ask, “Who Am I?” Sharon Cole is a speechlanguage pathologist and proud grandmother based in Albany.

She is the owner of Vocally Clear Communications PLLC. Vocally Clear’s goal is to promote effective communication for all ages. She can be reached at Vocallyclear.com or message her at “British Nanny” on Facebook.

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 7

Triple Threat

I

parenting triplets in the Capital District

What’s fair is fair

saw it happen out of the corner of my eye, and my ears perked up. I hoped I was wrong, but the words were unmistakable, the body language undeniable and the desire to watch this train wreck happen made me turn my body and pretend to browse the newborn clothes. I needed to see if I had really witnessed what I thought I had, and it was even worse than I had originally thought. A customer had literally stomped her foot while she was talking to the unfortunate customer service staffer. Her body language was hostile. The woman, who looked to be about my age, was whining loudly as she dropped an “F-Bomb” – “That’s not FAIR!” I hear this particular F-bomb on television. I hear it in the

grocery store. I hear it in my house! Dinner decisions and chore decisions often leave someone with a feeling of being slighted. Chores don’t always divide up evenly, and when one child feels like every chore in the history of the world has been placed on their back, they may scream about the fairness. Words like “never” and “always” get hurled about. I just smile, and life keeps moving forward.

home, they should be able to do certain things for themselves, and being taught to do laundry, make toast and load a dishwasher is part of that.

It isn’t fair to make by a 10-year-old do the sorting, washing, drying, folding/hanging and putting away. So we don’t.

What is fair is to teach the basics and build on that foundation.

The kids have been baking with me since they could stand on a stool. They know to put items Parents have tough jobs. We away and clean as we go. When have to get our kids ready to live they are establishing their homes in the real world without them much later, I hope that they will behaving like entitled brats and use a little of what they learned. make sure they have an education of some kind. When Olivia, Stomping feet and screechBenjamin and Rebecca leave ing, “IT’S NOT FAIR,” seems

Jennifer Steuer

to have jumped from acceptable behavior for a 2-year-old to any age – including middle aged adults with or without a visible tiara. I don’t like my kids coming home from school and starting the verbal stream about how unfair their lives are because they are forced to do endless chores, have baby bedtimes, don’t get an allowance and don’t have cell phones like some friends from school. My answer, given to me from one of my mom friends, is this: In our family we do things different. Easy. To the point.

Fair.

Trust me, there are many times I have wanted to scream to the heavens that life is not fair, but somewhere between learning to talk and turning 40 usually comes the realization

Continued on Page 16

103682_4

www.dramakids.com www.dramakids.com (518) 458-1313 (518) 458-1313

95957_4 95957_4

Summer Camps Enrolling Now! 8 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

103706_4

Let’s Cook! by

Jodie Fitz

F

A trio of lovely treats

ebruary is a time when your sweet tooth goes into overdrive. The following recipes will perk up any party with just the right amount of indulgence without going overboard.

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.

Valentine’s Love Punch 1 cup pomegranate cherry Juice 1 cup cherry berry frozen fruit 1-3 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoon raspberry extract ½ cup triple berry seltzer Combine the pomegranate cherry juice, frozen cherry berry mixture and raspberry extract into a blender and blend well. Add just enough honey for taste, one tablespoon at a time.

Divide the blended juice evenly into two glasses. Add ¼ cup of the triple berry seltzer to each glass for fizz and serve.

Valentine’s Snack Party Mix

Valentine’s Mozzarella Bites 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, part-skim 1 pint grape tomatoes Small skewers Small heart-shaped cookie cutter Slice the mozzarella cheese at least ¾-inch thick. Using a smaller cookie cutter, you can get four hearts out of each slice of cheese. Cut a small hole in the center of the heart by using a

round fondant cutter or a knife. Insert the grape tomato and skewer them together with the small wooden skewer.

Serve as is or with dip.

Ages

2018 3-12 June 25- August 24 Woodland Hill Montessori School woodlandhill.org 100 Montessori Place • North Greenbush 518.283.5400

6 cups of Chex cereal 1 cup chocolate morsels 1 cup white chocolate morsels 3 cups mini twist pretzels Pink and/or red sprinkles Valentine’s M&M’s mix Waxed paper Place 3 cups of the cereal into a glass bowl. Melt the dark or milk chocolate on high in a glass bowl in the microwave for one minute. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted. Pour it over the cereal and stir until the cereal is coated with the chocolate. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper and let it set until the chocolate has

hardened in a cool place.

Repeat the same process with the additional 3 cups of cereal and the white chocolate. After spreading it onto the waxed paper, sprinkle it with pink sprinkles and then let it set until the chocolate has hardened.

In a large bowl stir together the pretzels, vanilla-covered Chex cereal, chocolate-covered Chex cereal & M&M’s. * Note: Sometimes, you have to break apart the chocolate covered cereals a bit after they have set depending on the way they are spread before you add them into the larger mix.

Woodland Hill welcomes you to engineer, invent, tinker, and create!

Become a master builder, explore your theatrical side, learn about creatures great and small, get hands-on with electronics, and explore the outdoors!

Space is limited.

Register today!

103708_4

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 9

R U O F E H T T N E C R E P P

by

Eagle Sc what it take highest they did

Ali Hibbs

erseverance. The newest Eagle Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America Elsmere Troop 58 will tell you that’s one of their biggest takeaways after having achieved a rank that only an approximate 4 percent of Boy Scouts have ever attained. In addition to learning how to tie a knot, administer first aid and survive in the wild, learning to overcome their own limitations and persist even in the face of adversity are skills they now know will continue to serve them throughout their adult lives.

hundreds of Elsmere Scouts have advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout.

LATE LAST YEAR, Troop 58 held its semi-annual Court of Honor Ceremony, recognizing the achievements of scouts who earned merit badges in a variety of areas, such as first aid, fitness, fire safety, reading, personal management and even dentistry. Five scouts advanced in rank, while Eagle Palms were awarded to those who continue their service and involvement even after achieving the organization’s highest rank.

ONE OF HIS FAVORITE MEMORIES as a younger scout was of hiking in the Adirondacks when he was in sixth grade.

“As you progress through the ranks, you go from learning the actual skills and, as you become an older scout and advance toward the rank of Star and the eventual Eagle and Eagle Palms, your job is to then take that knowledge and practice what you preach and teach younger scouts,” said Eagle Scout Connor Roddy. “And so you almost create a life cycle of Scouts teaching and being taught, and so on.”

“I earned my Eagle earlier this year,” said Joseph Fierro.

“I’m also a member of camp staff at Rotary Scout Reservation, and I have to say it is quite an experience to give back to the program that I once experienced as a camper.”

In the nearly 100 years that Troop 58 has been in existence,

10 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

“We’ve had a very successful history,” said Roddy.

Nearing graduation, he said he would like to join an innercity troop if he attends college in Boston — in the hopes of sharing what he has learned with scouts who may not have the same opportunities he has benefited from in the Capital District.

“One of the first big hikes I ever did,” said Roddy. “Wet and muddy, it was an experience that I don’t think any other activity would ever provide you. I can’t think of any activity that I would be knee-deep in mud, cold and miserable, but at the same time having an absolute blast with my friends and learning how to do things like cooking breakfast, pitching tents, cutting wood, finding potable water, stuff like that.”

Fierro said his scouting experiences have not only taught him to be more extroverted, but life skills such as communication and leadership as well.

“Skills,” he said, “that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

“This troop is very active and that’s why there are so many Eagle Scouts,” said Rose Ann Garry, a Committee Member for Troop 58. “And that’s because we have adult leaders who are willing to go on outings with the guys, because those are

couts talk about es to achieve BSA’s rank, and why dn’t stop there

ABOVE: Joseph Fierro, William Wildly and John Courtney each earned the highest achievement in Boy Scouts, The Eagle Scout.

LEFT: Three scouts earned the NOVA Award when they attended the Scout Jamboree this summer in West Virginia: Andrew Decandia, Jeffrey Hansen and Colby Naumovitz are pictured along with Scoutmaster Andrew DeCandia.

Photos submitted the things that are required for Eagle — you need to have 20 camping nights, for example, and there are other things like canoeing, hiking and community service — so, if troops don’t have that support to get them out on those outings, they’re not going to be able to get to that rank.”

Community service, noted Andrew DeCandia, a senior patrol leader and a life scout who is currently working on his Eagle rank, is a very important aspect of being a Boy Scout, even into adulthood.

“We do a lot of community service to give back to the community,” he said. “Because for us to go on all these trips that we go on, we need support from the community. We need them to support us in our fundraisers, things like when we do the pancake dinner … and the car wash and the selling popcorn and all of these things. We try to give back by doing things like the highway road clean up. Through the Adopta-Highway program, we clean up Cherry Avenue Extension twice a year. We do Scouting for Food. And all of these Eagle projects help promote things like education and environmental issues and things like that. It’s a big part of what we do.”

FOR HIS EAGLE, said Roddy, he built and placed 11 “bird boxes” for the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. A bird lover, his initial idea was to build a bird blind, but he ran into technical difficulties and ultimately chose to build the boxes instead. Fierro built benches and did landscaping for the American Legion in Delmar, a sponsor of Troop 58. Both Scouts said selecting a project, getting clearance, finding and organizing other scouts to help and then implementing their chosen project was no small task.

“Finding the right project, striving to find projects that will benefit the community,” said Fierro. “Connor said that perseverance was a major takeaway, and it most definitely is. Finding organizations that you can complete projects for, finding the right project for you, doing what you like that will benefit the community as well.”

THE VERY PROCESS of advancing through all six ranks takes considerable perseverance, as every Eagle knows.

After joining and satisfying a few simple requirements for the Scout badge, the first three ranks — Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class — can be earned in a relatively short period of time. After First Class, the advancement to Star, Life, and Eagle present additional challenges and opportunities that require demonstrating leadership skills and serving others.

Certain badges and accomplishments, as well as time spent in troop service, are required for rank advancement and must be signed off on by the scoutmaster or an assistant scoutmaster.

The requisite Eagle project must be approved by the Troop Committee and Council Advancement Committee before beginning, and the candidate is expected to give leadership to other scouts in doing the work and to draw from his previous scouting experience to see that the work is done well. After reaching Eagle, scouts may continue to work on merit badges.

For every five additional merit badges plus three months of active participation in the Troop, a scout may earn an Eagle Palm.

Anyone interested in joining the troop should email Scoutmaster Rob DeCandia at info@Troop58.us or visit the troop’s website at http://www.troop58.us/.

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 11

n u F s Kid Page Coloring Fun

12 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

Parenting resources

Museums & Nature Centers

Rensselaer County Historical Society Connects local history and heritage with contemporary life through a variety of objects and documents. Open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation of $5, 57 Second Street, Troy. Phone: (518) 272-7232.

Website: www.rchsonline.org.

Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center Features the Henry Hudson Planetarium. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 25 Quackenbush Square, Corner of Broadway and Clinton Avenue, Albany. Phone: (518) 434-0405.

Website: www.albany.org.

Albany Institute of History and Art Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Exhibits (including the famous Albany mummies) and programming for all ages. Adults $10; seniors and students $8; children, ages 6-12 $6; and children ages 5 and younger free. Corner of Washington Avenue and Dove Street, Albany. Phone: (518) 4634478. Website: www.albanyinstitute.org.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center Provides interactive exhibits and activities that explore the preserve’s geologic and cultural significance, located at 195 New Karner Road. Open year round, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. Phone: (518) 456-0655. Website: www.albanypinebush. org.

The Arts Center Rotating exhibitions and classes. Open 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Free. Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River St., Troy.

More online More parenting resources can be found online at cdparentpages.com under the resources tab.

Saratoga Automobile Museum

Indoor adventure awaits at one of the Capital District’s many museums.

Phone: (518) 273-0552. Website: www. artscenteronline.org.

475-0291. Website: www.dec.ny.gov/ education/1835.html.

Children’s Museum at Saratoga

Irish American Heritage Museum

Gives children the opportunity to learn by doing/touching and testing - in their own way, at their own pace. Open TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday noon-4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., Saratoga Springs. Phone: (518) 5845540. Website: cmssny.org.

Showcases contributions of the Irish people and their culture in America. Open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday, 370 Broadway, Albany. Phone: (518) 427-1916. Website: www.irishamericanheritagemuseum.org.

Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center

miSci (museum of innovation and science)

Trails and nature center that offers yearround educational programs for school groups, youth organizations, clubs and the general public. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville. Phone: (518) 872-0800.

Website: nysparks.com/environment/ nature-centers/8/details.aspx.

All new exhibits, planetarium shows.

Open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Children (3-12): $7.50, seniors (65+): $9, adults: $10.50.

Add $5 for planetarium. Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady, Phone: (518) 3827890. Website: www.miSci.org.

Empire State Aeroscience Museum Regular museum hours, Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $8 per adult, $6 per senior/military, $5 per child ages 6-16, and free for those younger than 6 accompanied by an adult. Schenectady County Airport, Route 50, Glenville, Phone: (518) 377-2191, E-mail: esam@esam.org.

Website: www.esam.org.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center Nature center featuring 450 acres of fields, forests and wetlands. Visitor Center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. Phone: (518)

National Museum of Dance Hands-on permanent exhibit for children, including the Dance Discovery Room, which will teach dance history and practices through responsive activities. Open Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Adults: $6.50, seniors and students: $5, children 12 and under: $3, children under 3: free, South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Phone: (518) 584-2225, ext. 3001. Website: www.dancemuseum.org.

New York State Museum

Celebrates the automobile and educates the general public, students and enthusiasts regarding the role of the automobile in the state and the wider world. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $8.50 for adults, $6 for students 17 and older, $6 for seniors 65 and older and active military, $4 for children 6-16, and free for ages 5 and younger. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 110 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs. Phone: (518) 587-1935. Website: saratogaautomuseum.org.

Shaker Heritage Museum Historic 1848 Shaker Meeting House on the grounds of Ann Lee Home, Albany-Shaker Road, Colonie. Museum open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Suggested donation of $5. Phone: (518) 456-7890. Website: shakerheritage.org.

SUNY Poly CMOST Located in the Rensselaer Tech Park, off Route 4, in North Greenbush. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 per person 2 and up, www.cmost.org.

Phone: (518) 235-2120, ext. 207.

Tang Teaching Museum Promotes active use of the museum by the college community. Open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., Thursday until 9 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 for adults, $2 for seniors and $3 for children over 12. On the Skidmore campus, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Phone: (518) 580-8080. Website: tang.skidmore. edu.

World Awareness Children’s Museum

Open Thursday through Saturday, 10 Programs, exhibitions and tours a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. highlighting the state’s natural and cultural Admission is $5 per person, free for ages 3 history. Also featuring a Children’s Discov- and younger, military discounts are availery Place. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. able, 89 Warren St., Second Floor, Glens to 5 p.m., Madison Avenue, Albany, Phone: Falls. Phone: (518) 783-2773. Website: (518) 474-5877. Website: www.nysm. www.worldchildrensmuseum.org. nysed.gov.

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 13

Calendar of events

February 1 Thursday Tours for Tots Children ages 5 and younger learn about a work in the museum, then spend time in the Art Studio making their own creations, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www. hydecollection.org.

Peaceful Playgroup A playgroup for babies and toddlers and their caregivers, 9-11:30 a.m. Christ Church, 35 State St., Troy. For more information, call (518) 729-8215.

2 Friday Story Art Listening to a story and explore objects from the teaching collection and create 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.

Chocolate Candles Make your own chocolate-scented candle in a jar, 3:45 p.m. Sign up online or call. For grades 6-12. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

First Friday Friends

family fun for February

Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

3 Saturday Groundhog Day for Kids Learn more about the legendary groundhog through interactive games, activities and crafts and, if weather permits, venture outside to look for signs of this amazing rodent and its relatives, 2 p.m. For children ages 6-10. Register

by Feb. 1. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar. For more information, call (518) 475-0291 or visit www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835. html.

Family Yoga with Amy Rosen Bark in a downward dog, hiss in a cobra pose and flutter your wings in butterfly while we take a yoga journey your child will never forget, 10 a.m. Registration required beginning Jan. 20.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Groggy Groundhogs Whether you call them groundhogs or woodchucks, join us to learn more about these common mammals, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Snowshoes will be provided to program participants.

All ages. Cost is $3. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Art for All Children ages 12 to 36 months and their parents are invited to the Library to play and Adults and children of all ages are interact with others while using age appropriate welcome to join us in the Albany Institute art toys, books and puzzles, 10 a.m. Clifton Parkstudio on Saturdays for drop in art making with activities are based on current exhibitions, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Submit an event

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

14 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

Family Gallery Tour Special tours led by the teen volunteers, the Junior Interpreters, 10 a.m.-noon. ost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www. albanyinstitute.org.

Challenger Adventure

8 Thursday

Do experiments in “space”while working with other visitors to complete your mission, 2-3 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 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.

Tours for Tots

Take Your Child to the Library Day

Children ages 5 and younger learn about a work in the museum, then spend time in the Art Studio making their own creations, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www. hydecollection.org.

We are throwing a luau dance party; chilPeaceful Playgroup dren ages 12 months to 5 years and a careA playgroup for babies and toddlers and giver are invited to join us from 10:30 to their caregivers, 9-11:30 a.m. Christ Church, 35 11:30 a.m. at Voorheesville Library, 51 State St., Troy. For more information, call (518) School Road, Voorheesville. To register, 729-8215. visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

9 Friday

Take Your Child to the Library Day: Froggy’s Luau

World Language Story Time: Spanish with Señora Gloria

Drop by the Children’s Place for some tropical fun at a luau with Froggy from author Jonathan London’s books, 2:30-4 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

This international story time will include stories and songs in a foreign language and English, plus a craft, 10 a.m. No previous exposure to other languages needed. For children ages three and up with 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.

6 Tuesday Chess Club Sign up for one session per night and try your hand at chess with our teen volunteers, 5:30-6:30 p.m. OR 6:30-7:30 p.m. All experience levels welcome. For grades K-5. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Valentines for Vets Join local performer and educator Diane Payette for our annual Valentine’s Day celebration, including wrapping gifts and decorating cupcakes for hospitalized veterans, 6:30 p.m. For children ages 3-8 accompanied by an adult; no registration necessary. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

7 Wednesday

10 Saturday Art for All Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join us in the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making with activities are based on current exhibitions, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Family Gallery Tour Special tours led by the teen volunteers, the Junior Interpreters, 10 a.m.-noon. ost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www. albanyinstitute.org.

Challenger Adventure

Do experiments in “space” while working with other visitors to complete your mission, Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in 2-3 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 plus the collection and exhibitions, then explore the regular admission of $5 for children, $8 for concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott their own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens www.misci.org.

Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 Continued on the next page or visit www.hydecollection.org.

ARTfull Afternoons

Calendar of events

family fun for February

10 Saturday (cont.)

a loved one and win prizes, 7 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Pick of the month

Women of Science A day of activities celebrating the amazing women scientists of the New York State Museum with hands-on activities that allow YOU to be the scientist, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany.

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

ARTfull Afternoons Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating their own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Fur, Fluff and Fun How do animals keep warm in the cold winter? Come check out some of the furs we have at Five Rivers and see who’s at the bird feeders too, 9:30 a.m. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar.

For more information, call (518) 475-0291 or visit www.dec.ny.gov/education/1835.html.

Ask a Naturalist A Five Rivers educator will be on hand in the Visitor Center’s Exhibit Hall to answer, or help find answers to questions you may have, 1 p.m.

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, 56 Game Farm Road, Delmar.

Family Yoga with Amy Rosen Bark in a downward dog, hiss in a cobra pose and flutter your wings in butterfly while we take a yoga journey your child will never forget, 10 a.m. Registration required beginning Jan. 20. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

11 Sunday Feisty Fishers Start inside with a short talk about the history and biology of the fisher and continue outside for a walk in the preserve as we look for signs of the fisher. We plan to walk approximately one mile, 1-2:30 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Cost is $3. Albany Pine Bush Discovery

15 Thursday

Feb.

Tours for Tots

Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny

Children ages 5 and younger learn about a work in the museum, then spend time in the Art Studio making their own creations, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www. hydecollection.org.

4

Adapted from Margaret Wise Brown’s sixty-year-old classic, Mermaid Theatre returns with Goodnight Moon – a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, and The Runaway Bunny – a pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum, 3 p.m. Cost is $15 per child; adults in free when accompanied by a child. The Egg Center for Performing Arts, 1 Empire State Plaza, Albany. For more information, call (518) 473-1845 or visit www. theegg.org.

Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Art Lab A gallery and art-making activity that explores the “A”in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), 1-4 p.m. For families with children ages 6 and older, but anyone can participate. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Peaceful Playgroup A playgroup for babies and toddlers and their caregivers, 9-11:30 a.m. Christ Church, 35 State St., Troy. For more information, call (518) 729-8215.

13 Tuesday Mardi Gras Party Laissez les bon temps rouler and celebrate at the library with games, crafts and a treat, 4 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

14 Wednesday Valentine’s Day Bingo Let’s play some Valentine’s Day Bingo! Bring

16 Friday Rubber Ducky Club: Animals A to Z Drop in to the Community Room and give us your best animal imitations, or try some animal yoga poses and more at 26 different activity stations, 10-10:30 a.m. For children and families.

Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Continued on the next page

103707_4

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 15

Calendar of events 16 Friday (cont.)

World Language Story Time: Chinese with Miss Yingfang This international story time will include stories and songs in a foreign language and English, plus a craft, 10 a.m. No previous exposure to other languages needed. For children ages three and up with 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.

17 Saturday 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. $3 all seats. Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany.

For more information, visit www.albany.org.

Art for All Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join us in the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making with activities are based on current exhibitions, 10 a.m.-4:30

family fun for February

p.m. Cost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 4634478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Family Gallery Tour Special tours led by the teen volunteers, the Junior Interpreters, 10 a.m.-noon. ost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www. albanyinstitute.org.

Challenger Adventure Do experiments in “space”while working with other visitors to complete your mission, 2-3 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 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.

Little Wonders of Science Inspires curiosity through stories, play, and special hands-on activities specifically created for children ages 3-5 inspired by “The Circulatory Story”by Mary Corcoran, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Cost is $5 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.

Triple Threat

Rock and Fossil Fun Fair Also Sunday. Mine for minerals, marvel at meteorites, dig for fossils, see the real rocks of Minecraft and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Be sure to bring your rocks and fossils from home for identification by real scientists. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Chinese New Year Celebration This family program for all ages will include children’s songs and a dragon parade, followed by performances by Chinese musicians, drummers, and dancers, 1 p.m. Registration will open two weeks prior to the program date.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Cunning Coyotes Start inside with a short talk about the history and biology of the eastern coyote, then hike 0.9 miles to look for coyote signs, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Cost is $3.

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

18 Sunday

103705_4

Page 8

19 Monday Magician Jim Snack Part of the Vacation Daze entertainment series, 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.

The Puppet People Present: Pirate of Book Island Solve the mystery of Book Island, 10 a.m.

For kids and families. Doors open 15 minutes prior to performance. Space is limited. Part of the Ann Seegal Memorial Storytelling Series.

Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Build a Bird Use your knowledge and imagination to design your own Pine Bush bird from a variety of materials, 1-2 p.m. All ages. Cost is $3.

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Go Fish! In New York State

Kids’ Movie Matinee

Also Sunday. Join environmental educator, Fran Martino and her trusty companion dog, Loki, to get the fish facts on healthy nutrition, 1-4 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed. gov.

Join us from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. to watch the latest in the Despicable Me trilogy.

Refreshments will be served. Movie is rated PG, 90 minutes. Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

n Triple Threat

phrase tumble from my mouth, but not as a whine, as a prayer.

It isn’t fair that Harlan and I have three amazing children, a roof over our head, running water, heat and food. Not every family is this lucky. I have everything I ever wanted. It isn’t fair.

continued from Page 8

16 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

It’s never too early to teach children to pitch in their fair share.

that dropping that particular F-bomb is going to have you dropping friends quickly. Endless whining when you are 10 is irritating for those around you, and you grow out of it eventually. Whining and temper tantrums from grownups are childish and very sad.

Sometimes I do let the simple

Continued on the next page

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 10-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

Calendar of events

20 Tuesday Tanglewood Marionettes: The Dragon King Part of the Vacation Daze entertainment series, 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.

Hula Hoop for Health and Fun Get healthy and have fun in an instructionbased hula hoop exercise class just for teens, 10 a.m. Sign up online or call. For grades 6-12.

Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Build with Dominos Come to the library to build with dominos.

BCHS student Jacob Koplik will be on hand to share some tips. Set ’em up and watch ’em fall, 2-3 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Chess Club Sign up for one session per night and try your hand at chess with our teen volunteers, 5:30-6:30 p.m. OR 6:30-7:30 p.m. All experience levels welcome. For grades K-5.

Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 4399314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Family Movie Night: ‘The Lego Ninjago Movie’ Six young ninjas are tasked with defending their island home using their warrior skills (PG, 100 min., Warner Bros.), 6:30 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Creative Clay Cupcake Minis Children ages 4 to 7 are invited to decorate miniature clay cupcakes with local artist Megan Viscio from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Using paint, glitter, “sprinkles”and pompoms, your designs will be as individual as you are. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Build a Bird Nest Explore a variety of nest designs used by birds in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and go for a short hike and search for last year’s nests before closing with a craft that will prove useful for nesting birds this spring, 1-2 p.m. All

ages. Cost is $3. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Pine Bush Family Trivia Night How well do you know the Albany Pine Bush? Come test your knowledge at the first-ever Family Pine Bush Trivia Night, 6:30-8 p.m. Join us for fun, food and some family friendly competition. Light refreshments will be provided. Families with children 8 and older. Cost is $3. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

21 Wednesday

p Capital District

family fun for February

arent pages The Resource for Parents

Upcoming Monthly Themes & Deadlines March

Juggler and Acrobat Li Liu

Kidz Expo All About Babies/ Family Health Deadline: February 5th

Part of the Vacation Daze entertainment series, 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.

Think Pink in 3D Get an introduction to the 3D printers at the library and learn how to find and prepare objects using the Makerbot software. Participants will be able to find, edit or create and object to be printed in pink and picked up at a later date, 2-3:30 p.m. For ages 9-13. Sign up online or call. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

April

Summer Camp Guide (Part 1) Special Needs Deadline: March 5th

May

Think Inside the Box Children in grades 3 to 5 are invited to join local artist Megan Viscio from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., as she welcomes you to the school of all things small. You will design and create your own miniature scene that exists inside a small wooden shadowbox. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Puppet Cinderella in the Wild West Robert Rogers Puppet Company will present an enchanted evening of an AllAmerican version of Cinderella from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This production is intended for children in grades K through 5 with a caregiver, but siblings will be entertained as well. No registration required at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Continued on the next page

Summer Camp Guide (Part 2) Mother’s Day The Family Rensselaer County: Parenting Resources Deadline: April 2nd

June

Father’s Day Adolescents Saratoga County: Parenting Resources Deadline: May 7th

To advertise in one or more of these issues please call

Denice Mau at 439-4940 or email: maud@spotlightnews.com

103701_4

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 17

Calendar of events

family fun for February

21 Wednesday (cont.)

Build a Birdhouse

Build a Bird Feeder

Learn about a few bird species that live in the Pine Bush Preserve, what they may need for their homes, and then build your own birdhouse, 1-2 p.m. Cost is $3. For ages 6 and up.

Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Discuss ways to attract birds to your backyard, explore different types of bird feeders and bird seed, and each build a bird feeder to take home. 1-2:30 p.m. Cost is $3. For ages 6 and up. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

22 Thursday KBA: Kids Builder Association Build your own fun with Legos, Snap Circuits, K’nex, blocks, puzzles, origami and more, 10 a.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Cinderella Tales Part of the Vacation Daze entertainment series, 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.

Star Wars Extravaganza Use the FORCE and join us for an afternoon full of Star Wars fun, including games, challenges, activities and out-of-this-galaxy snacks, 1-5:30 p.m. Come in costume or come as you are. This is a drop-in family event suitable for children ages 5 and up. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Peaceful Playgroup A playgroup for babies and toddlers and their caregivers, 9-11:30 a.m. Christ Church, 35 State St., Troy. For more information, call (518) 729-8215.

23 Friday Bricks & Blocks Get building! With Lego bricks and Minecraft blocks on the laptops, you can create anything that you can imagine. Grades 3-7, please register for this 11:00 a.m. program at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, NY. For more info, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Fruit Flies Like a Banana Music, theater and dance in this sprinttriathlon variety show, which is part of the Vacation Daze entertainment series, 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.

Go Fish! In New York State Join environmental educator, Fran Martino and her trusty companion dog, Loki, to get the fish facts on healthy nutrition, 1-4 p.m. Free.

New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 4745877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Owl Pellet Dissection Learn about the owls that live in the Parent Pine Bush Preserve andPages the signs they leave behind, 1-2 p.m.

For ages 6 andAd up. Cost Children’s is $3. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, January 2013 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

senD your love with a zing-a-gram Send your love with a Zing-A-Gram

Valentine Balloon Bouquets, Singing Valentine & Cupid, Valentine Balloon Bouquets Personalized Singing Telegrams, Flowers, Chocolates ...

Popular Children’s Singing Valentine &Characters Cupid Super Heroes

Princesses

Pirates

Clowns

Balloon Twisters Face Painters Magicians Personalized Singing Telegrams Jugglers Mimes Puppet Shows Storytellers

103696_4

Holiday Characters Pony Rides PopularVentriloquist Children’s Characters Bounces And Much More...

zing

Mention this ad for $14 OFF a gram your V Day Children’s Parties Children’s Party Zing Order Entertainment & Balloons TM

Inc.

518-462-1703

www.zingagram.com 518-462-1703 www.zingagram.com

18 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018

Vacation Cinema: ‘Despicable Me 3’ Gru meets his long-lost, charming and more successful brother who wants to team up for a heist (PG, 90 min., Universal Pictures), 10 a.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary. org.

Art Discovery: Fun with Dinosaurs Explore music, art, and movement with The Arts Center of the Capital Region. Children will paint dinosaurs and sing dinosaur songs, 10 a.m. For children ages 2-5 with an adult. Registration required beginning two weeks prior to the program date. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

24 Saturday Art for All Adults and children of all ages are welcome to join us in the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making with activities are based on current exhibitions, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 4634478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Family Gallery Tour Special tours led by the teen volunteers, the Junior Interpreters, 10 a.m.-noon. ost is admission of $10-$12. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www. albanyinstitute.org.

Snowshoeing in the Barrens Explore the frozen landscape of the pine barrens and learn the basics of snowshoeing, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Snowshoes will be provided to program participants. Cost is $3. For ages 6 and up. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Challenger Adventure Do experiments in “space”while working with other visitors to complete your mission, 2-3 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 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.

Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale Also Sunday. Vendors from the Northeast display and sell gems, jewelry, minerals, lapidary equipment, fossils and much more on the fourth floor terrace gallery, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $5 per adult. New York State Museum, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

ARTfull Afternoons Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the concepts they learn, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Family Literacy Program Barbara Lukas from WMHT will offer a family literacy program for ages 4 to 8 with caregiver, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Each child will make a snake and get a copy of the book“The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate The Wash”to take home. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, NY. For more info, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

25 Sunday SenseAble Science A sensory friendly science center experience for those with autism and other sensory needs, 10 a.m.-noon. Presented by the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, Schenectady ARC, and miSci with additional funds from sponsors.

Cost $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.

28 Wednesday

Family Yoga with Amy Rosen

ARTfull Afternoons

Bark in a downward dog, hiss in a cobra pose and flutter your wings in butterfly while we take a yoga journey your child will never forget, 10 a.m. Registration required beginning Jan. 20. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

Children ages 5 to 14 are introduced to art in the collection and exhibitions, then explore the concepts they learn in the Art Studio creating their own masterpieces, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12. Hyde House Art Museum & Historic House, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit www.hydecollection.org.

Our students say it all.

Joy of 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 the joy of learning.

Luke, 7th Grade signing “Happy”

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

103700_4

FEBRUARY 2018 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 19

103703_4

20 PARENT PAGES — FEBRUARY 2018