Capital District Parent Pages - January 2019

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January January calendar listings listings

Inside: Inside:

arent pages

Capital District

Volume 23 • Number 01 • JANUARY 2019 • Complimentary

Homework strategies

The Resource for Parents

Take charge of family finances

Triplets turn 11

Picture your child here See details inside

cdparentpages.com JANUARY 2019 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 1

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Picture your child on our cover Cover submissions are always welcome, but send one in January and you could win a stay at Great Escape Lodge

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Editor’s desk

arent pages The Resource for Parents

January 2019 Features Fostering helps families

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Columnists

n this issue, we renew our annual appeal for your pictures to grace our 2019 covers. Dozens of local kids have been featured over the years, and your child could be next. These full-color covers peek out from newsstands all across the Capital Region for an entire month.

Covers are planned out far in advance, so we will be accepting photos featuring all of the seasons. Keep in mind our cover dimensions, and choose pictures that aren’t too busy and feature your child’s face prominently. Email your submissions to robertsk@spotlightnews.com with “Parent Pages cover submission” in the subject line. Please include your child’s name, age and hometown. Also needed is a current phone number or email where you can be reached.

Photos may be used at any point throughout the year.

Please keep in mind the size and resolution when sending a photo. Oftentimes a picture can look great on a cellphone but not so good when it’s enlarged. See below for additional guidelines.

The best part? Submissions received through Jan. 31 will be entered in a drawing to win a Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park gift card with a value of $200 that can be used at a stay at the resort through June.

24-Hour Shift

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Triple Threat

6

Learning Center

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Show Money Who’s Boss

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What’s new On the Bookshelf Kids Fun Page

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Resources Calendar 14-18

Finally, we’d like to wish you a Happy New Year! 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

publisher - John

McIntyre Roberts advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen editor - Kristen

Cover submissions: 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.

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

JANUARY 2019 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 3

On the Bookshelf

In January, resolve to read ‘Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You’

‘Lucy Fell Down the Mountain’

By Carole Boston Weatherford;

Lucy is falling down a mountain, and as she passes various characters — a mountain man, a bungeeing duck, and a pile of shuffling bears — she tries to ask for help.

As Lucy gains velocity, the story grows in silliness. Farrar Straus Giroux

By Kevin Cornell

illustrated by James E. Ransome Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King’s life alongside a modern class as the students, the author’s poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. Bloomsbury

‘Winter Is Here’

By Kevin Henkes; illustrated by Laura Dronzek Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. Kevin Henkes’s striking text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the winter season while Laura Dronzek’s expressive paintings beautifully capture the joyful wonders of winter. HarperCollins

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Saturday, January 12, 2019

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by

Theresa Davis

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The 24-hour shift

Hollywood gets orphans all wrong

uring the past holiday season I went to see the latest version of “The Grinch.” I was very disappointed.

The movie indicated that the reason the Grinch is so miserable at Christmas is because he was an orphan. I was just cringing in my seat.

Come to think of it, Ebenezer Scrooge is also depicted as either an orphan or abandoned as a child. No offense meant to the late Charles Dickens, but really?

I don’t understand why some movies depict an angry, sad, bitter person as an orphan. Growing up without parents does not necessarily make a person end up with a negative personality, nor does it justify or explain a negative personality.

The idea of, “Oh, they had no family, so that makes sense,” doesn’t make sense at all. Growing up without parents is a traumatic and painful experience, but it usually isn’t the definitive factor in fostering negativity in someone. It doesn’t make every child turn into an angry adult bent on ruining everyone else’s good time.

Children who have grown up with both parents and a secure childhood can also de-

velop negative personalities. I believe how a child turns out depends on nature, nurture and sheer luck. The best parents on the planet can end up with an adult child with very negative qualities, while a child who has gone through multiple foster families can be well adjusted and productive.

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To tell a good story, it must have well-rounded characters with interesting back stories to help explain why a character acts the way he does.

Making the villain an orphan seems like the easy way out, however it is damaging in its suggestion that people who grew up without families are terrible people. This is, of course, not the case.

We can’t guarantee Hollywood will stop depicting villains as former orphans, but the more we advocate and educate others about foster, adopted or children without parents, the more we can create awareness.

Many of these kids grow up to be fantastic, productive people who will never take your last can of Who Hash.

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.

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parenting is a full-time job

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Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

Eleven years in an instant Triplets share birthday, but that is where similarity ends

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eminiscing, year by year, is an emotional roller coaster for me.

There are tears of joy and tears of sadness. I remember all the wonderful days when report cards came home or those that end with all five of us piled on the big bed watching a TV show together.

Of course, there are also many days that have ended in tears or wishes for a do-over. Eleven years is 4,018 days, or 96,432 hours. Each hour felt like an eternity in the beginning, especially when I was operating on sleep deprivation. Still, 11 years! My babies are now 11!

My children are my pride and joy. Most of my life revolves around them and their needs. I am a minivan driving, caffeine swilling, messy bun wearing momma of three amazingly complicated kids.

Each of the kids is unique.

Each has their own needs and perspective. Each deserves love and understanding when their needs are not the same as the other two.

For 11 years I have watched Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca grow into these amazing human beings. Rebecca has many traits that are similar to mine and to Harlan’s. She has Harlan’s blood type. She has my flat feet. Rebecca loves to read and always has a book with her. She loves baking and making challah. She is very creative. Rebecca has a sympathetic personality and is very protective of her family. I watch her and see the woman she is becoming.

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The first 11 years of Rebecca’s life have been exciting to watch. I can’t help thinking that in 11 more years, she will be 22 years old. Maybe she will be finishing college or off on an adventure.

tired of the mealtime battles so he started learning how to cook. He’s pretty good with microwave cooking, plus he will eat it!

Eleven years on Earth, and I understand Olivia now about as much as I did the day she was by born. I’ve read in Benjamin is more than one changing by the parenting book day. I swear that that a parent I can almost will battle more hear him growing with the child that every night! He is is most like them. I suddenly hungry and can honestly say that fits eats so much more than 100 percent.

I’m surprised that he did last year. Every morning we have to check to make sure she and I don’t have permathat his pants are long enough. nent bruises on our foreheads.

Olivia is amazing. She has this There’s a bag in the laundry room that keeps filling up with passion against injustice in this clothes that Ben has outgrown. world and wants to make a change. She persists. Olivia is I watch Ben while he sleeps a fighter and has been for the because this is just about the past 11 years. The NICU only time he isn’t taught me that life moving. From is even more fragile the time he was than we realize a toddler, Ben when her heart could be rate dropped stubborn to dangerous about what levels then, he was eatand it scared ing. I got the doctors.

She is showing

Jennifer Steuer

me the past 11 years have just been a taste of what’s to come.

The teen years are going to be interesting. I think Olivia and I will make it, as long as we can keep communicating. The past 11 years I have learned how to be Olivia’s mom, and she has learned to be my daughter.

In the past 11 years I have dealt with the terrible twos, frantic fours, sarcastic sixes, serious sevens and tumultuous tens. Just as Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca have been learning how to navigate the world from the tiniest baby to kids who can cook their own dinner, I have learned how to be a mom to three amazing children. I thought of something as I was driving around (it felt like in circles) the other day, parenting is like being on a blind date … for 18 years!

Happy birthday, Benjamin!

Happy birthday, Rebecca!

Happy birthday, Olivia!

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 11-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

As the triplets turn 11, their individual personalities are sharpening as they grow into the people they will become.

Education insight for parents

Learning Center

Easy homework strategies Five simple tips for getting started

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hether your child is six or 16, homework will (and should) be a part of their everyday life. Practice is a key component in learning, and homework provides an opportunity for students to apply the lessons they learn in class on their own and at a pace that’s comfortable for them. For students at any age, it’s important to have a healthy homework strategy, so that they can work on lessons and prepare relevant questions for when they’re back in class.

after a snack or after dinner.

Make sure to plan for a short break (1-2 minutes) after every 30-45 minutes of work (more frequent for younger students). Stand up, stretch, do something to get the blood flowing again.

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Have them start with something easy to reinforce a positive attitude and create a method of marking completed items.

Each day encourage your child to begin with a part of the assignment that seems easy. Maybe Many children it will be the put off homework by reading from because it seems your daughter’s overwhelming – favorite class, perhaps because or a couple of it seems like a math problems lot of work or that your son perhaps because knows he can finish they lack confidence quickly. Whatever it that they can do it on is, the resulting feeling of actheir own. Here are five tips to complishment and confidence avoid the eye roll and sighing will help the homework seswhen you mention homework sion begin on a positive note. or a homework schedule.

We’ve all experienced that Establish a set work pleasure of crossing something space and routine. off a list. Create a method of marking when something is Having a defined complete. This will give your time and place for child a sense of progress as they homework helps move through their assignstudents focus on the task at ments. hand. Working in a quiet, comfortable space minimizes Help break big potential distractions. Whether projects into small it’s a bedroom desk or a chair pieces. at the kitchen table, make sure Projects such as to keep a consistent study area science experiments where your child understands or research papers can be that it’s where they do their overwhelming if students see homework. Similarly, set a them as something that has time for homework – and let to be done all at once. Showyour child be part of setting ing your child the benefits that time – right after school,

Patrick McNamara

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We’ve all experienced that pleasure of crossing something off a list. Create a method of marking when something is complete. This will give your child a sense of progress as they move through their assignments. of scheduling his or her time effectively and breaking out responsibilities over time (e.g., several days or weeks) will not only make these projects more manageable, but it will also likely lead to higher grades as well, since there will be more time to review the work and make important adjustments.

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Harness the power of technology — without the distraction.

Research shows that multi-tasking is rarely as efficient as many people think. As a parent, you should insist that all distracting electronics be put aside (or turned off) while homework is in progress. This isn’t to say that the Internet cannot be used to as part of a project’s research or preparation. The key is learning how to effectively utilize technology as an education tool and to avoid interruption from the task at hand.

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Know when to take that “step back.”

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to provide them an adequate amount of independence as they work. This is, of course, easier said than done. As a parent, you want to help, but sometimes helping means letting them struggle a bit. Success after a struggle often leads to future independent effort and ultimately to confidence that they can figure it out on their own.

Providing your child with the right space, strategies, tools and support will enable them to complete their homework with less frustration.

Patrick McNamara is the Executive Director of Sylvan Learning of Albany and Clifton Park, which provides tutoring services and academic coaching (www.SylvanLearning.com).

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Perspectives

Open your heart to a child in care Foster and respite care families can make a difference in a child’s life

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by

here is a great need across the state for foster and respite parents. Time and time again, I meet compassionate individuals who say they have always thought about fostering,

Gloria Moran

but with their current hectic lives, they just don’t know if they can provide the long-term commitment.

parent, to which the most common response is a cocked head and a long pause, followed by, “Um…I’ve never heard of it.”

I then ask if they have ever considered becoming a respite

As a foster parent, you are the primary caregiver for the child placed in your home, just as birth parents are the primary caregivers for their children living in their home. Respite care, on the other hand, is short-term care provided by someone who is not the primary caregiver.

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arent pages The Resource for Parents

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Preventative respite is shortterm care for a youth or child whose primary caregiver is their birth/biological parent or guardian. For example, birth parents may need to attend counseling or other court-ordered services over a weekend and, during this time, may request a weekend respite for their children. Foster care respite is when the foster parent is the primary caregiver and is requesting short term respite. For example, the foster parent has an emergency and cannot care for the child for a short time.

Respite is a way to keep families together and can provide birth parents, as well as foster parents, much-needed relief.

While some caregivers may have a support network to rely on (friends and family, paid trusted babysitters, etc.), others may lack these necessary supports.

The most common respite is a weekend respite, however, they can range from several days to sometimes a month. Some respite parents may provide respite to the same children a few times throughout the year.

Respite parents are generally provided the same support and trainings and go through the

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same certification process as foster parents. This allows you, as a certified caregiver, to choose between respite care or foster care depending on what is right for you at that time in your life. In fact, it is strongly recommended that new foster parents start off providing respite care.

Throughout this training, some participants will decide not to continue with the certification process. Both those who leave and those who move forward have made the choice that is in the best interest of their family and the children in foster care. Starting the certification training is a commitment to learning, not to completion.

I am reminded of a story that illustrated how often it is that the smallest moments influence us the most. Recently, a young woman shared the impact of her own respite placement at

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Not only did this 13-year-old girl then bring these practices back to her birth family, but she says to this day, she remembers the power of inclusivity and acts of kindness and continually tries to give back in these seemingly small but impactful ways.

Gloria Moran is the Director of Foster Care at Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth (518-669-1236; www.

Berkshirefarm.org), which provides training for foster and respite parents, along with other foster care services. She can be reached at GloriaMoran@ Berkshirefarm.org.

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age 13. She explained that her first memory with the respite family was sitting at the kitchen table and being asked to help make a grocery list for the week. She said that, while her 13-year-old self refused to show it, she was touched by the fact that they bought her favorite cereal, and she felt important and valued to be part of making the grocery list.

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JANUARY 2019 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 9

Show Money Who’s Boss

making family finances work for you

Take a tiny step in the Financial advice can sometimes be overwhelming – and unrealistic.

Maybe it’s time to start thinking about your money differently.

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love New Year’s resolutions. I love the “fresh start” feeling of turning the calendar to January, when everything magically resets and new goals suddenly seem much more attainable. They are, right?

Except … I’ve set financial goals for myself that I haven’t reached year after year, since about 2008. Surprise, surprise – it’s not easy to reach your full earning potential when you’re also trying to meet the needs of young children. Another big shocker: Kids are expensive! Get out of the diaper years and you’re only moving on to music lessons, activity fees, bigger snow boots, etc.

Heather E. Schwartz

So this year instead of a goal, I have an obsession.

I’m taking charge of my money. Saving, spending,

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that stress-inducing debt I’ve racked up … all of it.

To be honest here, I didn’t start just now. My obsession began last year, and I’ve learned so much already that it’s the reason I’m writing this column. I want to share everything that helps me along the way, so this information can help others, too.

And it really can help! by If it sounds too good to be true, I hear you. I’ve read all sorts of financial advice over the years that makes me want to chuck my laptop through a wall (thus incurring yet another expense and, yes, even more debt). For example:

Cut out extra expenses, like that gym membership you never use.

Aim to need only 50 percent of your take-home pay.

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Save six-months’ worth of living expenses, just in case of an emergency.

Please! What if your budget doesn’t happen to be packed with loads of excess spending you could easily cut to find huge chunks of available money? What if you’re one of the many people who work because they need all the money they make – not just half of it? You could feel helpless (like I did). You could go further into debt (yup, also me). Or, you could take the tiniest of steps toward actually being in a better place financially.

For me, that first tiny step meant calling my bank to beg them to reverse a $30 overdraft charge I’d incurred. It was my own fault. I’d written a check, forgotten about it, and withdrawn money from the same account. I didn’t really want to call. But once I had the idea in my head I couldn’t let it go. What if they reversed the charge? I’d have that money back. It wouldn’t be wasted.

I tried twice and lost the battle. In the past I might have thought, “Well, what’s another $30 down the

Gerard Bialek

he right direction drain?” This time, I kept thinking how the fee felt like such an incredible waste of money, as if I’d literally torn bills to shreds and flushed them down the toilet. Imagining I could recover the money only made me feel worse when I didn’t.

Once I accepted that I couldn’t get it from the bank, I started to think about other ways I might be able to bring that $30 back into my life. Maybe I could sell something. Or two things. What if I sold 30 little outgrown toys for $1 each?

That’s the mindset that got me going in the right direction, and it’s the first tip I’m going to leave with you. Don’t worry about slashing your budget in half or saving six months in an emergency fund or paying off thousands in credit card debt. Just think about how you might be able to bring in one extra dollar.

Really. It may only be one dollar. But if it’s coming your way — and not headed out the door to pay some pointless fee, for example — it counts toward gaining control.

That’s you showing money who’s boss!

Heather E. Schwartz writes children’s books for a living and performs at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady for fun. She’ll release three money tips books in 2019. Visit www.showmoneywhosboss.com.

I’ve read all sorts of financial advice over the years that makes me want to chuck my laptop through a wall (thus incurring yet another expense and, yes, even more debt).

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n u F s d i K e g Pa

Coloring Fun

Color By Numbers

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Calendar of events

family fun for January

January 3 Thursday

Pick of the month

10 Thursday

Early Explorers Play Group

World Language Story Time: Japanese

A time for caregivers and their children to visit the museum, enjoy some light snacks, and form a community of encouragement and acceptance, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per family. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org.

Stories, songs, and a simple craft; no previous exposure to other languages needed, 10 a.m. For children 3 and up accompanied by an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Library Tots Come by at 9:45 or 10:45 a.m. for an early literacy program that emphasizes sharing books, music, rhymes, and playtime together. For children from newborn to 36 months. No registration required. Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Teen Anime Club Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends, 4-6 p.m. For ages 13-18. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot).

For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

4 Friday 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. For toddlers and preschoolers. Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

First Friday Friends

Early Explorers Play Group

Winter Fest at Grafton Lakes State Park

Jan.

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A festival to enjoy food, games, exhibitors and fun in the snow. Activities will include kid games indoors and outdoors, crafts, live animal presenters, the Polar Plunge, snowshoeing and so much more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Grafton Lakes State Park, 252 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, Grafton. For more information, call (518) 279-1155.

Art for All Adults and children of all ages are invited to the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making based off of current exhibitions and including techniques involving painting, drawing, multi-media work, collage and more, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free with admission. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Time Out for Tales

Children ages 12 to 36 months and their parents are invited to play and interact with others while using age appropriate toys, books and puzzles, 10 a.m. This is a drop-in program, no registration required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Stories and fun for children up to age 6 with family, 11 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

5 Saturday

Beading Workshop

Learn to Skate Clinic Learn to skate at the Empire State Plaza this winter, 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. Free but registration is required. Registration required. Empire State Plaza Ice Rink, Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-3899.

Russian Christmas Celebration Learn about Christmas traditions in Russia and make a Nesting Doll craft, eat traditional Russian sweets, and hear a Russian story, 11 a.m.-noon.

Free with admission. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www. worldchildrensmuseum.org.

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Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

7 Monday Learn easy beading techniques for making simple necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, 6-8 p.m. The library provides tools and offers a variety of beads to choose from, or bring your own. For adults and teens ages 14 and up. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

8 Tuesday Tent Tales for Tykes Bring the kids for storytime on Tuesdays at the L.L. Bean store, 10 a.m. L.L. Bean, Colonie Center, 131 Colonie Center, Albany. For more information, call (888) 552-5519.

Pine Bush Pups: Sleeping, Sleeping All Winter Long Also Wednesday. Sleeping all winter long may sound like an easy way to deal with winter, but hibernation comes with its own challenges and risks. Explore hibernation through story, song and play, ending the program with a short walk, 10-11 a.m. For up to age 6 with a caregiver.

Free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

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

Preschool Storytime Books, rhymes, songs, a short video, and an art activity, 10 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 with caregiver.

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

Pre-K Storytime Drop-in storytime for ages 2-6, 11 a.m. Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot). For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

9 Wednesday Sensory Playtime Self-paced activities will allow children to explore sight, touch, and sound, work on motor skill development, and reinforce cooperative play with others, 9:30 a.m. This is a drop-in program for children ages 12-36 months accompanied by an adult, no registration required. Clifton Park-

A time for caregivers and their children to visit the museum, enjoy some light snacks, and form a community of encouragement and acceptance, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per family.

World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www.worldchildrensmuseum. org.

Library Tots Come by at 9:45 or 10:45 a.m. for an early literacy program that emphasizes sharing books, flannel board stories, music, rhymes, and playtime together. For children from newborn to 36 months.

Attend either session; no registration required. Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Teen Anime Club Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends, 4-6 p.m. For ages 13-18. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot).

For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

11 Friday Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live!

Fans of all ages will enjoy stories (from brushing a hippo’s teeth to eating with wombats) and footage from his worldwide adventures, along with an array of animals such as cheetahs, kangaroos, penguins and many more, 7:30 p.m. Cost is $20-$40. Proctors, 432 State Street Schenectady.

For more information, call (518) 346-6204 or visit www.proctors.org.

World Language Story Time: Spanish Stories, songs, and a simple craft; no previous exposure to other languages needed, 9:10 a.m.

For children 3 and up accompanied by an adult.

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Continued on the next page

12 Saturday NYS Great Places and Spaces An array of the state’s historic sites and cultural institutions will offer families fun hands-on activities, educational artifacts to explore, and information on regional events to visit throughout the year, noon-4 p.m. Free. New York State Museum, Albany.

For more information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

Uttarayan Indian Kite Festival Hear a story about the festival, make kites together, and eat traditional Indian treats, 11 a.m.-noon. Free with admission. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www. worldchildrensmuseum.org.

Art for All Adults and children of all ages are invited to the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making based off of current exhibitions and including techniques involving painting, drawing, multi-media work, collage and more, 10:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Free with admission. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

Time Out for Tales Stories and fun for children up to age 6 with family, 11 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

13 Sunday The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites Enjoy the whimsical tales that have enchanted several generations, and feature the endearing animal puppets, stunning scenic effects and evocative music that have earned international recognition for Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, 3 p.m. Cost is $20 per child and free for adults accompanied by a child. The Egg, 1 Empire State Plaza, S Mall Arterial, Albany. For more information, call (518) 473-1845 or visit www.theegg.org.

Sugar on Snow

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

14 Monday Preschool Nature Hour This monthly program is for explorers age 3-6 years that features a short walk, simple nature craft, and a healthy snack to teach simple concepts, 10:30 a.m. Adults are expected to attend. Registration is required. Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, Camp Saratoga, Parking Lot 1, Gansevoort. For more information, call (518) 450-0321.

Get the word out!

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

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

107146_4

Calendar of events

Tiny Tots Stories, songs and fingerplays for children up to age 35 months with caregiver, 9:30 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary. org.

15 Tuesday

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

Pine Bush Pups: Winter Birds of the Pine Bush

www.cdparentpages.com

Check us out at:

Also Wednesday. Learn what birds do through the coldest months of the year, sing, make a birdfeeder craft, and go for a short hike, 10-11 a.m. For up to age 6 with a caregiver. Free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

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family fun for January

Preschool Storytime Books, rhymes, songs, a short video, and an art activity, 10 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 with caregiver.

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

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

Pre-K Storytime Drop-in storytime for ages 2-6, 11 a.m. Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot).

For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Tiny Tots

Stories, songs and fingerplays for children up to age 35 months with caregiver, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 Join us as we pour warm syrup over shaved ice, a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., turning syrup quickly into a delicious taffy for you to Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 enjoy, noon-3 p.m. Free and weather permitor visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org. ting. Riverside Maple Farms, 7152 Amsterdam Chess Club Road, Glenville. For more information, call (518) 214-4014 or visit www.riversidemaple.com.

Sign up and try your hand at chess with teen volunteers, 5:30-6:30 p.m. All experience levels Cunning Coyotes welcome. For grades K-5. Bethlehem Public Library, Start inside with a short talk about the history 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, and biology of the eastern coyote, then will hike 0.9 call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary. miles in the preserve as we pause to look for coyote org. signs and explore the habitat of one of the smartest, most elusive animals in the Pine Bush, 1 p.m. For Continued on the next page ages 6 and up. Free, but reservations required.

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

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JANUARY 2019 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 15

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arent pages

Calendar of events 15 Tuesday (cont.)

Tent Tales for Tykes Bring the kids for storytime on Tuesdays at the L.L. Bean store, 10 a.m. L.L. Bean, Colonie Center, 131 Colonie Center, Albany. For more information, call (888) 552-5519.

16 Wednesday

The Resource for Parents

Drop-In Preschool Movies

Upcoming Monthly Themes & Deadlines

Families with children ages 3-6 are welcome to drop in for this series of short, literature-based films, 10:15 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www. cphlibrary.org.

February

Sensory Playtime Enjoy a variety of sensory play bins. For up to ages 3-1/2 with family, 9:30 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Children’s Art & Culture Deadline: January 7th

Family Playtime Free play and socialization with toys, blocks, balls and more. Up to age 6 with family, 10:15 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

March

Kidz Expo All About Babies/ Family Health Deadline: February 4th

17 Thursday Early Explorers Play Group A time for caregivers and their children to visit the museum, enjoy some light snacks, and form a community of encouragement and acceptance, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per family. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org.

April

Summer Camp Guide (Part 1) Special Needs Deadline: March 4th

Library Tots Come by at 9:45 or 10:45 a.m. for an early literacy program that emphasizes sharing books, flannel board stories, music, rhymes, and playtime together. For children from newborn to 36 months.

Attend either session; no registration required.

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

May

Summer Camp Guide (Part 2) Mother’s Day The Family Rensselaer County: Parenting Resources Deadline: April 1st

Teen Anime Club Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends, 4-6 p.m. For ages 13-18. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot).

For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

To advertise in one or more of these issues please call

Denice Mau at 439-4940 or email: maud@spotlightnews.com 16 PARENT PAGES — JANUARY 2019

Music & Movement 107265_4

Songs, instruments, dancing, learning and fun

family fun for January

for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, 9:30 a.m.

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

Quiet Time Enjoy quiet time with your child with books and simple activities as we dim the lights and play some gentle music, 10:15 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

18 Friday Twilight Yoga Storytime Enjoy a relaxing evening of stories and yoga stretches to help get the little ones ready for sleep, 6:30-7:30 p.m. A small bedtime snack will be provided. The library will be closed except for the attendees. For ages 2-6 with caregiver. Please register at the Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville, www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

19 Saturday The Mopco Improv Theatre Family Show An interactive, family-friendly improv show that uses audience suggestions and willing volunteers to create stories, characters, and songs off the tops of our heads in this one-ofa-kind performance, 3:30-5 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for general audience.

The Mopco Improv Theatre, 10 North Jay Street, Schenectady. For more information, visit www. mopco.org.

PBS KIDS Live! Really BIG tiny Adventure Really BIG tiny Adventure presented by Zappos Adaptive is more than a show, it is a fun, learning adventure that begins as soon as you arrive with characters from “Arthur,”“Nature Cat,”“Ready Jet Go!,”“Princess Presto” and “Super WHY,” 6 p.m. Tickets cost $19.50 and up. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 465-4663 or visit www. palacealbany.org.

Preschool Fair Parents of toddlers and preschoolers can meet representatives of preschools in the Colonie area to preview what’s available, all in one place at one time, 9-11 a.m. William K. Sandford Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Albany. For more information call (518) 810-0315 or visit colonielibrary.org.

Continued on the next page

Calendar of events

family fun for January

19 Saturday (cont.)

Quackenbush Square. For more information, call (518) 434-0405.

Saturday Star Shows

Super Silly Science

Children’s Star Sighting at 11 a.m. is an interactive program exploring the stars, planets, comets and constellations in the night sky appropriate for children grades pre-K-2 and their families. Albany Star Sighting at 1 p.m. identifies stars, planets, comets and constellations in the night sky and the tools and techniques for becoming an amateur astronomer for skywatchers ages 8 and above.

Cost is $3 all seats. Henry Hudson Planetarium, 25

Young scientists will make a foam eruption, 1 p.m. For ages 6-12. Please call to sign up. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot). For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

CSI: Critter Scene Investigation An indoor introduction followed by an approximately one-mile outdoor trek to look for clues and evidence of what lives in the Pine Bush, 11 a.m. For ages 6 and up. Free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.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.

Adults and children of all ages are invited to the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making based off of current exhibitions and including techniques involving painting, drawing, multi-media work, collage and more, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Cost is $3 all seats. Henry Hudson Planetarium, 25 Quackenbush Square. For more information, call (518) 434-0405.

Time Out for Tales Stories and fun for children up to age 6 with family, 11 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

20 Sunday Sugar on Snow Join us as we pour warm syrup over shaved ice, turning syrup quickly into a delicious taffy for you to enjoy, noon-3 p.m. Free and weather permitting. Riverside Maple Farms, 7152 Amsterdam Road, Glenville. For more information, call (518) 214-4014 or visit www.riversidemaple.com.

21 Monday

Bricks, Bits, & Bots for All Ages Get creative with Lego bricks, Ozobots and LittleBits for all ages and stages, toddlers to tweens, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more info, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

3D Printing Drop-In Time Stop by between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. to learn the basics of the Lulzbot Mini 2, get started with TinkerCad, troubleshoot a tricky build, or anything else 3D print related. All ages welcome. Voorheesville Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville For more info, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Dr. MLK, Jr. Family Storytime

School Break Fun Two planetarium shows. Zoo In the Sky at 11 a.m. showcases the lion, bears and other animals of the night sky and is appropriate for children in grades pre-K-2. Wonders of the Universe at 1 p.m. is an interactive program that identifies stars, planets and constellations in the night sky and the tools and techniques for becoming an amateur astronomer for skywatchers 8 and up.

Share stories and songs about love and peace.

Participate in a collaborative art project as well, 11 a.m. This is a drop-in story time for children ages three and older and their families. Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Continued on the next page

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Calendar of events 21 Monday (cont.)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Observance Speeches and music at the Empire State Plaza followed by a march, 10-11 a.m. Free and open to the public. Empire State Plaza, Albany. For more information, call (518) 486-9866.

Vacation Cinema An ogre living alone in a swamp, is suddenly invaded by a horde of fairy tale characters seeking refuge (PG, 90 min., Dreamworks Animation), 10 a.m. For kids and families. Bring a blanket or pillow to get comfy on the floor. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

MLK Day Olive Branch Craft Olive branches are a universal sign of peace.

Join us as we make paper collage olive branches in honor of a man who sought peace for all, Mr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 10:30-11 a.m. Free with admission. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org.

22 Tuesday Pine Bush Pups: Dress Like an Animal Also Wednesday. Explore the different ways animals are adapted to their environment and sing, listen to a story, go for a hike and make animal costumes, 10-11 a.m. For up to age 6 with a caregiver. Free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Tent Tales for Tykes Bring the kids for storytime on Tuesdays at the L.L. Bean store, 10 a.m. L.L. Bean, Colonie Center, 131 Colonie Center, Albany. For more information, call (888) 552-5519.

Preschool Storytime Books, rhymes, songs, a short video, and an art activity, 10 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 with caregiver.

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

family fun for January

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

23 Wednesday Sensory Playtime Enjoy a variety of sensory play bins. For up to ages 3-1/2 with family, 9:30 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Family Playtime Free play and socialization with toys, blocks, balls and more. Up to age 6 with family, 10:15 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

24 Thursday Teen Anime Club Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends, 4-6 p.m. For ages 13-18. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot).

For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Winter Favorites Story Time This snowy special features puppets, paper cutting, stories, rhymes and songs to warm up your winter, 11 a.m. Drop-in program for children ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. Siblings welcome. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Time Out for Tales Stories and fun for children up to age 6 with family, 11 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Songs, instruments, dancing, learning and fun for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, 9:30 a.m.

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

PJ Story Time

Quiet Time Enjoy quiet time with your child with books and simple activities as we dim the lights and play some gentle music, 10:15 a.m.

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

25 Friday Storytime Friday A different cultural story and craft each month, appropriate for ages 3 and up, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Free with admission. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 793-2773 or visit www. worldchildrensmuseum.org.

26 Saturday Tunes and Tales from the Towpath

18 PARENT PAGES — JANUARY 2019

Adults and children of all ages are invited to the Albany Institute art studio on Saturdays for drop in art making based off of current exhibitions and including techniques involving painting, drawing, multi-media work, collage and more, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free with admission. Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 463-4478 or visit www.albanyinstitute.org.

28 Monday

Pre-K Storytime

Stories, songs and fingerplays for children up to age 35 months with caregiver, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave.,

Art for All

Music & Movement

Drop-in storytime for ages 2-6, 11 a.m.

Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot). For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Tiny Tots

information call (518) 474-0079 or visit www. nysm.nysed.gov.

Come along with The Hudson River Ramblers on a journey in story and song, to when the Erie Canal was the major “super highway” of the young nation, 1 p.m. Master storyteller Jonathan Kruk and historical balladeer Rich Bala, dressed in period clothing, will be your guides along the way.

Free. New York State Museum, Albany. For more

Relax with a quiet story time for working parents to spend with their children, ages 2-6, 6:15 p.m. Pajamas encouraged. Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Pre-K Storytime Drop-in storytime for ages 2-6, 11 a.m.

Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot). For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Chess Club Sign up and try your hand at chess with teen volunteers, 5:30-6:30 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.

Tent Tales for Tykes Bring the kids for storytime on Tuesdays at the L.L. Bean store, 10 a.m. L.L. Bean, Colonie Center, 131 Colonie Center, Albany. For more information, call (888) 552-5519.

30 Wednesday Sensory Playtime

Enjoy a variety of sensory play bins. For up to ages 3-1/2 with family, 9:30 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Family Playtime Free play and socialization with toys, blocks, balls and more. Up to age 6 with family, 10:15 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

31 Thursday

Tiny Tots

Teen Anime Club

Stories, songs and fingerplays for children up to age 35 months with caregiver, 9:30 a.m.

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

Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends, 4-6 p.m. For ages 13-18. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St, Rensselaer (across from the Amtrak parking lot).

For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

29 Tuesday Pine Bush Pups: Hoot Like an Owl Also Wednesday. Learn about the owls that live in the Pine Bush, listen to owl calls, make an owl finger puppet and go on a short hike, 10-11 a.m. For up to age 6 with a caregiver.

Free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

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

Preschool Storytime Books, rhymes, songs, a short video, and an art activity, 10 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 with caregiver.

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

Music & Movement Songs, instruments, dancing, learning and fun for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, 9:30 a.m.

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

Quiet Time Enjoy quiet time with your child with books and simple activities, 10:15 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Early Explorers Play Group A time for caregivers and their children to visit the museum, enjoy some light snacks, and form a community of encouragement and acceptance, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost is $2 per family. World Awareness Children’s Museum, 89 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 7932773 or visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org.

Our students say it all.

Love 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.

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H Building futures for deaf and hard of hearing students

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

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Get in touch today and give your student the love of learning.

Lily, 2nd Grade signing “Love”

Rochester School for the Deaf Celebrating our 140th Year!

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JANUARY 2019 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 19

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