(585) Kids Summer 2022—Get ready for school! by JFM Publishing—(585) magazine / (585) Kids / Upstate Gardeners' Journal

Get ready for school

Start the school year off right p. 16 Teen Book Festival is back! p. 18 Power-packed lunches p. 23

! F R EKEE ONE

PLEAS

E TA

5 85 K I

D S .C O

SUMMER 2022

Volume Two - Issue Three

FEATURE

School kids make their own magazine

p. 14

FULL LIFE ACADEMY

JUST FOR KIDS

AutismUp’s young adult program

Mindfulness moments, “Audrey Asks” and more—

p. 21

p. 26

We have this “back to school” thing in the bag, and more! Why not take this time to make some positive changes in your own and your family’s lives? Our recreation programs and facilities offer many ways to learn, explore and grow for children and adults alike. Take advantage of our robust listing of programs by registering at R-Central:

LEARN MORE: Malik D. Evans, Mayor

central online

cityofrochester.gov/r-central

City of Rochester, NY Rochester City Council

GO FOR

THE GLOW

THURSDAY - SUNDAY NIGHTS

ALL SU M MER LONG

festival of lanterns and lights TICKETS AT:

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Presented by:

Hello (585) families For a magazine publisher, there aren’t many things more thrilling than sending files off to the printer—except possibly when we get the final product in hand! So I was very happy to read in this issue about Mary Kokinda’s fifth-grade students and their annual magazine, Jefferson Road (page 14). Like many in my profession, when I was a kid I made my own magazines, wrote my own [short] novels—sometimes with a collaborator. (My friend Kate Sykes and I penned the thriller And His Name was Paul . . . in grade school, and before that I had put out a newspaper I think was titled Maple Ridge News, for the road we lived on.) But these were one-offs, single copies read by a small handful of people only, namely my parents. The idea of

printing multiple copies and distributing them throughout the school? That I could only dream of. (Back then it would have been on a mimeograph, something I doubt many fifth graders today could pick out of a lineup of obsolete machines.) So my adult self gets it, “feeling it in your hands,” and “the good smell.” And as I get ready to send these files off to the printer, I’m full of hope for the publishers of the future—and full of gratitude for Ms. Kokinda, leading the way.

—Jane Milliman, Publisher PS) Interested in gardening? Check out our sister publication Upstate Gardeners’ Journal (upstategardenersjournal.com). PPS) Love food, drink, culture, and all the adventure our area has to offer? Pick up (585) magazine (585mag.com).

FEEDBACK

Publisher Jane Milliman Creative Director Cathy Monrad Managing Editor Christine Green Production Manager Caroline Kunze Staff Photographers Tomas Flint, Michael Hanlon io Battaglia, Michael Benson, Contributing Writers G Emily DiCesare, Terri Ercole, Lenora Kasper, Mary Kokinda, Audrey Mead, Sarah Mead, Ellen Paddock Carolyn Sperry, Deena Viviani Editorial Interns Lenora Kasper, Ellen Paddock, Gio Battaglia Vice President, Sales Caroline Kunze

We’d love to hear what you think! Write to jmilliman@585kids.com or letters to the editor, (585) Kids, 1501 East Avenue, STE 201, Rochester, NY 14610.

POP! Shop Jewelry’s stand-out style p. 8

GROW

EXPLORE

A loud, silent protest piece in Rochester p. 16

Back to school

TASTE

Something new in Sibley Square p. 24

An ancient and modern remedy p. 70

THREE LOCAL MIXOLOGISTS ON WHAT TO DRINK p. 34 A DRINK REVIVAL AT THE FORMER FAIRPORT CAN FACTORY p. 44

Inclusive playgrounds and where to find them p. 12 Lessons from nature at the Harley School p. 24 Outdoor adventures to have with your kids p. 30

FRE E!ONE

PLEASE

TAKE

585KID

S.COM

March April 2021 585mag.com

DEADLINES FOR LISTINGS

For Winter 2022 issue: Nov. 10 For Spring 2023 issue: Feb. 10 For Summer 2023 issue: May 10 For Fall 2023 issue: Aug. 10

BOOK NOOK

FEEDING YOUR FAMILY

JUST FOR KIDS

Tails and tales: books on animals for a variety of ages—

Balanced bowl style meals—

Kindness calendar, “Crafty Cat,” and more—

p. 10

p. 16

p. 34

The Bulletin of the American Iris Society

BUFFALO - ITHACA - ROCHESTER - SYRACUSE

Calendar listing deadlines for our upcoming issues are as follows:

Winter 2021

Site assessment for busy people Healthy, vegetarian stuffed peppers Plant-based strategies for supporting pollinators FREE

Volume Twenty-seven, Issue Two March-April 2021

UPSTATE GARDENERS’ JOURNAL - 1501 EAST AVENUE - ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14610

Volume 102, No. 1

Newsstand price $9.95 USD

www.irises.org

(585) magazine ADVERTISING

If you’d like to learn about advertising in an upcoming issue of (585) Kids or on our website, please call (585) 413-0040.

Sales & Marketing Michaela Neer FIND US ON

WHAT WE DO: Clink! Drinks at home DIALED IN

(585) Kids (585) Hot Off the Press Happy Hours Upstate Gardeners’ Journal Custom Publishing

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

PRINTED BY

(585) Kids Spring 2022. Published quarterly. Copyright ©2022 by JFM Publishing, LLC, 1501 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610. Telephone (585) 413-0040. Fax (585) 413-0296. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any text or graphics without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Newsstand distribution is handled by Wolfe News Service, Inc. (585) Kids assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts.

SUMMER 2022

Get ready for school

BACK TO

Start the school year off right with these tips p. 16 Teen Book Festival is back! p. 18 Power packed lunches p. 23

SCHOOL

! FR EEE ONE

PLEASE

TAK

585 KID

S.CO M

SUMMER 2022

FULL LIFE ACADEMY

JUST FOR KIDS

AutismUp’s young adult program

Mindfulness moments, “Audrey Asks” and more—

p. 21

p. 26

Volume Two - Issue Three

FEATURE

School kids make their own magazine

p. 32

ON THE COVER

Photo by Michael Hanlon Design by Cathy Monrad Special thanks to MTF Models

Features 16 Back to school 2022

The beginning of the school year can be stressful, but these great tips and words of advice will help the whole family prep for the first day of school.

In every issue

Features

Just for kids

14 Creative kids

26 Meet the red pandas

16 Start the school year off right

28 Dot-to-dot

20 Full Life Academy

By Audrey Mead

6 Deadlines, Hello (585) families 10 New and noteworthy By Sarah Mead

12 Family Do List By Lenora Kasper

18 Book nook By Deena Viviani

23 Feeding your family By Emily DiCesare

By Mary Kokinda

By Sarah Mead

By Carolyn Sperry

24 All aboard!

By Ellen Paddock

By Monkeying Around

29 Audrey asks 30 Crafty Cat

31 Mindfulness moment By Terri Ercole

32 When Rochester played in the NFL By Michael Benson

34 Color your world By Anna Overmoyer

By Cathy Monrad

By Gio Battaglia

CONTRIBUTORS Gio Battaglia is a senior at SUNY Brockport studying journalism and broadcasting.

Lenora Kasper is a senior at SUNY Brockport majoring in journalism and broadcasting.

in the kitchen. She lives with her family in Victor.

Michael Benson is originally

Mary Kokinda is a fifth-grade

from Chili. He is the author of multiple books including Gangsters Vs. Nazis.

teacher who loves all the amazing local publications in Rochester that reveal the wonderful things this area has to offer.

Ellen Paddock is a recent graduate of SUNY Brockport. She is the communications coordinator at USA Wrestling.

Emily DiCesare is an E.R. doc by trade, salad blogger by passion, who lives in Brighton with her family.

Audrey Mead is a curious fifth grader with a passion for reading. She loves Legos, performing in musicals, and writing stories.

Carolyn Sperry is a wife, mother, and freelance contributor from Geneva.

Terri Ercole is an elementary

school teacher and volunteer with the Center for Youth in Rochester.

Sarah Mead is a writer who loves children’s books and dance parties

Deena Viviani is the young

adult services librarian at Brighton Memorial Library.

Lenora Kasper and Ellen Paddock

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new

& noteworthy

BY SARAH MEAD

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES

Albert Einstein famously said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Rochester area librarians have been busy planning an oceanthemed summer reading program for kids and teens complete with prizes and celebrations. These fun reading challenges are the perfect way to keep our young readers engaged in learning during the long break from school. Stop by your local library or find them online to sign up for your spot in the summer reading program and register for free events. There are so many to choose from! At the Victor-Farmington library, teens kick off their summer reading with an ice cream social on July 7. They can also join Jumping Genres, the summer book club just for teens. Younger children will celebrate the magic found in books on July 8 during Cap’n Dave’s Magic Treasure Hunt. The forty-five-minute show will be packed with magic, comedy, and puppets. Learn about bioluminescent ocean creatures with the Mendon Library at 10

Summer 2022 | 585kids.com

Frontier Field, home of the Rochester Redwings

Harry Allen Park on July 20 with books, songs, and crafts. Or take a self-guided exploration to learn about the bugs that live in the ocean the whole week of August 8. You can spend July 7 with the Wildlife Rockstar Animal Show & Tell. The Seneca Park Zoo will be bringing some animal friends to the Arnett library July 20. Learn to draw ocean creatures with an illustrator or take part in an African drum concert. Get up close and personal with all kinds of trucks and vehicles on July 11 at the Chili library. Make a list of all the libraries you want to visit this summer and have fun checking them off! Kids will love the ocean-themed crafts, movies, and story times. You will find playtime, cooking lessons, tie dye parties, and outdoor games. There are even reading challenges and prizes for adults, too. FESTIVALS

For the past couple of years we have missed many of our favorite festivals. Corn Hill Arts Festival is finally returning this summer on Saturday July 9 and Sunday July 10. Stroll down the tree-lined streets of one of Rochester’s oldest residential neighborhoods to shop from hundreds of artists. Four stages of music will have you dancing your way around the nine streets

Summer Soul Music Festival

of vendors. The family fun area is located off Adams Street and includes a fairy house tour, mobile aerial park, spin art, bounce houses, and clowns. Park your car and enjoy a free, air-conditioned, coach-style bus ride to and from the festival. Details at cornhillartsfestival.com. Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival returns this year with an entire weekend of free and ticketed events starting with a tailgate on Friday August 26. Tickets start at $25. Enjoy free family fun before the big concert with an allday block party at the Frontier Field VIP lot Saturday, August 27. You’ll find food, merchandise vendors, and a variety of unique performances. Gates open for ticket holders at 5:00 p.m. for Saturday’s concert. Tickets start at $69. More information at rocsummersoulfest.com. Roc Jam Live returns with Summer Soul Sunday edition, a free community event at Martin Luther King Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, Sunday, August 28 at 3:00 p.m. Visit RocJamLive.com to find out more.

Photos provided

Live baseball makes for the perfect summer activity. Bring the whole family down to Frontier Field, grab a Zweigle’s red hot, and catch a Red Wings game all summer long. Celebrate Independence Day early on July 3 with the biggest fireworks show of the season. Camp out with the whole family right on the field July 15. Check the full schedule for theme nights including Star Wars, dinosaurs, ZOOperstars, and Bark in the Park. Visit milb.com/rochester for details on which nights will have BOGO tickets, giveaways, celebrity guests, and a chance for kids to run the bases. New for kids this year: Red Wings and ROC Autism recently teamed up to build a brand-new sensory suite. The stadium will also feature an autism awareness day. Kids will enjoy seeing Milo the bat dog and lovable mascots Spikes, Mittsy, and Mac. Knot Hole Kids Club membership gets your littlest baseball fans (ages four to twelve) discounted tickets and tons of freebies. Ask about it at the box office!

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585kids.com | Summer 2022

family do list BY LENORA KASPER

JULY 9

JULY 20

AUGUST 17

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Mr. Loops

Topher Holt

JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT

Special effects and a live symphony orchestra that performs the iconic score are just some ways the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing guests back to the Jurassic time period. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 26 Gibbs St. (rpo.org)

JULY 23 YOUNG EAGLES FLIGHTS

Guests will get to see Disney’s underwater princess on the big screen and witness the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra perform the Oscar-winning score. 6 p.m. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater, 26 Gibbs St. (rpo.org)

The Experimental Aircraft Association offers kids 8 to17 a free airplane ride. The Young Eagles program’s sole mission is to inspire and introduce children to the world of aviation. The pilots introduce their plane, give a safety briefing, and take each youngster for a plane ride. There is also a fundraising cookout. Rides are also available August 20 and September 10. Please register at youngeagles44@gmail.com.Flight leaves from Brockport. Email for further details. (chapters.eaa.org/EAA44)

JULY 16

AUGUST 3

SUPERHERO AND PRINCESS TRAIN RIDES

PAULSEN AND BAKER CONCERT FOR KIDS

JULY 9 DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID

Dress up as your favorite superhero or princess for this fun vintage train ride with costumed guests. You never know what masked hero or ruling princess might show up to join the ride! A bounce house and other fun activities will be provided, so parents can enjoy the museum grounds. Tickets required. 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, 282 Rush Scottsville Rd. (rgvrm.org)

JULY 20 MR. LOOPS CONCERT FOR KIDS

This is Pittsford’s first summer concert for kids of the year. Get outside and dance along the canal! Mr. Loops will be putting 12

smiles on all the kids’ faces with his playlist of fun, age-appropriate rock. 6:30 p.m. Spiegel Community Center, Field 35 Lincoln Ave. (townofpittsford.org/recreation)

Summer 2022 | 585kids.com

Paulsen and Baker offer a variety of kids music genres such as country and rock. Kids will get to play, dance, and sing outside in the summer air. 6:30 p.m. Spiegel Community Center, 35 Lincoln Ave. (townofpittsford.org/recreation)

SEPTEMBER 2 CURIOSITY CAMPOUT: END-OF-SUMMER CELEBRATION

Celebrate the end of summer and the start of another school year with the Rochester Museum & Science Museum. Caregivers and campers will both have fun doing activities designed for the family. From engineering instruments and art to launching film canister rockets, this camp is the perfect way to cap off summer with your little camper. Activities are designed for ages 5 to 11, but campers of all ages are welcome. Materials are open-ended, so projects may be as complex or simple as desired. Must pre-register. 4:30-6:30 p.m. RMSC, 657 East Ave. (rmsc.org)

SEPTEMBER 17 MEET MILO THE BAT DOG

It’s Milo’s last appearance of the season, so make sure to stop by and get a glimpse of this sweet Rochester Red Wings golden retriever. The Red Wings have set a goal of raising $10,000 for Bivona Child Advocacy Center and Society for the Protection and Care of Children during the 2022 season. Each time Milo retrieves the bat, Flower City Group will donate $50! Fans also have a chance to meet Milo. 6:05 p.m. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way (milb.com/rochester)

AUGUST 17 TOPHER HOLT CONCERT FOR KIDS

You don’t want to miss Pittsford’s last summer concert for kids of the year. Kids and parents can dance to the live music outside and enjoy the fun activities and beautiful outdoor view. 6:30 p.m. Spiegel Community Center, 35 Lincoln Ave. (townofpittsford.org/recreation)

Photos provided

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585kids.com | Summer 2022

Creative kids Students spend time reviewing and editing their magazine

Pittsford fifth graders publish their own magazine BY MARY KOKINDA

Issue 5 of Jefferson Road magazine 14

Summer 2022 | 585kids.com

Photos provided

ids love animals, right? As a child, I not only loved them, but I also wanted to learn about them. Luckily, I had parents who provided me with subscriptions to many animal magazines. Reading each new issue loaded me with the confidence of knowing more about something. Nonfiction is often overlooked and underestimated, but if you leave reading material sitting around on a topic kids care about, they may just pick it up. Magazine articles are great to read in bursts and do not require lengthy attention like chapter books. There are often great illustrations or photographs, and a thoughtful reader may even find pleasure in a well-formatted page. Fold back those slippery pages to share a fascinating fact or amusing picture with others; it elevates the experience to a social event, a bonding moment. Being a magazine reader is still one of my favorite pastimes. Little did I realize all the work that went into the making of each issue, however, before managing a youthful and creative production staff of my own. A few years ago I challenged my Pittsford School District fifth-grade students to create a magazine that we could publish and share with our school community. With the principal’s permission, of course, we launched our yearly project. Students are now able to study the prior year’s published issues, which they always want to improve upon. Some classic ideas get repeated: “Instrument of the Issue,” “Debate Page,” an animal page, of course, and interviews where we ask a student from each grade about a kid-friendly topic. A lot of thought goes into the fact that our readers are five to eleven years old, and we want to help them learn to be great readers and thinkers. Fifth

Article drafts for review

graders write, research, photograph, design, and edit it all. Suddenly the act of revision or redoing their work isn’t an ask from a teacher; it’s a necessary move in order to be sure the end product will be the best version it can be. Learning how to compromise is key as classmates critique the work and provide constant feedback as we all work on one document online together. Positive peer pressure becomes an act of collaboration. When asked what she learned from the experience, Natalie says “that sometimes I have to change my ideas.” Another student, Gray, says, “I have learned to cooperate and to plan my work.” What’s the best part of it all? Rory says, “I enjoy looking over the final product and handing them out to kids all over the school and seeing people enjoy them.” When a second grade teacher emails to tell us that her students are working on the math page from our issue (my student writers create individual problems appropriate for each grade level) the joy of being a published author is clear. I often tell my students that the hard part of any given assignment will potentially be working with a partner or group, not

the actual work itself. Producing our magazine together epitomizes that idea but makes the struggle worth it. Because, of course, there are struggles. Learning to recognize that someone else’s ideas might look better or make more sense is hard for adults, too. Kids become more flexible and creative with each new page and every issue, kind of competing with themselves to do better. Have I mentioned that their work isn’t even graded? The growth they experience in computer skills, writing and revision, planning and follow through, as well as interpersonal skills is obvious to them and me. So yes, we are printing hard copies of paper magazines and the kids get it. “Feeling it in your hands” and the “good smell” are things that Tesla notices. “Some people can’t afford digital devices,” says Cece. Many students, in fact, want paper literature in their hands. Furthermore, Elliott points out, “It’s worth making a paper magazine because it encourages kids to read more magazines like (585) Kids!”

Every issue features a different musical instrument 585kids.com | Summer 2022

Starting the school year off right Eight ways to build a parent-teacher relationship BY SARAH MEAD

ummertime is finally here, but you-know-what is right around the corner. Forget Bruno—in my house we don’t talk about “back to school,” no no no. We hold on to every last delicious slice of summer. But eventually, my children end up stalking our mailbox hoping to find letters from their new teachers. Before we know it, we are in that aisle, crisp school supply list in hand. Anticipation fills the air. Parents wonder: “Will my child be helped or challenged enough? Will they have friends?” Teachers wonder: “Will the kids come in ready to learn? Will the parents be supportive?” As a former teacher and now a parent, I know what it feels like to be on both sides of the relationship and how important it is for our children that the adults in their lives work as a team. So, where do you start?

1. Meet the teacher. Many districts have a meet-the-teacher day or a back-to-school night. These times are meant for introductions and general questions, to get to know the classroom and school. Make sure to introduce yourself but remember to set up a private meeting for another time if you have specific concerns about your child.

2. Communicate. Email regularly and don’t let the first communication be a complaint. You should feel comfortable sharing your child’s achievements. This makes it easier to communicate when you do have a concern. Teachers want to give emotional support when needed most. Let them know when a pet dies, a friend moves away, or if parents are separating. If you do have a complaint, consider “sandwiching” it in between two compliments.

3. Volunteer in the classroom. You can do anything from cutting paper for a project to reading to a student who needs extra support. Many of us can’t volunteer on a regular basis, so consider purchasing extra school supplies for the class or chaperoning a field trip or special event. 16

Summer 2022 | 585kids.com

4. Bring your concerns to the teacher first. Many of us have said in the heat of the moment, “Your teacher said WHAT?!?” and immediately dialed the principal or even the superintendent to complain. Give the teacher the benefit of the doubt. Breathe. Remember that as information passes from teachers to students to parents, things can quickly turn into a game of telephone. If you feel the situation needs to be addressed, call the teacher. Keep records of times when you feel your child’s needs were not being met or you wished a situation was handled differently, but try not to be defensive. You are the expert on your child, but your child’s teacher is the expert on instructing twenty-five children at once.

5. Get organized! Make it a routine to check all backpacks and send back permission slips, correspondence, and money right away. Label everything! Check routinely for emails from teachers and respond when appropriate. Set up a white board calendar for your kids so they know what day they need their instrument, sneakers for PE, or to take the early bus. Color coding makes it easy for everyone to find their activities.

6. Join the PTSA. Each district has councils or committees you can join to give input, plan events, or just get informed. Dances and field trips need to be coordinated. It’s a great way to meet other parents and get involved in your community. If you don’t have time to volunteer, try to attend the events. For more information, check your school’s website for the next parent teacher student association meeting or a list of parent groups to join.

TEACHING AND INSPIRING DANCERS AROUND ROCHESTER SINCE 2009.

7. Talk about school at home. “How was school?” can feel too vague for most kids. Try asking questions like “What happened at recess? Who did you sit with at lunch? What book did you read? Is there anything I can help you work on?” We do “roses and thorns” at the dinner table every night where we talk about our favorite and least favorite parts of our day (grownups, too). It’s important to talk about the good and the bad but try not to speak negatively about your child’s teacher. This may give your child permission to misbehave or create anxiety.

8. Show your appreciation. If your child’s teacher helped him solve a problem with a friend or made her feel good about math, send a quick thank you. My first year teaching, I had two parents write long letters to the principal detailing how happy their children were in my classroom. It meant more to me than any gift card. So, I try to do the same thing for my children’s teachers at the end of the year. You can also get together with other parents in the class to create a memorable group gift. When in doubt, handwritten cards are the best.

COME DANCE WITH US!

There’s still time to register for summer from tumbling to hip hop, themed camp weeks, and competitive classes. Fall enrollment is underway, too! Boys and girls, tots to teens - there’s something for everyone at Elite! Find out more at elitestudioofdance.com @EliteStudioROC

1387 Fairport Road Suite 900 • Fairport, NY 14450 • (585) 425-7975 585kids.com | Summer 2022

book nook

Teen book fest is back!

Our favorite festival takes over Frontier Field BY DEENA VIVIANI

Caitlyn Stahovic-Barnes at Brighton Memorial Library with books by TBF authors

alling all fans of young adult literature: put September 24, 2022 on your calendar because the Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival (TBF) is back in person! The inaugural TBF kicked off in spring of 2006, the brainchild of Stephanie Squicciarini, a former Monroe County Library System (MCLS) teen services librarian, and ran every May through 2018. The TBF committee took a year off in 2019, which turned into two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, they rebounded with an online festival. Now TBF codirectors Olivia Durant, Colleen Hernandez, Caitlyn Stahovic-Barnes, and Katie Smith are ready to rock in person in an all-new location. TBF’s most recent home was Nazareth College, but even with most of a college campus at their disposal, the festival became so popular that it outgrew that space. More publishers wanted to send their authors every year, and more librarians, educators, and teens came to see them. The teen-centric atmosphere and attending author list drew thousands of fans from New York, its surrounding states, and Canada. “It’s like a giant book party with hundreds of people who love books just 18

Summer 2022 | 585kids.com

as much as you,” says Hernandez. After searching for a new, larger venue, they struck a deal with Frontier Field and “Take Me Out to TBF” was born. “The fact that we will have an entire baseball stadium to ourselves is so awesome!” says Smith. “Frontier Field is a staple in Rochester, so what better way to bring back our in-person festival than in the heart of the city?” “We will have special TBF–themed swag and merch for purchase to go along with our exciting new venue,” adds Hernandez. In addition to the new location, the group is changing the month the festival is held. Traditionally, it was on a Saturday

in May, but due to pandemic related circumstances they had to push the date back to September. However, the directors see this as a plus. “In the past, we would have to ‘compete’ with Mother’s Day, the Lilac Festival, proms, and graduations,” says Stahovic-Barnes. “September doesn’t always have to mean back to school. Now it can mean TBF!” Despite these big changes, a lot of the tried-and-true staples of TBF will be featured again this year. The opening author panel, individual breakout author sessions, and personal autographing opportunities are all on deck. Another key promise of the fest is that teens are put first. Priority seating is given to teens at the sessions, and they have special opportunities to participate as volunteers, which gets them closer to their favorite authors. There is a Teen Book Fest advisory board made up of teens who assist the directors with questions like which authors to invite and what kinds of merchandise teens would buy. The Teen Author Panel offers an avenue for teens to be in the festival if they are published digitally or in print —poetry or prose. Anyone who fits this bill is encouraged to contact TBF for an application. Alumni authors are also ready to come back, like the award-winning fan favorite Amy S. King (Dig). “During the pandemic, I missed a lot of things, but high up on my list was connecting with students at the Greater Rochester Teen Book Festival.

“Take Me Out to TBF” Where: Frontier Field One Morrie Silver Way Rochester 14608 Date: Saturday, September 24 Time: 10:00a.m.–5:00p.m. Cost: FREE

Find out more... teenbookfest.org facebook.com/roctbf Instagram: @roctbf Contact email: roctbf@gmail.com

Learning is an

adventure Author Tamora Pierce with Olivia Durant at the 2016 TBF

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Katie Smith, Wood Library in Canandaigua

Colleen Hernandez, Webster Public Library

It’s no secret that TBF is my favorite festival in the country, and I am not alone. I am so grateful to the committee for forging ahead during these uncertain times. I just can’t wait to see everyone again,” says King. Eighteen authors are expected this year, including Sona Charaipotra (Tiny Pretty Things), Ellen Hopkins (Crank), Falynn Koch (Science Comics: Plagues), Bill Konigsberg (Openly Straight), Claire Legrand (Furyborn), Katherine Locke (This Rebel Heart), G. Neri (Ghetto Cowboy), Michael Northrup (Trapped), Rose Szabo (What Big Teeth), and Vincent Tirado (Burn Down, Rise Up). As always, TBF is free thanks to its sponsors. You can support TBF by buying books from Hipocampo Children’s Books at the fest or by visiting the TBF page at hipocampochildrensbooks. com. It is important to note that TBF is run completely by volunteers. “TBF just isn’t possible without the extra help from teen volunteers,” says Stahovic-Barnes. Check out the website or follow TBF on social media to find out how to become an integral part of the fest. The volunteer hours can count as credit towards community service for school, or teens can do it to get an inside look at how the festival is run while at the same time meeting other like-minded teens. “Where else can a teen go to not only meet their favorite authors but meet other teens with similar interests?” says Stahovic-Barnes. “TBF is magic,” adds Smith. “You see friendships form in one day and watch teens realize that they aren’t alone.”

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ALL INSTRUMENTS | ALL AGES | ALL ABILITIES

esm.rochester.edu/community | (585) 274-1400

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC • UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

585kids.com | Summer 2022

Full Life Academy Launching a rewarding life for young adults on the autism spectrum BY CAROLYN SPERRY

hen young adults with autism exit the public school system, often at age twenty-one, they encounter what is sometimes called “the cliff” or “when the bus stops coming.” Without the structure of school, individuals and their parents sometimes struggle to find options that help facilitate continued growth. The leaders at AutismUp realized that there were “gaps in the community,” says marketing and development director Lisa Ponticello. Parents and individuals had to face “that question of what’s next,” she says. “I think we’d just been living in fear of the day the bus stops coming.” The programs that already existed for young adults worked great for some individuals but not all. Many programs focus on gainful employment—a great goal, but “clearly not practical for some of our kids,” says Ponticello. Some individuals might, for example, get more out of a classroom setting, an internship, or a volunteer experience.

Summer 2022 | 585kids.com

Given that there were “thousands” of individuals that did not fit well into the available offerings, Ponticello says, AutismUp realized that they needed to create a modern, innovative, and customized program that could fit anyone’s needs. Thus, the Full Life Academy (FLA) program was born. This new program was piloted in the summer of 2021 and fully launched in the fall of 2021 thanks to a grant from the Golisano Foundation. According to AutismUp executive director Sarah Milko, “individualization and innovation” are what sets this program apart. FLA uses an online platform that helps students create and set goals. The student is then advised, based on these goals, about what classes to take in order to achieve them. “Each individual is engaged in mapping out their own future,” said Milko. The “Foundations” classes offered at FLA are individual classes that help each participant work on personal goals. Navigators consider individuals’ skill levels, desires, and ambitions when

helping them craft a vision for their future. Navigators work with individuals themselves, and sometimes parents as well, to find the right fit. The classes then work on executive functioning skills using peer-to-peer support, “teachable moments,” and reallife scenarios. In addition to the Foundations classes, FLA offers students instruction in career exploration, technology, fitness, independent living, navigating relationships, exercise, gardening, and more. “We are still building it,” Ponticello says, but the idea is to offer a wide selection of classes, not unlike a college experience. AutismUp is actively working on forming more community partnerships to provide both work and recreation opportunities to program participants. The first two community partnerships have been highly successful. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) teaches a two-hour course once a week to students who are interested in living and navigating their community more safely. Some students have learned how to call 911, how to approach an officer for help, and what to do if they are lost. There are also opportunities to learn about what it takes to run a

large-scale department such as the MCSO. Students have visited MSCO facilities as well as the jail and courthouse and have had the opportunity to observe drones and horses in action. A second partnership is with the Seneca Park Zoo. Students go weekly to the zoo to get a behind-the-scenes look at zoo operations and learn about what it takes to work there, as well as learn about conservation and the environment. FLA participant Dianna Douglas, twenty-four, of Webster, loves the program. Via email, she explains that she first tried a college experience program that was not a perfect fit, so she started researching different programs. During a meeting with an advisor from Arc of Monroe and her service coordinator, she was introduced to the FLA concept. “When I heard about it, I was already excited because I loved AutismUp because I already was doing a program there on Saturdays,” she says. “So, we checked it out.” When asked what she likes best about the program, she says, “Wow, so many things, but if I had to pick one . . . being somewhere where I can learn and have fun while doing it.” She

585kids.com | Summer 2022

“

I want people to know that laughter is my all-time favorite medicine and that it’s so good for the soul. It’s good to be around positive people who also let out that same energy and know that it is so good to laugh till your belly hurts. Those are the best days that make wonderful memories.

”

—Dianna Douglas

has always loved to bake and is expanding her cooking horizons by learning new skills at FLA. “Now I find myself wanting to buy all the cooking things we use in class,” she remarks. “It’s made life so much better learning and knowing I can do it so that one day when I’m on my own I know I can be successful.” The FLA cooking classes cover topics like meal planning and kitchen safety in addition to cooking skills. Douglas says that going forward, she would like to do more baking each week. So far, feedback about FLA from participants, partners, and instructors has been very positive, Ponticello says. They are actively listening to any suggestions

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and feedback. “The opportunities to just . . . meet everybody where they’re at and make new friends . . . it’s been really wonderful.” Douglas agrees—she feels that FLA is “a wonderful program and there is outstanding staff on the team.” She tells anyone thinking about participating that, “If you have any worries just give it a shot; you won’t regret it. This is a special program for awesome people.”

feeding your family

Power-packed lunches Tips for fun and easy lunch-making BY EMILY DICESARE

Pro tip #1—Spread peanut butter on both sides of the bread with jelly in the middle. This way the jelly doesn’t get one side soggy. A sandwich, protein/granola bar, cheese stick, and a piece of fruit or sliced veggies is the perfect lunch for my formula child. Pro tip #2—Put a slice of cheese on each side of the bread for cold cut sandwiches with mayo or mustard in the middle to keep the bread from getting mushy. Now, perhaps you have a child that likes the same thing, but doesn’t like sandwiches. A roll-up can be a great way to get some protein and veggies into their lunch. Take a large tortilla, spread with cream cheese, boursin cheese, or hummus. Next, lay down a layer of deli meat, top with a slice of cheese, then thinly spread spinach, lettuce leaves, or shredded carrots over that. Then roll up starting at one end. Slice cross wise to make pinwheels. Be creative with toppings or spreads—substitute pickles, thinly sliced cucumbers, or bell peppers instead of greens. Avoid tomatoes or other watery vegetables. These rollups don’t get as soggy as a sandwich and last a few days in the fridge. For most elementary-aged children one large tortilla makes enough for two children or one child and a happy spouse who leaves for the office with a packed lunch.

Some kids prefer a hot lunch. Leftover pasta, soups, and stews make great lunches. Yet most younger children do not have access to a microwave at school. How to keep those lunches warm? Pro tip #3—Fill a thermos with boiling water and place on the counter for 10–15 minutes while you reheat the leftovers in the microwave (and make a cup of coffee for yourself). Pour out the boiling water and fill the thermos with the hot food. It will stay warm for several hours. My favorite, and the most popular way in our house to pack lunches, is in bento boxes. The YumBox brand is the best in my opinion; it truly does not leak. Salsa, cottage cheese, and yogurt all stay separate in their areas. The small compartments allow you to pack a variety of different foods. For younger kids I have found this to be a particularly successful way to get kids to finish their lunches. Additionally, it is a nice way to use up small amounts of leftovers. Do you have only a little bit of leftover chicken, six grapes, and one scoop of macaroni salad left? All perfect for the small compartments of a bento box. Some other quick ideas: • Try premade salads, the kind that come with the fork and dressing. Throw in a lunch bag with a few other “sides.”

• Portion out snacks at the beginning of the week. Having five bags of pretzels, gold fish, nuts, etc. ready to go saves a few precious minutes in the mornings. Reusable zipper bags are nice for these types of snacks and cut down on single use plastics.

In summary, learn what works for your family, what your children will eat, and what you have time for. It is better to pack a lunch your child will actually eat than one that is Instagram worthy. Though if it happens to be both, that’s an added bonus! 585kids.com | Summer 2022

Photo provided by author

If you are looking for inspiration as you pack school lunches, do not, I repeat DO NOT search on Pinterest. What you will find are many pictures of people cutting sandwiches into star and flower shapes, or decorating fruit with googly eyes, and then arranging it all by color to create rainbows. Very few (if any) actual parents have this kind of time. Plus, all of us have seen our perfectly packed lunches chucked into backpacks or swung around on the way to the bus stop. I think children can be divided into two types of lunch eaters. The formula child is one that likes the exact same thing for lunch every day. Then there is the child that needs variety. I happen to have one of each. The former, the formula child, is obviously much easier to pack for. PB &J every day for a whole week? Easy! I don’t like to make all the sandwiches at once, because by Friday who really wants to eat a five-day old sandwich. But for some, the time to pack all the lunches is on Sunday evenings, and that is ok. Lower your expectations—they are children, and they spend most of the lunch period talking/screwing around.

(585) Kids Summer 2022—Get ready for school!

Articles inside

Mindfulness moment

Creative kids

Audrey asks

All aboard

Feeding your family

Book nook

New and noteworthy

Meet the red pandas

Full Life Academy