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12 n Begin Your Summer Camp Search: A Parent’s Roadmap by Rebecca Hastings Directories:
Helping Your Child With Special Needs Make and Keep Friends by Carolyn Tomlin
54 n Family Flavors
Savory Favorites to Make St. Patrick’s Day Special
55 n The Kiddie Gourmet Figmor Cafe & Bakery by Barbara Blackburn
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What’s New... IN THE KIDBIZ web.finds
Award Winning STEAM Toys
Looking for some fun, brain powered toys to keep your child occupied as we wait for the spring thaw to arrive? Check out these award-winning options that provide hands-on experiences that kids will love!
TECTI
Cubes with tectonic moves! TECTI presents a turning point in building toys with an innovative kinetic building system. With TECTI, people can build over 50 kinetic structures out of interlocking, movable cubes. Each cubatic structure shifts into different shapes with tectonic-like movement thanks to built-in hinges. Love a certain shape? Lock it into place with a keystone—a single cube to insert into your structure to keep it from moving. Or keep exploring how your TECTI shifts and what you can create next! TECTI is STEAM accredited and for ages 12 and up. (Amazon, $34.99)
HyperTiles
HyperTiles are simple, super-versitile hyperbolic shapes that can be linked together in an infinite number of combinations that can move and flex—providing endless options, surprising outcomes, and hours of 3-dimensional adventure. When you are ready to explore more, combine multiple sets to build bigger shapes! HyperTiles are STEM.org authenticated and STEAM accredited which means it has been tested to support science, technology, engineering, and math standards. For ages 5 and up. (Amazon, $24.99)
Shashibo
BOTANICAL GARDENS OPENS NEW TROPICAL ORCHARD EXHIBIT
The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes visitors to enjoy a new tropical adventure in their completely renovated greenhouse. The Tropical Orchard features a collection of edible plants from around the world, two new entrances, new winding pathways and educational signage. The opening of the new greenhouse also celebrates the completion of a pathway that was partially completed in November 2023. This pathway is dedicated in honor of the life and legacy of the Botanical Gardens’ dear friend, Mary Ann Kresse. The greenhouse renovation began in mid-November 2024 and the Tropical Orchard is now open to the public.
Shashibo is the original, patented Magnetic Puz zle Cube! Each Shashibo contains 36 rare earth magnets and can morph into over 100 different shapes. The introduction of seasonal, limited-edition styles and the retirement of older styles maintains the line’s freshness and creates demand for new styles as people collect and connect their new Shashibo. Shashibo was authenticated in 2024 as a MESH (Mental Emotional Social Help) toy by MESHhelps.org and is also an official STEAM accredited toy. Its best-in-class quality and customer service has net ted an astonishing 55,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon. For ages 8 and up. (Amazon, $25.00)
The Tropical Orchard plant collection features fruits, spices, grains, and other edible plants from around the world. There is also educational signage throughout the exhibit for visitors to learn about these exciting plants and the essential role that edible plants and their pollinators play in the world.
Some of the most notable features of the plant exhibit that will excite visitors includes starfruits, banana plants, Australian finger limes, a pineapple grove, a chocolate tree, a ponderosa lemon, a strawberry guava tree, peach tree, and so much more.
This renovation is the first of many exciting transformations on the horizon for the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens this year. As part of their Expansion and Renovation Project, several more updates and changes are planned for inside the conservatory this year and beyond.
“This transformation is a wonderful example of what we strive to do each and every day to achieve our mission. We are so fortunate to have such a passionate and creative team that continues to find exciting new ways to connect people with plants by creating immersive and beautiful experiences. We can’t wait for our community to enjoy our Tropical Orchard,” said President and CEO, Erin Grajek.
The Tropical Orchard is open daily and is included with admission. Visit www.buffalogardens.com to purchase tickets and explore upcoming exhibits, events and shows. Members of Botanical Gardens receive free admission year-round but must have a ticket.
— by Kimberly Blaker
Got Spring Fever? Try These 14 Fun
Outdoor Family Activities
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party.’”
— Robin Williams
Make the most of this exhilarating season by getting outdoors to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and loads of fun with these family activities.
Plant a flower or vegetable garden. Gather up the kids, head to the nursery, and pick out flats of flowers or packets of vegetable seeds. When you get home, plan the arrangement and spacing of the plants. Then have everyone pitch in with digging and planting. To maintain your kids’ interest in the garden, set up a watering schedule, and have everyone take turns throughout the season.
Visit a state or national park. Forests and parks come alive in the spring. Not only does the greenery begin to fill in, but wildlife abounds. So, it’s the perfect time of year for a nature hike. Be sure to take along your binoculars and a camera to capture newly blossomed plants, animals, and birds.
Fly a kite. A breezy spring day is perfect for flying kites. For even more fun, order a kite kit in advance for your family to design your own. Then, check out YouTube videos on how to fly a kite before you head out to ensure your adventure is a success.
Go garage saling.
Spring is when rummage sales get into full swing. So, go on a treasure hunt for great buys and to reduce our imprint on the planet by buying used. Before you head out, check your local newspaper and Craigslist for garage sale listings. Then plan your route to make the most of your outing.
Make a yard orna-
ment. Gather up your family to brainstorm a fun project to liven up your yard or landscape. Here are a few ideas to get you started: a unique birdhouse, colorful bird feeder, artistically painted planter, mosaic walkway or welcome sign, fun sculpture, or musical wind chimes. Whatever you come up with, you can likely find design ideas, instructions, or kits online.
Go on a picnic.
Pack some finger foods like sandwiches, cheese sticks, veggies and dip, fruit, cookies, and beverages. Then head to the park to enjoy some play, relaxation, and grub.
Build a fort.
If you have a stash of construction materials lying around, this is an excellent way to put it to use. Another option is to buy several sections of privacy fencing for prebuilt walls for your fort. There are many ways to build a fort. So, search online for easy, low-cost ideas.
Play disc golf.
These courses have popped up in parks everywhere and are fun for all ages. Just head to your nearby sporting goods store and pick up a few discs before you go.
Go
on
a scavenger
hunt. Make a list of items that are found outdoors, such as an oak leaf, clover, piece of trash, chunk of gravel, dandelion, pop can, speckled rock, wildflower, and so forth. Before heading out for the hunt, set a time limit and any safety rules. Then split up into two teams and see who can bring home the most items on the list.
Set
up
a lemonade
stand. For the entrepreneurial fam-
ily, this is a fun way to spend a spring day. Bake up cookies or brownies, make some lemonade, and design colorful “Cookies & Lemonade” signs. Then hang the posters at nearby corners and main intersections. Better yet, take advantage of the extra traffic when a neighbor holds a yard sale.
Go
for
a peddle.
Whether it’s a ride through your neighborhood or on a paved trail system, a bike ride is a great way to get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and take in all the sights of spring.
Hold a garage or toy sale. Have your kids clean out their old toys and outgrown clothes. Then offer your kids a portion or all of the proceeds for holding or helping with the sale. Be sure to advertise it on Craigslist and post ‘yard sale’ signs on nearby corners and your main intersection.
Attend a soccer or baseball game. Nothing says ‘it’s spring’ like a baseball or soccer game. Get some tickets to a pro baseball game, or check the game schedule for your kids’ school. Before you go, be sure to dress in the colors of your favorite team.
Take a country drive.
Spring is the perfect time of year to roll down the windows and take a scenic cruise. Kick back, put on some happy music, and enjoy the blue skies, budding trees, and bursts of colorful flowers.
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online store, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com.
— by Rebecca Hastings
Remove, Reorganize, and Refresh:
The Simple Way to Keep Your Kids Stuff from Taking Over
How is it that such tiny humans can have so much stuff? From clothes in a host of sizes to toys that fill buckets, bins, and closets, it can feel like your kids’ stuff is starting to take over your house. With so much stuff, it is no surprise that kids’ rooms can get pretty messy, even if your child is great about putting things away.
The reality is, your kids are constantly changing. Whether it’s a growth spurt that requires a new size of clothing or a change in interest that deems last season’s hot toy uninteresting, the changes kids go through carry over into their belongings. This can leave parents with clothing in multiple sizes, toys in varied stages of play, and all the other things kids need like bedding, décor, and school things. No matter how much stuff your kids have, it is possible to get a handle on it so it doesn’t take over. The trick is to think about the three R’s.
What Are The Three R’s?
With three kids I felt like my modest ranch-style home was being overrun with stuff. Whether you have one kid or ten, kid’s stuff has a way of multiplying and overtaking even the most organized home. That’s why the three R’s come in handy. They create a simple way to remember how to keep things under control.
Start with
REMOVE
Most of the time parents focus on keeping things tidy. This makes sense on a daily or weekly basis. Put the books on the bookshelf, get the toys in the bin, and hopefully get the laundry put away. These are great goals. But how do you handle all the things that keep coming into the space? To keep things in check, you must be willing to remove items.
Removing items has a few different parts. Each one is important and has a place in keeping kids’ belongings under control.
Remove clothing, toys, and other items they have outgrown. This could be clothing that no longer fits, toys that are too young for them and they no longer have an interest in, and random other items like décor that no longer matches their stage. Some examples include:
1. Clothing that is too small. If you are saving things for a younger sibling, take the time to sort the clothing, keeping only what is worth keeping, storing, and labeling it for easy access later.
2. Toys that are too young for them. This one can be tricky, but you can often look at your child’s toys and see what this means. If a toy is developmentally young for them AND they no longer have interest in it, it is a good sign to get rid of the item. If you are not sure, gather the items in a box and put it somewhere they can’t see it. If they don’t ask for any of the items for a month, it’s a good sign you can get rid of them without any guilt.
3. Other items you may need to get rid of include bedding that is too small for their bed and old nursery or bedroom décor that is no longer age-appropriate. Books are one exception to this as children will often go back to books that seem too young because they are favorites. You can get rid of books, but do so thoughtfully. Remove anything that your child no longer needs or uses. The more thorough you can be the better. Remove anything that is broken, stained, or in need of re-
pair (that you won’t actually repair). Be honest. It may feel hard at the moment, but you don’t need useless items taking up space in your home.
Next, it’s time to REORGANIZE
Going through everything may feel exhausting, but once you’ve done that, you can begin to reorganize what’s left. Many people make the mistake of starting with organization, only to discover they are spinning their wheels organizing things they don’t even need. Remember, the goal is to keep your kids’ belongings from overtaking your home (and your sanity!)
It is tempting to go online and find the best organizing solutions, but start with what you have. You can always fill in the gaps later. Consider using storage solutions around the house such as bins, baskets, or shelves to keep things tidy. Then make a list of what you still need. Always organize before you buy new storage solutions.
Finally, give everything a
REFRESH
Now that you have all of the belongings in order, everything could use a bit of a refresh. Consider doing this in kids’ rooms, playrooms, and family rooms. Follow these steps to make the process easy and distraction free:
Dust and Wipe: Start by dusting all surfaces, including shelves, furniture, and electronic devices. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth or foam sponge like a Magic Eraser to remove accumulated dirt or grime.
Vacuum or Sweep: Next, clean the floors thoroughly. Vacuum carpets and rugs, and sweep or mop hard floors. Be sure to get corners, around heat sources, and under furniture. Deep-cleaning carpets or area rugs with a service or a carpet cleaner is also helpful.
Wash Bedding: Launder all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. This can contribute to a fresh and clean atmosphere in your room. Replace worn pillows or sheets. If pillows are yellowed, wash them as directed or replace them.
Clean Windows: Clean all windows inside and out. This will allow more natural light to enter and brighten up the space. Don’t just clean the glass. Be sure to clean the sills, tracks, trim, and screens so things are fresh and clean. Also, wipe down blinds or shades to remove any dust or dirt and make sure they are in working order. Remove curtains and wash as directed.
Check and Rotate Mattress: If possible, rotate or flip your mattress. This helps to maintain its shape and comfort over time and improves longevity. Be sure to follow directions for your specific mattress as some types do not get flipped. Also, check to see if the mattress needs replacement. A quality mattress is important for sleep and overall wellness, even for kids.
Evaluate and Rearrange: Now that you’re done, take a moment to evaluate the layout of the room. Is everything working well? Do you notice any gaps or things that are not functional? Consider rearranging furniture or creating zones for a new look and improved functionality.
Keeping Things From Overtaking Your Home is a Process
It would be great if you only had to go through this process once, but this is an ongoing process as long as you have kids. Different ages and stages require different things. As you do this more often, it will get easier. And as kids get older, they can be a helpful part of the process. Try to remove, reorganize, and refresh routinely so your home feels more peaceful for everyone.
Rebecca Hastings is a former elementary teacher who traded the classroom for writing when she stayed home with her three children. Passionate about authenticity, faith, and family, you can find her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Amazon. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate.
Gblast for the entire family.
CENTRAL
8 St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids
— by Janeen Lewis
♣ Create clever crafts. ♣
♣ Share the significance. ♣
People across the globe celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, on March 17th, the date of St. Patrick’s death. St. Patrick was believed to be born in the late 4th Century in Britain. When he was 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. Six years later, he escaped and reunited with his family in Britain. When he became a cleric, St. Patrick returned to Ireland. He is credited with successfully spreading Christianity in Ireland, where he started monasteries, churches, and schools.
♣ Go green. ♣
St. Patrick’s Day revelers usually participate in the “wearing of the green,” dressing in shirts, dresses, and plaid kilts in shades of green. And you don’t have to limit green to clothing. For fun, dye all liquids green—think milk and the toilet bowl water. Make your kids lime Kool-Aid or gelatin. Use face paint to decorate faces with shamrocks. Wear green beads and emerald costume jewelry from the dollar store.
For younger children, easy shamrock hats and headbands are easy to make, as well as rainbow-colored jewelry made with pipe cleaners and cereal or beads. For older children, mosaic shamrocks or tissue paper shamrock sun catchers are creative. Follow a “How to Draw” tutorial on YouTube and learn to sketch a rainbow shamrock, leprechaun, or Celtic cross. Paint Mason jars green and decorate with an Irish theme. Light them up by putting battery-operated fairy lights or tea lights in the jars. Make a clover crown with tissue paper or felt shamrocks.
Another easy idea is to supply kids with materials and see what they create! Material ideas: green paper, pipe cleaners, beads, gold and green glitter, glue, green and white foam cutouts, markers and paint, paper plates, felt squares of all the colors of the rainbow, and marshmallows.
♣ Compose lucky limericks. ♣
A limerick is a funny, five-line, one stanza poem. This nonsense form was made popular by English poet Edward Lear in the mid-1800s, but Limericks were probably named for the city and county of Limerick in Ireland. Let your kids try their hand at writing limericks. Visit www.poetry4kids.com to learn more about this poetry form. The website includes a free printable worksheet with the limerick rules and an example at the top, and lines for kids to write their own limericks at the bottom.
♣ Find the pot of gold. ♣
Plan a scavenger hunt with clues written on construction paper shamrocks. If someone in the family is talented at writing limericks, let them make up the clues. Scatter the clues around the house on a trail that leads to a black pot filled with gold candy coins. Split the candy among all the kids in the family so everyone gets a share of the loot.
♣ Visit virtually. ♣
Even if you can’t go to a St. Patrick’s Day parade or celebration, there are still ways to soak up Irish culture remotely. Visit IB4UD at wwwIrelandbeforeyoudie.com and view “10 Virtual Tours of Ireland’s Most Famous Landmarks.” See 360-degree views of cliffs, castles, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and emerald gardens and forests.
♣ Check out lit up landmarks. ♣
Since 2010, landmarks around the world light up on March 17th for a “Global Greening” initiative. Famous monuments and buildings light up green on St. Patrick’s Day, including Sydney’s Opera House in Australia, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland Paris, the Las Vegas Welcome Sign, the Great Wall of China, the Empire State Building in New York City, the Coliseum in Rome, Italy and hundreds more.
♣ Cook up some Irish eats. ♣
St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without trying traditional Irish cuisine. Allrecipes.com has several Irish recipes. Whip up some corned beef and cabbage, bake a shepherd’s pie, try your hand at soda bread or slow cook Irish stew made with lamb chops or beef. If you can’t make a feast, why not delight the family with a dessert like white iced shamrock cookies? Or go decadent with Dublin Drop Cake, Irish tea cake or Irish cream ice cream. Parents can top it all off with some Irish coffee.
Make St. Patrick’s Day fun and festive and start a new green tradition with your family this year.
Janeen Lewis is a freelance writer with degrees in journalism and elementary education from Eastern Kentucky University. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Kentucky.
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Helping Them Grow Up Healthy &
Summer camp is a rite of passage for many kids, providing a chance to make new friends, learn new skills, and experience independence. But as a parent, choosing the right camp can feel overwhelming. With so many options—day camps, overnight camps, sports camps, arts camps, and more—it can be tough to know where to start.
Starting your research early and following a clear plan will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s how to begin researching the perfect summer camp for your child.
1. Know Your Child’s Interests and Needs
The first step in finding the right camp is knowing what excites your child. Is your son an outdoor adventurer who loves hiking and swimming? Or is your daughter a budding artist or athlete? Matching the camp’s focus with your child’s passions will ensure they’re engaged and happy.
Also, consider your child’s personality. Some kids are ready for the adventure of overnight camp, while others might prefer to stick close to home at a day camp. If your child has special needs—whether it’s a medical condition, dietary restriction, or social-emotional support—many camps offer programs specifically tailored for inclusivity.
2. Choose the Camp Type
Once you’ve nailed down your child’s interests, it’s time to choose the type of camp. There are several options:
Day Camps: These are great for younger kids or those not ready for an overnight stay. They offer a full day of activities but kids return home in the evening.
Overnight Camps: Perfect for older or more adventurous children who are excited about spending a few days or even weeks away from home.
Specialty Camps: Does your child love soccer, painting, or science? There are camps dedicated to specific interests, from sports to STEM.
Begin Your Summer Camp Search: A
Parent’s Roadmap
— by Rebecca Hastings
3. Research the Camp’s Reputation
Now that you’ve narrowed down the type of camp, it’s time to dig into the details. Start by asking around. Word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents can be invaluable. You can also check online reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp or Google.
Traditional Camps: These offer a wide range of activities like swimming, hiking, and team-building, giving kids a little taste of everything.
Faith-Based Camps: If your family values align with a particular faith, consider a camp that includes spiritual growth alongside fun activities.
The key here is balance. If your child loves soccer but also enjoys swimming, a general outdoor camp with a soccer focus might be the best of both worlds.
For added peace of mind, look for camps accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA accreditation means the camp meets industry standards in health, safety, and program quality.
You should also review the camp’s website and social media pages. Many camps post videos or photos from previous summers, giving you a feel for what the camp is like in action. If possible, attend open houses or camp fairs to meet the staff and see the facilities firsthand.
4. Check the Staff and Safety Protocols
Staff make all the difference in creating a positive camp experience. Make sure the camp hires experienced, well-trained
counselors. Ask about the counselor-to-camper ratio—ideally, there should be enough counselors to give each camper attention while maintaining safety.
Speaking of safety, inquire about the camp’s medical staff and emergency protocols. Does the camp have nurses on-site? What’s the protocol for handling allergies or injuries? With the right precautions in place, you’ll feel more confident about your child’s well-being.
5. Review the Schedule and Activities
Most camps will provide a schedule of daily activities. Look for a good mix of structured activities and free time. This balance helps keep kids engaged and gives them the chance to explore at their own pace.
If it’s a specialty camp, check that there’s enough variety to keep things interesting. Even a sports camp should offer downtime or alternate activities like swimming or arts and crafts so kids have breaks and less-structured fun time.
6. Consider Location and Cost
Think about practical considerations like location and cost. If it’s a day camp, make sure it’s within a reasonable distance for daily drop-offs and pick-ups. For overnight camps, consider how far you’re comfortable with your child being from home.
Cost can vary widely, but many camps offer scholarships or payment plans. Don’t hesitate to ask about financial aid if it’s needed. Early registration discounts are another way to save money, so starting your research early can pay off.
7. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right about a camp—even if it looks great on paper—keep looking. The
perfect camp is out there, and when you find it, you’ll know.
Summer Fun Awaits!
With some planning and research, you can find the perfect summer camp that matches your child’s interests and your family’s needs. By following these steps and including your child in the process, you’ll both be confident and excited for a summer full of fun and new adventures!
Toddler Time ages 5 and under Wed. - 12:15-1:00pm: $5 members/$7 non-members
Open Tumbling Jr. High and up Mon/Wed - 8:50-9:45pm: $10
Infant Sensory 6 weeks until walking Tuesday - Noon-12:30pm FREE
Summer
CAMPsSummer
10 Tips for Moms with Aging Parents:
How You Have it Right & America has it WRONG!
Iknow I don’t know you, but believe me, I do, and I want to start by saying THANK YOU!
Thank you for doing everything you can to not only be there for your children but also navigate the landscape of caring for an aging parent. Until you’ve done it, you simply just don’t understand. I had to begin by sincerely acknowledging you. I am writing this to you because you deserve support too!
#1: DEEP BREATHS!
Seriously, when you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, take some deep breaths. If it can help with labor pains (remember how we thought we’d never get through those either), it will and can help you navigate through this unique time in your life, where the relationship dynamic with your parents begins to reverse—congratulations, you’re a brand-new mom all over again! Deep breaths aren’t the only thing that will help; we are here to help you too!
#2: BE FLEXIBLE!
The more open and flexible you can be, the easier this entire phase of your life will be—and I mean flexible in all ways! Get some exercise, stretch,
have a calendar with open blocks of time, and most importantly, be flexible emotionally; your parents are still your parents, and they love you unconditionally. Never forget that, but they need you now, and that’s okay! Sadly,
America has it wrong when it comes to our aging population. They deserve to be treated with the highest level of gratitude and respect. You are doing the absolute right thing, and to make sure you’re able to continue to do so, stay flexible! You’ll need it as things progress.
#3: IT TAKES A VILLAGE!
All around the world, other cultures care for their elders with reverence and the entire community prioritizes their needs, as it should be. Thank you for doing that when, sadly, you likely don’t have a village to help you. The good news is I have spent almost two decades finding the gems in our community that can help, and I am weaving them into these tips. I recommend you get your phone out and add them to your contacts as I address them, so you have them for future reference. Seriously, go get your phone!
#4: DOWNLOAD GROUPON!
Why may you ask? I once got kicked out of a mom’s group because I said my kids don’t come first—that’s right, I said it!! After 24 years of personal development, the #1 tip I need to share with you is the very best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself. Your kids & parents are cared for twice as well when you are operating at your best, so invest that hour or two each week and find time for yourself! I like Groupon because you can find half-off deals on amazing selfcare sessions like massage, reflexology, facials, chiropractic care, food, etc. Another self-care option on a budget is to call the local cosmetology or massage school; the students often do great work for half the price! I also highly recommend a local expert in caring for care takers, Darcy Theil. She is nationally recognized as a leader in guiding care takers and can be reached at 716-912-8448 and at www.marriageandfamilycounseling. net. Your mental and emotional health needs to be looked after as well! If you
continued on page 22
— by Laura Shriver-Brown
10 TIPS FOR MOMS WITH AGING PARENTS
start feeling depressed, or anxious (or the person you’re caring for does), NAMI is an incredible, nationally accredited, free resource that can help: namibuffalony.org. You are both going through a lot, so sadly, this is not uncommon, and it is okay to get help!
#5: YOU ALREADY DID A GREAT JOB!
Remember, you have laid a foundation, so your kids can do a lot more than you think on their own! Trust that the mistakes you made, because you’re human, are going to be fine! Trust that the good choices you’ve made have instilled some good decision-making skills in your children. When possible, encourage your kids to be more independent, and give them tools to solve their own problems. In other words, avoid the instinct to jump in for your kids all the time! They are resilient and they are in their season of learning life lessons, so let them!
#6: PROTECT THE ASSETS!
If your parents are still healthy and independent, now is the time to have this talk. If your parents are declining a bit, now is the time to have this talk. If your parents are really needing support, yesterday was the time to have this talk, but it’s okay—do it today! Wealthy people have been using trusts to protect their assets for centuries. If you are not familiar with trusts, don’t worry— neither was I, and neither is 99% of the WNY population!
There are many kinds of trusts. To protect your parents’ assets, you can call your family lawyer, or an elder law lawyer. I strongly recommend looking into putting your parents’ home into a trust. Just in case things decline (and sometimes this can happen rapidly), this will protect the home from being eventually considered as part of an estate that a nursing home, or Medicaid,
could potentially come after if your parents ever need nursing home level care. New York State currently has a 5 year look back for nursing home care (there are talks of increasing this number), so the sooner you do this, the better! You can also simply have the talk about putting the house in your name, or that of you and your sibling(s). The Center for Elder Law & Justice is a non-profit that has lawyers who can happily give you some free, or highly discounted, but quality, guidance in this matter. They can be reached at (716) 853-3087 or by visiting www.elderjusticeny.org
#7: WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE THAT I DON’T KNOW?!?
An excellent resource when caring for seniors is NY Connects. They are the 211 of senior care in the state. They are not available 24/7 like the general 211 information call is, but they specialize in senior citizen resources. You can reach them by dialing (800) 3429871.
#8: WHAT CAN MEDICAID DO FOR MY AGING LOVED ONES?
More than you think! Medicaid will not provide financial assistance or food stamps (those are separate programs), but it will do quite a lot! It can cover medical copays your parents may be paying and, if they have a medical need, it can even cover amendments to the house, like ramps and chair lifts, and even home care. For help understanding how they can qualify, you can call your local county’s Medicaid office. To find their number, call NY Connects, who can be reached at (800) 342-9871.
#9: CAN I REALLY GET PAID TO HELP MY PARENTS AND/OR GRANDPARENTS?
YES! Sometimes it is difficult to know what to believe from TV, telemarketers, Facebook ads, etc. The truth is
you can absolutely get paid for everything you’re already doing for your parents and/or grandparents. If they do not already have Medicaid, go to #10, then let’s talk (the rest of this section will be useless to you until they have Medicaid). If your loved one(s) do already have Medicaid, call NIYA (a New York State organization that will determine how many hours you will get paid each week). NIYA can be reached at (855) 222-8350. You will need to schedule two appointments where a nurse will conduct interviews and determine your loved one’s needs.
After the second appointment, you will receive a letter with how many hours you will get paid (and if you cannot handle all of the hours, you can hire whomever you’d like to help you care for your parents) and will have to choose an MLTC (Managed Long Term Care). I recommend iCircle, but there are a number of great options! iCircle can be reached at (844) 424-7253. Your next call the very same day should be to a home care agency, who will manage those hours with a clock in system, and pay you. I recommend America Homecare, but there are many other great options. I like America Homecare because they are a local company with accessible owners who put the client experience as their #1 priority. They can be reached at (716) 2889300. This process can take up to three months, so you will want to do this as soon as your loved one has any issues with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living). This includes needing assistance cooking, cleaning, walking (if they use a cane or walker), getting up and down, in and out of bed, bathing, toileting, etc.
#10: MY PARENTS MAKE TOO MUCH MONEY TO QUALIFY FOR ANY HELP!
Believe it or not, it is not their finances that qualify them for assistance after the age of 65, it is their health! Does your mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa have a chronic condition? As your aging loved one’s health changes and they need more and more help, the continued on page 25
Are you caring for an older adult?
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When a Grandparent Moves In:
Tips to Help the Family Adjust
The decision for a grandparent to move in with the family is exciting, but can also bring a lot of questions and changes. While it brings the potential for deeper family bonds and added support, it also requires adjustments from everyone involved.
Normal household routines can be disrupted when you add someone to the household. Just think how it was when you added a partner or child into your life. Things changed and you had to change with it. When a grandparent moves in, these changes not only affect you and the kids but also the grandparents. Things like boundaries, expectations, and space need to be considered as the family adjusts.
You can make the transition smoother with thoughtful planning and open communication. Here are some valuable tips to help everyone in the family adapt to this new living arrangement.
OPEN AND HONEST COMMUNICATION
Clear and honest communication is the cornerstone of any successful
family arrangement. Sit down together to discuss expectations, concerns, and any potential challenges that may arise. Start by having these conversations as adults, but then include children so they feel heard and understood. This open dialogue lays the foundation for a peaceful living situation.
CREATE A PERSONAL SPACE
Ensure that the grandparent has a designated area that is private and comfortable. This space allows for a sense of independence and personal autonomy, which is crucial for their well-being. It also provides a retreat when they need some quiet time. Enforce the idea to children that this is their grandparent’s personal space. It isn’t a place for kids to play or explore unless they are invited to do so.
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
Routine provides a sense of stability for everyone involved. Setting up a routine that includes meal times, shared
activities, and designated times for personal space will help everyone know what to expect. Predictability helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of belonging.
RESPECT INDIVIDUAL BOUNDARIES
Each family member, including the grandparent, has their own set of boundaries. Be mindful of personal preferences and give everyone the space they need. This respect fosters a healthy environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
ADDRESS HEALTHCARE AND WELL-BEING NEEDS
Ensure that the grandparent’s healthcare needs are addressed promptly. This includes regular medical checkups, medication management, and any specific dietary requirements. Open communication with healthcare providers helps in providing the best care possible.
INCLUDE THE GRANDPARENT IN FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Incorporate the grandparent into family activities and traditions. This can include game nights, family outings, or holiday celebrations. Active inclusion fosters a sense of belonging and helps the grandparent feel like a vital part of the family.
DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITIES
Distribute household responsibilities among family members, including the grandparent. Choose responsibilities based on people’s unique abilities and interests. This not only helps in sharing the workload but also gives the grandparent a sense of purpose and contribution within the household.
ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE
Foster independence by allowing the grandparent to take on tasks they are comfortable with. This could range from assisting with household chores to managing their finances. Empowering them in this way maintains a sense of dignity and self-worth. Each situation will be different and may need to be changed. Be flexible and open to discover what works.
SEEK SUPPORT AND RESPITE
Caring for a grandparent, especially if they have specific needs, can be demanding. Family members need to seek support from local community resources, support groups, or professional caregivers when needed. Providing respite care ensures that everyone has the opportunity for self-care and rejuvenation. You can enlist help for things like rides, meals, and companionship.
SHOW
APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE
Expressing gratitude and appreciation for the grandparent’s presence and contributions is essential. Simple gestures, like a heartfelt thank-you or spending quality time together, go a long way in strengthening the family bond. While you may be helping them by providing a new living environment, it helps to make them feel appreciated.
REMEMBER TO BE FLEXIBLE
When a grandparent moves in, it’s a significant milestone that requires adjustment and understanding from all family members. By fostering open communication, establishing routines, respecting boundaries, and showing appreciation, the family can create a supportive and harmonious living environment. With thoughtful planning and a caring approach, this transition can lead to deeper family connections and enriching experiences for everyone involved.
Rebecca Hastings is a former elementary teacher who traded the classroom for writing when she stayed home with her three children. Passionate about authenticity, faith, and family, you can find her at RebeccaHastings. net and on Amazon. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate
10 TIPS FOR MOMS WITH AGING PARENTS
government is willing to help you help them! A Pooled Trust can safely shelter any access income your parents or grand parents may have. You can also protect any 401ks, IRAs, cash savings, life insurance, and more—all legally and ethically.
I could write an entire article just on this one topic. Trust me when I say, it is worth a call to a state approved agency to see if your loved one qualifies. I recommend Wellness for All, because they are the only trust that has been featured on Channel 4 and they have hundreds of local testimonials. You can reach them by calling (716) 948-7797 or going to their website, www.wellnessforallservices.org. The biggest mistake care takers make is waiting until things get bad to call. You want to prepare ahead of time. Call when your parents are still young and have time to plan. It’s never too late, but it is always better to get informed as early as possible.
Laura Shriver-Brown is a former school teacher who has always strived to make a positive impact in her community. Since teaching, she received state licensing and national certification to start multiple businesses, including the non-profit Wellness for All Services which helps people with disabilities, seniors, and their adult children in taking the stress and confusion out of all that comes with the various stages of aging.
Think You Don’t Qualify for Medicaid?
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— by Cheryl Maguire
Declutter
Your Parent’s Home While They Can Join In
My mom’s a bit of a hoarder. She’s the type of person who saves her tax paperwork from the past fifty years. I often joke with her, “You need to declutter your basement now because it gives me anxiety just thinking about cleaning it when you die.”
Instead of my mom cleaning on her own, Amy Pickard, an expert on advanced planning, suggests that I should declutter with my mom now. “I encourage people to clean out their places with their families. And that way, you make new memories and it’s actually fun,” she says. When she has suggested to her clients that they should declutter with
their adult parent, “No one has said that was a bad idea” after they organized their home, she says.
Heather Aiello, CEO and founder at The Organized You, says that you should declutter with your parents while they are still alive so you can hear the stories behind their treasures and belongings. “Once your parent is gone you will no longer have the opportunity to ask, ‘Why do we use this gravy boat every holiday?’” along with other stories behind the items, she says.
When Pickard’s mother died, she didn’t have any directives about her funeral or provide any details about paying her bills or what to do with her be-
longings. The experience of settling her mother’s estate was extremely stressful. To prevent that from happening again, she made sure to declutter with her dad while he was still alive at age 68 which sparked conversations about items found in his desk.
“We just cleaned out his desk, which took five hours, but we ordered Marion’s and put on some 50’s music and we laughed, sang along, and reminisced,” she says. Her father also enjoyed the experience and Pickard remembers him saying, “I can see how this process is more fun while I’m alive.” She also says, “It’s one of my favorite memories in the last year of his life.”
Tina Priestly, owner & CEO of Ready, Set, REFRESH, a company that offers organizing services, says that she helped her mom declutter when she was 56 and her mom was 85. “We embarked on this journey together as she prepared to move into a retirement facility,” she explains. “Going through items and reminiscing about our memories was not just practical but deeply enriching for both of us.” She also says that the experience helped to create a more manageable living space in her new home.
There’s another reason to clean with your parent that is referred to as body doubling, an ADHD psychology. The term means when you do a task with someone, it helps the other person to focus on the task of cleaning. You are less likely to get distracted from the task at hand if another person is there to redirect you.
Decluttering now while your parent is still alive is also important since your parent probably has more things than they actually need. “As a parent ages, there is less energy and motivation to get rid of things,” says Barbara Brock, the founder & CEO of Barbara Brock Inc., a professional organizing and staging company. Pickard also adds that, “We need to normalize downsizing.” She says, “Our culture is obsessed with ascension, but the odds are, you’re going to die in a room in an assisted living facility or hospital room with none of your possessions.”
Most people dread the idea of decluttering but organizing experts have shared some ways to make the process fun such as:
1. Put on nostalgic music. Playing some nostalgic music is a great way to lighten the mood and discuss memories of when you first heard the song. “Adding music can add some fun to the often-perceived daunting tasks of decluttering,” says Brock. “With a streaming service like Spotify, you can create a playlist or if the parents have a record player and albums, you can rotate artists.” Priestly adds, “The key to making decluttering enjoyable with aging parents is to approach it as a shared experience filled with warmth and nostalgia.”
2. Treat everyone with food.
If you have some pizza or desserts when you take a break during your decluttering, then that will give you something to look forward to during the process. Or you and your parent could both cook a favorite recipe and discuss the memories related to it. “I feel close to my mom when I bake her recipes,” says Pickard.
3. Share memories about the items.
When you are sorting through photo albums you can ask for details about the pictures, or when you are going through clothes ask when they wore it last. “We like to come up with ways to capture the stories or memories,” says Aiello. She suggests creating a memory box for different family members. You could also document the information in a journal, or by recording your parents telling the stories as you declutter.
4. Take pictures of the process. Pickard suggests taking pictures before, during, and after you declutter. She says take photos of the weird stuff you come across, the hilarious hairdo photos of decades past and old toys you used to play with since this creates fun memories. Before decluttering her
mom’s house, she took lots of photos. Pickard says that when she looks at the photos now that “it’s so comforting to see how my mom lived, like her decor choices, and to see all her stuff where she wanted them is nourishing for me.”
View Decluttering as an Opportunity
The best way to have a positive experience helping your parent sort through their things is to view it as an opportunity to get to know your parent better. “Engage in conversations, share laughs, and cherish the moments spent decluttering as a bonding experience,” says Aiello. Priestly adds that, “By creating a positive atmosphere, you can turn what may seem daunting into a meaningful bonding experience.”
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA and an active member of SATW. You can find her on X at @CherylMaguire05.
Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for
Hearing loss is a common problem caused by loud noise, aging, disease, and genetic variations. About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. People with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms. Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, see your doctor. Hearing aids, special training, certain medications, and surgery are some of the treatments that can help.
SIGNS OF HEARING LOSS
Some people have a hearing problem and don’t realize it. You should see your doctor if you:
• Have trouble understanding what people are saying over the telephone
• Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking
• Often ask people to repeat what they are saying
• Need to turn up the TV volume so loud that others complain
• Have a problem understanding
Older Adults
speech because of background noise
• Think that others seem to mumble
• Can’t understand what’s being said when children and people with higher pitched voices speak to you
TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss comes in many forms. It can range from a mild loss, in which a person misses certain high-pitched sounds, to a total loss of hearing.
Sudden hearing loss
Sudden deafness, also known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, is an unexplained rapid loss of hearing. It can happen to a person all at once or over a period of a few days. It should be considered a medical emergency. If you or someone you know experiences sudden hearing loss, visit a doctor immediately.
Age-related hearing loss
Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, comes on gradually as a person grows older. It seems to run in families and may occur because of changes in the inner ear and auditory nerve, which relays signals from the ear to the brain. Presbycusis may make it hard for a person to tolerate loud sounds or to understand what others are saying. Age-related hearing loss usually occurs in both ears, affecting them
equally. Because the loss is gradual, people with presbycusis may not realize they have lost some of their ability to hear.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is also common in older people. It is typically described as ringing in the ears, but it also can sound like roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing. It can come and go. It can be heard in one or both ears, and it may be loud or soft. Tinnitus is sometimes the first sign of hearing loss in older adults. It can accompany any type of hearing loss.
Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. Something as simple as a piece of earwax blocking the ear canal can cause tinnitus. It can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or allergies. Tinnitus can also occur as a side effect of certain medications.
CAUSES OF HEARING LOSS
Loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Noise from lawn mowers, snow blowers, or loud music can damage the inner ear and result in permanent hearing loss. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus. You can prevent most noise-related hearing loss by turning down the sound on your devices, moving away from loud noise, or using earplugs or other ear protection.
Earwax or fluid buildup can also cause hearing loss by blocking sounds that are carried from the eardrum to the inner ear. If wax blockage is a problem, your doctor may suggest mild treatments to soften earwax.
A ruptured eardrum can also cause hearing loss. The eardrum can be damaged by infection, pressure, or putting objects in the ear, including cottontipped swabs. See your doctor if you have ear pain or fluid draining from an ear.
Health conditions common in older people, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can contribute to hearing loss. Ear infections caused by viruses and bacteria (also known as otitis media), a heart condition, stroke, brain injury, or a tumor may also affect your hearing. Hearing loss can also result from taking certain medications that can damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. These medications may be
used to treat serious infections, cancer, or heart disease. They also include some antibiotics, and even aspirin at some dosages. If you notice a problem while taking a medication, check with your doctor.
Genetic variations can cause hearing loss as well. Not all inherited forms of hearing loss are evident at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. For example, otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, involves the abnormal growth of bone that prevents structures within the ear from working properly.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can affect cognitive health. Studies have shown that older adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia than older adults with normal hearing. Cognitive abilities (including memory and concentration) decline faster in older adults with hearing loss than in older adults with normal hearing. A recent analysis of several studies found that people who used hearing restorative devices (such as hearing aids and cochlear implants) had a lower risk of long-term cognitive decline compared to people with uncorrected hearing loss.
Older people who can’t hear well may become depressed or withdrawn from others because they feel frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said. Sometimes, older people are mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive, or uncooperative because they don’t hear well. These circumstances can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Hearing loss, even small amounts, is also linked to an increased risk for falls. It also can affect public as well as personal safety, such as the ability to drive safely, when warning sounds are harder to hear.
HOW TO COPE WITH HEARING LOSS
If you notice signs of hearing loss, talk with your doctor. If you have trouble hearing, you should:
• Let your family and friends know
you have a hearing problem.
• Ask people to face you and to speak louder and more clearly. Ask them to repeat themselves or reword what they’re saying.
• Pay attention to what is being said and to facial expressions or gestures.
• Let the person talking know if you do not understand what was said.
• Find a good location to listen. Place yourself between the speaker and sources of noise or look for quieter places to talk.
The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to seek professional advice. Your family doctor may be able to diagnose and treat your hearing problem. Or your doctor may refer you to other experts, like an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or an audiologist (health professional who can identify and measure hearing loss).
DEVICES TO HELP WITH HEARING LOSS
Many types of assistive devices are available to help people with hearing loss. These devices can amplify sounds, provide alerts, and help you communicate with others. For example, alert systems work with doorbells, smoke detectors, and alarm clocks to send visual signals or vibrations. Devices that use keyboards, touch screens, or text-to-speech technology can help you give and receive information more effectively. Learn more about the wide range of assistive devices available for people with hearing loss from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Hearing aids are electronic, battery-run assistive devices that make some sounds louder. There are two main ways to get a hearing aid: by prescription or over the counter.
• An audiologist or hearing aid specialist can prescribe hearing aids for people with significant or complicated hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids require a medical exam, and then the health care professional will fit and adjust the device.
• Hearing aids have recently become available without a prescription. Over-the-counter hearing aids, which are sold in stores and online, may help people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Before buying a hearing aid, find out if your health insurance will cover part of the cost.
A cochlear implant is a different type of assistive device that can help people who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing. Whereas hearing aids make sound louder so damaged ears can hear it, cochlear implants create electric signals that the brain recognizes as sound. The implant requires surgical placement and hearing therapy.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, talk with your doctor about assistive devices that may be available to help.
HOW TO TALK WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS HEARING LOSS
Here are some tips you can use when talking with someone who has a hearing problem:
• In a group, make a point to include people with hearing loss in the conversation.
• Find a quiet place to talk to help reduce background noise, especially in restaurants and at social gatherings.
• Stand in good lighting and use facial expressions or gestures to give clues.
• Face the person and speak clearly. Maintain eye contact.
• Speak a little louder than normal, but don’t shout.
• Try to speak naturally and at a reasonable speed.
• Do not hide your mouth, eat, or chew gum while speaking.
• Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words.
• Try to make sure only one person talks at a time.
• Be patient. People with hearing loss may also be frustrated by their condition. Stay positive and relaxed.
• Ask how you can help.
Important Documents Everyone Should Organize, Regardless of Age
When your elderly family member unexpectedly winds up in the hospital for a month and there’s no way to pay her bills or even know what bills are due, or you suddenly find that you need several years of bank statements and records of other assets to apply for Medicaid, the task will be much easier if someone has taken the time to find and organize the following important documents or duplicate copies.
Purchase a plastic file box with hanging file folder dividers and use this as your “command center.” Even if your elderly family member is perfectly healthy, this is a good project to work on together. From a purely practical standpoint, these papers will be needed eventually, and getting them in order is a smart thing to do. (While you’re at it, think about how your own important papers are organized? What would happen if you were in an accident and incapacitated for any length of time? Perhaps it’s time for you to do a bit of organizing as well!)
If you parent is willing and able, just buy them the supplies to get them started and give them control over getting the
job done. Just ask them to let you know where they keep the box so that, in case of emergency, you will know where to find it.
Personal Records
• Full legal name
• Social Security number
• Legal residence address
• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Date and place of birth
• Full legal names and addresses of spouse and children
• Location of birth and death certificates and certificates of marriage, divorce, citizenship, and adoption
• Employers and dates of employment
• Education and military records
• Names and phone numbers of religious contacts
• Memberships in groups and awards received
• Names and phone numbers of close friends, relatives, doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors
• Health insurance card(s) and benefits documentation
• Location of living will/advance directive
• Health care proxy
• Health care power of attorney
• Last will & testament
• Pre-arranged funeral information, if any
• Deed to a pre-purchased cemetery gravesite
• In this digital age, User IDs and Passwords to important online accounts; security password for their computer or cell phone.
Financial Records
• Sources of income and assets (pension from your employer, IRAs, 401(k)s, interest, etc.)
• Social Security and Medicare/ Medicaid statements/information
• Insurance information (life, health, long-term care, home, car) with policy numbers and agents’ names and phone numbers
• Names of your banks and account numbers (checking, savings, credit union)
• Investment income (stocks, bonds, property) and stockbrokers’ names and phone numbers
• Copy of most recent income tax return
• Liabilities, including property tax — what is owed, to whom, and when payments are due
• Mortgages and debts — how and when they are paid
• Deeds for any properties owned
• Vehicle titles and registrations
• Credit and debit card names and account numbers
• Location of safe deposit box and key
Choosing a Health Care Proxy
Source: National Institute on Aging
In an emergency or at the end of life, you may not be able to make your own decisions about your medical care. To help ensure you get the care you want, you can choose a person to make medical decisions for you. This person is called a health care proxy. Choosing a health care proxy is an important part of advance care planning, which involves discussing and preparing for future decisions in the event you can’t make them.
WHAT IS A HEALTH CARE PROXY?
A health care proxy — also known as a representative, surrogate, or agent — is a person who can make health care decisions for you if you are unable to communicate these yourself. They work closely with your health care team to ensure your care and treatment preferences are followed. Having a proxy can be especially helpful to have in place if unexpected situations arise, such as a serious car accident or stroke.
To name a health care proxy, you can use an advance directive called the durable power of attorney for health care. An advance directive is a legal document that provides instructions for medical care and only goes into effect if you cannot communicate your own wishes. A proxy can be chosen in addi-
tion to or instead of a living will, which is another kind of advance directive that outlines your preferences around medical care and treatment.
WHO CAN BE A HEALTH CARE PROXY?
In most states, a health care proxy must be age 18 or older. In Alabama and Nebraska, a proxy must be age 19 or older. In all cases, a proxy must be of sound mind. Some people choose a family member, but others may decide on a trusted friend or neighbor or a lawyer. While state requirements vary greatly, the American Bar Association generally recommends not choosing:
• Your health care provider or their spouse, employee, or spouse of an employee
• The owner or operator of your health or residential care facility or someone working for a government agency financially responsible for your care
• A professional evaluating your ability to make decisions
• Your court-appointed guardian or conservator
• Someone who serves as a health care proxy for 10 or more other people
Contact your state legal aid office or state bar association to confirm your state’s rules and find out if there are any other limitations on who can be your proxy. You might also pick an alternate proxy, a backup if your primary proxy is unavailable for any reason.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR PROXY
Think carefully about the person you choose to be your health care proxy. If you have a few people in mind, consider the following questions:
continued on page 32
CHOOSING
A HEALTH
• Am I comfortable talking with this person about my wishes and priorities for health care?
• Will this person honor my wishes and do as I ask when the time comes?
• Do I trust this person with my life?
• Can this person handle conflicting opinions from my family, friends, and health care providers?
• Does this person live near me or would they travel to be with me if needed?
You may want to talk to more than one person about your wishes before deciding who is the right proxy for you. Once you’ve identified someone to serve as your proxy, ask them if they are willing to take on the responsibility.
WHAT KINDS OF DECISIONS CAN A HEALTH CARE PROXY MAKE?
Your proxy can only make decisions for you if you are too sick to make them yourself. You can specify how much control your proxy has over your medical care, including whether he or she can make a wide range of decisions or only a few specific ones. You can also choose which decisions you’d prefer your doctor to make and outline other preferences, such as requiring your proxy to talk with certain family members before making a decision. However, it’s important to give your health care proxy some flexibility to ensure they can give you the best care possible.
Although it can vary by state, common responsibilities of a health care proxy include:
• Deciding the types of medical care, procedures, treatments, or services you receive
• Identifying your health care providers and where you will receive care
• Overseeing information about your physical or mental health and your personal affairs, including medical and hospital records
• Making decisions about autopsy, tissue, and organ donation, and what happens to your body after death
• Becoming your guardian if one is needed
• Other important things to know:
• You can change your health care proxy at any time. Fill out a new durable power of attorney for health care form and let your family and health care team know about the change.
• You may name an alternate proxy if your proxy is unavailable for any reason.
MAKING YOUR HEALTH CARE PROXY DECISION OFFICIAL
To make your decision official, you will need to complete the durable power
Family Choice plan specially designed for residents of skilled nursing, assisted living and adult care facilities
ElderFocus
If you have a loved one who resides in a participating skilled nursing, assisted living or adult care facility in Western New York, Independent Health’s Medicare Family Choice® HMO I-SNP plan can provide them with an extra level of care and support to meet their special needs.
Members enrolled in the Family Choice plan receive regular visits from a nurse practitioner (NP)/physician assistant (PA) who is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Family
Choice NP/PA works with the member’s physician and facility staff to help identify potential problems before they become serious and minimize unnecessary emergency room visits and hospital stays whenever it’s safe and appropriate. In addition, they keep the member, their family and all other team members informed through ongoing communication.
Family Choice members enjoy no or low out-of-pocket costs. Plus, enrollment for the plan is year-round. To learn more, visit www.independenthealth.com/medicare or call Independent Health at (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405 (TTY users call 711), October 1 –March 31: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; April 1 – September 30: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-SNP, HMOPOS and PPO plans. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal. This plan is available to all Medicare eligibles that are entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B. Members must reside in a participating facility in Western New York. Members must receive all routine care from participating providers.
Y0042_C00222_M Accepted 02162025
of attorney for health care form for your state. You can find, download, and print free advance directive forms for your state. You may need to have your form witnessed or notarized, so be sure to read the directions closely.
Get started by finding advance directive forms for your state. (https:// www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-careplanning/advance-care-planning-advance-directives-health-care#find)
WHAT TO DO AFTER DECIDING ON YOUR HEALTH CARE PROXY
After you name your health care proxy, make sure they have the right information:
• Give them a copy of the signed durable power of attorney for health care form, your living will, and any other documents you think they may need.
• Make sure your proxy knows the names and contact information for your health care providers.
• Ensure your health care provider knows the name and contact information for your proxy.
Remember to keep the conversation going over time. As your care preferences and decisions change, keep your proxy informed. Plan to talk to your proxy at least once each year about your wishes. If you choose to change your proxy, be sure to notify the person and your health care providers.
Dementia Care: Keeping Loved Ones Safe and Happy at Home
—Source:
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Of the 5.8 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, the majority live in their own homes over the course of their illness—even those in more advanced stages and at end-of life.
And home care isn’t always easier — meeting the complex and ever-changing care needs for people with dementia can be challenging and caregiving often falls on the shoulders of family members and friends. And while caregiving can be rewarding, caregivers can burn out and experience greater health problems themselves, physical and emotional burden, as well as financial strains from lost time at work or from paying out of pocket for care or services, experts warn.
“The care of dementia is actually the care of two people: the person with the illness and the person taking care of them,” says Johns Hopkins geriatric psychiatrist Deirdre Johnston, M.D. But when Johnston and a team of researchers studied more than 600 Baltimore residents with dementia and their caregivers, they found a staggering 97% to 99% of both groups had unmet dementia-related care needs.
For some, keeping a loved one at home is a personal preference, and for others it may be the only affordable option—in either case, home care can be overwhelming for even the savviest and most experienced caregivers at times. But don’t lose heart: Help and support is out there, for your loved one and for you. Here are some tips that may help:
HOW DO I PREPARE TO GIVE DEMENTIA CARE AT HOME?
Understand and Accept Your Loved One’s Dementia Diagnosis
A dementia diagnosis is difficult on both the patient and their loved ones. For many, a diagnosis is the beginning of a long and uncertain journey. “The road ahead could be difficult, but there are resources and education that can help,” says Suzanne Havrilla, D.P.T., director of home support with Johns Hopkins Home Care Group.
Many families begin their path to acceptance by learning more from Alzheimer’s support organizations. These organizations often hold support groups for patients and families affected by dementia. They can also connect families to area practitioners and information. “It’s important to reassure families that patients can have a very good quality of life with this diagnosis,” explains Havrilla. “Once they are accepting of that, it may be easier for the caregivers.”
Equip Your Home with Assistive Devices
Simple fixes, such as grab bars in the bathroom, carpets tacked down to prevent falls, and locked gun closets, guard against accidents that drive people into nursing homes. In one study, Johns Hopkins researchers found that more than 90% of patient needs in those with dementia were home safety-related.
Practice Self-Care
Some caretakers find that caring for a loved one with dementia is like a full-time job. A lot of time, attention and life changes can be needed to ensure the loved one’s needs are met and they are safe.
As with any job, taking time off is needed to maintain health care wellbeing. As the saying goes, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Experts recommend that caregivers schedule in opportunities for respite and short breaks, and identify self-care practices that refresh and recharge them. This might include talking with family members to see if they can provide supervision or assistance once a week or might be able to care for your loved one for one weekend continued on page 36
a month. In addition, check out other methods at www.hopkinsmedicine. org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ caregiving-knowing-when-its-time-forin-home-help.
WHAT DEMENTIA HOME CARE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?
Connect with a Dementia Care Coordinator
There are many elements to consider when beginning to care for a loved one with dementia at home. Legal, safety, health and interpersonal changes will need to be made. Dementia care coordinators can help with safety concerns, medical attention, medication management, nutrition support and more. They can be especially helpful when a loved one is dealing with other medical conditions for which they need treatment.
Some care coordinators will conduct an initial assessment to thoroughly check your home and living situation. They will create a list of needs and work with caregivers to address the improvements most impactful to the home environment. Together, dementia care coordinators and caregivers can fix safety concerns or remove possible triggers before they become a problem. “The goal to this type of care is to keep people at home with the highest quality of life for the longest period of time,” explains Havrilla.
As an added bonus, loved ones who have some assistance from care coordinators remain in the home longer. In a Johns Hopkins Maximizing Independence at Home trial, researchers found that patients who were in contact with a care coordinator at least once a month for 18 months were less likely to move out of their home or die compared to those in the control group.
To find dementia care coordination services in your area, talk to your doctor or local organizations.
Enroll in Medical Alert Programs
Safety becomes more of a concern as dementia progresses. For peace of
mind, consider enrolling in programs that can improve or monitor the safety of people with dementia. Many programs offer medical ID jewelry or 24hour assistance if a loved one with dementia wanders off or becomes lost. If additional assistance is needed, medical alert services can help by checking in on loved ones and notifying caregivers if there is no response.
Check Elder Care and Dementia Care Services in Your Community
There may be times when caregivers are not able to care for their loved one. If additional help is needed during the day, adult day care centers provide entertainment and care for people with dementia while giving much-needed breaks for their caregivers.
Home services are also available to give you more time in your day. Certified nursing assistants can visit your home to help with medical needs, such as administering medications or caring for wounds. If you need more help, inhome health aides can cover light housekeeping, cooking and other nonmedical
needs. Some grocery stores and meal services can also assist by delivering food or meals to your home. Try exploring the options that are available to you.
It’s important to ask your loved one’s doctor or dementia care coordinator for local resources and contacts.
Can I care for my loved one at home through all stages of dementia?
Most people with dementia continue to live at home as their condition progresses—many through end of life. While this may be the experience of many, every individual and family has different needs and preferences and home care may not be appropriate or the right choice for everyone.
Research shows that with the right supports, people with dementia can live at home longer and with higher quality of life compared to those living at home without coordinated support, and that this support may be most impactful when introduced early. “It’s a preventive model to educate the family to be dementia smart and understand the disease progression and triggers down the road,”
Havrilla explains. But if the person’s needs exceed the help that’s available or if it just doesn’t make sense for a family’s particular situation, nursing homes and assisted living residences are good alternatives.
WHAT IF I NEED MORE HELP WITH DEMENTIA CARE?
Consider Moving to a 55 and Older or Retirement Community
While adding safety features in your existing home is a good option, another option to consider is moving to a community geared to older residents. While these communities may vary in cost, they often come with features that may help care for a loved one at home. Safety features such as nonslip tubs are already in place, and neighbors may have loved ones in similar situations. Many continuing-care retirement communities include areas that offer higher levels of care as a person’s dementia advances. This allows a more active spouse to live independently on the same campus.
Niagara Hospice
Comfort Care & Support for Niagara County Families
ElderFocus
Niagara Hospice, a 501 (c) (3) organization, has been providing expert care and caregiver support to Niagara County individuals and families since 1988. The organization has cared for over 30,000 individuals and their families in its 37 years.
Niagara Hospice is dedicated to providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Patients, families & caregivers are provided with the physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement care they need. Hospice care is available wherever the patient is most comfortable, including the patient’s home, hospitals, skilled nursing facili-
ties, Hospice House in Lockport, David’s Path in Niagara Falls, and Jeanne’s House in Wheatfield. Niagara Hospice maximizes moments by treating the patient, not the disease. An interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, aides and volunteers work collaboratively, providing expert symptom management, caregiver relief and comprehensive end-oflife guidance to the entire family to help everyone cherish precious time together. Niagara Hospice’s dedication to providing the highest level of care is recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for demonstrating a commitment to
providing quality care and services to consumers through compliance with ACHC’s nationally recognized standards for accreditation. Niagara Hospice is the only hospice in WNY with the ACHC accreditation.
Medicare covers expenses for most patients, and many health insurance plans, including Managed Long-Term Care and the Veterans Administration, provide coverage. No patient is ever denied services due to inability to pay. Anyone can make a referral at NiagaraHospice.org or call 716-HOSPICE for a free consultation.
4675 Sunset Drive Lockport, NY 14094
716-HOSPICE
NiagaraHospice.org information@NiagaraHospice.org
PICK OF THE LITERATURE
— by Dr. Donna Phillips
The wheel is turning! The seasons are in slow change. Spring is on the way even if you don’t feel it yet. There are signs all around us! Even with longer days and whiffs of warmer breezes in the air, we still have a way to go. There will be days of sunshine and hope and days of gloom as winter resists relinquishing its grip. We know that this will not last forever and soon the snow will be gone, the earth will warm, and the green shoots will appear in the garden and on the trees. Until then, we will have to be patient and bide our time. On these dreary days we will have to be satisfied with indoor activities and there are some great books to keep everyone engaged and content.
For family and friend fun, a great activity set is Face Painting (Klutz/ Scholastic, New York, 2025 $26.99) by the Editors of Klutz. It comes complete with 6 cosmetic grade washable waterbased paints and a booklet full of ideas
and directions for some fun face painting activities. Directions for Getting Started is followed by Color Mixing and Blending, Brush Strokes, and Sponges. After that, the real fun begins. There are directions for Cheek Art that includes ideas and directions for creating animals and sports images. Fancy Faces provides ideas and directions for fairies, superheroes, animals, Halloween faces, and more creative ideas. The authors have even thought ahead if you are planning to use face painting for a party or a fundraiser. 12 cards with images and simple directions are provided to punch out and use for quick ideas. Practicing on each other or just on yourself can be a fun activity to keep children creatively busy.
yarn characters. Colorful yarn, a knitting loom, yarn hook, a plastic sewing needle, stuffing, pompoms, pre-cut felt eyes, ears, and noses, and glue make these activities ready to go! For children older than 4, the detailed and illustrated directions will have you quickly creating a whole menagerie of adorable animals. With the skills you develop using these ideas, you will be well on your way to creating your own ideas and animals.
Working with yarn and looping tools can be a great, fun way to pass the time. Make Your Own Loom Animals (Klutz/Scholastic, New York, 2025 $24.99) by the Editors of Klutz has everything you need to make 14 adorable
For children a bit older, Beadlings (Klutz/Scholastic, New York, 2025 $22.99) by the Editors of Klutz might be a good choice. With this kit you can make 24 little bead charms that range from easy to advanced. Complete with beads, a bead storage container, a bead sorter, accent beads, wire, jump rings, charm straps, and clasps, all you will need are scissors, a ruler, and time for some fun. Directions with clear and detailed illustrations will continued on page 41
DEAR TEACHER
– by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts
Helping all parents make their children’s educational experience as successful as possible
A Way to Help Kids Handle Negative Thoughts
Parents: How can you help a child who is having negative thoughts? What do you say to the child who says: I am going to fail this test tomorrow, I won’t get a part in the school play, History tests make me anxious, I’ll never get this homework done tonight, or something similar that is a negative remark.
The answer to helping a child overcome this negative focus is by using metacognition. Metacognition is frequently defined as “thinking about your thinking.” It involves the recognition, awareness, and even control of one’s personal thought processes. This simply means taking how someone responds to a situation and then considering how one can respond in a more positive way when it occurs.
Here are some questions that parents can ask their children to help them learn how to handle negative thoughts. For example, if your child says that he or she is going to fail a test, begin by asking open-ended questions to help them to think about their thinking, such as: What makes you think that you are going to fail the test? What do you think you can do to prevent thinking that you will fail a test? This helps them learn how to develop a strategy. Using metacognition can still their negative voice. It is changing “I can’t” to “I can.” It helps them to avoid frustration.
Parents: Almost every day, your children are encountering new material in the classroom that they have to integrate with previously learned material. This can be both difficult and confus-
ing to students who do not have teachers who truly guide them in this process or have not learned how to teach themselves new material.
There are definitely some steps that you can go over with your children that will take away much of the confusion of learning new material and connecting it to their existing background knowledge. This will really help them become more independent learners or actually to become their own teachers. While these steps will work for any subject, you might want to start with their learning a new concept in history, math, or science at first.
When they encounter new material, here are some things that children can do:
1. They can begin by looking over the material and noticing what stands out to them and what they wonder about the topic.
2. Then they can get a clearer picture of what they need to learn by filling in three columns headed by: what I know about this topic, what I don’t know, and what I sort of know.
3. Next, they need to connect what they know by sketching out a map that shows the interconnection of their new and old information on a topic.
4. Then, they should ask the teacher if they have any questions about a topic.
5. Finally, they need to consider why the new information is important.
Question: My daughter is in fifth grade, and I worry because she is a terrible writer. Next year, she will be starting Junior High School. How can she ever pick up the writing skills she needs? What can I do to help her? — Struggling to Write
Answer: Writing is complicated. Writing demands that children know and are able to use a large number of language skills from being able to organize their thoughts to having the vocabulary to express them to having the needed grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills.
It is important for you to learn why your child is struggling to write well. Study her papers. Look for patterns in your daughter’s writing. Is she using fifth grade vocabulary words? Does she vary her words in a paragraph or use the same word over and over? Do you understand what your daughter is trying to say in her writing? Are words spelled correctly? Does your daughter have good grammar and punctuation skills?
You definitely need to talk with her teacher to share your concerns about your child’s writing. Find out how you may be able to help her. Is a tutor or learning center needed? Can online websites provide the help she needs? You will find that there are many helpful sites online. Just search for “writing help for elementary students.” Some will use AI to help her correct any errors she makes on a paper.
Writing skills develop over time in the elementary grades, but it can take longer for some children. If you believe that you can give your child the help she needs, begin by trying to help her improve just one skill at a time. Another way that you can help her is by having your daughter write and read. For example, encourage her to write daily in a diary. The more she writes, the better she is likely to become. In addition, reading more will let her see what good writing is.
One important piece of advice: Your daughter knows she is not a good writer. When talking to her about something she has written, do give her some
positive feedback besides talking about one thing she might improve.
You are wise to be seeking ways to help her improve her writing skills now. Continue your efforts, especially in the summer, until you see actual improvement.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher. com and visit the dearteacher.com website to learn more about helping their children succeed in school.
PICK OF THE LITERATURE
have you making bead fruit, flowers, animals, and bracelets in no time. These activities will help children stay busy and develop attention to detail and fine motor coordination that will be an asset for future endeavors.
LEGO®️ 5 Minute Builds (Sourcebooks, Naperville, 2024, $15.99), in English and Spanish by Escrito Por and Simon Beecroft, has all the LEGO®️ bricks, directions, challenges, games, and ideas of ways to play with them that you could possibly need. Divided into the chapters Getting Started, Watery Worlds, Wind in the City, Up Up and Away, and Adventures in Space, there are over 100 hundred ideas for building and playing. With so many activities, there is something for all ages, genders, and interests with colorful pictures plus detailed and specific directions. This set will be a sure way to help children pass the time until spring truly arrives.
Budding (no pun intended) and aspiring engineers and scientists will love Gravity Drop (Klutz/Scholastic, New York, 2025 $29.99) by the Editors of Klutz, which has ideas on how to design and build 11 chain reaction machines. The creative designer Rube Goldberg would approve of these creative activities which include Down and Down it
Goes, Gravity Gamers, Tower Base, Splinko, Super Slide Fortune Teller, Gravity Labyrinth, Gravity Drop Tower, Rally Rumble, Craft and Pinball Arcade, Zipline Starter, and Newton’s Cradle. They introduce and demonstrate basic physics concepts in an engaging and creative way. Small parts, detailed directions, and attention to details may make this more appropriate for older children.
Hearts, Restoring Hope
Wednesdays
March 5 & 19, April 2 & 16 6:30pm – 7:45pm Children (6-11 yrs.)
Teen/Tweens (12-16 yrs.)
Also support for parents/ guardians of children attending a group. Pizza will be served at 5:45pm for children & adults. Parents must stay on premises during group. Trained Peer Facilitators
While we wait for the weather to make up its mind, we need things to keep us busy. Books are a good way to keep minds and hands engaged. These activities can expand imaginations, help explore new ideas, and develop interests. On those days the weather beckons us outdoors, we can even take our newly acquired ideas and awareness with us to explore the world that is growing before us. Until then these books and materials will keep us actively engaged, curious, focused, and content.
Dr. Donna Phillips is an associate professor in the College of Education at Niagara University where her specialty is literacy and children’s literature. She lives on Grand Island, NY and is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of one.
& 17
– 7:45pm
7 &
— by Rebecca Hastings
RAISING DIGITAL KIDS
— by Mike Daugherty
Game on! Building Bright Minds Through Coding Bright Minds
Advancements in technology and access to affordable, internet-connected devices are revolutionizing how we live and work. This transformation, often called the fourth industrial revolution, is reshaping industries like finance (cryptocurrency), manufacturing (3D printing), entertainment (streaming platforms), and almost every aspect of modern life.
As technology evolves, so do the demands of the job market. Research predicts that 25-40% of current jobs will be automated by the mid-2030s, with repetitive tasks most at risk. Future careers will require people to be creative, collaborative problem solvers with strong critical-thinking skills.
So, how can parents prepare their children for jobs that don’t yet exist? One excellent way is by encouraging them to learn coding. Coding helps kids develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills—all essential for future success. Plus, coding can be incredibly fun, thanks to engaging, game-like learning platforms. Many websites and apps make it easy to start, even for beginners.
Below are some recommended coding resources, arranged by age group, to help kids build their programming skills while having fun.
codespark.com
Young learners ages 5-8 can dive into coding with the fun and friendly “Foos” characters. CodeSpark uses games to teach essential coding concepts in a kid-friendly way. Tasks involve dragging and dropping code blocks to complete challenges like collecting coins or dodging obstacles. This “pick up and play” approach makes learning easy and enjoyable for beginners. Parents can access the program through its website or download the app on smartphones and tablets. Also worth exploring: Kodable.
scratch.mit.edu
Created by MIT in 2003, Scratch remains one of the most versatile coding tools for kids ages 8-16. Using block-based coding, it empowers children to design their own animations, games, and more. Unlike other platforms, Scratch offers fewer limitations, encouraging creativity. An active online community provides inspiration and support. Younger children (ages 5-7)
can start with Scratch Jr., a simplified version designed for beginners.
developers.google.com/blockly
Blockly is a beginner-friendly platform that introduces kids to coding concepts through drag-and-drop visual programming. The platform is highly customizable and used by many other coding programs as a foundational tool. Kids can learn logic, loops, and variables in an easy-to-understand way. It’s great for ages 8 and up and is perfect for sparking an interest in coding.
hourofcode.com
Launched in 2014, Hour of Code introduces millions of students worldwide to computer science. Featuring hundreds of activities tailored by age and experience level, the platform uses popular characters from Disney and Nickelodeon to make lessons relatable. Younger learners use block coding, while older students can experiment with JavaScript or Python. Though high school students might find some content geared toward younger audiences, it’s a fantastic starting point.
gethopscotch.com
Recognized for its creativity and educational value, Hopscotch is ideal for kids ages 10-15. Like CodeSpark, it uses block-based coding but with more advanced challenges. Kids can share their projects with the Hopscotch community, inspiring collaboration and feedback. The app is free, ad-free, and offers optional live classes with instructors for more structured learning. Note: Hopscotch is currently available only on Apple devices. Similar platforms include Box Island and LightBox.
tynker.com
Tynker offers a wide variety of coding activities for kids ages 5-17. Starting with simple block-based coding, students can progress to real-world programming languages like JavaScript and Python. The platform also includes Minecraft mod-
ding and robotics projects, making it an engaging option for older students. Tynker’s structured courses make it easy for parents and kids to track progress.
codecombat.com
Geared toward middle and high school students, CodeCombat teaches real programming languages like Python and JavaScript through a fantasy-themed game. Players write code to navigate characters through challenges, combining fun gameplay with practical learning. This resource is excellent for kids who want to go beyond block coding and dive into text-based programming.
khanacademy.org
Known for its extensive range of subjects, Khan Academy also offers an in-depth coding curriculum. The lessons cover topics like JavaScript, HTML, and SQL, providing a more rigorous experience suitable for high school or college-level students. It’s an excellent next step for kids who’ve mastered basic platforms like Scratch or Hour of Code.
replit.com
Replit is a versatile online coding platform where students can learn and practice programming in various languages, including Python, Java, and C++. It features an intuitive interface and real-time collaboration tools, making it ideal for older students who want to create more advanced projects or work with peers. It’s perfect for ages 13 and up and helps prepare students for real-world coding challenges.
Coding is more than a skill; it’s a gateway to creativity and problem-solving. While some still see it as a niche activity for tech enthusiasts, it’s becoming an essential tool for the future. Explore these resources with your child, and you might uncover a world of possibilities together.
Mike Daugherty is a husband, father of three young children, author, speaker, Google Innovator, and possible Starbucks addict. He is a certified educational technology leader who has served in a variety of roles through his twenty-year career in public education. Currently, Mike is the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Technology, and Communications for the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School district in Northeast Ohio. As an IT director he has developed creative, well thought out solutions that positively impact teaching and learning.
Travel Insurance: Do You Need It?
FAMILY TRAVEL
— by Deborah Williams
It happened! After many years of always making sure I had insurance to cover travel mishaps, including the possibility of an emergency forcing a trip cancellation, I had to use the insurance. Best of all, my claim was paid quickly.
Although I was very disappointed that a medical emergency and the resulting surgery prevented my travel to a long-planned conference in Istanbul, Turkey, I was so relieved that I would not suffer any financial losses.
It is travel-planning season and a good time to review travel insurance— who should get travel insurance and who doesn’t need it.
Since it works best if you buy travel insurance at the same time you book a trip, the first step to consider is whether you even need travel insurance.
If you are going on an auto trip and have refundable hotel reservations, the answer is likely no. Hint: when booking a hotel online be careful to book at a refundable rate. Generally, you only save a few dollars if the booking is non-refundable, but it makes everything more complicated and difficult to change travel arrangements.
Medical insurance generally covers out of the area emergencies in the United States. If you are driving outside
the country, even if it is just across the Peace Bridge to Crystal Beach or Toronto, check with your health insurer to make sure out of country emergencies are covered.
Before you consider buying travel insurance, check with your credit card company. Some credit cards include travel insurance as a benefit, providing you purchase your trip with that card. There is a catch with some cards. You must purchase the entire trip with that card.
A woman was denied coverage for an expensive trip because she used her frequent flyer miles for her flights and charged the modest tax on the tickets to another credit card. The rules of coverage (in small print) specified coverage was contingent on using the card with the insurance coverage for ALL aspects of the trip.
There is an old rule of thumb regarding travel insurance—the longer it takes to get to a destination, the more that trip needs travel insurance. In my case, the flight from New York to Istanbul was ten hours—a long distance for sure. The more a trip costs, the more likely that you will need insurance.
Like homeowners or auto insurance, you always hope you won’t need travel insurance, your travels will be
calm, and everyone in your family will be healthy. If the worse happens, your choice to buy the insurance has the potential to reimburse you for thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses such as emergency evacuation, medical bills, and costs related to trip cancellation and interruption.
In my recent case, I had travel insurance through my credit card. Although I had never previously had to use the insurance, I had double checked with the company to assure that my planned trip would be covered.
Although I had purchased my airline tickets through my credit card, I called the airline office in New York City when I knew that I would have to cancel, and the airline surprisingly canceled my flights and credited my credit card. If the airline had not done so, the insurance on my card would have covered the cost of my flights.
Tip: do not accept vouchers for your canceled flights if you can avoid it. You need the cost to be credited to your charge card or to be sent via check. Vouchers usually have a deadline for use and who knows what your future will be? In my case there was not going to be another conference in Istanbul.
My entire case was handled online, and it was relatively simple. I needed a
letter from my surgeon saying that I could not make the trip, proof of my trip arrangements and my credit card purchases pertaining to the trip. In a couple weeks, the full amount of my trip was deposited in my bank account.
Travel mishaps are surprisingly common, and the insurance helps in the time of crisis. Maybe you have a parent who suffers a medical emergency just before your family is scheduled to take off on your long-planned cruise. Travel insurance policies generally cover emergencies involving immediate family including parents, spouses, children and siblings.
But as someone who considers my senior Labrador retriever very much part of my family and as his sole owner and caretaker, I have discovered that travel insurance does not generally cover pets. This policy certainly should bear reexamination in the era of the growing recognition of the important role dogs often play in our lives.
Many experts consider insurance a must have for certain trips. Top of the list would be cruises and international travel.
While visiting London before a Baltic cruise, my sister was sick with what appeared to be bronchitis. Since we were sharing a room, and soon a cruise cabin, I was especially hoping for a rapid recovery.
After consulting hotel staff, we walked a block down the street to the hospital where both Prince William and Prince Harry were born and later Prince William’s three children. So, I felt my sister was going to be under the care of highly competent medical staff.
She was seen first by a nurse and then a physician and diagnosed with bronchitis and given prescription antibiotics. The entire visit was over in less than an hour and there was NO charge and NO request for insurance information because there is no mechanism for charging under Britain’s National Health Service.
But travelers cannot depend on such an amazing encounter and, in most other countries, there would have been a charge and likely a longer wait.
Although cruise ships maintain well equipped medical centers staffed by doctors and nurses, serious conditions require transport to land-based hospitals. If possible, ships will make a
detour to a nearby port but, if that is not possible, a helicopter air lift is arranged.
Several times while cruising I watched as a medical helicopter hovered over the ship and the patient was put in a basket and pulled into the copter. Watching the entire process made me very glad that such a service was available with highly trained workers. It also made me very glad that I had travel insurance.
Here are my rules when considering travel insurance:
• First figure if you need travel insurance.
• Read the small print before buying a policy.
• Keep a copy of your policy with you on your trip. Generally, you could access the policy online, but I always carry a printed copy as a backup.
• Keep detailed copies of everything that involves your trip. If you need to visit a ship’s doctor, an emergency room, have lost your luggage, or need to book a hotel because of airline delays, keep records.
• Be sure you have the telephone number of the travel insurance company with you while traveling. There is usually a separate number if you are traveling out of the country. There is 24-hour phone assistance for policy holders in distress.
March Is Maple Syrup Season
March marks the beginning of spring and Maple Syrup season. Although Quebec, Canada is the world leader in maple syrup production and Vermont is tops in the U.S., New York State is second in the country.
To celebrate New York’s role in producing this sweet and delicious product, Maple Weekends will take place on March 22-23 and March 29-30. During these weekends maple farms across the state and in Western New York will be open to the public, offering tours, samples and other activities.
continued on page 49
Daddy Daddy The Track
L– by Shannon Carpenter
ike most parents, I think I’m just about perfect. I never make any mistakes and my decisions are well thought out and insightful. My children owe all of their success to my reasonable and kind efforts to take over their lives.
Sorry, I channeled my mother-in-law there for a second. Luckily, she doesn’t read anything that I write but likes to take credit for it.
The truth, however, is that most times, I consider myself a hot mess as a parent. Parenting is never what is shown in popular media. Problems and issues don’t come slowly through my door; there is no universal dad chair where I can pontificate my genius, and none of the decisions I need to make seem to be what I have prepared for.
Sure, we’ve all thought about how we are going to handle some of the big topics like bullying, the importance of honesty, and the value of hard work. But I ask you, what about the 1,000 other problems we have to deal with that we never even considered?
How do you explain to a three-yearold that licking the door at the grocery store is a bad idea? Yeah, who saw that one coming? It’s right up there with “we don’t drink toilet water in this house, mister!”
And as the kids age, the decisions never get easier. They just morph into these impossible-to-solve quadratic equations where I’m constantly reminded that I have no idea what I’m doing.
To play the old man card: back in my day, my parents told me that sitting too close to the TV would cause me to go blind. In our age of parenting, that has
Parents Are Struggling With Giving Self-Empathy
kids seems a bit down and I wonder if I haven’t checked in with them enough. Has my attention waned when they needed it most? On and on it goes. There are some nights when I come to the conclusion that I have no idea what I’m doing. Recently, however, I had the opportunity to interview Ashley Graber and Maria Evans, family therapists and authors of the book Raising Calm Kids in a World of Worry. The book is about how to deal with anxiety in our children. My question was how to remain calm when I don’t feel calm, and this is where they brought up the idea of self-empathy: treating yourself with kindness when you are struggling.
turned into limits on screen time, cyberbullying, and weird unboxing videos on YouTube that have collectively driven the modern parent insane.
Frankly, we are all suffering from decision fatigue. We have to make decisions on the fly or with limited information. We have to pretend that the world
Aren’t we all struggling every time we look at the cost of our grocery bills and wondering how much further we can stretch it? It dawned on me that I, and I’m guessing a lot of other parents, don’t treat ourselves with that same level of kindness we show others. We fixate on what we should have done instead of just acknowledging we are doing the best with what we have. We make decisions based on the information available at the moment, and maybe it’s ok if our kids once ate dirt at a graveyard. Maybe I shouldn’t have spent weeks wondering if my daughter swallowed some evil spirit of long-ago outlaws. It was the grave of Jesse James, so yeah, that could have happened. At least, that is what I told myself as I chided myself for being an inattentive parent while I changed the diaper of my newborn.
I’ve struggled with this idea of selfempathy for most of my parenting journey. I barely get a chance to forgive myself for a bad decision before life throws another almost impossible one my way. And while I strive to be patient, understanding, and thoughtful as I parent, I also realize that I’m not always that guy.
our kids face is somehow related to the world we grew up in, and thus, maybe we have some sort of understanding. Then, bam, one of our kids brought home a plague and we all were isolated for a year while learning how to teach math.
So, yeah, parenting is hard, and the only thing more difficult is the self-judgment we lay on ourselves.
I find it almost impossible at times to keep track of five people’s schedules. We have a system, calendars, and reminders. That does work well, but there is always a mistake that pops up somewhere that can throw everything into chaos. Then there are times when I notice that one of my
But this time, I’m ok with it, because day after day, I am here. And that has to be enough at times. That’s the kindness I’m telling myself today.
Shannon Carpenter is the father of three and has been a stay-at-home dad since 2008. He’s the author of the book “Stay-atHome Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome Full-Time Father.” as well as the co-host of Dadhouse Pod. In addition to his writing on parenting, he is also a humor writer trained through the famous Second City. And we all know that having a sense of humor is essential to surviving parenthood!
Family Movie Options: In Theaters and Streaming Online
Paddington in Peru
When the Home for Retired Bears informs Paddington that his aunt has gone missing, he brings the Brown family along on a trip to the Peruvian jungle. A boat trip down the Amazon follows, with more excitement and danger than expected. The cast are clearly having a blast, negative content is minor, and the movie is well suited to kids. Adult viewers might miss the greater charm of the first two films, which steadily dissipates as the film rolls
Assuming his new role as Captain America, Sam faces a critical challenge: new US President Thaddeus Ross is under threat and has barely escaped an assassination attempt. But when Sam’s old friend, Isaiah, is suspected in the plot, Sam’s loyalties are going to be tested. Like every other Marvel superhero flick, this one ticks all the same boxes – overly frequent, highly digitized fight scenes; plenty of civic destruction, minor profanity and drinking. What’s missing is an original plot.
After Officer Knight and his dog Greg suffer a tragic accident, the surgery unexpectedly turns them into a half-human, half-dog hybrid. Now Dog Man uses his unusual skills to bring villains to heel, the most dastardly of whom is Petey the Cat. Based on Dav Pilkey’s book series, this film features his quirky wit, some potty humor (less than expected), and plenty of wholesome messages. Best of all, it’s laugh-out-loud funny for viewers of all ages. Photo
Orphaned and living in his car, Nathan Williams struggles to get enough to eat. When he’s arrested for stealing electronics, his teacher, Stan Deen, takes him in, determined to help Nate graduate. Nate is grateful, but the demons of his past are hard to escape…This is a heartening film about an inspiring teacher: the negative content is all in service of the plot. The story encourages empathy, compassion, and kindness and it’s worth watching. Photo
As I think about the month of March and the incredible women I have in my life, I feel a wave of gratitude come over me for those who have helped guide me through tough times. I can’t think of a better time to highlight some of the ways another woman’s kind words and listening ears have gotten me through some of the loneliest moments. Cheers to women around the world.
1. Call or text your friend and ask her if she wants to get together for a ‘Stitch & B*tch.’ This is a time when you grab a cross-stitching project, throw on some comfy clothes, and head to your friend’s house to tell each other everything that’s going on.
2. Head to HomeGoods or TJ Maxx and find a sweet little pick me
History Month
up for a friend who’s been on your mind and could use a boost. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, just something you think she would like that would make her smile. Something I do to make it more exciting is to be intentional about how I wrap it and present it by picking out fun paper and sparkly bows. Sometimes I will drop off a gift on a friend’s doorstep and then text her to say, “Look on your front stoop!” Or I might pick up a friend’s favorite coffee drink if I know she’s home and swing by to drop it off.
3. Set up a date with your friend to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Get something on the calendar so you both have something to look forward to. Pick a new restaurant or stick with your favorite. Either way, being intentional about setting aside time to be with your friend shows that you care about the friendship and are making it a priority.
4. Write down important dates that are specific to your friend. For example, if she has a surgery coming up, mark it on the calendar so you can drop off a meal and check to see how she is feeling. If her birthday is next week, put it on the calendar so you remember to mail her a card. If one of her kids has a big sporting event coming up, ask if you can attend to cheer them on. Doing things like this will show your friends how much they mean to you, and it reinforces the power of women supporting other women.
5. Cheer her on through social media. If you’re active on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, and you see that your friends have posted something, like it, love it, or leave a comment for your friend to read. Encouraging messages and noticing when someone else has something to say, makes the other person feel seen and heard. This is such a simple way to show support in a digital world.
6. The next time you go to buy yourself a new book, pick up two and send one to your friend with a note that says, “Book club?” This is such a cute way to include your friend in on something that interests you and has the potential to be something fun to talk about.
7. Send a random pickme-up text to a friend that simply says, “Hey girl! I was thinking about you and wanted you to know. I hope today is amazing.” I have sent so many of these texts out to my friends and gotten back a response that usually says something like, “Oh my gosh, how did you know I needed to hear this?” Or “I’ve been having such a hard day. Thank you so much for sending this.” Something that takes less than a minute to send can have a huge impact on an important woman in your life.
8. Offer to help a friend with something she’s been needing to get done. In my first year as a single mom, one of my friends offered to help me hang Christmas lights because she knew I wanted it done but couldn’t afford to hire anyone to do it for me. She
showed up the next day with totes full of lights and we hung them together. I felt loved and empowered.
9. When a friend makes a mistake and she sincerely apologizes, forgive her if you can. It does no good to hold grudges and make someone feel bad all over again if they are sincerely sorry and takes ownership of their mistakes. Showing grace and offering forgiveness when appropriate, can help reduce your friend’s anxiety and let her know it’s okay to make mistakes.
10. Finally, and probably one of my most favorite ways to honor my female friends is to speak highly of them when they’re not around. I love to lift others up and let others know what amazing women I have in my life.
You can do all these things beyond the month of March, but this month is a great reminder to honor and love on the women in your life. It may also be the reminder you didn’t know you needed to love on yourself. Let’s see how many of your friends you can use this list with. Make it fun and enjoy your friendships.
Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist, mental health therapist, and single mom who tries to do her best each day. She doesn’t always get things right but continually strives to do better.
continued...
Another must-visit maple establishment is Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn in Angelica in Allegany County. It is an especially good stop if you have any hearty eaters in your family since the most popular menu choice is the “all you can eat” buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup.
To Our Valued Readers:
Due to circumstances beyond our control, Western New York Family Magazine will no longer be available at Wegmans stores after March 31, 2025.
Please visit the following locations for your FREEmonthlycopyofWNYFamily:
NIOGA branches in Lewiston, Lockport, Niagara Falls, and North Tonawanda
Any of the 9 Federal Meats locations in Erie & Niagara Counties
The nearest branch of your Buffalo & Erie County Library
The restaurant opened for the 63rd season on February 4 and closes April 6. It is closed on Mondays and there are often lines, but they move fast since cooks can make 100 pancakes every three minutes.
The family has been producing maple syrup on their land since the 1850s. Today there are 10,000 taps and visitors can watch the making of the syrup—a tradition much older than our country itself.
Remember President Thomas Jefferson was a strong supporter of maple sugar, arguing for its moral superiority. He pointed out that cane sugar was grown by slaves and maple sugar by free Americans. It is hard to argue with his point, but many just love the maple flavor.
Travel Tip of the Month: For information on various travel insurance companies visit www.insuremytrip.com to compare various policies and costs. Many companies offer family policies. For U.S. State Dept. travel information advisories visit travel.state.gov. American travelers can enroll to receive alerts when traveling outside the country and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
WNY Family is also available at many of our advertisers. Contact our office at 716-836-3486 for additional locations in your Zip Code!
For Maple Weekends visit mapleweekend.com.
For Cartwright’s Maple Tree Inn visit cartwrightsmapletreeinn.com or call 585-567-8181.
Deborah Williams lives in Holland, NY and is a veteran travel writer whose work has appeared in national and international publications. She is the recipient of the Society of American Travel Writers’ Lowell Thomas Gold Travel Writing Award.
FAMILY TRAVEL
How To Save Money When Your Teen Is Eating EVERYTHING
TWEENS & TEENS
— by Cheryl Maguire
My teenage son stood in front of the opened refrigerator, gazing into the abyss. I envisioned dollar bills floating by his head as the cold air escaped, no doubt causing our electric bill to skyrocket.
“Could you please close the refrigerator door?” I asked trying to remain calm.
“There is nothing to eat and I’m starving!” he groaned as he dramatically held his stomach.
“The refrigerator is empty because you ate everything from my grocery shopping trip three days ago.”
My son began his growth spurt over the summer. He sprouted up a full three inches, rendering him unrecognizable to our friends and family. At the same time, something else was unrecognizable and growing exponentially—my grocery receipt.
As an avid coupon clipper and money-saving guru, I knew I needed to do a “deep dive” of this situation to fig-
ure out how to reduce the spending. Otherwise, his college education fund will dwindle down to nothing because all the money will be spent on feeding his endless appetite.
I’m sure there are many other people like me out there. So, I’m sharing with you what I learned from my comprehensive money saving research so your money will go towards that college fund instead of your grocery bill.
Save Money On Protein
A research study found that a group of infants who ate one egg per day had a 47 percent lower rate of stunting (being too short) than the control
group. Protein is essential for teens to eat since is it is responsible for tissue growth. Most teens need 1/2 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Eating protein will also help your teen to feel full.
Protein can be found in eggs, Greek yogurt, cheese, milk, fish, chicken, meat, turkey, tofu, broccoli, beans, and nuts. One way to save on these items is to check your weekly local grocery sales flyer and then purchase protein foods on sale. You can cook meals for the week based on the weekly sales flyer. So, if chicken is on sale you can look up chicken recipes. Another money saving tip is to ask the meat department what day they offer marked down meat. Sometimes the meat
can be as much as 50% off the regular price because the expiration date is near.
Stock Up On Sale Items and Freeze
When items go on sale, stock up and freeze them. Instead of buying one pound of meat purchase two; use one and freeze the other. This will hold you over until the next sale since most grocery items have a sale cycle. For example, ground beef may go on sale every three weeks.
Buy Frozen Fish and Fruit
A Norwegian research firm found that frozen fish is the same quality as fresh and is often significantly less expensive. Sometimes frozen fish is marked down as much as 50% off the regular price.
Similar to fish, fruit is frozen when it is ripe and maintains all of its nutrients. When fresh fruit isn’t in season, it can be pricey but the price of frozen fruit remains the same all year (with the exception of sale prices). The price also does not fluctuate between the types of frozen fruit. For example, a 16 oz. bag of raspberries is the same price as a 16 oz. bag of blueberries. But the price difference between fresh raspberries and blueberries is usually significant.
Clip Paper and Electronic Coupons
Coupons are no longer only found in the newspaper. There are electronic coupons that you clip online and it is added to your store card. Similar to a paper coupon, when you purchase the item, the money is deducted from your receipt. These electronic coupons can be found at grocery store websites.
If you don’t get the newspaper coupons, some libraries offer a coupon box containing the newspaper coupons which are available for anyone to take.
Use Money Saving Apps
There are a variety of cash back grocery store apps. After you pur-
Saint Benedict School Now Enrolling PK3-8th grade
3980 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226 www.StBenSchool.org @stbenedictamherst
chase select items you can earn money back by submitting your receipt. Some grocery store cash back apps are Ibotta and Checkout51.
Who’s Ready To Save Money On Groceries?
Saving money is an investment of your time, but it is worth it. Once you figure out how to cut spending even in one area such as on buying protein, you will see your grocery bill start to shrink.
On my most recent excursion to the supermarket, the teen cashier proclaimed, “Wow, you saved over $100. I’ve never seen anyone do that before.”
When you can impress a teenager, you know you’re doing something right. Now if only I could figure out a way to make my grocery shopping trip last longer than three days.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA and SATW. You can find her at X at @CherylMaguire05.
— by Carolyn Tomlin
Specia l N eeds Insp ire
Growth Abilit y Strategies Empower
Advocate
Helping Your Child With Special Needs Make and Keep Friends
Like other parents in the line of cars waiting to pick up their children at the end of the school day, Steven’s mom waited until her son’s number was called and she was directly at the location for a safe transfer. Other children came out in groups, laughing and talking. But then, her son Steven came out by himself. He was alone. Immediately, she could tell her 7-year-old had tears in his eyes.
Once in the security of his mom’s car, he couldn’t hold the tears back any longer and a full-blown cry came from her sandy-haired son. With his dark brown eyes, he looked just like his father. Wanting to know the reason for his meltdown, she asked, “What in the world is the matter?”
“I don’t have any friends,” he sobbed. “I even have to eat by myself at lunch and at recess, no one wants to play with me.”
To a parent of a child with special needs, this scene may be all too familiar. As a parent, how can you help your child make and keep friends?
Why is it important to make friends?
One of the critical steps to developing social skills is forming friendships with peers. Parents may find this as a stumbling block in identifying boys or girls who will accept their child for who they are.
Everyone, and especially children with special needs, need emotional support. We need this sense of belonging to a group. This support is especially valuable for children with special needs.
Friends help our chidden improve social skills, which consist of communication, solving problems, making good choices,
and settling conflicts. These social skills are not only for the present, but continue through adulthood and the future.
Having friends improves a child’s self-esteem. When they feel good about themselves, they can accomplish greater things. They have an ambiance of success. Being accepted by peers can give a child with special needs confidence and improves self-esteem.
Children with special needs may experience more anxiety than their peers. The challenges are numerous. Small obstacles often appear larger.
Research has shown that friendships for children with special needs improves academic success. These children perform higher on tests than children without close friendships.
Friendships are very important, if not essential, for children with special needs. As your child grows and matures, they need friends to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
Helping your child make and keep friends
Look for signs of being unhappy or not wanting to go to school. Keep communication open so your child confides in you. Begin by talking with your child’s teacher during parentteacher conferences.
Don’t avoid the subject of “friends” as this is something your child is facing daily. Help them understand this is something everyone confronts at some time in life.
As a parent, have you had this experience of making new friends? Perhaps it was a time as a child when your family moved and you started attending a new school. Perhaps it was as an adult and you relocated to a new location. Talk about how
you solved the problem.
Include time for conversation with your child each day. Say, “Tell me about your time playing in the park, day care, or school.” This encourages more talking time than saying, “What did you do at school today?” which may include a one-word answer.
Disagreements often happen, even among the best of friends. Does your child know how to handle or respond to disagreements? Some may be big—others small. Help your child by talking about the situation.
Suggestions for parents to foster friendships among children
There are many parenting skills to help your child with special needs, both to make a friend and to be a friend to others. Here are a few. Think of others you can use and apply them to your family.
• Read a book about making friends. Talk about those characters in the book and how they either made friends, handled situations, or become a friend to others.
• Check out library books or Google children’s books on “friendships.”
• Invite neighbor children to your house for a play-date. Always supervise and have a safe place, such as a fenced yard, for play.
• Some children may be afraid of dogs. Secure your pup before children arrive.
• Play “What if” games with your child. Such as what if a friend decided he/she doesn’t want to play with you? What if a friend says something unkind to you? What if a friend doesn’t want to play the game you are enjoying? By practicing “what you would do,” the child is better prepared to handle the situation.
• Role-play situations (with your family) that may arise. Practice the conversation that may take place. This will help the child with special needs know how to respond.
Helping your child develop social interactions may be a challenge. However, social connections and friendships are so important to social, emotional, and academic environment. It may take time to see results. But stay positive, be consistent, and stay proactive in being the coach for your child with special needs.
Carolyn Tomlin has a M.Ed. in education and a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Tomlin has written over 7,000 magazine articles, 17 books, and teaches writing classes. She has a grandson with special needs.
WellnessChoices
Savory Favorites to Make St. Patrick’s Day Special
Hearty recipes for celebrating from the comfort of home
(Family Features) While some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations call for green beer and large gatherings, you may instead opt for a cozy evening at home with comforting foods and close friends. Whether your shamrock spirit leads you out for a local parade or you’re more of a stay-at-home leprechaun, there is one tradition all can agree on: delicious Irish food.
Servings: 4-6
“Cookin’ Savvy” by visiting Culinary.net.
Irish Beef and Beer
Pot Pie
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
hashbrowns, carrots and peas. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Place puff pastry sheet on cookie sheet. Beat egg and brush over pastry. Bake 10 minutes. Place hot puff pastry on top of beef mixture and serve.
Irish Sweet Soda Bread
If a quieter night cooking at home is up your alley, you’re in luck. You can put a meal worthy of gold on the table with these festive Irish favorites from “Cookin’ Savvy.”
A hearty home-cooked meal loaded with flavor and sure to fill you with cheer, Irish Beef and Beer Pot Pie is made piping hot to warm up any St. Patrick’s Day party. Full of hashbrowns, carrots, peas and beef, it’s a twist on tradition served with puff pastry topping the tasty stew. A cup of your favorite stout beer, of course, will come in handy for deglazing the skillet to ensure you enjoy every bit of beefy flavor.
Perfect for serving as a sweet complement to coffee or tea, or all on its own as a nightcap nibble, Irish Sweet Soda Bread comes together in a snap so you can let it bake while enjoying the main course. Offering an easy way to participate in the festivities, it might just become a household favorite to be savored year-round.
Make your home a St. Patrick’s Day haven with these hearty recipes then discover more celebratory meal ideas from
1 pound ground beef
1 cup stout beer
3 tablespoons flour
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 cup beef broth
1 bag (28 ounces) hashbrowns with peppers and onions
1 can (14 ounces) carrots, drained
1 can (14 ounces) peas, drained salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg
Heat oven to 400º F.
In large skillet or Dutch oven, brown ground beef; drain and set aside. Over medium heat, deglaze skillet with beer and whisk in flour. After thickening, whisk in tomato puree and add Worcestershire sauce. Mix in ground beef, garlic powder and beef broth. Add
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
4 cups self-rising flour
1 cup currants
2 tablespoons sanding sugar (optional)
coffee or tea, for serving (optional)
Heat oven to 375º F.
Mix melted butter and sugar then add buttermilk. Mix in flour and currants.
Flour hands and counter. Add sanding sugar to dough, if desired, and knead into ball.
Grease small Dutch oven or pie plate and bake 40 minutes. Serve with coffee or tea, if desired, or as a dessert. Substitutions: Raisins can be used in place of currants
THE KIDDIE GOUR ME T
— by Barbara Blackburn
Figmor Cafe and Eatery specializes in breakfast, lunch, and making people happy. There were many smiling adults and children there on a Saturday for breakfast and lunch (or brunch). The name comes from “Finally, I Got My Own Restaurant,” using the first letters of each word.
Figmor Cafe & Bakery
110 Webster Street
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-260-2267
figmorcafe.com
~ SPOONS ~ FOOD 5/5
SERVICE 5/5
Figmor is a culinary gem, with a kids’ menu called Landon’s Menu; Landon is the owner’s nephew. Prices are fair since a kid’s drink is included. Breakfast runs $6.99; lunch is $7.99. Kids French Toast is a delicious slice of brioche and a choice of pork bacon or pork sausage. An option offers substituting turkey bacon or sausage or plant bacon or sausage for $2.00. Also, there are Kids Pancakes and Kids Breakfast, with an egg, meat choice, toast choice, and home fries. For lunch, it’s Kids Chicken Fingers and french fries, Kids Grilled Cheese and fries, or Kids Mac and Cheese.
5/5
er—8 oz. patty, goat cheese, arugula, bacon, and fig jam on a brioche roll ($16.99). I, too, found this yummy, especially the spicy pickle. He had a choice of fries or soup. The everything Italian soup spoke well of the chef’s soup of the day. Usually, soup is an upgrade.
Joey’s Bennys take Eggs Benedict to a new level. The owner Joey offers Crabby Benny—crab cake, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. Also showing off his whimsical creativity are the Specialty Sandwiches, such as the Figgy Burger and the Shell Bell —golden brown eggplant, Mama’s homemade red sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil on a Costanzo’s hoagie roll ($15.99).
The adult Stuffed French Toast is based on brioche, stuffed with a sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with fresh glazed strawberries ($13.99) or chocolate sauce glaze. Our winsome waitress talked me into both for an additional $1.00. This sweet and savory item was plated beautifully. I had almost ordered the Bananas Foster Waffle ($13.99) which sounded luscious.
Every category has an appealing list of items, worded and plated very well, with something a bit unique. Take, for example, the Goldie Lox omelet with smoked salmon, red onion, capers, and fresh dill cream sauce ($16.99). The bread selection even offers gluten free, along with the usual three as well as sourdough and Italian brioche.
Grandpa reveled in his Figgy Burg-
Of the Skillets, I thought Huevos Rancheros sounded the most interesting; bacon, fresh cowboy caviar, guacamole, and cheddar Jack cheese ($14.99). Cowboy caviar is a clever blend of red pepper, purple onion, tomatoes and blackeyed peas (or beans).
No one brought in the Figgy Pudding, as in the Christmas song, but we got along just fine without it. Figmor is delightfully decorated, the food is delightfully presented, but, above all, it is delightfully tasty. And here is an additional gem of wisdom: in ancient times a fig was a symbol of peace and prosperity (and not something trivial).
Barb has been happily doing the Kiddie Gourmet for over 35 years. She has two aging children and four grandchildren, all living in Florida. She is a home instructor and community education cooking instructor for Williamsville Central Schools. She is the 2023 recipient of the Buffalo State Alumni Association Senior Service Award.
