A Saratoga TODAY Publication
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Spring 2015
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Welcome Spring My husband went on a two week business trip recently and during that time I did some major things around our house. I shopped around and found the perfect storage solution for our household mail and paperwork. I had a friend (bless her heart) help me re-organize a few embarrassingly cluttered areas of my kitchen including not one, but TWO “junk drawers”. I threw out all of my husbands socks (they were horrible!) and replaced them with new pairs. I sold our eat-in kitchen table and replaced it with a new table that fits the space and our lifestyle better. I took advantage of our time apart to create a better space to enjoy our times together. I don’t know about you, but I get a burst of energy and motivation when the season starts to change from winter to spring. I want to de-clutter, clean, restore, shine, renew! I can’t do everything, and I may not even complete half of my massive to-do list this spring, but I will chip away at it knowing that even the smallest improvement is better than none at all. Speaking of spring cleaning, on page 42 I’m sharing a few of my favorite ‘green cleaning’ recipes using common household ingredients.
Jenna Burger shares two methods for DIY Easter eggs on page 38 you’ll surely adore! We’re introducing you to a few amazing young people all under the age of 16 who are true ‘rising stars’ in Saratoga County. Read their inspiring stories on page 54.
Two ways to win:
There are two contests in this magazine we think you’ll love! On our beautiful cover you’ll find lots of Name Bubbles labels. Count them and let me know how many you can spot! Send me your guess by April 30, 2015 and be entered to WIN a $30 Name Bubbles gift certificate! Email me at colleen@saratogamama.com On the inside of the back cover is a coloring contest for kids. Snap a picture of your child’s work and send it to me by April 30, 2015 and be entered to WIN a kids cooking class of your choice at Healthy Living Market! Email me at colleen@saratogamama.com
Happy Spring!
Our Cover
~Colleen
Thanks to Michelle Brandriss, founder of Name Bubbles for allowing us to play in her amazing craft room which was designed by our very own Jenna Burger! Cover girls and sisters Hadley and Scarlett enjoyed painting a spring picture and of course posing for our super photographer, Keira Lemonis. 4 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty Editor-in-Chief Colleen Pierre General Manager Robin Mitchell Managing Editor Jan Snedaker Creative Director Jessica Kane Advertising Chris Bushee, Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Graphic Design Amy Gifford Jessica Kane Photography Keira Lemonis Thinkstock.com Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 SaratogaTODAYNewspaper.com SaratogaMama is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2015, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper
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Table of Contents
20
23
50
54 42 38 Seek 10 36 46
Springtime Wish List Northshire's Rainy Day Reads Spring Style: Look For Less
Find 23 50 54
Summer Camp Guide Pantone Color of the Year: Marsala Superstars Under 16
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Learn 30 38 42
Preventing and Treating Lyme Disease DIY Egg Dying Green Spring Cleaning
Play 20 66 67
Colorful Cooking Kids Puzzles and Games Coloring Contest saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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Our Contributors.. Jenna Burger
Jenna Burger is a local Interior Designer, Bloggers, Bargain Hunter, and avid DIYer who strives to inspire and empower others with her highend look for less design approach. She shares daily inspiration and DIY projects on her blog, and delivers smart, stylish, and sophisticated design solutions to fit the needs and visions for each client's space. Visit Jenna at www.jennaburger.com
Dr. Dean J. Limeri
Dr. Dean Limeri is a board certified family medicine physician, who practices at Ellis Primary Care in Glenville. Dr. Limeri attended medical school at Albany Medical College and completed his residency at Albany Medical Center. Dr. Limeri has more than twenty years’ experience as a primary care physician and is currently the medical director of Ellis Primary Care. 8 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
Jodie Fitz
Jessica Kane
Jodie Fitz is the creator and personality of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club and currently travels in a six-state region cooking with children to encourage taste testing fun through a hands-on cooking experience. She is a wife, mother of three and currently authors several monthly columns. You can always find what she’s up to in her kitchen at jodiefitz.com.
Jessica is a graphic designer and photographer from Saratoga Springs. She has a true passion for all things “creative.” Jessica enjoys nature walks with her dog Ari, crafting, wine tasting and spending time with friends and family. Jessica is a Graphic Design USA award winner for her work in SaratogaMama and is proud and happy to be a part of the team!
Alan R. Rudnick
Jan Snedaker
Alan R. Rudnick is a husband and father of three children. He is an author, writer, speaker, and the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, NY. You can find him on the web www.alanrudnick.org
Jan Snedaker received a communication degree from Ithaca College and after switching gears for a while to become a special education teacher, she is following her passion; returning to her roots as a freelance writer and the creative director at SaratogaMama. Jan resides in Clifton Park with her husband and two adorable children. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Kathryn Kos
Kathryn is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) through The Nutritional Therapy Association, and a Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor. Kathryn is a nutrition blogger at primalblissnutrition.com, where she shares whole food recipes and articles pertaining to health and wellness. She specialize in healing digestion, balancing blood sugar, balancing hormones, autoimmune conditions, weight loss, and feeding infants and children.
S.K. Parker Ward
Sarah is the catalyst behind social media consultancy Kathleen Palmer Media & is also an adjunct marketing professor. A vintage-wearing, coffeeloving wordsmith, you'll usually find her triple screening to catch up on the latest trends in media and technology, or about town somewhere in the Northeast with her husband and two daughters. Follow the fun @SKParkerWard. SaratogaMama.com
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Wish List Springtime Edition
By Jan Snedaker, Colleen P ierre
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My wish is to finally get organized this spring!
We found help with Name Bubbles Write-On Labels. Their new designer series is sophisticated enough to help you organize anything from kitchen items or spices to craft supplies and storage containers. The very best part is that these labels are waterproof and laminated so you can use them over and over again. Change the message, not the label!
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I wish for a quiet app that would occupy the kids while I’m otherwise occupied!
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We found it with Disney Creativity Studio 2 which features dozens of coloring pages starring the beloved characters from Frozen, Big Hero Six, Cars, and Palace Pets. Your child can customize the pages using patterns and paintbrushes, markers, glitter, chalk, glue, and themed stickers as well as add animation to their finished masterpiece. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
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I wish there was a series of books that I could read to both my son AND daughter that would get them excited about reading.
I wish there was one place I could pick up food and also a fabulous wine to pair with it.
We found it at Divine Wines, located within Healthy Living Market in Saratoga Springs. The knowledgeable staff at Divine Wines are there to help you select the perfect wine to pair with your dinner or special event. With hundreds of wines and spirits from around the world, you are sure to find something unique. If there is a hard to find wine you desire that is not there, they will even special order it for you.
We found it at Northshire Bookstore where they carry a large selection of Mo Willems’ Pigeon books. In these books, a silly pigeon with a childlike innocence pleads with the reader to stay up late, drive a bus, get a puppy, or eat a hot dog. These books encourage audience participation and are wonderful for early readers who will love reading the books on their own too.
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I wish for a healthy way to incorporate more fruit, vegetables, and protein into my child’s diet.
We love making yummy smoothies with hidden goodness! Freeze bananas so they’re always smoothie-ready. Blend together half of a frozen banana, a handful of spinach, ½ cup of blueberries, ½ cup of strawberries and a cup of yogurt or almond milk. Check out another delicious smoothie recipe on page 21.
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I wish there was a place we could go to bid farewell to the long, cold winter and usher in warmer days!
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We found it at Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park! With over 38,000 square feet of indoor water fun and a temperature set to a balmy 82 degrees, an overnight stay will surely get you feeling warm and sunny.
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I wish I could find an organic deodorant that is safe AND effective.
We found it with Ava Anderson Non Toxic Organic Deodorant! Finally a deodorant that works with no parabens, aluminum, no harmful chemicals and all organic botanicals that are actually healthy for the body! So does it work? This stuff has been workout-tested and mama approved! For more info, visit avaandersonnontoxic.com/colleen
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My wish is for my kids to splash in style this spring with adorable rain gear they actually enjoy wearing!
We found it with the Kidorable line of umbrellas, rain boots and accessories. This company has transformed everyday functional kids accessories and made them whimsical and fun. Let their imaginations run wild with mermaid rain boots, pirate umbrellas, space hero rain jackets and more! Available locally at G. Willikers in Saratoga or online at Kidorable.com.
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I wish there was a way to achieve a golden tan without the use of harmful tanning beds, so when the weather warms up I can get into the spirit of spring and bare some skin!
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My wish is to find a fun spring event my whole family will enjoy.
We’ll find it at Maple Weekend held on the weekends of March 21-22 and March 28-29. Local maple producers welcome families to their farms to experience firsthand how maple syrup is made. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the process and of course sample and purchase your favorite maple products. Visit mapleweekend.com for more information.
We found it with Whish coconut milk self tanner, an all over body butter with self tanner and natural firming ingredients. This product will give you firmer, smoother skin with a radiant natural looking glow and smells like coconuts and summer. Formulated without parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, DEA or TEA, this is a healthier alternative to both the sun and tanning beds. Can be found locally at Bella Rouge Cosmetic and Skincare Boutique in Clifton Park. SaratogaMama.com
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Très Chic: Classically French Features American Mamas Just Might Adore By S.K. Parker Ward
B
etween the snow, the cold, and the relentless onslaught of coughs, sniffles, and cabin-fever tantrums that have been engulfing my house the past few weeks, I’m feeling a little ‘je ne sais quoi'. But with the coquettish promise of spring not too far off (despite that dreadful groundhog’s sentiments!), my heart’s perking up and so, too, is my writing. So for this go ‘round, you’re spared another of my introverted ramblings in favor of a delightful tidbit proclaiming adoration for all things Francais.
But this longstanding fascination begs the questions - what is it about baguettes, berets, and cappuccinos that make our toes tingle and our passports yearn? Well, really, I think most of us can agree that there’s just something so enviously alluring, so immutably chic about French culture. (Plus, the marketing world from which I hail has a particular penchant for feeding our idealization with such glorious brands as Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Gucci, and Cartier)
Now I know I’m not the first of my kind endlessly romanticizing the lifestyles of a country’s women found on boulevards halfway around the world. To the contrary, the superfluous fondness for French living extends back to the days of the restless curiosity that brought many affluent Americans to the Grand Tour of Europe in the late 19th century.
So despite what we may feel about their politics or their supposed aversion to Americans, there’s an unabashed synonymousness with effortless elegance that we can all appreciate, if not completely obsess over. (And, bonjour, we’re mamas, so of course we could all benefit from a little more self-indulgence!)
Francophilia: [frang-kuh-fil-ee-uh, -feel-yuh] noun. The adoration of French style and culture as a sophisticated escape from the realities of sippy cups and laundry. See also: #TodayIAmFrench
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So here I’m passing on 13 lifestyle essentials I’ve gathered from a decade of gobbling up French films, blogs, and fashion. 1. Ignore Trends: Fashion is fleeting, style is forever. Don’t bother trying to stay on top of the latest must-have accessories or the most recent runway developments. It all just goes and comes around anyway. Instead, embrace your own style through playful trial and error. 2. Be Kind to Your Body: You’ve only got one, so you might as well worship it! From staying hydrated to being especially kind to their hair (avoiding dyes, blow-drying and over-washing), French women are internationally renowned for the gentle way they love their forms. 3. Find Fresh Air: The French, and Europeans in general are far less fearful of fresh air than many on the Stateside. Remember that neither you nor your littles will melt in the rain anymore than they will disappear in the dark. So whatever the weather or time of day, make it a point to get out there and breathe in nature’s goodness. 4. Practice Less is More: Understated elegance can have an overwhelming impact. Whether it’s how much you say or how loud your ensemble, an affinity for simplicity can pay off. 5. Think ‘Culture, Culture, Culture’: Abandon #SameOldSameOld in favor of #YOLO. Expose yourself and your family to new ideas, new foods, new experiences. We’re so fortunate to live in an area that offers such a diverse and changing array of opportunities – take advantage! 6. Invest in Style Staples: This one comes as no surprise and instead just a gentle reminder: there’s certain key attire we should all have quality versions of in our closets - a white button down, a classic LBD, nude pumps, well-fitting jeans, and a pair of ballet flats, to name a few. 7. Never Rush: This one trickles down from centuries of customs among French bourgeoisie. A proper lady does not rush; She either plans her day appropriately or she reschedules to avoid the inevitable carelessness that accompanies haste.
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J’Adore! French It Girls
We Can’t Help But Love Christine Lagarde:
The first woman to run the 188-country International Monetary Fund (IMF), Lagarde is an eloquent powerhouse (and she’s one of few who can rock a pant suit beautifully).
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel:
As much a feminist and fashion icon as Cleopatra, Chanel’s classic, sophisticated styles have captivated the fashion world for more than a hundred years and continues to gross nearly $5 billion annually.
Juliette Binoche:
An Oscar winning actress with more than 40 films under her belt, Binoche is a dynamic artist who is quietly and elegantly changing a stereotypical industry through mastery and thoughtfulness.
Jeanne Damas:
Having been called the “ultimate Parisian,” fashion blogger Damas’ name is on everyone’s lips lately due to her flourishing international career as a style maven.
Simone De Beauvoir:
An existentialist and powerhouse feminist, De Beauvoir played by her own rules and embraced an extraordinary life filled with love, sex, & philosophy to help redefine society’s expectations for women.
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8. Have a Signature Scent: Smell is one of the most powerful senses, but can be often overlooked. Find a high-quality, low-chemical smell you love (give an essential oil a whirl), and add a quick dab to the wrist and neck as part of your daily routine. 9. Let Loyalty Rule: While it can be true that French women are particularly catty with one another, it’s only because they have such an ironclad ring of loyalty. Once you’re in, friendships are guarded with lioness-like allegiance. 10. Eat Raw: Our region is home to some of the finest farmers markets in the country, so there’s little excuse not to champion healthy, locally-sourced goods with the same vigor found in the Nice and Cologne. 11. Overindulge in Underthings: Sure, you and your dearest may be the only one to see them, but that doesn’t mean they deserve any less love! Whether it’s an international Cosabella or a more local Torso Lingerie or Chic Underneath, find a goto retailer to purchase charming bras and panties that are the right fit for you.
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12. Know Your Hors d’Oeuvres: From charcuterie boards to tartare, even culinary novices should learn at least a handful of scrumptious, lighter fare recipes. 13. Embrace History: Even the most modern have a fondness for the past. So whether it’s giving elders the respect their wisdom deserves or a more tangible passion for preserving antiques, remember that we wouldn’t be where we are if it weren’t for where we’ve been. So there you have it, my fair ladies – the basics of French femme charm wrapped neatly in one article, as ready for your embrace as the warm weather itself. May it bring you a little slice of worldly luxury somewhere amidst your work schedule and the diaper changes, play dates, and parent-teacher conferences that we’re all splendidly trying to survive.
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Colorful Cooking
Kid-Friendly Cooking with Jodie Fitz
This spring, 'convenience and color' are two words to include in your menu planning! By Jodie Fitz, photos provided Blueberry Bites are perfect to make ahead and take for a day trip, a sports event, or simply to pack up in a lunchbox. My favorite Rainbow Smoothie is always a hit and includes baby spinach as an undetected ingredient that's perfect for picky eaters or to just add in extra veggies. It's great for breakfast on the run or an after-school snack.
Last but not least, this season we're sharing a sneak peek into how I am always trying to make meals as easy as possible at the Fitz Family household. One of our favorites is to make Breakfast Burritos that are not only delicious, but can be made ahead, frozen and make life a whole lot easier whether you use them for breakfast or a last minute ‘brinner' (breakfast for dinner)!
Blueberry Bites 6 oz. slivered almonds
3 tablespoons flaxseed
5 oz. blueberry Craisins
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup pitted dates
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Non-stick cooking spray
1/4 cup sunflower seeds, salted
Directions: Coat an 8x8 glass dish with a heavy coat of non-stick cooking spray. Add the almonds, blueberry Craisins, pitted dates, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, honey and vanilla extract into a food processor. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly by using the pulsating feature.
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Pour the mixture into the pre-coated glass dish. Using a spoon, press the mixture into the dish evenly and tightly. Place the glass dish into the refrigerator and let set for one hour. Cut the recipe into equal sized bars. Using a spatula, remove each bar from the pan and place them in an airtight storage container with waxed paper in between layers for storing. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Magical Rainbow Smoothie
Directions: Add the strawberries, yogurt, blueberries and spinach into the blender. Make certain that there are no seeds in your lemons. If you don’t have a lemon squeezer, the juice can be squeezed out by hand, which is way more fun for kids! Simply squeeze the rind together, twisting slightly to release the juice into the blender. Repeat and squeeze the juice from the orange into the blender as well. Add in the honey, vanilla and milk. Blend and serve. This recipe makes a delicious and thick smoothie to share.
Magical Rainbow Smoothie Red = 2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen Purple = 6 oz. blackberry yogurt Blue = 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
Hidden Ingredient: The kids won’t even taste the spinach in the Magical Rainbow Smoothie. If you have a picky eater, simply put the spinach into the blender with the frozen strawberries and milk before you invite them to the counter to help add in the other ingredients. When my kids were young, after I received the ‘thumbs up’ approval with hidden ingredients, I would then let them in on the secret!
Green = 1 cup spinach, fresh baby leaf Yellow = Juice of a fresh lemon Orange = 1/2 navel orange Pot of Gold = 2 tablespoons honey Dash of Magic = 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups low fat milk, rice milk or other dairy alternative
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ur Add yo y riet own va h of fres ! berries Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 21
Breakfast Burritos Turkey breakfast sausage links, cooked Turkey bacon, cooked Ham, cooked 8 eggs 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 6 tortilla wraps 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Mild Salsa Non-stick cooking spray
Directions: Scramble the eggs in a bowl with the onion powder and black pepper. Cook them in scrambled fashion using the non-stick cooking spray. After you have cooked the sausage, the bacon, and browned the cooked ham, simply cut them into small-diced pieces. Fill the center of each burrito with eggs, meat, salsa and approximately 2 tablespoons of cheese. Roll them as you would a burrito.
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Here's a Tip:
If you are going to cook them right away, place them seam down in a glass-baking dish that has been coated with the nonstick cooking spray. Baste the top of each burrito with the canola oil and top them with shredded cheese. Cook them in a pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for approximately 10 minutes; until they are golden brown on the edges. Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit. If you are going to freeze the burritos, place each burrito you have just rolled on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper. Place the tray of burritos into the freezer and let them freeze for at least one hour. Remove the tray, wrap each one individually with parchment paper and place them in an airtight freezing container or a Ziploc freezer bag. When you are ready to eat the burritos, simply remove them for the freezer and let them set while you are heating the oven. Follow the directions above to baste, top with cheese and bake before serving.
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2015
Summer Camp
Guide
Summer is creeping up and
it’s time to start thinking about summer camps! Our Saratoga Summer Camp Guide highlights some excellent area options!
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Gavin Park, Wilton, NY www.townofwilton.com (518) 584-9455 WILTON RECREATION CAMP
Wilton Recreation offers a full-day summer camp program for children entering 1st through 9th grade, which runs from 9a.m. to 3p.m., June 30th through August 14th. This camp offers a full schedule of daily onsite activities, themed events, as well as exciting trips for those campers registered for off-site adventures. Daily onsite activities include arts and crafts, sports, playground fun, and other organized group games. This year’s scheduled field trips include: The Great Escape, Million Dollar Beach, Saratoga Country Fair, Magic Forest, Valley Cats Baseball Game and at least two swimming days per week at nearby pools and beaches and much more ( trips are based on space and availability ). With available pre-camp and post-camp care, working parents can ensure their children are having fun in a safe environment before and after the camp’s regular hours. Space is limited. Parents who register their children for before camp care can drop off their registered campers as early as 8a.m. and for after camp care can pick them up as late as 5:30p.m. Busing is available for Wilton residents who register for regular camp hours. Camp registration for Wilton Residents ONLY begins on March 2nd. Non-resident registration begins on April 27th. Registration is open until camp capacity is reached, or June 12th, whichever comes first. Space is limited and registration must be done in person at Gavin Park, 10 Lewis Drive, Saratoga Springs NY. Camp registration forms are available at www.townofwilton.com or can be picked up at the park office, weekdays 9a.m.-5p.m. Any questions, please call (518)-584-9455. 24 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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Skidmore College offers a variety of programs for children of all ages during the summer months www.skidmore.edu/summer (518) 580-5596
SPORTS CAMPS
Camp Northwoods
Skidmore’s day camp for children entering grades 1-6, offers an exciting program of sports, cultural arts, nature study and relaxed play. Our goal is to provide a variety of fun activities that happily challenge the imagination, intellect, and body. The camp's home base is Falstaff's Pavilion on the Skidmore College campus, but campers frequent the Williamson Sports Center, Schick Art Gallery, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, and Zankel Music Center. The daily enrichment activities led by the qualified staff are supplemented by weekly field trips to recreational and historical sites, and visits by special guests. Children will also enjoy arts and crafts, ceramics, games, hiking, and daily swim time. One and two-week sessions are available from June 29-August 14.
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Skidmore College also offers a wide array of Sports Camps from June through August for children of all ages. Choose from baseball, lacrosse, swimming, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and field hockey. Children learn the concept of teamwork while acquiring the necessary skills for his or her sport of choice. Adults, novice or experienced, can participate in a rowing program offered throughout the spring, summer and fall at the Boat House located on beautiful Fish Creek. All other programs are held on the Skidmore Campus at the Sports and Recreation Center and/or the adjacent fields. For more information, or to register: http://www.skidmore.edu/summer/ camps-and-sports or call the Office of the Dean of Special Programs at (518) 580-5596.
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www.CDYMCA.org 518-869-3500 The Capital District YMCA Provides Safe, Affordable Summer Camp for Your Child! OUR PREMIER DAY CAMP
Located on Route 155 in Guilderland, YMCA Adventure Camp is our premier day camp, with out-door pool, pond with paddle boats, zip line, rock wall, covered pavilion, and convenient bussing available. FREE TOURS! Visit www.CDYMCA.org today for tour dates, or call 456.3634.
OUR PREMIER OVERNIGHT CAMP
• Register Online! Visit www.CDYMCA.org today. • Sibling discounts! • Free before and after-camp care. • Membership not required. All are welcome!
DAY CAMP FUN!
We’re convenient! 11 locations: Albany, Bethlehem, Glenville, East Greenbush, Greene County, Guilderland, North Colonie, Schenectady, Scotia, Southern Saratoga, and Troy.
Camp Chingachgook is located on the shores of Lake George in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, and offers a unique overnight camp experience for your child.
Children 3 to 16 will find something fun to do, from fun trips to swimming lessons to archery and arts & crafts. And YMCA programs focus on fun activities that help your child build confidence and self-esteem.
Your child will love our day camp (for kids 5-10), overnight camp (for kids 7-15), adventure trip programs (for kids 11 and older), and Counselor-in-Training program (for 16 year-olds).
Register Today! 518.869.3500. Visit us at www.CDYMCA.org.
FREE TOURS! Visit www.LakeGeorgeCamp.org today for our 2014 tour schedule.
MORE TRIPS! NEW SPECIALTY CAMPS!
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459 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs NY 12866 www.siskids.org • 518-583-0841 siskids.org/programs/summer-programs Come play with us this summer! Program Dates: July 6 to August 24, 2015. Program Hours: 9 AM to noon, with optional enrichment programs until 3 PM. Before & After Care available 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM.
Whether exploring the past or designing the future, the Summer enrichment experience at Saratoga Independent School is sure to engage and excite children ages 3 to 8 years old. Our morning program themes change from week to week with topics for all interests. Campers will spend time with a variety of teachers, including Physical Education and Art teachers, alongside theme-based exploration.
If a half day isn’t quite enough, stick around for the afternoon. This year we are offering a less structured afternoon with water play, board games, and opportunities for personal expression. For more detailed descriptions of the weekly themes, please visit our website: www.siskids.org/programs/ summer-programs.
2015 Weekly Camp Themes: • Holiday a day Week 1 – July 6-10 • Kitchen Chemistry Week 2 – July 13-17 • Fun and Fitness Week 3 – July 20-24 • Farmers of the Future Week 4 – July 27-31 • Time Travel Week 5 – August 3-7 • Scissors, Tape and Glue: Under construction Week 6 – August 10-14 • Artful Antics Week 7 – August 17-21 SaratogaMama.com
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saratogachildrenstheatre.org (518) 580-1782
For children who have a passion for performing arts, Saratoga Children’s Theatre summer camp is a dream come true. Saratoga Children’s Theatre offers performance camps for ages 4-18 years. All Camps are held at St. Clements School, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY SAVE with Early Registration-Register by March 1, 2015: Before and After Care will be available RISING STARS camps (4-6 years) these stars-to-be will learn to explore their creativity through music, storytelling, movement, and arts. Camp will be one week 9am-3pm. RISING STARS will offer 8 sessions
June 29, 2015 to July 3, 2015 FROZEN 1 July 6, 2105 to July 10, 2015 - HATS! July 13, 2015 to July 17, 2015 FROZEN 2 July 20, 2015 to July 24, 2015 - E_I_E_I_OOPS! July 27, 2015 to July 31, 2015 – GO FISH! August 3, 2015 to August 7, 2015 - ARF! August 10, 2015 to August 14 IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE! August 17, 2015 to August 21, 2015 - SWAMPED!
SCT KIDS camps (7-10 years) Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of camp and they are open to the public. Campers will perform on stage at St. Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am3pm; this is a one week program. NEW this summer is 2 Plays and SCT Idol along with many 5 Musicals.
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KIDS Camps will offer 8 sessions
KIDS 7-10 years old - One Week Program June 29 to July 3 (Musical) Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn July 6 to July 10 (Play) JUST LIKE US July 13 to July 17 (Musical) Summer Camp A Musical Caper About A Place to Belong July 20 to July 24 (Musical) Disney's Sleeping Beauty July 27 to July 31 (Play) Yo, ho, ho and a Wad of Gum August 3 to August 7 (Musical) Red Riding Hood in Fairyland August 10 to August 14 (Musical) Disney’s The Jungle Book
SCT JUNIOR camps (10-13 years) Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in two shows at the end of camp and they are open to the public. NEW this summer 1 Play, The History of Broadway along with 2 Musicals. Campers will perform on stage at St. Clements Auditorium, Saratoga Springs. Camp hours are 9am-3pm. June 29-July 10 DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. (Musical) July 20-31 GUYS AND DOLLS JR. (Musical) August 3-7 (One Week) History of Broadway (Music) August 10-21 A Midsummer Night's Dream (Play)
SCT TEEN TROUPE camps (13-18 years) Campers will learn all aspects of performance, and will have the opportunity to perform in 4 shows at the end of camp at Skidmore College JBK Theater. NEW this summer is a one-week Shakespeare scenes camp. Camp hours are 9am-3pm Camp will be held at St. Clements School for the first 2 weeks, the third week of camp is at Skidmore College. June 29 to July 18, 2015: Fame - The Musical. Director: Allison Lerman-Gluck, Music Director: Christina Dinella, Performances Location: Skidmore College’s JBK Theater, Performance Dates & Times: July 17, 2015 at 1:00pm & 7:00pm July 18, 2015 at 1:00pm & 7:00pm July 20 to July 24 9:00am to 3:00pm: Shakespeare Director: Dianne O’Neill, Performance: 1:00pm July 24, 2015 July 27 to August 15 9:00am to 3:00pm Seussical-Musical Director: Wes Seals, Music Director: Christina Dinella, Performances Location: Skidmore College’s JBK Theater, Performance Dates & Times: August 14, 2015 at 1:00pm & 7:00pm
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SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 29
Lyme Disease: An Easy Condition to Prevent and Treat Dean Limeri, MD – Ellis Primary Care
I always tell my patients, “Lyme disease is difficult to contract, but easy to treat." This statement often sparks debate regarding the long-term effects of Lyme disease and treatment for chronic conditions. However, with proper precautions and appropriate treatment (if needed) Lyme disease can be prevented.
Preventing Lyme Disease
The first step to ensuring you and your family are safe from Lyme disease is preventing it from ever being transmitted. In the spring and summer and on warm fall days, ticks, some of which carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, are often found. Using an insect repellent with DEET helps repel ticks. When you come inside after being in an area where you know ticks are present, I recommend doing a full body check to see if any ticks have attached themselves. People often do not feel tick bites 30 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
so be sure to check your whole body, even unexposed skin. In my years as a doctor I have seen ticks on practically every body part. If you see a tick you can easily remove it with pointed tweezers. It takes 36 hours before an infected tick can transmit Lyme disease, so early removal is important for prevention. Be sure to position the tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out. After removing the tick, simply wash the area with soap and water. Do not worry if you do not remove all of the tick, as long as you remove the body, you will prevent transmission of Lyme disease.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
If an infected tick is not discovered early enough to be removed within 36 hours, Lyme disease could occur. The early sign of Lyme disease is a rash within a couple of weeks. A round rash, similar looking to a bull’s eye, called erythema migraines, develops. It may be at the site of the bite, or another location on the body. Other rashes, often less noticeable, can also appear on the body. Sometimes, the rash looks like a red patch. This can be confused with a similar looking skin infection called cellulitis. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Other symptoms include achiness or flu-like symptoms. If Lyme disease progresses, one may experience joint pain in certain areas, such as the knees.
Treating Lyme Disease
As I noted in the beginning, Lyme disease is actually very easy to treat. If you find a tick that has not been removed early, or see a rash developing, talk to your doctor. They will be able to determine if it is Lyme disease with an examination or sometimes with a blood test. Treatment for Lyme disease begins early with an antibiotic called Doxycycline. Antibiotic treatment may last between two to three weeks or sometimes longer depending on the symptoms. After treatment, most people no longer experience symptoms. For some individuals, symptoms may linger – including joint pain or chronic fatigue. Studies have shown that the disease has been successfully treated and gone from the body; yet it is unknown why symptoms persist. This season, the best way to keep you and your family healthy is to be aware of your surroundings and always check for ticks. If you find a tick, don’t be concerned, just follow the proper removal tips and talk with your doctor if you have any questions.
Dr. Dean Limeri is a board certified family medicine physician, who practices at Ellis Primary Care in Glenville. Ellis Primary Care offers comprehensive care through every stage of life from regular check-ups and immunizations to sick visits and education for healthy living. For more information, visit ellismedicine.org or call 844-518-DOCS.
SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 31
The myth of the “elite” young athlete By Alan R. Rudnick
I recently received an email from my brother-in-law that contained several video links. “Tell me what you think.” My brother-in-law wrote. I clicked and opened each link and watched my 8 year-old nephew goaltending a lacrosse game. The video contained the coach’s commentary, superimposed video drawings, and slow motion pointby-point breakdown of his form. “Wow! When I played, that type of analysis and video work was only on ESPN,” I wrote back. I was shocked at the level of sophistication of the coaching analysis. In the last 10-15 years, there has 32 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
been an explosion in youth sports training, travel teams, artificial turf fields, video production, websites, private coaches, and “elite” sports teams. According to the news channel CNBC, youth sport travel is a $7 billion dollar industry. With the recent interest in forming “elite” youth athletes, parents are left paying for additional training and sacrificing family time to “elite” sports.
because it was fun. Now, as a father of three children, I cannot believe how much youth sports culture has changed. What was once a time of fun, team building, and exercise is now a billion dollar industry. Families spend the whole weekend carting around their kids to sports games or tournaments. They spend 2-4 nights a week at practices. Their kid’s sports are their life.
Growing up in the 1980’s and 1990’s, we kids played football, lacrosse, soccer, baseball, street hockey, and basketball. Some of us were on recreation teams and others were not. We tried all sorts of sports and leagues. We played
I once asked a parent why his son was on three teams, had a private coach, and strength conditioning trainer. “We want him to get a full scholarship to a Division I school
It is not supposed to be this way.
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and hopefully play professionally.” The child’s age? 12 years-old. As I listened to this father explain his son’s weekly regiment, I thought, “Is this what youth sports have become?” This intense sports training rather than fun and development has led to the myth of the “elite” young athlete. Parents exhaust their kids into practice and training so that their kid can get on that “elite” team. The myth of the “elite”
young athlete sees the child as a future professional athlete rather than a child who needs affirmation, structure, love, balance, family, friends, and healthy exercise.
“Is this what youth sports have become?”
The training of the “elite” young athlete creates a high risk for injury. The Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine examined the young athlete culture. The 2014 study framed the reality this way: “Such an excessive focus on early intensive training and competition at young ages rather
A 2014 study conducted by Minnesota University reported the odds of a high school football player making it to the NFL are 1 in 6,000 and 1 in 10,000 for the NBA. That is an extremely narrow job field to prepare for.
SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 33
than skill development can lead to overuse injury and burnout.” The study found that these “elite” young athletes are at a high risk for overuse injuries, musculoskeletal problems, and burnout. The Centers for Disease Control found football concussions among 10 to 14 year-olds more than doubled from 4,138 in 2000 to 10,759 in 2010. There are inherent risks in sports, but at what point will parents realize that children are being over-practiced and over-trained? As a former high school lacrosse captain, two-time All-Conference college lacrosse player, and collegiate coach, I value my lacrosse experience. I loved the challenge, the friendships, and team work. I hold records in NCAA lacrosse goaltending. I never had a private coach, was not on a travel team, and did not practice Sundays. I played on one team at a time. My family ate dinner at the table just about every night, we went to church on Sundays, and took family vacations that did not revolve around sports. Lacrosse was a huge part of my life from the age of 12 to 28, but it did not control my life.
“When is it enough?”
There will be parents who say, “My kids love every minute of sports!” I am sure they do. But I have to ask, “When is it enough?” Every parent wants and hopes for their children to succeed in 34 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
everything they do, but that’s the problem. Your kids cannot do everything: every sports opportunity, school event, birthday party, club, practice, and weekend game. Families need balance.
As an ordained minister, I teach the concept of Sabbath rest to my congregation. In the Bible, after God created the world, God rested. God created Sabbath as a pattern of rest for our lives. Our culture does not value the concept of rest. We all need balance and rest from the patterns of labor, rigor, and physical exertion. If adults and children do not rest from demanding activity, they burn out. The priority of the family, family time, and family bonding is losing its importance to the myth of the “elite” young athlete. The myth propagates the idea that children should be treated and trained as little professional athletes who need to spend countless hours practicing and playing. Instead of focusing how to get our children to the “elite” youth sports level, let’s teach them what life giving priorities are truly important: family, friends, and fun. Alan R. Rudnick is a husband and father of three children. He is an author, writer, speaker, and the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, NY. You can find him on the web www.alanrudnick.org saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 35
RainyByDay READS Northshire Bookstore Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny by John Himmelman
Isbel is the best Bunjitsu artist at her school. She can kick higher then any other bunny, but she doesn't hurt anyone, because Bunjitsu isn't about fighting, but about wisdom and being true to yourself. A wonderful book for short attention spans - each chapter is a short adventure, and every page has drawings! Reviewed by Leah Moore
Lowerar y nt Eleme
Up Elem per enta ry
How to Grow a Friend by Sarah Gillingham To grow a friend you need sunshine, water, and a little fun! This book guides children to the wonders of friendship, and shows that in a garden there is always room for one more flower, and one more friend. Reviewed by Leah Moore
Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai Mai is CA girl, looking forward to a summer on the beach so when her parents surprise her with a ticket to Vietnam, she is less then thrilled. She is escorting her grandmother to the tiny village where her dad was born, to solve a family mystery - what happened to her grandfather, missing since the war. Full of new friendships and amazing culture, this book is a fun read and a great look at Vietnam, past and present. Reviewed by Leah Moore
l
o Prescho
Five Stinky Socks by Jim Benton The stinky monster has 5 stinky feet, and five stinky shoes. If he wants to play outside, he has to put all of them on! Full of funny rhymes and cute pictures, this sturdy board book will handle all your little stinker throws at it (hopefully)! Reviewed by Leah Moore
y/ Babdler Tod Tee n
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black An imaginative take on faerie folklore. Fairfold is a town where humans live knowing that faeries exist, and in the forest a horned boy rests in a glass casket. When the glass is broken and the boy released, the fate of the town is at stake. With a strong, relatable heroine and complex side characters, this romantic, moss-covered journey of magic will have readers enthralled. - Reviewed by Paige Mushaw
Teen
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery, Elspeth Leacock and Susan Buckley
This inspiring memoir shows that young people can change history. Lynda was only 14 when she began marching in Selma, Alabama for equal voting rights for all Americans. In simple, powerful sentences, she tells about her 9 times in jail, her fear when a nonviolent protest became violent, her courage as she continued to march for what she believed. Reviewed by Leah Moore
DIY:
Perfectly Pretty Easter Eggs
Jenna Burger of JennaBurger.com
38 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
Creating colorful eggs is often a trad ition that many kid s (and some adults too) enjoy as the celebrati on of Easter approaches! A basket fille d with eggs of varying hues can make a gorgeous centerpiece and is the ideal remind er that spring is on it s way... I hope.
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Instead of using the traditional store-bought dye kits, there are many fun alternatives to creating colorful, festive eggs. Two of my favorite unique and easy egg dying creations use supplies you most likely already have on hand, crayons and food coloring.
Colorful Eggs using Crayons If you have kids, you probably have crayons and lots of them! A fun alternative to the traditional food coloring or storebought dyes is to use crayons to create colorful and personalized Easter eggs. With the technique of melting crayons on a warm egg, the color can be as bright (or subtle) as you’d like and the result is instant!
Directions: 1. Put the eggs in a pot and fill the pot with cold water so it covers the eggs about 1-2". 2. Once the eggs come to a full boil, remove the pot from the stove and cover for 12 minutes (so they create a hard-boiled egg). 3. Carefully remove the eggs from the pot and let them stand for about 1-2 minutes (the eggs will be very hot, so be sure to use tongs when removing them from the pot).
Now...Here comes the fun part! 4. Using crayons, start drawing on your egg. Be creative and get the kids involved. It’s a lot of fun to try different patterns and to mix the colors. For the eggs I created with my little ones, we used one color as the base, then added another color on top. I smudged in the background hue which gave a fun, swirly look. Because of the hot exterior of the egg, the crayon will melt on the egg’s surface. Once your masterpiece is finished, gently place the egg into the original egg holder and place it in the refrigerator. After a few minutes they will be cool and the decorated eggs can be handled and displayed as you’d like. They’ll make a beautiful addition to any centerpiece – paired with other Easter decorations or simply on their own. SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 39
Vibrant Dip-Dyed Eggs Like crayons, food coloring is also a typical staple in the home. Using the traditional yellow, red, blue, and green, vibrant patterns and combinations can be created by dip-dying eggs.
Supplies • Hard-boiled eggs • Boiling Water • Vinegar • Food Coloring • Paper Towels • Tongs or a Slotted Spoon
Directions: 1. Make hard boiled eggs and let them cool to touch. 2. Once cooled, it’s time to make the magic dying formula of • 1/2 cup of boiling water • 1 tsp vinegar • 25 drops of food coloring (one color for each bowl) 3. Mix together and start dipping the eggs using tongs and/or a slotted spoon to create different color combinations. From ombre to a plaid-style, be original and have fun with it!
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Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 41
Greening Your Spring Cleaning Recipes & resources for easy nontoxic cleaning By Colleen Pierre
As my children get older, I find myself getting them
are not required to disclose their ingredients because
involved in household chores more and more. Little
they are known as “trade secrets”. Ammonia can be
things like spraying surfaces and wiping them down,
hard to detect but is most often found in glass, window,
putting in the laundry, helping to load the dishwasher
metal and oven cleaners. Chlorine is most often found
and dusting furniture are all tasks well within their little
in scouring powders (like Ajax), toilet bowl cleaners,
grasps. The products I choose to clean with now have
mildew removers and laundry whiteners.
an even greater impact than before. Toxic chemicals like ammonia and chlorine found in most standard household cleaners can have a devastating impact on developing lungs. According to HealthyChild.org, ammonia fumes pose an immediate danger to the lungs and skin and when mixed with chlorine bleach or other cleaners can produce a highly poisonous gas which could cause severe lung
C I X TO
damage. Children with asthma are particularly sensitive to ammonia and chlorine. Avoiding toxic chemicals is made even more difficult due to the fact that many household cleaning products
42 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Unlike switching to all organic food which can be considerably more costly than conventional, switching to nontoxic household cleaners can be cheaper, simpler and a whole lot safer! I’m a big fan of using essential oils in my DIY cleaning concoctions. Not only do essential oils smell great, many contain extremely effective cleaning and antimicrobial properties. When a soothing lemon, lavender or tea tree oil scent lingers on freshly cleaned surfaces, it’s an added bonus! My personal favorite “essential” Essential Oils are Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Tea Tree also called Melaleuca and DoTerra On Guard, an immune system booster. Adding essential oils to just a few other common household ingredients will result in safe, effective, easy to use household cleaners. I’m sharing a few of my favorite cleaning recipes so you can safely clean and disinfect your home this spring. Now, if only you had time to actually clean…
All Purpose Cleaner from everydayroots.com
• • • •
1/2 cup of white vinegar 2 tablespoons of baking soda 3-5 drops of tea tree essential oil water
Directions Pour ½ cup white vinegar in a spray bottle and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Put in a few drops of your chosen essential oil and then fill the bottle to the top with water. Spray surfaces and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
SaratogaMama.com
Tea Tree Toilet Bowl Scrub from DIYNatural.com
• ½ cup baking soda • 1 cup distilled white vinegar • 20 drops tea tree essential oil This deodorizing formula utilizes the antibacterial properties of tea tree oil to kill germs in your toilet bowl and on toilet surfaces. Directions Combine vinegar and essential oil in a small spray bottle. Spray vinegar mixture inside bowl, and also on toilet seat, lid, and handle. Allow cleaner to sit for several minutes. Sprinkle baking soda inside toilet bowl and scrub inside of bowl with a toilet brush. Use a clean dry cloth to wipe vinegar solution off seat, lid, and handle. Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 43
Lavender and Lemon Bathroom Disinfecting Spray from CleanMama.net
• • • • •
1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup vodka (excellent germ-killing properties) 10 drops lavender essential oil 10 drops lemon essential oil 1 1/2 cups water (distilled or boiled and cooled)
Directions: Mix and store in a spray bottle. Spray all surfaces thoroughly, let it sit for about 10 minutes (to kill germs), and then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
44 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
Peppermint Daily Shower Cleaner Spray from CleanMama.net
• 1/2 cup vodka • 1 cup water • 10 drops peppermint essential oil Directions: Mix and store in a spray bottle. Spray shower or tub daily after showering, no rinse needed. If making your own cleaners seems a bit too daunting of a task, there are lots of safe store-bought cleaners. For a list of the safest products, visit the Environmental Working Groups Guide to Healthy Cleaning at ewg.org/guides/cleaners.
saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Saratoga...
By The Numbers
293
38.8
492 seconds 75,000 Ways to make change for a dollar
Courtesy of: Cornell Coop. Ext
222,133
8,100
Number of Cows in Saratoga County
Inches of rainfall per year in Saratoga County
SaratogaMama.com
17
Saratoga County’s population Number of as of 2012 active mineral The highest springs in recorded temperature Saratoga in Saratoga Springs County… the
օ
99
180
year was 2011
Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net
Number of Sunny Days Saratoga County
it takes for sunlight to reach the earth Acres of Land in local AREA working farms Courtesy of: Cornell Coop. Ext
March
20 First Day of Spring in 2015 and also known as the Spring Equinox.
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 45
: le y t S o t in g in r p S ! s s e L r o f s s e r D $21
Old Navy
$50
J. Crew
$7
H&M
$25 Target
$70
Chooka
$25tion c
e Tea Coll
Total: $145 46 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
Total: $53 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
Spring fashion that’s on trend and on budget? Yes you can have both! We all love to sport a designer label now and then but it’s even more fun to create the look of high fashion for a fraction of the price. Skip the splurge and get the look for less!
$37
J. Crew
$12
Old Navy
$17
$35
Old Navy
Gap
$27
$55
Payless
Ugg
Total: $127 SaratogaMama.com
Total: $56 Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 47
$15 H&M
$52
Janie and Jack
$190 Neiman Marcus
$25 lace 's P
Children
$35
$88
Steve Madden
J. Crew
Total: $330 48 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
Total: $75 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com
$45
J. Crew
$15 H&M
$9
$28
Target
Nordstrom
$20
Old Navy
$42
Boden
Total: $115 SaratogaMama.com
Total: $44 Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 49
Color of 2015:
Marsala By Jan Snedaker, photos provided
I could not hide my disappointment when I found out Pantone’s color of the year was marsala, a rich, full bodied, warm redbrown color. I prefer my warm reds in a glass and not in my wardrobe. Predictably, once Pantone announced the famed color of the year, the Spring fashion runways became a blur of all shades marsala, ensuring that makeup, clothing, and house décor will be centered around the soon to be legendary color. In “The Devil Wears Prada”, Miranda Priestly makes it abundantly clear that once the fashion world sets its eye on a color, that color will become a part of your life whether you realize it or not. And while I would prefer the famous cerulean, the color Miranda Priestly used as her example, I know I have no choice but to embrace the 2015 color of the year and find a way to make it work for me. As dreams of spring become a reality, I like to soften up my wardrobe and makeup with more subdued colors and flowing fabrics. At first I did not see how the robust, earthy marsala would fit into a more delicate look but fortunately, using
50 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
marsala as a base only, allows for softer shades of pink, peach, and rose to take center stage. Floral patterns and stripes are decorating fabrics allowing for just a hint of the darker marsala to be intertwined in blush tones, along with pops of bright greens, vibrant blues, and golden yellows. Adding hints of marsala in its truest form becomes easier when you use it to accessorize. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings add just the right touch of richness to a softer outfit and darker shoes and handbags standout perfectly amidst a more hushed background. Use these fashion ideas to help lighten up the hearty marsala making it more appropriate for bright, sunny days instead of dark nights snuggled by the fire.
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Pink Cropped Top
Michael Kors Vanessa Medium Shoulder Tote
Banana Republic
Macy's
Beach Botanic Caftan LOFT
Butter Nail Polish Bella Rouge Cosmetic and Skincare Boutique Clifton Park Center
Marsala Bracelet Lucia Boutique 454 Broadway Saratoga Springs
SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 51
Marsala Lace Necklace Piper Boutique 441 Broadway Saratoga Springs
Grosgrain Ribbon Top J. Crew
Skies are Blue Dress
Miss Scarlett Boutique 19 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
Printed Summer Shorts Gap
Hunter Boots Zappos.com
52 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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Marsala/White Floral Phone Case Etsy.com
Marsala Liquid Liner Sephora
Mixed Floral Blouse LOFT
Rose Lace Headband MarEleBoutique.com
Jamberry Nail Wraps in Rose Gold & Marsala in Bloom Jamberry.com SaratogaMama.com
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Introducing..
16
SUPERSTAR Students under
Saratoga County’s Rising Stars
Let's face it, kids today often get a bad rap. It doesn’t help that social media, the news, television and movies tend to focus on their negative behaviors and highlight the few “bad apples”. We know there are so many wonderful young people in our communities doing amazing things. These kids have drive and ambition, they are motivated and kindhearted, and are not afraid to pursue their dreams. SaratogaMama wanted to recognize some of these ‘Under 16' kids who have done more in their short life time than many of us have done in a much longer life and let them know their efforts have not gone unrecognized. We hope they continue along their inspirational path and that others will join them on the road to success. 54 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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Gabrielle Vuillaume 10th Grade - Saratoga Central Catholic High School
It is rare at a young age to find your passion, but Gabrielle has been performing since she was 6 years-old and loves all forms of the craft including singing, dancing, and acting. Extremely dedicated, Gabrielle spends hours practicing, mentors younger students interested in performance arts, and maintains a straight A average.
Aidan Joly
9th Grade - Saratoga Springs High School Aidan Joly should have an easy time choosing a career when the time arrives since he has been working his dream job as a sports journalist since the 7th grade. Given the opportunity to develop this position for his school’s TV Studio Club and later in high school as his school’s primary sportswriter, Aidan has quickly proven his talent and dedication for this line of work. Along with being a dedicated member of Boy Scout’s Troop 16, Aidan has impressed many with his skills and will no doubt rise to the top of his field one day.
SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 55
Catherine Miller
3rd Grade - Milton Terrace North Elementary School Catie is a mature and conscience student. She has grown to be a leader in her classroom and community. Catie is a trusted student that takes on many roles in the classroom that are helpful for the teachers and students. She has a love of learning and eagerly shares it with others. She currently tutors a first grade student and creates activities to help the child learn. Catie is also actively raising money and awareness for Ainsely's Angels, an organization that provides running chariots for families with children who have special needs. Catie is an exceptional student and leader in our community.
Nick Scialdone Jr.
5th Grade - Gordon Creek Elementary School Not many ten year-olds are busy running their own business but Nick is the exception to that rule. He is the mastermind behind “Big Balls, The Adventure”, a business where participants are able to run, bounce, flip and tackle while inside a plastic, inflatable ball. When Nick is not busy at “Big Balls, The Adventure”, he can be found taking classes with his business partner who also happens to be his Martial Arts Instructor at Cutting Edge Martial Arts. 56 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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Nicholas Rychcik
4th Grade - Mekeel Christian Academy In September of 2013, Nick was diagnosed with a rare, yet aggressive childhood cancer called desmoplastic small round cell sarcoma. Since his diagnosis, Nick has been in nonstop treatment undergoing multiple surgeries, rounds of chemo and radiation. That’s enough to send most people over the edge but Nick is strong and has armed himself with faith, family and friends. Through all of his treatment, Nick has remained committed to school and especially to the sport he loves, baseball. This remarkable child is fighting a battle no child should have to endure. Nicholas Rychcik is a true inspiration and embodies what it means to be courageous, strong and fearless.
SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 57
TJ Tracy
8th Grade - Maple Avenue Middle School As the founder of TJ’s Turkey’s, TJ has helped provide over 150 local families with holiday meals, gifts, and Easter baskets. His focus and dedication to helping others has been recognized within the local community and nationally. TJ was the first child to receive the Saratoga Springs Outstanding Citizen award and has been interviewed by NBC News. His motto is “Kids Helping Kids,” and he hopes to continue to help others and give those in need a chance at a better life.
Casie Henderson
10th Grade - Saratoga Springs High School Drive and ambition are not always two words used to describe teenagers but in Casie's case those two words define her perfectly. A dedicated student with a workethic that has kept her within the top ten percent of her class, Casie is also a talented violinist, volunteers within the community by helping with the Adopt-A-Soldier campaign each year, and has taken Jiu-Jitsu since she was 6 years old. Casie passes along her love for the sport by training and teaching beginner students. Casie is a well rounded 15 year old who will surely thrive in the years to come. 58 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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Miranda Blaauboer
10th Grade - Ballston Spa High School In this day and age where teenagers are most likely to be found attached to an electronic device, it is refreshing to find a girl like Miranda. More likely to be found with her nose in a good book rather than on social media, Miranda is involved in many activities including sports, playing the clarinet in her school band, and volunteering within the community. Miranda is a well rounded, honor’s student who dreams of being a veterinarian.
Adrianna “Anna” Cozzolino
4th Grade - Schuylerville Central School Often times it is the simplest acts of kindness that make the biggest difference. At a young age, Anna has made a difference in the lives of her family and classmates by being aware of what others need. She often brings in extra food or shares her snacks with classmates whom she worries do not have enough food. At Christmas she gave a gift to a child because she did not want her to feel left out and she often helps take care of her younger brother. Her kind heart is a huge asset and brings happiness to her family and friends. SaratogaMama.com
Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 59
Clara Urbahn
Clara is a true giver; she spends much of her time volunteering throughout the community and helping others. Clara has done everything from teaching senior citizens how to use technology, to collecting trash for Taste of the North Country, to making bookmarks with the Think Peace Group. In 2013 Clara organized a walkathon at the Spa State Park that raised over $7,500 for the National Alopecia Areata Research Program. Clara is a wonderful example for her peers and will hopefully influence others to get involved the way she does.
Luka Leon
5th Grade Caroline Street School Mature beyond his years, Luka helped his family get through a very difficult time, taking on extra responsibilities including helping out with the family business, all while maintaining straight A’s in school and excelling in baseball and basketball.
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Jonathan Koper
3rd Grade - Milton Terrace North Elementary School Jonathan brings humor and energy to the classroom. He is a motivator in the classroom and in the school. Jonathan has been volunteering to help a first grader with their weekly spelling words. With his help, this student has increased in confidence and has made academic achievements. Jonathan not only excels in school and in his community, but he also has a love of sports and animals.
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Makayla Booth
9th Grade - Saratoga Springs High School A genuinely kind-hearted person and an ambitious go-getter, Makayla, is a scholar athlete and honor student whom teachers describe as, “the student who makes it easier for a teacher to teach”. Whether Makayla is helping lead her soccer team to victory or helping bring people together through her tolerance and honesty, she does it all with a modest grace that is sure lead her to great places in the future.
Riley Waltz
7th Grade - Ballston Spa Middle School Riley has some big dreams which include founding a technology start up company. If his maturity and determination are a sign of what is to come, his dreams will most likely become a reality. While only in the third grade, Riley showed compassion beyond his years by supporting a friend diagnosed with cancer. Even though he was living in Germany at the time, he started a bottle drive raising over $800 for his hometown friend's family. Upon returning to Ballston Spa, he continues his efforts to help other children diagnosed with cancer by raising over $8000 for St. Baldriks, a foundation that helps to find cures and research childhood cancers, and every March he shaves his head to bring awareness to this cause. A technology whiz who already has his own podcast on kids technology and grades that keep him on the Principal's List each quarter, Riley is truly an inspiration to others.
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Food Sensitivities & Kids What are the signs? Kathryn Kos Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP)
Often times as parents we get that “hunch” that something may be wrong with our child. We can’t pinpoint exactly what may be going on. They may be moody or withdrawn. They may have dark circles under their eyes, or dry itchy skin. Often times the child is reacting to a certain food in their diet. Children can react to a food in so many different ways. This guide is to help you determine if your child might be sensitive a certain food, and how to handle it. What is the difference between a food allergy and a food sensitivity or intolerance? People can only be truly allergic to a protein. An allergy is a SaratogaMama.com
normal immune response to an unfamiliar protein. Some allergies are inherited, MOST however, are the result of digestive problems and dietary stressors. Sensitivities and intolerances are an allergiclike reaction to a food that is not
protein based. Food allergies usually come on suddenly when small amounts of the food have been ingested. Food intolerances usually come on gradually and are not life
threatening. Often times we aren’t aware that it is a food causing our child is reacting to a food. The most common foods children react to are gluten, corn, soy, nitrates, dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish/shellfish, sesame, and sulfites. There are many other foods that children may react to, but these are the most common. In some of these foods the child is reacting to a mold. For example, peanuts are a high mold food, as are grapes and commercial fruit juices. Sinus type allergies like congestion are usually due to a dairy intolerance. Dairy can be very mucous producing. “Chicken skin” (that rough bumpy skin on the arms and legs) is usually associated with a wheat/gluten intolerance. Spring 2015 | SaratogaMama | 63
What are some of the signs/ symptoms that your child might be reacting to a food? • stomach aches (especially after eating) • skin rashes • diarrhea • constipation • irritability/moodiness/tired (after eating) • dark circles under eyes • acid reflux • congestion • frequent bed wetting in older children • rashes • eczema • dry skin patches • “chicken skin” on arms and legs (raised bumps) • mood changes after eating such as hyperactive, jittery, depressed
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*If your child experiences shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting, seek emergency medical attention.
do is try an elimination diet. There are several out there. Usually it involves avoiding all highly allergenic foods like those I listed above for a period of time, and slowly reintroducing the foods one at a time to see how your child reacts to it. Seasonal and pet allergies are often times caused by a permeable gut. What that means is the child may be reacting to certain foods in their diet. When the proteins of some foods are difficult to digest, these can pass through the gut and cause what is known as “leaky gut.” In a very summed up nutshell, the immune system then gets amped up to deal with these foreign proteins, and also may begin to fight other airborne invaders (like seasonal and pet allergies). Often times by healing the junctions in the gut (by removing offending foods), seasonal allergies may clear up as well.
It is important to recognize these signs, and then try to determine which food your child might be reacting to, so you can remove it from their diet. The best way to do this is to keep a food journal for your child, and record changes after each meal. Write the food, your child’s mood after eating it and any complaints as well. Sometimes you can notice a pattern. For example, every time my son has dairy, he gets amped up afterward. Once you notice a pattern you can try to remove the food you think he/she may be reacting too for several days. Then reintroduce it to see if your child reacts the same way. If they do react, you have your answer! You can also try the Coca’s Pulse test. Check your childs pulse for a full minute. Have them hold the food in question in their mouth for 30 seconds, then re-check their pulse. If the pulse goes up 6 beats or more, they are probably sensitive to that food. There are food allergy skin tests that medical doctor’s can do. These tests will pick up true allergies, and might not pick up a sensitivity/or intolerance. Some doctors (mostly alternative) will order IgG food sensitivity blood testing. This will give a list of foods that the child might be reacting to. Another thing you can 64 | SaratogaMama | Spring 2015
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SPRINGTIME Family Events Saturday, March 7 & Sunday, March 8
Friday, March 27
Sunday, April 19
Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer Expo Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 10 a.m. The expo features everything you need for running, cycling, triathlon, paddling, hiking, healthy living and travel. Visit with 125 exhibitors, enjoy paddling demos, seminars and clinics, 25-foot rock climbing wall, and fun family activities. For more information visit adksports.com
Children’s Museum 25th Anniversary Bash Saratoga National Golf Club Saratoga Springs, 6:30 – 11 p.m. The Children’s Museum at Saratoga invites you to join us at the Saratoga National Golf Club to honor the dedicated support of Gary Dake and Charles Wait as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary Birthday Bash. Dance the night away with live jazz music by Fresh and don't miss out on the photo booth by the Smile Lounge. For more information call 584-5540.
Wednesday, March 11
Sunday, March 29
Owl Prowl Wilton Wildlife Preserve 80 Scout Rd., Gansevoort, 6 –8:30 p.m. In collaboration with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, we will be going out on an early evening hunt for local owls. Group size is limited and is for ages 5 and up. Preregistration is required by calling the library 584-7860, opt 3.
Spring Daddy and Daughter Dance The Genius Plaza, 511 Moe Rd., Clifton Park, 3 – 5 p.m. There's no age limit to this event so daughters of all ages are welcome (2 and up is recommended). Daddy Daughter Dance is a great opportunity for dads to spend time with their daughters and to show daughters what it means to be respected and honored. For more information call 280-9550.
4th Annual Autism Information Fair and Carnival Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Noon – 3 p.m. April is Autism Awareness Month. The 4th Annual Autism Information Fair assists parents, families and caregivers in their search for resources Sponsored by the Law Offices of Wilcenski & Pleat, LLC, Saratoga Bridges, The Skidmore College Psychology Department, and Parent Network of the Capital Region. Exhibitors will include: Recreational Programs, Camps,Technological Apps For Autism, School Programs (Pre-K – College), and Therapeutic Programs. For more information call 587-0723.
Saturday, March 21 Maple Weekend Begins! Producers from across the state welcome families to their farms to experience first-hand how real, mouth-watering maple syrup and other related products are made. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy fun, family-friendly activities, taste New York's freshest maple syrup and purchase your favorite maple products. Maple Weekend will be held March 21-22 & 28-29, 2015. Visit mapleweekend.com for more information.
Saturday, March 21 Little Folks Concert with Ellis Paul Caffe’ Lena, 47 Phila St. Saratoga Springs, 3 – 5 p.m. Inspired by his young daughters, Ellis Paul has released two albums of music for children, including the Parent's Choice Gold Award winner The Hero in You (2012). Built on a foundation of social consciousness and inspiration, Ellis's children's songs are also whimsical, simple, and fun. Free. For more information call 1-800-838-3006.
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Saturday, April 18 Third Annual Saratoga Mom Prom 2015 Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 7 – 11 p.m. Looking for a fabulous fun-filled girls night out? Then pull out those old prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses or find the tackiest thrift-shop dress and join us for night of dancing, lite fare, cash bar, raffle baskets, good company and humorous prom traditions. Proceeds from this event benefit Camp Abilities Saratoga. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit saratogamomprom.com
Thursday, April 23 Bowl for Kids' SakeCommunity/School Bowl Saratoga Strike Zone, Saratoga Springs, 4 – 10 p.m. Bowl for Kids' Sake is a bowling night hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region. For more information call 862-1250 ext. 21
Saturday, April 25 Washington County Fiber Tour Washington County, 10 – 4 p.m. The Tour features 16 farms. Visit alpacas, bunnies, goats, sheep and lambs, llamas, and more - on the farm; and meet the farmers and their families. Watch spinning, knitting, weaving and felting demonstrations. Learn about raising the livestock and pets that we cherish. Drive from farm to farm through scenic Washington County in eastern NYS. Shop for handspun and dyed yarns, unique woven and knitted items, high quality fleeces, cuts of lamb, and more. For more information visit washingtoncountyfibertour.org
For a compl ete list of events a nd activities , visit Sarato gaMama.com
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CROSSWORD Across 2. A place to grow your plants and vegetables 4. It's a flower and a color (purple shade) 6. You can stay dry under this in the rain 8. Something white and found in the sky
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Kids Coloring Contest
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ur photo to snap a photo! Email yo u yo lp he d da or m your en have mo Kids Co oking Class of a in ot Color this page and th sp a IN W to a.com for a chance at random. colle en@saratogamam t! Winner will be chosen ke ar M ing Liv thy al He choice at
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