KidsFunPlaza by Catalina Arango

Volume 2 | October 2010 | KidsFunPlaza

Super Guide to Local Halloween Events

Tips for Teens to Do Good at Halloween

My Roller Coaster Ride with Post-Partum Depression The Ultimate Party Guide

Teaching Your Preschooler about Halloween Safety

Dr. Miguel Diaz: Health Care Provider of the Month

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 1

OCTOBER 2010 - HALLOWEEN

Contents The Push for Science Education Albany County Educator of the Month – Linda Rose ...............4 Saratoga County Health Care Provider of the Month – Dr. Miguel Diaz....................................................................6 Schenectady County Parent of the Month – Jen Smith..............8 Pregnancy: Instructions Not Included!....................................11 My Roller Coaster Ride with Post-Partum Depression..........................................................13 Party Guide............................................................................14 Bedtime Matters.....................................................................18 Re-Learning to Eat.................................................................19 Teaching Your Preschooler about Halloween Safety....................................................................22 Creating Halloween Memories for Toddlers............................23 Giving Kids Choices at Halloween..........................................24 Tweens and Treats on Halloween............................................25 Green Living – Organic vs. Conventional...............................27 Small Town/Big Town and Guide to Local Halloween Events......................................................28 Tips for Teens to Do Good at Halloween.................................31 Halloween Costumes for Kids with Special Needs...................33

Editor’s Letter

utumn is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temperatures because I love being able to wear sweaters again. I love the vibrant reds and yellows and oranges of the leaves as they change and fall to the ground. And I absolutely love Halloween. In this month’s issue of Kids Fun Plaza NENY, we’re all about Halloween! Beth will tell you all about wrangling your kiddos by giving them choices on Halloween night, while Veronica has some advice for allowing your tweens a balance of independence and guidance on the holiday. Sandra has some helpful recommendations for how your teens can do some good (instead of getting into trouble) on Halloween. I’ve got some practical suggestions for costumes for kids with special needs. And don’t miss Ali’s arts & crafts project for the month – Mexican sugar skulls to celebrate Dia de los Muertos! We’ve got a few contests going on this month. Check out the Thanksgiving “giving thanks” contest we have running on our kids activity page; your kids can enter to win awesome prizes! For the parents, we have a Thanksgiving recipe contest going as well, and you can check out the details in our kitchen section in the center of the magazine. But I get to announce another great contest…and this one’s on Facebook! This is my first official issue on the job as Editor in Chief of Kids Fun Plaza, and I must say, I’m having a blast! Our Kids Fun Plaza team is made up of all local moms in Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties, and it’s great working with all of them! We come from a wide variety of backgrounds, which means we all have lots of wonderful stories to share with each other…and with all of you! Thank you for coming along with us on this journey as we shape this magazine into something amazing for all parents here in the Capital District and Northeastern New York! Christina

Kids Fun Plaza Facebook Contest You can win a $100 Visa gift card from Kids Fun Plaza! Here’s how: Like Kids Fun Plaza on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clifton-Park-NY/ KidsFunPlaza/144632888894316 Write on our wall and tell us about your favorite part of Kids Fun Plaza or if there’s anything we’re missing that you would like us to add. One lucky winner will be chosen at random for the $100 Visa gift card and announced in our next issue. So stop by our Facebook page today and enter to win! Check out our Facebook Page for more contests. http://facebook.com/KidsFunPlaza Follow us on Twitter @KidsFunPlaza

Meet Our Team Publisher Ana Roca Castro Ana@KidsFunPlaza.com Editor in Chief Christina Gleason Christina@KidsFunPlaza.com Art Director Marcio Morgado Marcio@KidsFunPlaza.com Production Manager Heather Sherwood Heather@KidsFunPlaza.com Advertising Coordinator Erin Tiernan Erin@KidsFunPlaza.com Diversity Manager Roxanna Homic Roxanna@KidsFunPlaza.com Account Manager Veronica Salas Brito Veronica@KidsFunPlaza.com Columnists Educator of the Month, Parent of the Month, Toddler, Kiddo

Beth Levine Beth@KidsFunPlaza.com Baby, Community, Tween Veronica Salas Brito Veronica@KidsFunPlaza.com Green Living, Community, Kids & The Arts, KidsFunKitchen, Health Provider of the Month, Arts & Crafts

Alina M. Hensley Ali@KidsFunPlaza.com Preschooler, Special Needs Christina Gleason Christina@KidsFunPlaza.com KidsFunKitchen Ana Roca Castro Ana@KidsFunPlaza.com La Placita, Newborn Roxanna Homic Roxanna@KidsFunPlaza.com Community Events Roxanca Chirac RoxanaC@KidsFunPlaza.com Teens Sandra Foyt Sandra@KidsFunPlaza.com

The Push for Science Education Albany County Educator of the Month – Linda Rose By Beth Levine, TheAngelForever.com Getting to Know Mrs. Rose

n the race to keep up with other countries in technology, medicine, and other fast moving scientific career paths, the United States is going to have to change practices in science education. While doing this, educators will need to work on their own skills, knowledge, and abilities to connect and build student confidence within the world of science. This is not going to be an easy task. As a new educator, I was lucky enough to have an amazing mentor named Linda Rose. Linda welcomed me with open arms, sat and brainstormed project ideas, and listened to my fears, hopes, and dreams. As the mother of three children, Linda taught me how to balance family life with work, and how to smile through challenges that crop up. I watched as Linda would set up the science lab, prepare for hands on demonstrations in class, and actively engage students in science discussions outside of the classroom. To this day, I am still in awe of her ability to connect with students, other teachers, and parents. Thanks to her dedication to the world of science, Mrs. Rose was selected as the Albany County Educator of the Month.

Linda Rose has been teaching for over 20 years. She obtained her Master’s degree while her two boys were still young and had a lot of family support while doing this. Linda worked, raised a family, and went to school. Throughout her career she has taught Pre-K, 5th and 6th grade Social Studies, Science 6-8, and Earth Science. If pressed to proclaim a favorite class, she states Earth Science and 6th Grade Social Studies. She enjoys the variety of subjects within Earth Science like geology, oceanography, weather, and astronomy. As a respected veteran teacher, Linda Rose still finds that being in the classroom brings her a lot of satisfaction. Staying current is a challenge to her and she wants to remain effective and energized. Linda states, “I still have that idealistic view that teaching is a noble profession, but I also realistically feel that not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Some people are natural teachers. Some people learn how to be effective teachers over the course of a few years, and that’s where good mentoring can help the novice improve. That is an area that needs to be addressed in schools. Veteran teachers also need guidance to keep current and meet the needs of students who live in an increasingly technological work.” Q&A with Linda Rose Beth: Tell me about your teaching style. How do you actively engage students into the world of science? Linda: I tell stories that connect the science material with what is going on in the world in general. I try

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to give examples that relate to their lives. For example, the students researched what lead does to young children in the year of the recall of the toys with lead paint. Also, I encourage questions. I actively seek student involvement. You can’t just sit there and not be engaged. We have discussions. The students have to do activities. Frequently, the students are amazed that time is up because we’ve been busy the whole time. The key is to find some way to make the information relevant to their lives and then to DO something with the information covered that day. Students like to know about their teachers. How do you share your love of life and ambitions in the classroom? As a female educator of science, I bring up relevant stories that encourage them to see that girls can do science as well as boys. I bring my enthusiasm to the classroom. Students can spot phoniness easily, and so to have a teacher genuinely enjoy the subject is important. I share my personal mineral collection. I tell stories of adventures in the environment, hiking or traveling, that relate to geology. That sort of thing. Often, students hear from others that science is hard and they want to give up. How do you work on boosting their confidence and interest in this area? I tell them directly that science is for girls, as well as boys. I appeal to their sense of injustice that girls are equally capable as boys. Also, after a particularly difficult topic or test, I tell them that the level of work is very similar to high school (which is true) and remind them that they have accomplished quite a bit. They want to feel capable and recognized. Why do you think science education is often put on the back burner? How do we as educators fight back against this? Often in elementary school, the

Educator of the Month

focus is on math and reading. SS and science are given less time in the schedule. Additionally, many elementary teachers do not feel secure in their background knowledge of science, and so they cover the subject in a basic way, not going into detail. We need to have teachers feel more comfortable teaching the subject. They have to have mentors that help them plan and execute activities, not just discuss topics from the textbook. I think teacher education programs should address the issue, as well as in-service programs to encourage teachers. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing educators today? How are you addressing this within your teaching? Students have to take ownership of their own learning. Sometimes it takes real effort to understand new information or develop a new skill. Learning is work, but it is definitely worthwhile. The students have to develop the desire to work hard and achieve success. In this day in which there are cheat codes for video games and parents challenge everything on behalf of their kids, we have to foster independence and a good work ethic. In my teaching, I remind the students that they can ask questions, discuss topics, make mistakes, and re-write answers. No one is expected to get everything right the first time. Ultimately, they have to realize that grades are something that

they EARN, not something a teacher GIVES them. Also, the knowledge they acquire is something to be proud of. Hard work should be recognized, not just the grade at the top of a test. We have to help students realize that learning science is important. It can lead to wonderful new inventions or medical breakthroughs. It can be fun and interesting all by itself! I try to make science interesting and counter-act the global feeling that science is for “geeks.” We have to show the importance of learning science and foster the feeling that being good at it is positive and important. What are some of your professional and/or personal ambitions looking ahead to the 2010-2011 school year? To become more proficient in Smartboard technology to make use of that new technology in my lessons. Become more knowledgeable of astronomy. Learn how to do more advanced labs with the students, including extracting plant DNA and analyzing water samples throughout the Capital District. A big thank you to Linda Rose for taking the time out of her busy back-to-school schedule to be interviewed for this article. It is my hope that parents, students and teachers alike will learn something from Linda. We all need to see that science is something to be embraced and not feared. If you take things

one step at a time and seek out answers, you have the ability to be successful. Science will not be easy for everyone, but that is the beauty of it. There are so many areas within the scientific world so we can each excel in something different. I may be more in tune with chemistry, while you want to explore the new and exciting world of nanoscience. Perhaps your child will be the engineer to invent the latest microchip for Intel. We never know what will happen and need to expand our horizons and encourage children to explore subjects like science that may be out of their comfort zone.

Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com

We offer a wide variety of activies to get you in shape- including racquetball, handball and squash, group fitness classes such as Body Pump, Spinning, Pilates, and Yoga. We also have a complete weight room with state of the art Nautilus circuit as well as free weights, and a cardio room. In addition, we are the only health club in the capital region with an indoor rock climbing.

“Look no further, The Court Club has it all.” The Court Club accepts Aqua Blue. Save up to $250 on all memberships!! October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 5 October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 5

Saratoga County Health Care Provider of the Month – Dr. Miguel Diaz By Alina M. Hensley, TheCraningGap.blogspot.com

“I

can’t remember a time when I wasn’t going to be a doctor.” Dr. Miguel Diaz leans back in his desk chair and smiles. “I think the vaguest – and fondest – memory I have is, I must have been five or six years old at the most, and my mother saying, ‘You’re gonna be a doctor, that’s what you’re gonna do.’ That’s what I’ve always planned to be. I don’t think I ever chose it. It chose me. I was born to be a doctor. I don’t think I could be anything but a doctor.” Dr. Diaz himself isn’t a very imposing man, but his personality fills the entirety of his second story office. I was greeted at the front desk by him tossing jokes around with a few members of his staff. I already know I’ve met someone who is truly genuine.

It’s clear why so many have chosen him as their primary doctor for themselves and their families. “I’m a New Yorker by trade.” He laughs. Raised in Manhattan by his Dominican parents, he still has family in the city. But it wasn’t straight to the white coat for Diaz. He took many jobs along the way before going to the Dominican Republic to attend medical school. “I’ve been many things, worked in New York City factories, worked in bodegas; I was a cab driver and a lab technician in the military for years. A jack of all trades, you name it. For a long time, I worked on my mother’s farm in the Dominican Republic. That’s where I met my wife and got married.” He came upstate from the city in 1991, and has three sons who all attended Shenendehowa Central in Clifton Park, where he now has his practice. He jokes that he is used to the suburban lifestyle. “I’ve gotten all gentrified,” he admits with a smirk. His Latino roots are still with him, however. Diaz tries to be active in the Latin American communities in the area, including voluntary visits to Saratoga during track season to offer clinical services to the migrant workers there. “I’m trying to put together some kind of format to do that, create some kind of clinic. There are a lot of people who don’t

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have jobs or health insurance. The minority community, by definition, is underinsured.” As a Dominican, Diaz was raised Catholic, though he describes himself as being less religious and more spiritual. “When I was little, my mom took us to church every Sunday. But the older I get, the more spiritual I think I get. They’ve done studies; spirituality really does help heal. People who pray get better quicker and stay healthy longer. Doesn’t matter who you pray to,” he holds up a finger dramatically. “Except Satan.” He smiles. “Allah, Confucius, Yahweh, Jehovah, as long as it’s not Satan.” Between the jokes, it’s easy to see that there’s no question Diaz is passionate about healthcare and what his team provides to the families of the area. When asked what sets him apart from other healthcare providers, he is eager to divulge. “For me as an individual, being bilingual is probably the biggest thing. We have many patients who only speak Spanish, but the majority of them are truly bilingual. The big distinction is that I speak Spanish as my first and native language; that’s what I bring to this area. There’s only about four or five other bilingual doctors here. The second big distinction is that we have a team approach. And I think people like that. They know our team, they know our staff. When people call, they get the same feel.”

Heath Care Provider of the Month

He’s just as passionate about where his practice is going with regards to the future. “We’ve implemented electronic health records, which a lot of practices have, but we’ve been there for 10 years. Eventually, the next big evolutionary step that medicine has to take is that it has to go online. A patient needs a referral, wants to update us on their blood pressure, they need a prescription refilled, or to make or cancel appointments – these are all things we could be saving people a lot of time by doing online. Instead of, especially with kids, having to

drive all the way here, and then wait an hour for a ten minute visit, or to have to call and be on hold with elevator music. We’re just waiting for the technology and the insurance companies to be there with us. Once we get there, that’s the holy grail.” The topic of children comes up next, when I ask him what advice he has for parents who are struggling to be good role models for their children’s health. His face shows his seriousness as he begins to speak. It goes without saying that children’s

health has become a concern in the past several years, and with his own granddaughter to think of, it’s clear that Diaz has taken this to heart. “First, don’t smoke. That’s the biggest thing. Right up there next to it is obesity, and how we struggle with the complex lives we live. When you come home, don’t bring takeout food. Teach them to prepare the meal, which makes a huge difference. Show them that breakfast is important. Teach them from the beginning that exercise is a way of life, and that it should be done every day, outside of the school gym. “Kids see Mom and Dad come home, they’re tired, they don’t cook their meal, and then they go to the TV or the computer. It’s learned behavior. I think the best parents can do is adopt the behaviors you want your kids to learn down the road.” Diaz, however, recognizes how difficult consistency can be. “With blended families or divorced families with two homes, the kids learn one thing from one house, then another from the other. It’s not quite the Cleavers anymore.” Pediatrics is important to Diaz, who feels that if he didn’t get to see children in his office regularly, he’d most certainly get bored. He also sees it as grounds for establishing a long term relationship with the patient. “It’s not, ‘We’re your pediatrician and when you turn 18, get out.’ We do the whole thing. So it’s very important to me, a very rewarding part of what I do. Family medicine affords us a broader range.” It’s not all sobriety with Diaz, however. “We sit around and we laugh, and patients like that. It feels home-y.” He tries to use his humor to set patients at

ease in the exam room, “This is just my day job,” he jokes. “I’m really a stand-up comedian by trade. I bust everyone’s chops equally. I try to use humor a lot. That’s why I keep that picture on my wall.” He points to a caricature drawing of himself, framed and hanging where he can see it from his desk. “Keeps me humble. Keeps it real. “The team we’ve put together, we like to consider top quality. I think that’s why, when I wake up in the morning, I like to come to work. It’s my career; it’s not just like…” He pauses and makes a comically exhausted face. “I think I help people, and that’s very rewarding. If you get up in the morning for the money, that’s fine, but if you get up because it’s rewarding, professionally and spiritually, I think people notice that. It shows.” With a smile, he tells me all I need to know: “I like people. I like what I do.” Join Dr. Diaz’s practice at 5 Southside Drive, Suite no. 204, in Clifton Park, by calling (518) 3719355 or visit CommunityCare.Com

Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.

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Schenectady County Parent of the Month – Jen Smith By Beth Levine, TheAngelForever.com

hen you become a parent for the first time, life changes forever. We have to take care of this new precious life by feeding him/her and providing all of the other basic items needed including unconditional love. In addition to this, we become advocates who fight for our children. We make sure that they get the best education, medical treatment and are treated fairly on the path that life takes them on as they become independent. Now, imagine being a new mother and feeling isolated, alone, and unsure if you are doing the best for your child. Is your new little one growing properly, did they hit milestones that they should by a certain age? Often, you do not know who to seek advice from and fear traditional resources. Luckily, in this new social media driven society, no parent with a computer is alone. Parents like Jen Smith are leading the way to help parents in our community. Jen is the voice behind a Times Union blog called Austin Ben Connor (http://blog.timesunion. com/austinbenconnor), the names of her three young boys. The tagline of her blog is Special Needs & Special Education Yet Completely

Typical. As you get to know Jen, you will understand the sheer power in these few simple words. History behind Jen’s Mission: Jen and her husband Jeff have been married nearly 12 years. They have three young sons. Their oldest son, Austin, just turned eight in September. At 16 months old, he began to have seizures. After some time, he was diagnosed with Infantile Spasms, which is a rare disease and catastrophic epilepsy. As she explains, “The seizures are notoriously hard to control, cause severe developmental regression and generally lead to mental retardation. It took us eight months and a nonFDA approved medication to get them under control. Over the years, he’s had the occasional seizures, but today he is seizure free. He’s received help through Schenectady County Early Intervention and now the Niskayuna School District. I’ve never allowed myself to set a future for him or put limits on how far he’ll go. His future is his to write.” At about the same time that Austin’s seizure started, Jen gave birth to her twin sons, Benjamin and Connor. The boys are now six

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years old and going into first grade this fall. Connor was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), a condition on the autism spectrum. Although his cognitive ability has never been affected, Connor does struggle with social skills. With the help of Early Intervention and their school district, Connor carries the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, but is in a mainstream classroom with no additional support. Beth: Why did you start to blog? Jen: My first reason was because I felt I was a “bad” parent. Experts say your first child has an incredible baby book with details down to the minute things occurred, and your second child is lucky to have the month of an occurrence written down. Me? I didn’t even have that for my twins. I was so wrapped up in his medical needs, trying to care for two babies, working full time, and trying to maintain some semblance of a marriage that I felt I was losing track of so many cute, noteworthy moments. There are still huge gaps in my memory of those early months, but I am hoping, one day, the boys will look back at all I have captured from 2005 to the present, and forget my lapses of their early days. My second reason was to be a voice for all the parents who struggle with kids that are identified in some way. Kids with IEPs and diagnoses that were easier to reduce to abbreviations rather than write them out. I wanted other parents to know they weren’t traveling this rocky road alone. Has your writing helped you to meet others in the community and find resources that you may not have known about? Please explain. I have received so many comments and emails from readers thanking me for speaking out about what we go through. Though

Parent of the Month

parenthood is never easy, adding the stress of a child with learning or physical disabilities complicates matters. There is no “The First Years” book for dealing with disabilities, or handling public perception of your less than perfect child. What we do have is a common bond with other parents. Our shared knowledge will make each of us stronger and better prepared to raise our children. I also read many other blogs, both local blogs and those from around the country. Not only in support of the parents traveling their own bumpy journeys but to share strategies and tips for finding the best medical professionals and helping our children succeed. It’s amazing to be part of a community that cares so much for their children. We share in triumphs and cry with each other when the news isn’t so good. They are all like a second family to me. Your blog on the Times Union Web site is called Austin Ben Connor. The tag line is “Special Needs & Special Education Yet Completely Typical.” Could you please explain what that means to you? I wanted my readers to know that even though I have kids with Special Needs, they are still typical kids that get bumps and bruises and play rough, they still get scolded when they are naughty, and I am still the typical parent that has concerns about them having friends and succeeding in life. Right now (early September) you have a post on your blog that is at the top about the Saratoga Stroll for Epilepsy at Saratoga State Park on September 12th. Why are you involved in this charity event? The Epilepsy Foundation of NENY has been by our side for over six years. I am honored to always do all that I can to raise funds and support the Foundation in return. They have many fundraisers throughout

the year. The funds are used not only to support families and children in need, but also to educate the population and demystify epilepsy. Over 3 million Americans have epilepsy, including 40,000 people in Northeastern NY. What other volunteer work do you do or have you done? Since the beginning, I have been involved in a few online support groups. I also am active with the Epilepsy Foundation, founding and chairing the Parent Support group. I also try and make time to volunteer with Nisky CARES, an advocacy group for Niskayuna parents of children with Special Needs. I’ve also become involved as a Patient Representative for the FDA. I am occasionally called upon to interact with a panel of professionals and advise on new drug applications. I find it very rewarding to have a say on potential new treatments to treat people with epilepsy. As a parent with a child that has special needs, do you have any thoughts on how to be the best advocate for your child? This can be when out in the community, at school, and/or beyond. It’s important to remember that you know your child best. If you are with a medical professional that isn’t giving you the answers you need, do your research and find another specialist. If a therapist is at a standstill with your child, make recommendations or research new therapies to try. Or if the school district isn’t keeping your child’s best interests in mind, keep working with them until you are content with the services being provided. Never give up. Remember these doctors and therapists and school districts have many patients. You have ONE. It is vital that you are working together towards the common goal of success with your child.

In the community, if you notice someone looking at your child, take the time to educate them. Most times, people are just curious. Maybe it’s another parent of a similar child that identifies with you. You may meet another kindred spirit. A huge thank you to Jennifer Smith for taking the time to shed light on being the parent of a child with special needs. May her words be encouraging to those who find themselves trying to figure out the hoops to jump through with Early Intervention, Special Education Services, or teaching your children to accept everyone as the individual that they are. I truly hope that more schools look into programs like Nisky CARES to teach children (and even adults) about physical and mental disabilities. Together, we can all make a difference just like Jennifer Smith does each and every day.

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Pregnancy: Instructions Not Included!

In the Oven

By Veronica Salas Brito, ParishMoms.org

remember walking into the doctor’s office feeling miserable. The ailment, however, could not be dealt with immediately. It needed to brew for 40 weeks. I was not expecting to be pregnant after eight years. I was lost confused and even scared for my own health. What now? Pregnancy is a confusing time for many of us. Our body takes on the huge task of creating and caring for precious cargo. Whether this is the most awaited time in your life or just an unexpected blessing, now is the time to nurture your mind, body, and soul.

Barnes and Nobles have incredible selections. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, my own family doctor was able to provide me with literature. The Internet is a great source to track your pregnancy day to day and search out baby names, momto-be blogs, and even videos blogs of others moms at your own stage of maternity. These tools can help to reassure you that you are not alone. Baby-gaga.com provides a week by week relevant book selection starting from fertility to labor and delivery. http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/books/ Amazon.com provides endless choices of the latest and greatest. http://www.amazon.com/ Your body, your choice! Can your health tolerate a pregnancy? Will you need to search for a specialist? You may not know this yet, but as your pregnancy progresses, you are going to need to be confident with your provider. Obstetricians and midwives will have to be selected carefully and with a lot of scrutiny. Whether you select a large practice or a small birthing center, keep in mind that you need to question everything and everyone. Keep your own journal of questions that

arise as your pregnancy proceeds; you are your best health advocate. Prenatal care is the most essential gift you can give your kids. It does not have to be expensive. There many organizations willing and able to provide support during this very crucial time in your life. Free or Low-Cost Prenatal Care If you don’t have insurance or can’t afford prenatal care, find out about free or low-cost services care in your area: Call (800) 311-BABY (800-3112229). This toll-free telephone number will connect you to your local health department. For information in Spanish, call 800-504-7081. Organizations like Birthright can provide services that are vital during confusing times of any young mom’s life. 1-800-550-4900 http:// www.birthright.org/htmpages/index.htm Some services you can expect from Birthright are:Free pregnancy testing Medical referrals Legal referrals Educational assistance and referrals Maternity and baby clothes Housing referrals Referrals

It is time to take action. Educate yourself, enlighten your loved ones and question it all! Your body is changing, and no one person will ever have the exact same pregnancy experience. In fact, many moms will tell you that each of their pregnancies was different. All libraries have a rich collection of parenting books. Libraries now offer eBooks that you can download right from your home computer. Chain bookstores like Borders and Continued on page # October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 11

to social agencies Referrals for professional counseling Healthy babies equal happy babies. So go. Get the prenatal care for yourself and your baby. Emotional Roller Coaster. Pregnancy can be very stressful. Not only do you question those around you, but you question yourself and your capacity to handle it all. Sometimes, no matter what you do or what any one does, you’re just not yourself. There is much confusion about postpartum depression, and little is spoken about depression during pregnancy. It’s as if, as a woman, you have to suck it up

and put on a happy face. According to the March of Dimes, as many as 1 out of 5 women have symptoms of depression during pregnancy. For some women, those symptoms are severe. In pregnancy, women who have been depressed before are at higher risk of depression than other women. Depression is a serious medical condition. It poses risks for the woman and her baby. Your provider can help you determine if you are just stressed or in fact dealing with depression, and together you can make the best decision for you and your baby. The Federal Government for Women’s health has a great link with frequently asked questions about depression during and after pregnancy (in English and Spanish). Check it out! http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm

Symptoms of Depression: A woman who is depressed feels sad or “blue” and has other symptoms that last for 2 weeks or longer.The other symptoms include the following: • Trouble sleeping • Sleeping too much • Lack of interest • Feelings of guilt • Loss of energy • Difficulty concentrating Changes in appetite Restlessness, agitation or slowed movement Thoughts or ideas about suicide Some of the treatments available are therapy, support groups and medications. Healthy women make happy mommies. Take care of yourself. You have so much to look forward to!

Happily married to her teenage sweetheart, Veronica and her husband make Clifton Park, NY their home town, for the past 13 years. Photography and digital media are her favorite hobbies. Capturing life’s precious moments and sharing them with loved ones is the way she unwinds after a busy day with the family. 12 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

My Roller Coaster Ride with Post-Partum Depression

Newborn

By Roxanna Del Rosario, ParishMoms.org

eing pregnant with my first baby was a roller-coaster of emotions. After 41 weeks, finally I was at the hospital, my doctor telling me push, push, puuushhh! My husband counting with me. One, two, three, four. Breathe! After a couple of minutes, the nurse put in my arms this little pink ball with a lot of black hair – my beautiful girl, Eva. My husband and I were crying tears of joy, both looking at our angel and thinking, “Now what? Does the baby come with an instruction book?” The nurse asked me if I wanted the baby in the room with me or in the nursery during the night. I decided on the nursery, so I could sleep and recover before going back home. The two days in the hospital went very smoothly; it was a very nice experience. I was so excited, on the top of the roller coaster. I got to go home and begin my new life as a mother with my family. The first day at home was nice. People came to meet the new baby, and at the end of the day, I was exhausted. As the days went on, I felt that I was going downhill fast. I started to feel sad and insecure. I didn’t understand why, if I wanted so much

to have this baby, I was feeling so terrible emotionally. I was afraid; I couldn’t get to sleep during the day or night. I felt trapped, lonely, hopeless, and didn’t want to eat. I asked my husband, “Don’t go to work please. Don’t leave me alone. I don’t know what to do.” It took just three weeks, and my nervous system shut down. I felt very scared. My body started to make uncontrollable movements, so we decided to go to the hospital. After a couple hours of evaluation, the diagnosis was postpartum depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a general term used to describe a wide range of emotional disorders that a woman can experience after the birth of her child. Three types of disorders are generally recognized: the “baby blues,” postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis. It can be caused by a number of factors that vary from individual to individual. Some of these factors are: The dramatic change in hormone levels occurring during and after pregnancy (some women are more sensitive to this change than others) • Sleep deprivation • Psychological stresses of new motherhood • Previous postpartum or clinical depression • A family history of depression • Fatigue The doctor told us about the use of medication that won’t affect breastfeeding, as well as going to therapy, rest, and some other things I could do in order to feel better. I decided to take control of my brain. My mom came over and stayed for a couple weeks while I was resting and taking care of Eva. During the day, I went for walks with the baby and met other moms with babies of the same age. Chuck and I took turns during the night; I finally let him be a part of the responsibilities. I think that was my biggest problem – not letting anybody help, thinking

that I could be Superwoman. I won’t say that medication is a bad idea. I know that everybody is different, but if you can avoid it, I recommend it. Instead, there are a lot of support groups that can assist you and many places to visit. Here some tips I personally can give you: Sleep when the baby sleeps. Take naps together. Let your husband be a part of these wonderful moments. Even if you are breastfeeding, he can change diapers during the night, bring the baby to the bed, or give baths. It helps you rest, and also he won’t feel left out. Find a support group for mothers. Many churches, hospitals, family centers, and other institutions have one. You can also meet other moms and do activities together. Take some time to pamper yourself. Ask your husband or somebody you trust to watch the baby for an hour so you can take a long shower, do your nails, do your hair, take a nap, or anything you would enjoy by yourself. We just have to be aware of any of the symptoms mentioned before, so we can detect early if we are going true the baby blue, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Motherhood is a great gift and a blessing from God, so He will provide all the help that we can need. Just remember that you are not alone, enjoy your baby as much as you can.

Roxanna was born and raised, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Wife and mother of three kids, expecting her fourth. Member of the moms group of Saint Edward the Confessor Parish in Clifton Park and the Spanish community of Saint Anthony Church in Schenectady. Spanish Writer on the Parish Mom of Saint Edward Blog.

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 13

Party Guide

to host a memorable birthday party from start to finish. By planning early, you’ll avoid as many headaches as possible, so let’s get started... Checklist

child’s birthday is a special day and you want make it as picture perfect as possible. So many details go into organizing the ideal party that it can sometimes be overwhelming and disastrous without the proper knowledge. With this party guide, we hope to give you the knowledge you need

2-4 Weeks in Advance • Pick a date and time for the party • Send out invitations to guests • Place guest list sheet beside the phone (to check off names when guests RSVP) • Book entertainment • Find helpers • Buy batteries for video cameras and digital cameras • Pick up any extra game prizes or game items • Plan the menu 1 Week Before • Do any heavy cleaning where the party will be held • Order cake from the bakery

• Buy candles • Follow up with guests you have not heard back from • Determine the schedule for the whole party • Buy any groceries you require for the party Day Before • Clean up any of the party areas (including bathroom) • Confirm entertainment • Defrost frozen foods or prepare other foods • Decorate • Put together the goodie bags • Make sure you have candles and matches for the cake

14 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010 14 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

The Big Day • Finish the remaining decorating • Put balloons outside by your house address • Prepare food / order food • Have the camera ready • Place pets in an unused room • Setup and prepare the games • Prepare payment for the entertainment • Expect the entertainer 15 minutes before show time • Take a deep breath and have fun! Afrim’s Sports Suzette Pennacchio 636 Albany Shaker Road Colonie, NY 12211 518.438.3131 www.AfrimsSports.com afrimsports@gmail.com

A Magical Entertainer Domino the Great P.O. Box 5551 Albany, NY 12205 877.322.1566 www.dominothegreat.com info@dominothegreat.com

Karen Doescher 10 Donwswood Ct. Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.533.8018 www.bitsbytesbot.com albany@bitsbytesbots.com

Beyond the Rainbow Nursery School A great affordable birthday party place!

Bumble Beads Offer awesome birthday parties and special events. Come in anytime and create… no appointment necessary.

Linda Hoyt or Laurie Jones 5 Metro Park Rd. Albany, NY 12205 518 435-1391 www.beyondtherainbownurseryschool.com Bits, Bytes & Bots - Computer Adventures Bits, Bytes & Bots offers a variety of classes including robotics, stop-motion, animated movie making and game creation. Birthday parties for children 6-14 yrs of age.

Karen Macielak 620 Loudon Rd Latham NY 12110 518.690.7896 www.bumblebeadsstudio.com karen@bumblebeadsstudio.com

Bella's Delicatessen (518) 668-3354 Lake George 42 Amherst St Lake George, NY 12845

Capital Northeast Martial Arts. Offering a one month “test drive” for just $29.95! Bob Esposito 1811 Western Ave. Guilderland, NY 12203 518.452.3065 www.capitalnemartialarts.com spacercapnemartialarts@gmail.com Drama Kids International Drama Kids provides remarkable creative drama education for children and young adults. Deanna Stickles-Bach 36 Graffin Drive Latham, NY 12110 518-458-1313 http://www.dramakids.com/ny5 dramakids@nycap.rr.com Games 2U An adventure at your doorstep – the most unique entertainment package in the Capital District! Mobile Video Game Theatre with pumping music and lights, 5 TV’s, XBox 360s, and Wiis High Tech Outdoor Laser Tag - Giant Human Hamster Balls with us your child can Party like a Rock Star!

Continued on page 16 October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 15

John Genest 19 Delehunt Drive East Greenbush, NY 12061 518.488.8303 www.g2u.com jgenest@yahoo.com Joyful Jumpers “Where kids jump for joy” Offering Open Play, Mommy & Me classes, birthday parties & Events! Cindy Snearly 22 Vics Ct Albany, NY 12205 518.396.7885 www.JoyfulJumpers.net joyfuljumpers@earthlink.net Jumping Bean Party Rentals Inc Jumping Bean Party Rental is a full service party rental company in the capital region and surrounding counties. We have water slides, bounce houses, tents, tables, chairs, cotton candy, snow cones, clowns, and much more! Great fun for everyone! PO Box 2501 Wilton NY 12831 518.581.7100 www.jumpingbeanpartyrental.com jumpingbeanpartyrental@gmail. com KidzArt KidzArt is a confidence building drawing program. Students will explore all available media. Our projects never repeat. If you can dream it, you can draw it. Susan McCarthy PO Box 645 Guilderland NY 12084 518.456.4101 www.kidzartcrny.com smccarthy@ kidzartcrny.com Mad Science of the Capital District Mad Science is an enrichment program for elementary aged children. Jennifer Miller 635 Plank Rd Suite 101 Clifton Park NY 12065

518.373.2864 www.madscience.org/ thecapitaldistrict info@madscience.org Magicman Entertainment Magicman Entertainment has all the best for your special day. Entertain at your event with amazing magic tricks, fun balloon sculptures, cute face painting, and silly comedy that are all specifically designed with your guests in mind. Chris LaBarge Watervliet, NY12189 518.221.7499 magicmanentertainment.webs.com Magicmancl@aol.com Oasis Family Fun Park Tom Paone 97 North Greenbush Road Troy, New York 12180 518.283.3646 www.oasispark.net tpaone@nycap.rr.com Stardom School of Dance Fun, affordable, professional dance instruction for boys and girls 18 months to adults. Daytime, Evening, Summer Classes and Camps. Mommy and Me, Kinderdance, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Bellydance, Birthday Parties and More! Nanette Garmley 828 Hoosick Rd Troy NY 12180 518.279.1510 www.stardomschoolofdance.com stardomschoolofdance@hotmail. com The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) Laurie Miedema - Director of Member and Guest Relations 250 Jordan Road Troy, NY 12180 518-235-2120 extension 202 www.CMOST.org Lmiedema@cmost.org

16 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

Tiny Tots Tea Room and Learning Center Kate Cross 1536 Crescent Road Clifton Park, NY 12065 518.348.1050 www.tinytotstearoom.com kate@tinytotstearoom.com Tumbling Tykes Where Fun and Learning Go Hand in Hand! Children birth-6 welcome. Indoor playground, “Mommy & Me” Classes, Enrichment Classes, Drop Off Program, Birthday Parties, Summer Camp and Nursery School. Stacy Myron 1050 Troy-Schenectady Road Latham, NY 12110 518.783.0767 www.tumblingtykes.org smyron@nycap.rr.com Twinkle Design Studio Twinkle Design Studio is a graphic boutique where I create custom stationery, jewelry and home sewn goodies! Kimberly Savage 13 Bedell Ave. Delmar, NY 12054 518.466.9320 www.twinkledesignonline.com ksavage@twinkledesignonline.com Wee Affairs Wee Affairs specializes in coordinating and planning events for children. We create magical adventures for birthday and holiday parties... or just because! Colleen Reichlr 16 Knob Hill Rd, Loudonville NY 12211r 518.421.5507 www.capital-region-events.com colleen@capital-region-events.com Zero Gravity Laser Tag Compete with up to 40 players in our 5,000 sq ft Laser Tag Arena.

Wanna Play Tag? Andrew Hazelton or Mike Fucilli 1240 Central Ave Albany NY 12205 518.437.9334 www.albanylasertag.com

Storybook Princess Parties Wappingers Falls, NY 845-296-0732 Enchanted Parties Wallkill, NY 845-591-2571

Cool Cat Entertainment & Party Store Albany NY 518-384-2288 http://www.partypop.com/ Vendors/4353610.htm

Teddy Bear Express Rotterdam , NY 518-887-2664

Faces by Ferdinand Sue Ferdinand 518-668-3942 sferinan@nycap.rr.com facesbyferdinand.com

Party with a Princess Albany, NY 518-928-7108 Amapro Family Fun Center Liberty, NY 845-292-2386

The Party Warehouse: Fuller Road 76 Fuller Road Albany, NY 12205 (518) 458-1144 Fax: (518) 458-1188 9:30 am - 9:00 pm M-F, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday Clifton Park Shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Plaza Route 146 Clifton Park, NY 12065 (518) 383-6146 Fax: (518) 383-6148

Sportsplex of Halfmoon CLIFTON PARK, NY 518-383-0991

to inspire a sense of wonder about extraordinary scientific and technological developments: past, present, and future

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 17 October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 17

Baby

Bedtime Matters By Veronica Salas Brito, ParishMoms.org

have to admit I was spoiled rotten with both of my babies. As if they knew I had to work the next day, they both slept through the night by two months. KC and MA were breastfed, so it was just more convenient to have their crib by my side at night. In fact, I often checked on them at around 1:00 am to change a diaper or give them a bottle, but I was hardly ever woken up in a stir of cries. I often credited my children’s sleep patterns to the way I scheduled their naps. During the day, whether they were in day care or home, I would try to keep them up, playing and active, until it was nap time. I limited their television time. At around four to five months, MA took three long naps during the day, while my niece and nephew slept in short spurs, but many more times. My sister was awakened every hour on the hour by my niece and nephew in the evenings. She wore her fatigue as badge of honor. Sometime the babies were hungry, wet, or just lonely, but the tears seemed to go on forever. I don’t think they slept through the night until they were around nine months. My sister’s frustration was evident. She read book after book. She tried the warm bath, the lavender scented lotions, the warm bottle, and even the sounds of the nature CDs. The babies found their own comfort

eventually and finally slept through the night. One thing to keep in mind is that all babies aren’t the same; some transition to two naps at five months, while others still have four shorter naps at the same age. Some transition to two naps at six months old, and others not until nine months. All babies vary. A very popular sleep book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Weissbluth, says that only 17% of babies need a third nap after five months old. I can’t even imagine how grumpy my niece and nephew might have been if they did not receive enough naps. The hardest part of being a parent is the sense of helplessness and confusion that comes with babies. Every baby blossoms at their own time, and every baby has their own individual needs. While lavender scented lotion and bubble baths might have worked for me, they certainly did not work for my sister.

Sleepy Time Comfort Are the baby’s PJs comfortable?Is the room temperature adequate? Is there a humidifier available to counter the act the drying effects of the central heating units?

18 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

Ambiance Some babies prefer white noise or even lullabies to soothe them to sleep, while others prefer complete silence. Parents can try a lullaby CD or white-noise machine that shuts off after 15 to 20 minutes. Baby Bedtime Routine Try a routine that includes feeding the baby, giving him a bath, rubbing him with lotion, reading a book, snuggling for a few minutes, and then placing him in his sleep space. Tell him it is bedtime or use some other verbal cue every time he is put to bed. I often rub or pat his back to soothe him. There is no perfect or ideal method to getting babies to sleep through the night. Babies are like little snowflakes – so unique, so special, and yet so beautiful. Continue the conversation on our blog at Kidsfunplaza.com

Re-Learning to Eat

KidsFunKitchen

By Ana Roca Castro, KidsFunKitchen.com

e all struggle with diets and keeping healthy eating habits. At the end of the day, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not a problem of quantity – it’s just that we have simply forgotten how to eat the right way. Have you ever seen a baby breastfeeding? The baby uses every sense to enjoy his meal. It becomes a bonding experience. Every sense of his body and mind are suddenly satiated. Smell: The aroma starts the appetite. Our meals have to smell great. Let’s begin by appreciating the smell of the key ingredients. Before you bring the next spoonful of food to your mouth, I encourage you to play the sommelier and close your eyes, smell what you are about to eat, and try to explore the different aromas. Touch and feel: I know we learn to be polite, but I dare you to touch and feel the texture of your food. The way I know my pasta is ready – al dente – is by breaking it. If there’s white in the middle, then it

still needs a minute or two. Meat readiness depends on how deep my finger can squeeze its surface. The crunchiness of the salad is based on how sharp I can cut the leaves. See and admire: Who said food only has to taste good? It must look good. Find the joy in decorating a dish. Play a 5-star hotel chef at home, and you’ll start to have a whole different experience at dinner. Take pictures, post them on our fan page, enter cooking contests, and get the kids to vote for their favorite plate decorations. Keep it a bonding experience: This is the most important part of eating. It must be a bonding experience for the family. Turn off the TV and make dinner a no-fighting hour. Have conversation starters under your sleeves until your family members get used to sharing something about themselves around the table. I’d rather starve than eat alone. Breaking bread together reminds me of the joy of having family. These are all different ways of

learning how to interact with the food using our senses. Please share your re-learning to eat experience on KidsFunKitchen.com and enjoy the adventure.

A fun game idea to re-learn to eat: 1) Make dinner, but don’t let anyone see what you’ve cooked. 2) Cover everyone’s eyes at the table. 3) Serve them one bite of every dish and have them write what it is; preschoolers can whisper in your ear. 4) Whoever guesses the most dishes correctly wins a prize.

AnaRC is a Social Entrepreneur, Social Media Developer: iPhone, Twitter, Facebook Apps. CEO of Premier Social Media, Proud Latina, Mother and Wife

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 19

Yogurt Drink with Fruit Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

Stuffed Shells

String Cheese with Fruit

Turkey with Cheese Sandwich

Pita Chips with Hummus

Chicken and Rice Burrito

Oatmeal Bar

Fruit Crisp with Milk

Yogurt with Fruit

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

WEDNESDAY

Fruit Crisp

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

Taco Salad with Honey Chipotle

Bagel with Cheese and Chicken Salad

Sorbet with Fruit

Chicken Fettucine Alfredo

Pita Chips with Hummus

Granola Bar

Puppy Chow

Cold Peanut Noodles

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

Granola with Yogurt

WEDNESDAY

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

Soba Noodle Bowls

Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

Huevos Rancheros

Oatmeal with Brown Sugar

Cold Apple Crisp with Milk

TUESDAY

Ice Cream

Fettucine Alfredo

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

Chicken Quesadillas

Puppy Chow

Cereal with Fruit and Milk

MONDAY

Fruit

Falafel Pitas

Thumbprint Cookies with Yogurt

Cereal with Fruit and Milk

WEDNESDAY

Black Forest Cake

Risotto with Asparagus

Soft Pretzels with Mustard and Fruit

Chicken Parmesan Subs

Fruit

Sweet Potato Surprise

TUESDAY

Sweet Potato Surprise

Chicken Parmesan

Thumbprint Cookies and Yogurt

Pumpkin Chili with Rice

Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

Toast with Nutella

MONDAY

Black Forest Cake

Soft Pretzels with Mustard and Fruit

Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

Chocolate No-Bake Cookies and Ice Cream

Chicken Stir-Fry

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Pumpkin Chili

Peanut Butter Banana Dogs

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

Chicken Fajitas

Bagels with Lox

SUNDAY

WEEK 4

Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts

SUNDAY

WEEK 3

TUESDAY

Chocolate Ginger Cookies with Fruit

Tacos with Beans

Meatballs with Vegetable Ragout and Orzo

Apple Crisp

Oatmeal Bar

Turkey Wrap with Spinach

Yogurt Drink with Fruit

Bagel with Cream Cheese

Granola Bar

Fruit, Cheese and Crackers

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

Oatmeal with Brown Sugar

MONDAY

Chocolate Ginger Cookies with Gelato

Fast Pudding

MONDAY

Spinach Meatloaf with Potatoes

Pita Chips with Hummus

Spinach Salad

Oatmeal Bar

Oven Roasted Chicken and Rosemary Potatoes

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

Spiced Moroccan Salad

Granola Bar

Yogurt with Fruit

SUNDAY

Cereal with Blueberries and Milk

WEEK 2

WEEK 1

Find all the recipes and shopping lists on KidsFunKitchen.com

MEATS/BEANS

DAIRY

FRUITS

VEGGIES

GRAINS

42 Oz

FOR MOM

WEEKLY GOAL

35 Cups

10 Oz

10 Â˝ Cups

14 Cups

35 Oz

KIDS (2-8)

WEEKLY GOAL FOR

DESSERT

DINNER

Breakfast

LUNCH

SNACKS

BREAKFAST

GLOSSARY

Number Of Servings

15 12,514 Cal

22 29

11 11,595 Cal

Go Out!

Pita Chips with Hummus

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

17 12,642 Cal

Go Out!

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

Bratwurst with Sauerkraut

Salmon and Asparagus Salad

Steak Salad Wrap

11 11,506 Cal

Go Out!

Peshwari Naan

Chicken Curry Pita Pockets

Fruit

Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts Crepes with Nutella and Fruit Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

SATURDAY

Black Forest Cake

No-Bake Cookies and Fruit

Oatmeal Bar

Gelato

Fast Pudding

Chicken Curry with Rice

Thumbprint Cookies with Yogurt

Pizza Margherita

Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

Spinach Salad

Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

Puppy Chow Kid-Friendly Sushi

Sweet Potato Surprise

Rice Pudding with Milk

Granola Bar

Oven Poached Salmon with Potatoes and Asparagus

Quick Steak Sandwiches and Big Salads

Sorbet

Rice Pudding

Yogurt with Honey and Granola

Pita Chips with Hummus

String Cheese with Fruit

Philly Cheesesteaks

Jambalaya

Yogurt with Honey and Granola

Beef and Potato Burrito

Spiced Moroccan Salad

Thumbprint Cookies with Yogurt

Fresh Fruit and String Cheese

SATURDAY

Yogurt Drink with Fruit

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

Beef and Potato Burrito

Shrimp Tacos with Slaw

FRIDAY

Soft Pretzels with Mustard and Fruit

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

FRIDAY

Tomato, Spinach and Feta Omlette

THURSDAY

Sorbet

Swedish Meatballs

Fruit

Falafel Pitas

Thumbprint Cookies with Yogurt

Fill Your Own Popovers

THURSDAY

Ice Cream with Fruit

Shrimp Scampi

Puppy Chow

Cold Peanut Noodles

Banana Bread and Mango Lassi

SATURDAY

Oatmeal with Blueberries and Honey

FRIDAY

Fruit and Yogurt

Pita Chips with Hummus Shepherd’s Pie

Oatmeal with Blueberries and Honey

FRIDAY

Sorbet with Orange Clove Cookies

Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

Roasted Veggies with Couscous

Oatmeal Bar

Granola Bar

Turkey and Slaw Wraps

Cereal with Fruit and Milk

THURSDAY

Gelato with Fruit

Roasted Veggie Pizza

Pita Chips with Hummus

Chicken and Rice Burrito

Oatmeal Bar

Bagel with Cream Cheese

THURSDAY

Orange Clove Cookies with Fruit

Fish Tacos with Slaw and Pico

String Cheese with Fruit

Turkey with Cheese Sandwich

Pumpkin Flax Muffin

Just enter your age, height, weight & gender at: mypyramidtracker.gov/ planner

FIND OUT YOURS

45 ½ Cups

21 Oz

14 Cups

21 Cups

56 Oz

FOR DAD

WEEKLY GOAL

35 Cups

12 Oz

10 ½ Cups

17 ½ Cups

42 Oz

Preschooler

Teaching Your Preschooler about Halloween Safety By Christina Gleason, CutestKidEver.org but make sure to give them the very good reasons why they can’t wear costumes that may cause a problem for them. You’ll also want to make sure that your child’s costume has some sort of reflective material on it so they can be seen by cars when it starts to get dark. They won’t mind it at this age, but it’s a lesson you’ll have to reinforce when they get older and may complain that it makes their costume look uncool. Trick-or-Treat Safety

y the time they start preschool, kids realize that holidays can be a lot of fun, and Halloween is no exception. We dress them up in cute costumes when they’re babies and toddlers, but our kids start to have an opinion about what they’re wearing once they’re in preschool. They have favorite characters, and they may start to care what their friends like, too. While preschoolers certainly aren’t old enough to go trick-ortreating by themselves – so we’ll be with them at all times – it’s the right time to start teaching them about Halloween safety. The lessons we teach them now will (hopefully) stick with them as they get older. Costume Safety When shopping for costumes, you’re bound to have to say no to some of your preschooler’s suggestions. He may want that cool comic book hero costume with the plastic mask, but you have to say no because he won’t be able to see very well out of it. Or she may want that pretty princess dress that would be so long she’d trip over it when she’s walking. They’ll be disappointed,

Trick-or-treating around the neighborhood with your preschooler is a great time to review road safety rules like looking both ways before you cross the street. If you have to drive around to visit grandparents while you’re trick-ortreating, you can point out other trick-or-treaters who may or may not be behaving safely on the road. Let your kids know that they should never go inside a stranger’s house when trick-or-treating, no matter what. You should always stay outside the door when waiting for treats. We all hope that we live in safe neighborhoods, but it’s best not to take any chances of your kids getting lured inside. Never approach a house that isn’t well-lit. Aside from the fact that it probably means the owners aren’t home or don’t want trick-ortreaters, it also creates an unsafe environment where kids could get hurt – either by tripping on unseen hazards in the walkway or if someone is hiding in the shadows to jump out and scare them…or worse. Always carry a flashlight. It helps you see and be seen. Don’t cut through fields or other wide open spaces away from the road. Your kids should know that they need to stay where they can be seen at all times. You don’t need to scare them

22 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

about “bad people” at this point in time, but they’ll understand better when they get older. Candy and Treat Safety Check over your child’s candy stash when you get home for the evening. Homemade goodies and unwrapped candy should be thrown out – unless, of course, it’s something you know came from the grandparents. If anything looks like it’s been tampered with, it should also be tossed into the trash. This will also give you a chance to take out anything you don’t want your child to eat. Of course, the best way to avoid unsafe or unwanted treats is to avoid trick-or-treating completely, but this isn’t necessarily an option! You may want to talk to the parents of your child’s friends from preschool, though, about hosting a party on Halloween where each parent brings a healthy snack so that the kids can “trick or treat” from different locations around the house.

Some Preschooler-Friendly Halloween Treats • Pre-wrapped Rice Krispie treats • Boxes of raisins • Single serving cups of applesauce • Granola bars • Cereal bars

Christina Gleason is a happily married mom of one very active little boy and Founder of Phenomenal Content LLC, which provides online copywriting for businesses. Read her blog at www. CutestKidEver.org!

Creating Halloween Memories for Toddlers

Toddler

By Beth Levine, TheAngelForever.com

s a parent, you start to make plans when you bring your child home. Holidays immediately take on a new meaning. You start to think about what you are going to do, where you will go and which side of the family you will spend time with. This is no different with Halloween. The day filled with candy, costumes, and kids begins to become a reality for toddlers. Thanks to this, parents often wonder what they should or should not do on Halloween with their young children. As the mother of two little boys, I have learned that it is best to take it one day at a time. Halloween can be tricky (no pun intended) with this age group, so keeping it simple and making sure to be flexible is key. To Trick-or-Treat or not? Most toddlers are already walking, so parents are eager to take them out to trick-or-treat on Halloween. Is this a good idea or not? Nobody can really tell you if this is right; you know your child best. You must weigh the pros and cons. When making this decision, you may want to take these items into consideration: Where do you plan on going to trick-or-treat? Location, location, location! Think ahead about where you plan on taking your child. Are you simply going to neighbors and relatives or will it be a bigger adventure? A familiar place for the child in the daylight may be best, especially for the first trick-or-treating experience. Many malls and

community centers sponsor free Halloween events that are perfect for toddlers to get a taste of the holiday fun. How will Mother Nature behave? Life in the Northeast can be unpredictable at best. Some years we have snow flying in the air by Halloween; other years, it may be 70 degrees and balmy. Always have a backup plan ready just in case you need it. What costume will your child wear? Toddlers like to move, explore, and get into things. Costumes that are easy to put on and take off in a hurry are best. Make sure that they do not have too many little parts or sharp pieces and are safe for your child to move around in. Costumes that can handle layers under them are great to accommodate unpredictable Northeast NY weather patterns. No matter what the situation, always practice safe costume etiquette. Make sure your child can see clearly and is able to move around without difficulty. Is your child afraid of costumes? Even if your child has never cried at the sight of Mickey Mouse, Chuck E Cheese, or other costumed characters in the past, Halloween can be intimidating for many children. It may not actually be the costumes that bother them, but the sheer number. Most toddlers have never seen so many Buzz Lightyears or Elmos and may be frightened because of all of the costumes on Halloween. Keep this in mind and have a plan of action. Halloween Safety By the time our children are toddlers, we have already baby-proofed our homes. Still, Halloween decorations may toss some new items your way. Thinking ahead is the best way to prevent Halloween accidents from happening. Keep these in mind for not only your toddler,

but other children as well. Halloween decorations appear in a lot of homes. You may have them in yours right now. Check them out before you put them where your child can reach them. Many Halloween decorations have smaller parts that can break off. Remember that toddlers often put items in their mouths while they are teething. This may also be the year to think differently about your Jack-o-Lantern. If you still want to carve a pumpkin with your family, be sure to think of safe alternatives to candles. The best advice I can give any parent of a toddler for Halloween is to have fun and try to relax. If your child sees a smile on your face, they will be happy. Dress up with them, enjoy and take a camera along to capture the memories of a lifetime.

Tips for Toddler Trickor-Treating • Be flexible to work around naps and older or younger siblings. • Head out to see friends, family, and neighbors early. Daylight keeps things less spooky. • Dress for the weather. Kids overheat easily, so remember the weight of their costume as you toss a coat on. Layers are easy to add under costumes if needed. • Use the experience to teach a small lesson in manners. It is never too early to learn to say please and thank you. • Keep Halloween fun, not frightening for children. • Always inspect your child’s goodie bag before allowing them to have anything. Small candy pieces, lollipops, and other items may not be suitable for toddlers. Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 23

Kiddo

Giving Kids Choices at Halloween By Beth Levine, TheAngelForever.com

It is NOT all about the candy:

rowing up, I have fond memories of celebrating Halloween. I remember dressing up as a clown, hobo, and graduate complete with cap and gown. Each year, all of the neighborhood kids would go out together. When we were little, parents would rotate who would go out with us, while others manned the houses on our block. As we entered middle school and high school, many of us would take the younger kids out to trick-or-treat. One year, my parents asked me not to go trick-or-treating. My Nana and Papa bought my brother and me some Halloween goodies, along with other items from my parents. When I was older, I found out the following year that we had had suspicious items found in candy that local children had received. There were also some fights not too far away from our home. My parents wanted to keep us inside and watch over our block. Times have changed, yet much remains the same since the Halloween that changed my life. Preparing for Halloween: Enjoy the month of October getting ready for Halloween with your children. Spend time doing arts and crafts together before October 31st. Do you decorate for Halloween? If you do, allow your older children to help decorate inside and outside of your house. Have them come up with a plan to make it really special for your entire family. Once the plan is set, go shopping for some new, fun, festive, and even spooky items to decorate with.

We need to be realistic here. A lot of children love Halloween because it is the one day of the year that they are able to get away with eating a bit more candy. I think we can all admit to liking it for that reason. Still, we have to teach our children that this holiday means more than just going from house to house and collecting sweet chocolate goodness. Trick-or-treating is a great time to socialize. Gather a group of friends for your child and make it an outing. If your elementary age child is younger dress up with them, be a kid and have some fun alongside them. Do not forget to take photos; your child will thank you one day. Halloween parties are also seasonal favorites, whether the party is at your child’s school, the mall, a friend’s house, or your own. If you are hosting the party yourself, make sure there will be age appropriate activities for the kids. Have a fun time creating a menu of goodies that are not only delicious, but healthier options. Yes, I am a firm believer that not everything for Halloween has to have a ton of sugar within it. The yearly costume craze: Each year, I cringe when it’s time to take my oldest son to pick out a Halloween costume. I always wonder if he’ll try to select something that I don’t feel is appropriate for his age. When our kids are little, we get to pick out their Halloween costumes. As they reach school age, many begin to express their own thoughts and opinions on the matter. Whether they beg to be Spiderman, Ben 10, Buzz Lightyear, a High School Musical Cheerleader, Dorothy, or Jasmine, we are the adults who get the final say on the purchase. Although we need to let our children have their say on things like this, we do need to

24 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

guide them. When we go Halloween shopping, my husband and I often let our son look at everything while we step back. Then, we talk about what costumes he likes. Once we rule out items that may be cost prohibitive (when did costumes get to cost so much money?), we narrow it down to 2-3 possible choices. Our son tries on those costumes and we allow him to make the final selection. On your mark, get set....go! Go and enjoy the month of October and Halloween with your family. Have your school-aged child help with Halloween preparations, while allowing them to slowly gain more creative control. Being there for your child and helping them to create lasting memories will be the items that they remember when they are grown up and taking their own children out to trick-or-treat. Remember, the more you focus on safety and good choices now, the more likely they are to use them when out alone in their teen years and beyond.

Basic Halloween Safety for Kids • See and be seen, especially after dark. • Avoid tripping hazards. • Never go out alone. • Plan out your adventure before you set out. • Never go inside a house while trickor-treating, no matter what. • Never eat your treats while out and about. • Do not overdo the candy. Beth is a happily married teacher, now SAHM to her two young sons. She has a passion for all things Disney, reading, crafting , and traveling. A camera is always close to catch memories for her blog, TheAngelForever.com

Tweens and Treats on Halloween By Veronica Salas Brito, ParishMoms.org

Tweens

dressing up. A great alternative is to make costumes at home for free. Closets, basements, and attics are a great source for all kinds of outfits and accessories. You will be surprised at the creative combinations your family can come up with. Got a...... communion dress? It can be turned in to a princess bride gown....plaid shirt and jeans? It can be turned into a scarecrow....black sweat suit? It can be a base for many homemade costumes, from animals to ninjas. Hats and belts can be the final touches on your creations. Think arts and crafts on a larger scale.

t is hard to miss the signs of fall – back to school sales and a costume store with “opening soon” sign on the window. I turned to my nine-year-old and asked her what she wanted to be this year. Soon after the “I don’t know,” came, “How about Lady Gaga?” We both had a giggle and talked about what was appropriate for her age. Inevitably, it came to, “Mommy, why can’t I wear that?” To which I responded, “Just because they make it in your size, it does not mean you should wear it!” Halloween is truly a fun experience for all of us. Costumes give kids and adults the opportunity to be their alter egos for a few hours. As kids get older, the once cute costumes seem to get more provocative or gruesome, and it is up to us to help them make the right choice without throwing a wet blanket on the fun. We should be open to their ideas, but we still must set ground rules. Let tweens be inspired by their own personality without compromising family boundaries.

So what works for you? Before you decide on a costume, be sure to consider: location (indoors or outdoors) • weather conditions • whether the little ones will want to walk or will you need a stroller or wagon • the level of comfort and ease of the costume • snacks and drinks • bathroom breaks • visibility – how well the kids can see through mask or make-up Give the kids some input. Avoid selecting a costume without the kids. It’s their night, after all, and they have to have some input. Getting cute pictures is great, but maybe the group costumes won’t work this year. As kids approach the tween years, they need to feel a sense of individuality and empowerment through decision making. Homemade costumes = quality time together. Buying packaged costumes or renting them can get expensive, especially if your entire family is

You do not have to be a master seamstress to get the job done. Fabric glue, a glue gun, staples, or masking tape can hold together hems, seams, fringe, fake fur, and sequins. Making Halloween costumes at home is also a great way to spend quality time with the kids and have their creativity and individuality at center stage months before the actual Halloween night. Save time browse online for more ideas: http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/ halloween http://www.coolest-homemade-costumes.com http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/

Continued on page # October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 25

family/kids/halloween/creative_costumes.shtml htt p :/ /www.halloween. com/ Halloween Safety Tips Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids, and to help ensure they have a safe holiday, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): All dressed up:

halloween http://www.costumepage.org/hallocst.html http://familyfun.go.com/ arts-and-crafts/ http://www.1halloween.net/html/ costumes http://www.costume-works.com/ homemade_halloween h t t p : / / w w w. m a h a l o. c o m / homemade-halloween ht t p :/ /dir.yahoo.com/ Society_and_Culture h t t p : / / w w w. s t r e t c h e r. c o m / stories/961021a.cfm http://www.1halloween.net/html/ costume.html htt p :/ /www.familycor ner.com/

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame. • Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes. • When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.

• If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child’s costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips. • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. • Teach children how to dial 911 on the cell phone if they have an emergency or become lost. • Keep your home safe for visiting trick-or-treaters: • Remove from the porch and front yard anything a childcould trip over. • Check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs. • Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps. • Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Madison Handbags

Design your own handbag Debi Condon Sales Consultant debismadisonhandbags@nycap.rr.com

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26 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

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Phone (518) 235-3896

Green Living – Organic vs. Conventional

Green

By Alina M. Hensley, TheCraningGap.blogspot.com

ou can’t set foot in a local grocery store, co-op, farmer’s market, or roadside stand without getting bombarded by the words organic and conventional. More often than not, they’re locked in an eternal struggle, both with one another, and with your pantry. Like most of us, you probably believe that organic foods are at least better for you and better for the planet, since they’re not always better for your wallet. But is this necessarily the truth? The sad fact of the matter is, the laws regulating the use of the term organic may as well be as loose as the laws regarding all natural – that is to say, just because it says it on the package, doesn’t make it the best choice. Take for example your standard crate of a dozen eggs. As long as the chickens who laid them were fed organically grown feed, it doesn’t matter if they were packed in cages for the duration of their sad little lives, never seeing a bit of sunlight, and pumped full the antibiotics necessary to survive the unsanitary conditions they’re forced to live in. Those eggs? Organic by law. Your kids have a chicken coop in your back yard with a healthy, beautiful laying hen. She runs around in a field eating bugs and greens, gulping down fresh, clean water, sunning herself, and grooming her feathers. Those eggs sound like they’d be beautiful, right? But

they’re not organic. Not legally. Obviously you want your children and your family to eat the healthiest food possible for them. You want your kids to grow up with a good sense of nutrition, and a good sense of doing what’s right for the world, but with so many backwards standards, how can you ever be sure? Your best place to start is locally. In Western civilization, we have become accustomed to our removal from the farm. We shop at grocery stores, buying and eating apples that came all the way here from Washington State. Nearly 3,000 miles away. Don’t we have perfectly good apples growing right here in New York? We do, and getting to know the growers of those apples – or anything else – is the best way to know what methods are being used to produce them. Visit a local food co-op or farmer’s market and ask questions. If you feel uneasy about buying conventionally grown tomatoes as opposed to the organic ones three stalls down, the farmer who grew them is standing in front of you. Literally! Ask him what you need to know. Encourage your children to ask those tough questions, too. After all, they deserve to know where their food came from. Who knows? Your eldest might realize she’s a journalist just from one conversation. Organic animal proteins lead

very different lives from organic grains and organic produce. Don’t use organic as a qualifier when buying meat and eggs. Instead, concern yourself with the term pastured or, in the very least, cage-free. The term free-range, like organic, does not require truth in advertising. Also be sure your meats are hormone and antibiotic free, which suggests that they live in a natural state under relatively sanitary conditions. The moral of this story is that the word organic can legally be thrown around by anyone who meets the very slim and loophole-ridden criteria. With the advent and soaring popularity of organics, companies will market anything they can get away with which will pass the requisites. After all, they can charge your family an extra dollar for it. The question is: will you let them?

Gearing up for an All-Natural Halloween?

Check out these naturally flavored and colored treats, available at local grocery stores: Yummy Earth Lollipops ($1.99 for 15) Wonka Whipped Wingers ($2.99 for 5.5oz) Endangered Species Chocolate ($1.99 for 1.4oz) Panda Liquorice in Black or Raspberry (65¢ for 1 1/8oz) Go Naturally Organic Hard Candies in Cherry, Pomegranate, Apple or Honey Lemon (Individually wrapped, $2.99 for 3.5oz) Let’s Do Organic Gummy Bears (Vegan, $3.98 for 4 bags) Newman’s Own Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups ($1.43 for 2) Surf Sweets Jelly Beans, ($1.79 for 2.7oz)

Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 27

Community

Small Town/Big Town and Guide to Local Halloween Events By Alina M. Hensley – TheCraningGap.Blogspot.Com

used to watch Gilmore Girls. Ever see that show? It’s about a young single mother and her teenage daughter living in a small New England town called Star’s Hollow. At the time, I was a teenage daughter to a young single mother, and it was all I was ever raised to know. I figured when I grew up I’d be the same. Now I do have that daughter I always suspected would be there, but much to my surprise, I’m not a single mother at all. Something about that show has always stayed with me though, and that’s the sense of community surrounding Star’s Hollow, and how I wanted my daughter to experience that same cozy quaintness of everyone knowing everyone and all that comes from it. It’s always at this time of year, the

height of autumn, that that longing for community strikes me the hardest. Harvest festivals and hayrides, pumpkin patches and apple picking, buying pies at orchards and trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. It never fails to put me in the spirit of togetherness, and that sense of goodwill carries me straight through the holiday season. Last year was my first back in New York after spending four long years in Arizona, and I was so excited to take my daughter apple picking, to carve pumpkins together, to go to harvest festivals and visit all the places I’d visited as a child – everything I’d missed in a place with no autumn! It never happened that first year, but this year was going to be different. Being given this column has been something of a blessing in disguise – an excuse to get out there and seek out the undercurrent of the small town vibe that courses just beneath every big town façade. Growing up in downtown Colonie and then coming north to Clifton Park for high school, I never noticed it, but I was determined to find it now. Visiting the farmer’s markets last month was an inkling of this. But I’m hungry for more. We set out for Riverview Orchards in Rexford to attend their Harvest Days festival, in hopes of seeking out that ever-elusive sense of community I was so desperately craving. It felt like the sort of event a small town would host, and

Rexford is, indeed, a small town. Dressed up in our best fall boots and sweaters and feeling the part, we played carnival games (won a bear!), watched cider donuts being made, ate hot dogs, listened to local teen bands, spied busy bees churning out honey, perused pumpkins, and took a pony ride (for the low cost of four tickets). From the top of the hill, the view of the Mohawk nestled between fiery autumnal trees was gorgeous, to say the least. It was a full but shining afternoon. The harvest festivals may be over for this season, but there’s still plenty more to look forward to. All those pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides are awaiting us, our kids, and our costumes. There is something here, something to enjoy, to find more of. So I’m going to find more of it, and my plan is to bring it to you. Check out our guide to the upcoming Halloween and Pumpkin Festivals and events happening locally, then get out there and find your own big town’s small town community. In and around Saratoga County: Fright FestWeekends 10/2 – 10/31 Six Flags Great Escape, Lake George Free with Admission (518) 792-3500 http://www.sixflags.com/ GreatEscape/

“Rain or shine, at Saratoga Strike Zone we have fun for everyone!” Bowling at the new Saratoga Strike Zone couldn't be more fun. Our state of the art light and sound show make your bowling experience one you won't soon forget! Our Ballocity ball pit is a ton of fun for the kids. The bumper cars are fun for all ages. Games, games, and more games. Our redemption arcade is one of a kind. 28 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010 http://www.saratogastrikezone.com 28 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

Garrison Ghost Tours Fri’s & Sat’s, 10/22 - 10/30 Fort Ticonderoga, Ticonderoga $35 (518) 585-2821 http://fort-ticonderoga.org/ Harvest Haunts Fri’s & Sat’s 10/1 – 10/30 Liberty Ridge Farm, 29 Bevis Road, Schaghticoke Free (518) 6641515 http://www.libertyridgefarmny.com/hauntednights.html Spirits of History Ghost Tours Fri’s & Sat’s 10/1 – 10/23 Fort William Henry Museum, Lake George Children 3-11yrs $7.95, Adults $14.95 (518) 964-6647 http://www. fwhmuseum.com/ Boo to You! Trick or Treat in Glens Falls Fri, 10/29, 4:30 to 8:00 PM Glen Street, Downtown Glens Falls, NY Free (518) 761-3864 Clifton Park Halloween Parade Fri, 10/29, 4:30 PM Clifton Common, Clifton Park, New York Rain Site: Shenendehowa Adult Community Center. Free (518) 371-6667 Halloween HootWed, 10/27, 6:30 to 7:30 PM Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, Clifton ParkFree(518) 371-8622

Falling Leaves FestivalSat, 10/23, 3:00 to 9:00 PMWiswall Park and Kelley Park, Ballston SpaFree (518) 885-5711 Clifton Park Historic Cemetery TourSat, 10/23, 1:00 to 5:00 PM Town Hall, Clifton Park$16.50 (518) 371-6651 Thurman Youth Halloween PartySat, 10/23, 1:00 to 3:00 PM Thurman Town Hall 311 Athol Rd, AtholFree(518) 623-9961 Family Activity Day: Halloween LuminariesSat, 10/23, 1:00 to 3:00 PM Chapman Historical Museum, 348 Glens Street, Glens Falls $3 per child (518) 793-2826 11th Annual Haunted Trails and BarnsFri, 10/22, & Sat, 10/23Up Yonda Farm, Bolton Landing, NY (518) 644-9767 ZomBIE Prom at Bettie’s CupcakesFri, 10/22, 7:00 to 10:00 PM 454 Broadway, Saratoga Springs(518) 894-1179 Halloween Pug Party & ParadeSun, 10/17, 9:00 to 2:00 PM Dynamite Hill Recreation Area, Rt 8, ChestertownFree (for pugs and their people!) Canine Howl-O-Ween Costume Parade/Contest/Part ySun, 10/31, 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Sloppy Kisses, 493 Broadway, Saratoga$5.00 (518) 587-2207 Haunted HayridesEvery ThursSun in OctoberDouble M Western Store, 678 Route 67, Ballston Spa$20.00 per person, (includes 4 attractions.)(518) 884-9122http:// www.MMHauntedHayrides.com In and around Rensselaer County:

Spooky Science Magic CampIn7:00 PM Sat, 10/23 until 9:00 AM Sun, Oct 24. Childrens Museum of Science and Technology, Troy Children $30, Adults $15(518) 2352120 http://www.cmost.org Slimy Science & Halloween Fun!Sat, 10/30, until Sun, 10/31, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Childrens Museum of Science and Technology $5 per person(518) 235-2120 http:// www.cmost.org In and around Washington County: Pumpkin Fest 2010Sat, 10/16, 2010 until Sun, 10/17, 1:00 to 4:00 PM 29 Bevis Road Schaghticoke, NY 12154 (518) 664-1515 Knick at Night - Candlelight visits with Ghosts from Old Schaghticoke Fri 10/29-30, 6:00 to 9:00 PM Knickerbocker Mansion, 132 Knickerbocker Rd, Schaghticoke $5.00 (Optional additional $7.00 for soup dinner) Walkers Fall FestivalSat, 10/16, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 5565 State Route 4, Fort AnnFreehttp:// walkerstore.cc/store/content/44/ Calendar-of-Events/ In and around Albany County: Halloween Howl ProwlFri, 10/22 & Sat, 10/23, 6:30 to 8:00 PM Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center 195 New Karner Road, AlbanyAdult, $2, family, $5, children younger than 5, free.(518) 785-1800 Art for All: Halloween MasksSat, 10/30, 1:00 to 4:00 PM Albany Institute of History & Art, Albany, New York Free with Admission (518) 463-4478 Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 29

Red Lotus Nail Salon

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Beautiful New Salon • Caring, Friendly Staff • Top Quality Service, Unbeatable Prices.

Manicures • Pedicures • Facials • Waxing • Jewelry • Gifts Children Under 12 years Old – Half Prcie Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–8pm; Sat 9:30am–6pm; Sun 10am–5:30pm

373-8888 Located at The Shoppes Of Halfmoon, Suite 600 1707 Route 9 Clifton Park/Halfmoon, NY (Corner Of Route 9 and Route 146. Behind Key Bank)

Monday Is Senior Day – 5% OFF 30 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

Tips for Teens to Do Good at Halloween

Teens

By Sandra Foyt, AlbanyKid.com

eens love Halloween, but often we don’t like them during this holiday. Costumes veer toward the super skimpy or truly horrific, and roving bands of trick-or-treating teens can get into all kinds of trouble. This Halloween, consider redirecting this energy into a positive experience that they can be proud of long after the celebration ends. You’ve Been “BOO”ed! In the weeks leading up to Halloween, teens can “phantom” neighbors with a poem and treats. Kids get a kick out of surprising others with this anonymous act of kindness, and they earn good will in return. The first step is to print out the Phantom Poem. There are many versions of this poem that can be found online, here is one that we use in our neighborhood: You’ve Been Boo-ed! The air is cool, the season fall, Soon Halloween will come to all. Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore… Tricky witches at your door. The spooks are after things to do, In fact a spook brought this “Boo” to you! Just two short days to work your spell, Keep it secret, hide it well.

Please join the fun, the seasons here. Just spread these “BOO’s” and Halloween cheer. First, post this Phantom where it can be seen, And leave it there until Halloween. Second, make two copies of this poem. Then deliver to homes where your roam. Be sneaky, be silent, and be quick. Leave it at doors where the Phantom hasn’t hit. This is all in good fun and we are just trying to say…Happy Halloween and Have a Great Day! The second step is to draw or download a phantom onto a separate sheet of paper. Both are attached to a bag with a few treats, and then the games begin when the kids sneak in to drop these off on neighbors’ doorsteps without getting caught. Reverse Trick-or-Treating When your teen heads out to trickor-treat on Halloween, they can give instead of receive. Through the Global Exchange Reverse Trick-OrTreating Campaign, they will hand out mini-chocolates and informational brochures that promote the purchase of Fair Trade products to help end child slavery in the cocoa fields and raise awareness of social and environmental injustices. In early October 2009, our teen

Girl Scout troop signed up on the Equal Exchange Reverse-Trick-orTreating Registration page. Shortly before Halloween, we received materials for each girl to hand out 15 kits, which were easily assembled. Then, on Halloween night, each girl went into her own neighborhood, handing out the cards and talking about the program while trick-ortreating as usual. The girls liked handing out the chocolates, but it was also beneficial to them because it gave them good reason to consider how they represent themselves and their worthy cause. Reverse Trick-orTreating may inspire teens to dress and behave responsibly on Halloween night. Host a Halloween Party for UNICEF For over 60 years, costumed trick-ortreaters have been collecting coins for children in need, helping UNICEF provide nutrition, medicine, and education worldwide. While teens can still go door-to-door toting the iconic orange box to collect spare change, they can take their collection efforts to a new level. At many high schools, students can join a local chapter of the Key Club, which has been participating in the Trick-or-Treat Campaign for UNICEF since 1994. They will receive a fundraising kit, collection boxes, a campaign kit and poster, a DVD, and more resources. Joining with like-minded teens, they will a great time while making a difference. For a truly memorable experience, teens can host a Halloween party to benefit UNICEF. When they register their party on the UNICEF site, they will get access to cool invitations and party tips. They can throw a party for other teens so that they all have something fun to do on Halloween night, or they can organize an Continued on page 32

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 31

event for disadvantaged youth in their community. Although it can take a lot of hard work to pull off a successful Halloween party, teens will receive instant gratification as they see how their efforts impact others. Often, a Halloween party is as much fun for the hosts as it is for the partygoers. Doing Good at Halloween Helping others in their community and around the world is a wonderful way for teens to remember that it’s just as much fun to give, as it is to receive. Doing good will make them feel good, and that’s a sweeter, longer lasting feeling than any candy.

Resources for a Do Good Teen Halloween: • You’ve Been Boo-ed!: www.beenbooed.com • Equal Exchange Reverse Trickor-Treating Registration: www. equalexchange.coop/rtt/index.html • Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF: www. youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/ participate • How to Throw a Halloween Party for Teens: www.ehow.com/ how_1398_throw-halloween-party.html • Halloween Party Games for Teens and Grown-Ups: www.partygameideas.com/halloween-games/indexadult-games_4.php

Sandra Foyt is the mother of two: a teen girl and a tween boy. She has been eagerly exploring Northeastern New York since both gave up naps on their first birthdays, and she writes about fun and learning in the Capital Region on www.AlbanyKid.com.

Bring Freckles to your birthday party and smiles are guaranteed. Serving the Capital District area for 25 years.

Phone 783-9296

32 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010 32 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

freckelstc@aol.com

Halloween Costumes for Kids with Special Needs

Special Needs

By Christina Gleason, CutestKidEver.org

etting dressed up for Halloween was one of my favorite things to do as a child, and even as a teenager and an adult. Lots of us love getting dressed up, and we love getting our kids dressed up as well. When our kids have special needs, we have an additional challenge in helping them find appropriate Halloween costumes. Let’s take a look at some Halloween costume ideas for two different categories of kids with special needs: kids in wheelchairs and kids with sensory issues. Costumes for Kids in Wheelchairs Some costumes that their friends are wearing may be impractical for kids who need wheelchairs, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be left out without a great Halloween costume. You’ll have to avoid any costume with long pants or accessories like feather boas that could get caught up in the wheels, but remember that the wheelchair itself can be a fascinating accessory that most kids don’t have! If you have a little one who still loves the Cars movie, you can dress up his or her wheelchair to look like Lightning McQueen, Mater, or even Sally. Dress your child in matching colors so they can be the driver. Or you can dress up the chair like one of the Thomas the Tank Engine trains, and your child can dress up like the conductor. Older kids may want to dress their wheelchair up to look like their favorite NASCAR or Indy driver’s vehicle.

Look around to find a Jeff Gordon or Danica Patrick uniform to help complete the ensemble. If your child has a sense of humor, he or she may want to consider dressing up like a skier or snowboarder who’s had an accident. Bandage one leg with gauze to look like it’s in a cast. If this Halloween is a cold one here in Northeastern New York, your kid’s friends will be jealous that he or she gets to be bundled up in the winter clothing that makes this costume great! Costumes for Kids with Sensory Issues My son has Asperger Syndrome, and there are certain types of clothing he can’t wear. He can’t abide wearing shirts with tags, and he doesn’t like wearing button down shirts either. Other kids on the autism spectrum and those who have Sensory Processing Disorder may have even more severe tactile issues. Mass-produced Halloween costumes often are made with scratchy materials, but there are still some great dress-up options for kids with sensory issues. Steer your child away from costumes that include any type of mask. My son was set on wearing a Spiderman costume last year, but I told him he needed to try it on to make sure it fit, and he wouldn’t put the hooded mask over his head. We settled on a Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi costume instead, which had no headpiece and allowed him to move freely. Always have your child try on the costume he or she wants to wear, since the experience of wearing it may not be what they expected. Fun and Function is an online store that offers costumes with weighted vests for kids who need a special “hug” in their clothing. They offer EMT, police officer, firefighter, and fairy princess vests for little boys and girls. Vests can be

purchased online at http://funandfunction.com/fine-motor-dressupc-66_1_56.html Boys and girls can dress up as doctors and nurses by purchasing an actual set of scrubs to wear. They are roomy and comfortable, and not made of irritating plastic like store-bought doctor and nurse costumes are. Real medical professionals need to be comfy wearing them all day! Accessorize by adding a name badge sticker, a toy stethoscope around the neck, and a pocket full of bandages. Your child can also dress up like a rock star by mixing up clothing that they already wear. Boys can wear jeans and a favorite t-shirt with an iron-on transfer or sticker that says “Rock Star” on it, and you can spike up their hair with gel. Girls can wear a colorful skirt with leggings underneath and a t-shirt on top, wearing as many bracelets and necklaces as they like. Boys and girls alike can carry a toy microphone as a prop, but make sure they have a belt it can be tucked behind later when they get tired of carrying it. If your child has an idea for a costume that isn’t feasible because of his special needs, ask him if he has any ideas for how you could do the costume differently to make it work. Non-toxic face paint or makeup can take the place of uncomfortable masks. Let your child help assemble her costume to the best of her abilities. She’ll feel a sense of accomplishment if she helps make it!

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 33

Arts & Crafts

Kids & the Arts – Mexican Sugar Skulls By Alina M. Hensley, TheCraningGap.blogspot.com

border really touch my heart. For this month’s Kids & The Arts project, I decided to head out to my local craft store and see what I could scrounge up in order to craft some non-edible sugar skulls to decorate my table with this year.

or me and my daughter, October is all about tradition. We celebrate ancestral holidays, remember those who have passed before us, and really appreciate the stillness of this place where the life of summer gives way to the silent slumber of winter. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday which takes place just as Halloween is wrapping up. Unlike our modern interpretations of Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is a time of celebration, of love. Families and communities come together to share the joy of being able to “party” with their deceased loved ones, laying out food and sweets for the spirits to partake of. One such treat are the beautiful, vibrant sugar skulls (calaveras de azúcar) which are artfully created and used to adorn the altars to the dead. Though I am not of Mexican descent myself, the need to remember one’s ancestors is no stranger to any culture. Because I’m the sort who loves everything bright and gorgeous, the brilliant, joyful celebrations of the dead which take place south of the

What You’ll Need: • Paper mache skulls ($1.99 each at Michael’s.) • Acrylic paints in various colors (I chose white, black, yellow, turquoise, lime, red, and purple for this project, 59¢ for 2 oz bottle at Michael’s.) • Paintbrushes • A pencil • Fine tipped permanent markers

Create a meal using favorite foods of those you’re remembering, keep your heart joyful as you remember good times with them! Bring the Family! World Awareness Children’s Museum 89 Warren St., Glens Falls Saturday, October 30 from 10:00 - 11:30am Learn about Dia de los Muertos and make a traditional Mexican craft! Call 518-793-2773 for more information.

How to Do It: • Paint your skulls with two coats of white paint. (Allow to dry after each coat.) • Look online or at a local library for pictures of sugar skulls, using these as inspiration, sketch your designs onto the painted skulls with your pencil. • Use acrylics to fill in larger areas of color, allow to dry. • Use markers for finer designs. • Incorporate these skulls as part of your Halloween décor, or work with your kids to create an altar at home, place these skulls, bright seasonal flowers (such as chrysanthemums,) candles and photos of deceased relatives and friends you wish to remember.

Stars of Dance

Alina Hensley is happily raising her daughter in her native New York, and passionately passing on her love for writing, culture, and the arts.

“Where everyone is a STAR!”

Not only do we provide classes for all ages and levels, but we also offer many school events throughout the dance season such as: Apple Picking, Halloween Parties, Holiday Parties, and various Fundraisers. We also participate in local community parades, perform at local fundraising events and charities, and we proudly support Hannah's Hope Fund Foundation.

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OCTOBER 15 Albany 10:00 AM William K. Sanford Town Library ROMP ‘N READ This is a 45 minute drop-in session for little ones 12-36 months old with an adult. Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website: www.colonie.org/library Saratoga 10:00 AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Stretching with Stuffee Stuffee will be out today to facilitate exercise through silly songs, games, and stretching. -Phone:(518) 584-5540. Email: info@cmssny.org Website: www.cmssny.org Rensselaer 10:30 AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time Phone: Phone: (518) 235-5310 Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website: www.thetroylibrary.org Scenectady 5:00 PM Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium. Come to the Museum during ART NIGHT Phone: (518) 382-7890 Email: Programs@SchenectadyMuseum.org Website: www.schenectadymuseum.org Rensselaer 7:00:00 PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 16 Scenectady 10:30 AM Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium Little Wonders of Science: From Seed to Pumpkin Phone: Phone: (518) 382-7890 - Time: Email: Programs@SchenectadyMuseum.org Website: www.schenectadymuseum.org Saratoga 11:30 AM Saratoga Springs Public Library Saturday Family Story Time. For Children ages 2-5 Phone: (518) 584-7860 - Time: 1:00:PM Email: sar-askys@sals.edu Website: www.sspl.org

Rensselaer 1:00 PM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology The Life of a Leaf Come explore why the leaves on the trees change color in the fall. Phone: (518) 235-2120 - Email: info@cmost.org Website:www.cmost.com Rensselaer 7:00 PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822. Email:pauline@paulinebartel. com. Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 17 Rensselaer 1:00 PM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Chemistry of Toys. In celebration of National Chemistry week Phone: (518) 235-2120. Email: info@cmost.org Website:www.cmost.com Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel Phone: (518) 629-4822. Email:pauline@paulinebartel.com https://www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 18 Saratoga 9:10:AM Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Parent/Child Library Time Phone: (518) 371-8622. Email: cphcirc@sals.edu Website:www.cphlibrary.org Saratoga 9:30:AM Saratoga Springs Public Library Toddler Story Times For Children ages 24-42 months. Phone: (518) 584-7860 sar-askys@sals.edu. Website: www.sspl.org Rensselaer 10:30:AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time Phone: (518) 274-7071. Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and

36 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010 36 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

hauntings with Pauline Bartel Phone: (518) 629-4822 pauline@paulinebartel.com https://www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 19 Albany 9:30:AM Bethlehem Public Library Wee Read 35 months and younger with parent/caregiver. Sign up is required. Phone: (518) 439-9314. Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org William K. Sanford Town Library 9:30:AM TODDLERTIME A 45-minute program for children up to 36 months with an adult. Phone: (518) 458-9274 naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Saratoga 9:30:AM Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Bouncing Babies Share fun interactive rhymes Phone: (518) 371-8622 cphcirc@sals.edu Website:www.cphlibrary.org Saratoga 2:00:PM Saratoga Springs Public Library Preschool Story/Music Program For children ages 42 months-5 years. Phone: (518) 584-7860 Email: sar-askys@sals.edu. Website: www.sspl.org Rensselaer 3:00:PM Troy Public Library Teen Time at Lansingburgh Come play the Wii, board games, and much more! Phone: (518) 274-7071. Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com https://www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 20 Albany 9:30:AM William K. Sanford Town Library ON MY OWN STORYTIME A 30-minute program for children ages 3 years & older

Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Saratoga 10:00:AM National Museum of Racing Horses & Hands Do you know how to measure a horse? Phone: (518) 584-0400 ext. 118 Email: nmredu2@racingmuseum.net Website:www.racingmuseum.net Rensselaer 10:30:AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time Phone: (518) 274-7071. Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Saratoga 10:30:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Alphabet Soup Phone: (518) 584-5540. Email:info@cmssny.org Website:www.cmssny.org Albany 4:00:PM William K. Sanford Town Library TREEHOUSE CLUB An after-school club for children in grades 1–4, this 45-minute program features exciting stories, creative crafts, fun games, and an occasional snack. Phone: (518) 458-9274. naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel Phone: (518) 629-4822. pauline@paulinebartel.com https://www.hvcc.edu Saratoga 7:00:PM Saratoga Springs Public Library An Evening with Arthur and Marc Brown Phone: (518) 584-7860. Email:sar-askys@sals.edu www.sspl.org

OCTOBER 21 Albany William K. Sanford Town Library FAMILY DROP-IN STORYTIME A 45-minute program for children of all ages with an adult Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Albany 10:30:AM Bethlehem Public Library Threes, Fours and More Age 3-6; no adult. Sign up is required. Phone: (518) 439-9314 Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org Saratoga 10:30:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Story Art Reading together is always better, so please join us Thursdays for an exciting new story each week! Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org.Website:www.cmssny.org Saratoga 11:00:AM Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Parent/Child Library Time Phone: (518) 371-8622. Email: cphcirc@sals.edu Website:www.cphlibrary.org/

Rensselaer 1:00:PM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Homeschool Lab: Ready, Set, Reaction Phone: (518) 235-2120. Email:info@cmost.org Website:www.cmost.com

Rensselaer 1:00:PM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Come and design your own experiments and see hats going on inside your pumpkin! Ages 5+ Phone: (518) 235-2120. Email: info@cmost.org Website:www.cmost.com

Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 22 Rensselaer 3:30:AM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Kitchen Chemistry Join us in this exploration of the chemistry in our kitchens. Phone: (518) 235-2120. Email: info@cmost.org Website:www.cmost.com Albany 10:00:AM William K. Sanford Town Library ROMP ‘N READ This is a 45 minute drop-in session for little ones 12-36 months old with an adult. Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Saratoga 10:00:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Wiggle & Giggle A time for children to explore the many different things that they can do with their bodies! Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org. Website:www.cmssny.org

Rensselaer 7:00:PM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Science Magic Patch program, and the Cub Scout Science Belt Loop. Phone: (518) 235-2120 Email: info@cmost.org. Website:www.cmost.com

OCTOBER 22 Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 25 Saratoga 9:10:AM Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Parent/Child Library Time Phone: (518) 371-8622. Email:cphcirc@sals.edu Website:www.cphlibrary.org Saratoga 9:30:AM Saratoga Springs Public Library Toddler Story Times For Children ages 24-42 months. Phone: (518) 584-7860 Email: sar-askys@sals.edu. Website: ww.sspl.org

Rensselaer 10:30:AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time Phone: (518) 235-5310. Email :troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us. Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Albany 3:00:PM Bethlehem Public Library Teen time Grade 6 and up. DDR, Guitar Hero, Wii and games! Phone: (518) 439-9314 bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu Saratoga 7:00:PM Bettie’s Cakes Zombie Prom at Bettie’s Cupcakes. There will be Halloween cupcakes, karaoke, a prom king & queen contest . Phone: (518) 894-1179 Email: bettie@bettiescakes.com Website:www.bettiescakes.com

OCTOBER 23 Saratoga 11:30:AM Saratoga Springs Public Library Saturday Family Story Time For Children ages 2-5 Phone: (518) 584-7860. Email: sar-askys@sals.edu www.sspl.org

Rensselaer 10:30:AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time. Phone: (518) 274-7071 Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 26 Albany 9:30:AM Bethlehem Public Library .Wee Read 35 months and younger with parent/caregiver. Sign up is required. Phone: (518) 439-9314 Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org William K. Sanford Town Library TODDLERTIME A 45-minute program for children up to 36 months with an adult. Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 37

Saratoga Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Bouncing Babies Share fun interactive rhymes Phone: (518) 371-8622. Email:cphcirc@sals.edu Website:www.cphlibrary.org/ Saratoga 10:00:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Tuesday for Tots Halloween This is a special time for our littlest visitors! Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org.Website:www.cmssny.org Saratoga 2:00:PM Saratoga Springs Public Library Preschool Story/Music Program For children ages 42 months-5 years. Phone: (518) 584-7860 Email: sar-askys@sals.edu.Website: www.sspl.org Rensselaer 3:00:PM Troy Public Library Teen Time at Lansingburgh Come play the Wii, board games, and much more! Phone: (518) 274-7071. Email: troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Rensselaer 6:00:PM Franklin Terrace Ballroom’s PIZZAPALOOZA EVENT! Third Annual fundraising event-Pizzapalooza. Phone: (518) 274-3421 sharons@tbgc.org Website:www.franklinterraceballroom.com Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 27 Albany 9:30:AM William K. Sanford Town Library ON MY OWN STORYTIME A 30-minute program for children ages 3 years & older Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Saratoga 10:00:AM National Museum of Racing Autumn We’ll talk about how we can tell it is fall Phone: (518) 584-0400 ext. 118 nmredu2@racingmuseum.net Website:www.racingmuseum.net Rensselaer 10:30:AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time Phone: (518) 274-7071. Email:troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Saratoga 10:30:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Alphabet Soup. Making Music Strike up the band! Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org.Website:www.cmssny.org Albany 4:00:PM William K. Sanford Town Library

TREEHOUSE CLUB An after-school club for children in grades 1–4, this 45-minute program features exciting stories, creative crafts, fun games, and an occasional snack. Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Rensselaer 7:00:PM Hudson Valley Community College Learn the myths and realities of witches, ghosts and hauntings with Pauline Bartel. Phone: (518) 629-4822 Email: pauline@paulinebartel.com Website: www.hvcc.edu

OCTOBER 28 Albany William K. Sanford Town Library FAMILY DROP-IN STORYTIME A 45-minute program for children of all ages with an adult Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Albany 10:30:AM Bethlehem Public Library Threes, Fours and More Age 3-6; no adult. Sign up is required.Phone: (518) 439-9314 Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org Saratoga 10:30:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Story Art Reading together is always better, so please join us Thursdays for an exciting new story each week! Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org Website:www.cmssny.org Saratoga 11:00:AM Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Parent/Child Library Time Phone: (518) 371-8622. Email: cphcirc@sals.edu Website:www.cphlibrary.org

OCTOBER 29 Albany 10:00:AM William K. Sanford Town Library ROMP ‘N READ This is a 45 minute drop-in session for little ones 12-36 months old with an adult. Phone: (518) 458-9274 Email: naylor@colonielibrary.org Website:www.colonie.org/library Saratoga 10:00:AM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Stretching with Stuffee Stuffee will be out today to facilitate exercise through silly songs, games, and stretching. Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email: info@cmssny.org. Website:www.cmssny.org Rensselaer 10:30:AM Troy Public Library Preschool Family Story Time Phone: (518) 235-5310. troyref@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.thetroylibrary.org Albany 1:30:PM Bethlehem Public Library Halloween parade Up to age 6 and family. Come in costume! Phone: (518) 439-9314 Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org

38 KidsFunPlaza | NENY, Northeastern, NY | October 2010

Albany 3:00:PM Bethlehem Public Library Teen time Grade 6 and up. DDR, Guitar Hero, Wii and games! Phone: (518) 439-9314 Email: bpl@uhls.lib.ny.us Website:www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org

OCTOBER 30 Rensselaer 10:00:AM Hudson Valley Community College Greenberg Train & Toy Show All aboard!! (630) 279-4087. Email: a.matonak@hvcc.edu https://www.hvcc.edu Rensselaer 11:00:AM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Slimy Science & Halloween Fun! Phone: (518) 235-2120. Email:info@cmost.org Website:www.cmost.com Saratoga 11:30:AM Saratoga Springs Public Library Saturday Family Story Time For Children ages 2-5 Phone: (518) 584-7860. Email:sar-askys@sals.edu www.sspl.org Scenectady 1:00:PM Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium Halloween Science Have a spooky adventure in science! Phone: (518) 382-7890 Email: Programs@SchenectadyMuseum.org Website:www.schenectadymuseum.org

OCTOBER 31 Rensselaer 10:00:AM Hudson Valley Community College Greenberg Train & Toy Show All aboard!! (630) 279-4087.Email; a.matonak@hvcc.edu https://www.hvcc.edu Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Halloween Happening for Kids! Kids in costume get in for FREE! Phone: (518) 235-2120 Email: info@cmost.org. Website:www.cmost.com Saratoga 12:00:PM The Children’s Museum at Saratoga Halloween Trick or-Treat. Phone: (518) 584-5540 Email; info@cmssny.org. Website:www.cmssny.org Rensselaer 12:00:PM Children’s Museum of Science & Technology Slimy Science & Halloween Fun! Phone: (518) 235-2120 Email: info@cmost.org. Website:www.cmost.com

NOVEMBER 1st Saratoga 9:10:AMClifton Park Halfmoon Public Library Parent/Child Library Time. Phone: (518) 371-8622 Email: cphcirc@sals.edu. Website:www.cphlibrary.org/ Saratoga 9:30:AM Saratoga Springs Public Library Toddler Story Times For Children ages 24-42 months. Phone: (518) 584-7860. Email:sar-askys@sals.edu. Website:www.sspl.org Please go to KidsFunPlaza.com to see all the kids related events in the Northeastern NY region

Editorial Calendar for KidsFunPlaza!

October 2010 | NENY, Northeastern, NY | KidsFunPlaza 39

Stuyvesant Plaza

Latham Farms

Albany, NY 12203

Latham, NY 12110

518-438-75-62

518-783-7224

Clifton Park Center Clifton Park, NY 12065 518-371-9400

Junior Shoe Port an independently owned and operated retailer serving the capital district for over 40 years. Come see Karen, Hannah, Courtnie, or Crystal for a great shopping experience for your child!

Our hours are Monday to Friday 10 to 9 Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 5