SaratogaMama Winter 2016/2017

Winter 2016/2017 A Saratoga TODAY Publication

THE ULTIMATE

PRESCHOOL

GUIDE

Winter Baby

ESSENTIALS

10 ways

TO ENJOY WINTER MORE!

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Welcome

Winter!

W

Winter is the season where many of the best memories are made - baby’s first time in the snow, the first ‘real’ Christmas tree-cutting experience, a ride on the Polar Express, the first (and maybe scariest!) visit with Santa, your first Saratoga Chowderfest, or attending First Night in Saratoga on New Year’s Eve. All of these wonderful memories in the making are what keeps the winter more thrilling and less chilling!

Thank you for picking up our winter magazine. Our hope is that you find something exciting inside that brings a smile to your face, an idea to your mind, or an epiphany for the New Year.

seek

find

play

Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty Editor-in-Chief Colleen Pierre General Manager Robin Mitchell Graphic Designer Kacie Cotter-Sacala

Here is just some of what you’ll find in this issue…

• An overview of our visit to Via Aquarium on page 16 • Our 2017 Preschool Directory along with an article on preschool readiness starting on page 24 • A winter reading list from our friends at Northshire Bookstore on page 34 • Some great ideas for a wintery date night on page 44 • Three delicious recipes from Jodie Fitz on page 47 • 10 ways you and your family can enjoy winter more on page 60 • And lots more inside!

Cheers to a season of making memories together!

I wish you and your family the absolute best this holiday and winter season.

- Colleen

Our Cover

Our little cover model Piper could not be any cuter with her rosy red cheeks and adorable holiday outfit. We fell in love with that face instantly!

Photographer Keira Lemonis captured this sweet wintry moment at The Crossings in Colonie.

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Advertising Design Andrew Ranalli Morgan Rook Advertising Erin Boucher Jim Daley Cindy Durfey Photography Keira Lemonis Lindsay Rae Photography MarkBolles.com Theresa St. John Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 SaratogaTODAYNewspaper.com SaratogaMama is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2016, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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56

36

34

47

Table of

Contents Seek

10 #AdoreAlert 22 Something to Smile About 24 Preschool Directory and Advice

Find 31 36

Seeds of Authentic Happiness for the New Year Baby, It's Cold Outside Winter must-haves for your baby!

34

Winter Reading List from Northshire Books

Learn 38 44 47

Family Resolutions; The Best Ones to Make The ABC's of Date Night Quick and Easy Cooking with Jodie Fitz

Play 60 62

66

10 Ways to Enjoy Winter More Save the Date for these Winter Events Snowy Puzzles & Games

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Our

Contributors...

Dr. Randy Cale Ilissa Goman

Jodie Fitz

Ilissa Goman is a certified pediatric sleep coach and baby gear guru. She works families who are struggling to get their babies/toddlers/kids to sleep but are totally ready for a change. She gives parents the tools to make easy changes to bring sleep back into the home for everyone and restore the peace that once was. Ilissa lives with her husband and sassy two year old daughter in the Saratoga Springs area.

Jodie Fitz is the creator and personality of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club and currently travels in a six-state region cooking with children to encourage taste testing fun through a hands-on cooking experience. She is a wife, mother of three and currently authors several monthly columns. You can always find what she’s up to in her kitchen at jodiefitz.com.

Megan Harrington Megan is a freelance writer who has written for a variety of publications including national magazines, local newspapers, and websites. When she’s not writing, she enjoys training for marathons and coaching fellow runners.

After spending the previous seven years in New York City, Megan and her husband recently relocated to the Village of Cambridge and are loving their new community at the base of the Adirondacks.

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Dr. Cale is a Clifton Park-based parenting expert, author, speaker and licensed psychologist who offers practical, nononsense parenting advice for all ages. His website, terrificparenting.com, features hundreds of articles and dozens of parenting products that will help you achieve your goal of happier children and a peaceful home.

Additionally, Dr. Cale also works with couples and provides individual counseling. He writes for many Capital Region publications including The Saratogian, The Record and The Community News. Submit questions to DrRandyCale@gmail.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Theresa St. John Theresa is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Even though history was not on her radar while in high school, she has a deep interest in all things historical now.

She has been on assignment for several magazines and is published in both print and on-line venues. Last year she traveled to Ireland on assignment, which, she states " was a trip of a lifetime." She is the proud mom to two young men and Nonnie to 6 rescued dogs, 2 Chinchillas and a bird.

Life is good, she says.

Shelly Binsfeld Shelly Binsfeld coaches youth and adult runners throughout the Capital District.

She is a mother of four children ranging from 8-14 years and found hopping from sport to sport throughout the week. Find out more about Shelly or follow her blog on RunningCoachShelly.com.

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Sarah Parker Ward Mom, bookworm and entrepreneur, she runs the communications firm Kathleen Palmer Media. You'll often find her at a local cafe, triple-screening & sporting classic vintage style.

Katherine Morna Towne Kate grew up in Saratoga Springs and is grateful she and her husband are able to raise their children here as well, right around the corner from her parents. She writes when she can while mothering her six boys, ages 2 to 12.

Rachel Spensieri Rachel is a freelance writer and editor with 18 years of experience in the marketing arena. A Southern girl who loves her sweet tea and grits, Rachel is a recent transplant to Saratoga Springs, where she lives with her husband and two young'uns.

Kim Andersen Kim Andersen is a state certified Spanish and ESL teacher. In 2003 she started Las Mariposas Spanish School, which evolved into Capital Region Language Center. The 13+ years in business coupled with many Capital Region partnerships, have resulted in the language schools introducing thousands of children (and adults) to new languages.

Reach out to Kim via kim@CRLCalbany.org.

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#adore

B y C olleen P ier re P hoto s by Keira Lemonis

ALERT

We wanted to show love to some exceptional local designers, artists, and businesses. These 'must-have' items will be your most treasured pieces for the winter. #AdoreAlert

Nikki Kathryn Personalized Planners & Notebooks

A

nyone that knows me knows that I prefer a paper planner over anything digital. I’m a lover of nice paper, written to-do lists, fancy pens, and fully support the use of washi tape and stickers to adorn just about anything.

Imagine my joy when I discovered Nikki Kathryn Designs, a Saratoga Springs business specializing in personalized planners and notebooks!

Owner Nikki Bouchey created NK to make getting your life together beautiful and fun. “I can't promise you'll stop leaving your keys in the door or burning pans (I still do!) but I can promise your organizational accessories will always be on point.”

Their planner binders come in two different sizes and several cover designs that are sleek and modern. I’m a fan of the classic navy and white stripe binder and adding pops of color with added accessories like a mini notebook and funky planner clips.

"

Let’s get organized and be fabulous together!”

- Nikki

SHOP:

www.NikkiKathryn.com www.Etsy.com/Shop/NikkiKathryn 10 | SaratogaMama | Winter 2016 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Roost Crate

M

onthly subscription boxes are such a fun way to get interesting products delivered to your door. Roost Crate is a ‘farmers market’ in a box that was started by a local mom and business owner, Kelly Pugliano.

I’ve known Kelly for a few years now and she’s always been someone on the pulse of what’s happening, particularly when it comes to local food and products. Roost Crate is a natural extension of what Kelly does best: curating the very best and most interesting products!

The box I received contained lots of gourmet goodies including Everything Crackers from Saratoga Cracker Co., a divinely-scented candle from Collar City Candle, Apple Pie Fruit Spread from Healthy Gourmet Kitchen, Apple Coriander Maple Shrubs from The Hudson Standard, Turkey and Dumpling soup mix from Lodgical and some other goodies all perfectly packaged.

With Roost Crate, subscribers will discover some of the best products found at local stands and shops from Upstate NY and surrounding areas. Roost Crate makes a great gift for anyone who loves to shop at the farmers market and support local small businesses.

SHOP:

www.RoostCrate.com SaratogaMama.com

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Gem Lark Jewelry

I

was instantly drawn to the tiny mountain necklace from Gem Lark jewelry. I love the simplicity of the design and the natureinspired symbol. I explored more of the Gem Lark collection (on Etsy and Instagram) and fell in love with more pieces including this Mama Bear necklace and these gorgeous gemstones.

Owner and designer Marisa lives in Saratoga Springs and works as a graphic designer by day and jewelry designer by night. Gem Lark’s delicate pieces featuring sterling silver, gold, brass, and fine gemstones. The combination of these beautiful things create a modern style with a touch of whimsy. Gem Lark also offers personalized hand stamped jewelry, pieces you can really make your own, or give as a wonderful gift.

Gem Lark jewelry was established in 2010 and has been featured in many magazine publications including Glamour and Vogue.

SHOP:

www.GemLark.etsy.com @gemlarkjewelry

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Simply Sarah Elyse

C

raftiness comes in all varieties from cutesy to classy and everything in between. When I discovered Simply Sarah Elyse on Etsy, I was impressed with Sarah’s eye for detail and her ability to create beautiful, colorful and classy paper crafts.

If you can dream it up, there’s a good chance that Sarah Wlodarczyk can create it! Sarah works as a full time elementary PE teacher in the area and has been creating art since she was a young child. Her Etsy business, Simply Sarah Elyse specializes in all varieties of paper crafts including banners and garland, cupcake toppers, gift card holders, book marks, confetti, and much more.

I’ll be using their adorable gift card holders for holiday gifts this year and look forward to working with Sarah in the future on a custom order.

"

I especially love custom requests from total strangers who contact me with an idea and trust that I can bring their idea to life...”

- Sarah

SHOP:

www.Etsy.com/Shop/SimplySarahElyse @simplysarah_elyse SaratogaMama.com

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Baby and the Fox

A

functional necklace that adds a splash of style to your wardrobe? I’m in! Baby and the Fox jewelry is 100% baby safe and handmade by a loving local mama. Baby and the Fox silicone teething necklaces and accessories contain FDA-approved beads that are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and made from food-grade silicone.

The accessories come in a variety of gorgeous color palettes with beads of different sizes and textures perfect for tiny hands to hold and mouths to chew. The breakaway clasps add safety and the pieces can be easily washed with soap and water or even placed in the dishwasher.

"

Have a we shou n item you thin k ld featu re in the next

#Adore

Alert?!

DROP U S A LIN E! @Sa

colleen

ratogaM

ama.co

m

I am the wife of a US Navy service member and a mother to the most wonderful baby boy. Now I get to share my passion for crafting and creating with other moms by offering affordable, functional and safe teething jewelry and teething toys for mom and baby to enjoy.”

- Kaitlyn Boersema

Owner, designer and local mama

SHOP:

www.BabyAndTheFox.com

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Saratoga Wreaths

I

love the classic look of a wreath on my front door, especially thematic wreaths that align with the seasons.

Saratoga Wreaths creator Molly Birdsall was born and raised in Saratoga Springs and developed a love of flowers at an early age. While her mother was a master gardener, Molly claims that she can barely keep a plan alive so she is more drawn to faux flowers that never die!

Saratoga Wreaths started simply with a trip to the craft store, a grapevine wreath and a handful of flowers and burlap. Fast forward two years and Saratoga Wreaths is now a blossoming business with a vast product line. Molly creates unique and beautiful wreaths that can be enjoyed for many seasons and will take custom orders upon request.

"

My inspirations come from the beautiful flowers grown here in New England and picturesque change in seasons. Wreaths add wonderful curb appeal. And they truly make me smile.”

- Molly Birdsall, Owner of Saratoga Wreaths

SHOP:

www.Etsy.com/Shop/SaratogaWreaths

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A Visit to

VIA AQUARIUM PHOTOS PROVIDED

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VISIT!

Via Aquarium 93 W. Campbell Road Schenectady, NY 12306 Phone: 518-280-5100 ViaAquarium.com

ADMISSION:

Adults Weekdays (Mon-Thurs), $16 Adults Weekends (Fri-Sun), $19 Youth ages 4-17, $10 Ages 3 and under FREE $2 discount for Seniors 65+, Students with ID and Military with ID. Group rates available for school field trips.

VIA AQUARIUM is the area’s only full-scale aquarium and features over 25,000 square feet of aquatic treasures. We were very eager to check out this brand new educational attraction located in Viaport Rotterdam (formerly Rotterdam Square Mall).

Via Aquarium provides an immersive experience for people of all ages, but really would excite the 5 and up crowd. That said, children 3 and under are admitted free and would be happy partners in exploration.

The aquarium allows for a fully self-guided and easy-to-maneuver walking tour visiting over 2,000 creatures of the sea. During your tour, you’ll view aquatic species from multiple geographic

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locations including area lakes, rivers and streams, to exotic coral reefs located around the world.

My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We had fun exploring and experiencing the aquarium and learning about different aquatic species around the world.

Other highlights of the aquarium include a sting ray touch tank, live piranha feeding, the tunnel tanks where fish swim all around you, and the sand play area with a live topographic map that mimics the sand formations you make.

Our visit took about an hour and a half and my kids, ages 6 and 8 are already asking to go back!

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DR. SANI OFFERS SOME HELPFUL TIPS ON TAKING YOUR CHILD TO THE DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME. Before the visit:

• Teach your child that visiting the dentist is necessary for building strong teeth. Don’t try to reason with your child about the visit.

Your child must attend… without bribery!

• Keep your communication simple. Long explanations may raise more questions and concerns. Simply tell your child that the dentist will check and count their teeth and that the visit is important to keep their smile nice.

• Don’t tell your children that “it’s not going to hurt” or not to be afraid. These phrases may make children think that there may be something to be scared of.

Allow us to communicate during the visit.

Something to

SMILE About Written by Colleen Pierre I’VE TAKEN MY KIDS TO SEE DR. SANI since they were babies. The care we’ve received at Pediatric Dental Group of New York has been wonderful. The staff is fantastic; friendly, patient and knowledgeable. Both offices, the Glens Falls location and now the Albany office are designed with a fun and playful vibe.

The highlight of the Albany office for my kids is the photo booth and the fact that there’s a TV with Netflix available at each chair! Giant, colorful murals cover the walls and the Noah’s Ark theme begins the minute you walk through the door into the lobby and reception area where giant animals greet you with smiles.

• During the first visit, we do a lot more talking than anything else. We get to know you, your child, and talk about your child’s current dental habits.

• Let us introduce our kid-friendly vocabulary to your child. “Princess Juice”, “tickler tools”, and “slurpy machines” are some of our favorites.

• We let kids know what to expect. Sure, when we tell the kids we are going to “tickle their teeth”, we are actually scraping and flossing. But to a child, it doesn’t feel like anything more than a tickle.

Build excitement for the visit.

• Make the visit an experience, rather than a chore. If possible, do something fun before or after the visit and make a day of it.

• At most pediatric dental offices, children receive positive reinforcements at the end of visits such as toothbrushes, stickers, and balloons. Remind your child to look forward to these fun gifts.

Prepare yourself.

• It’s normal for a young child to get a bit worked up over being examined by a stranger. Please trust your experienced pediatric dental staff. By earning your trust, we will earn your child’s trust as well.

At Pediatric Dental Group of New York, we aim to make your child’s visit as pleasant as possible. Our goal is to provide optimal dental care in a gentle and caring manner to all our patients and to build healthy smiles that last a lifetime. From the moment your family walks into our waiting room, we’ll be caring for your kids as best we can.

If we can at all do something better to comfort your child, please let us know!

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PLANNING A SUPER BIRTHDAY PARTY?

Invite a

SUPER Hero!

That’s right, you can have Spider Man as the special guest for your son or daughter’s birthday party!

Spidey comes to you wearing an exact replica of the suit worn by Andrew Garfield in the blockbuster hit movie.

The birthday package includes a gift for the special child and posed action pictures with all of the guests.

Although he may not be shooting webs (which saves you clean-up time), he can dazzle you with his acrobatic skills; Entertain you with his acting skills; And charm you with his funny personality.

His service area is Albany to Chestertown and anywhere in-between. Outside of that area will include an additional charge.

The standard package is two hours for $300, but you can also book an hour showing for $175.

Military Discounts are available.

CONTACT CHRIS TODAY AT: 518-338-9792 *Actual photos of Chris in his Spider Man outfit PHOTO by MARKBOLLES.COM

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Saratoga County

Preschool Directory * Denotes schools represented at the Saratoga Springs Preschool Fair ABC Nursery School (518) 373-8ABC • TheABCNurserySchool.com 13 Old Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Academy Nursery School (518) 664-7440 • helpinghands.org 4 Fairchild Square, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Apple Blossom Bunch * (518) 527-3105 • appleblossombunch.com 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY, 12866

The Beagle School * (518) 587-7507 • beagleschool.com 115 Regent St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 OPEN HOUSE: 115 Regent Street 3 & 4-year-old programs: Monday, January 9th 10:30-12:30 Registration also begins for all new families for all programs 107 Circular Street 2-year-old program: Tuesday, January 10th 10-11:30 We will be attending the Preschool Fair on the 21st and on those days, the Regent Street location will be open from 10-1.

Burnt Hills United Methodist Christian (518) 399-6133 • bhpreschool.com 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills, NY 12027

Church Mouse Nursery School (518) 885-8362 • churchmousepreschool.com 202 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020 OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, February 4th, 10 – 12 noon

The Early Childhood Center at Skidmore College * (518) 580-5473 • skidmore.edu/ecc 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Saratoga EOC Head Start & Early Head Start * (518) 288-3206 • SaratogaEOC.org Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Sites throughout Saratoga County email: headstart@saratogaeoc.org OPEN HOUSE: January 26th, 4-6pm Gordon Creek Elementary School 50 Wood Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Call 518-884-7270 ext. 3480 for more information

Saratoga High School Head Start Entrance "G" facing West Circular Street 3 Blue Streak Blvd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Call 518-583-2584 for more information

G.L.O.B.E. Chinese Immersion Pre-School * (518) 290-0454 • globalschool.org 112 Spring St. Suite 105 • Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Katrina Trask Nursery School * (518) 584-8968 • ktnurseryschool.org 24 Circular St. • Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, January 12th, 10-12 noon Saturday, January 21st, 11-12:30, Saturday January 28th, 10-11

Learning to Know learningtoknow.net 1536 Crescent Rd., Clifton Park - (518) 371-3722 60 Weibel Ave., Saratoga Springs - (518) 226-0222

Malta Montessori School * (518) 633-1971 • maltamontessori.com 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Suite 34 A, Malta, NY 12020

Maple Leaf Childcare Center www.mapleleafchildcare.com (518) 899-4159, 3 Hemphill Place, Malta, NY 12020 (518) 899-4159, 10 Hemphill Place, Malta, NY 12020 (518) 889-5045, 2737 Route 9, Malta, NY 12020

Milestones Early Childhood Center * (518) 884-4868 • northcountryacademy.com 3459 R Galway Rd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Newmeadow * (518) 899-9235 • newmeadow.org 100 Saratoga Village Blvd. Suite 35, Malta, NY 12020 OPEN HOUSE: January 25 and February 15 from 9:30am-11:00am

North Country Academy * (518) 584-9982 • northcountryacademy.com 7 Care Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

continued in next column...

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The Sara Marie School

St. George School

(518) 280-3982 • thesaramarieschool.org 942 Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065 OPEN HOUSE: January 8th and February 5th from 1-3pm

(518) 280-7196 • stgeorgeschoolcp.org 912 Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Saratoga Abundant Life Pre-School * (518) 885-5456 salchurch.org/preschool 2 Hutchins Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 OPEN HOUSE: February 22nd, 5:30-7pm

St. Mary’s School * (518) 885-7300 • smsbspa.org 40 Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

St. Paul’s Lutheran Christian Childhood Center * (518) 584-0904 ext. 3 • spelcss.com 149 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Saratoga Hansel & Gretel

Storybook Academy *

(518) 584-0934 66 Seward St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

(518) 587-0707 • storybookacademy.net 421 Geyser Rd. Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Saratoga Independent School * (518) 583-0841 • siskids.org 459 Lake Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 OPEN HOUSE: Friday, January 27th at 9am & Saturday, March 11th at 10am

Saratoga Regional YMCA * 518-583-9622, ext. 114 www.srymca.org 290 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-583-4342 100 Saratoga Blvd, Malta, NY 12866 Open House at Saratoga Springs Branch: Wednesday, January 18th, 7-8pm

Shooting Stars Childcare (518) 371-2306 • shootingstarschildcareinc.com 609 Route 146 A, Suite 104, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Small Wonders Christian Pre-School * (518) 584-3720 ext. 114 • smallwondersps.org 175 5th Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Call today for a personal tour.

Smart Early (518) 290-7607 • smartearly.com 39 Old Route 146, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Spa Christian Pre-School * (518) 885-0508 • spachristian.com 206 Greenfield Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, February 4th, 10-12 noon DISCOVERY DAY: Wednesday, February 15th, 9-11am WELCOME THURSDAYS!: From 8-2pm

St. Clements Catholic School * (518) 584-7350 • stclementsschool.org 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Call today to schedule your personal tour.

Sunrise Children Learning Center (518) 373-1280 • sunrisechildren.com 200 Technology Park, Clifton Park, NY 12065

Time 2 Learn Pre-School * (518) 225-0294 • (518) 363-0058 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Held in the Parish Center of St. Clements Church

Teddy Bear Day Care Center (518) 584-2273 • teddybeardaycarecenter.net 4 Mountain Ledge Drive Wilton, NY 12831

Tiny Tots Early Learning Center (518) 371-2034 • tinytotsearlylearningcenter.com 1536 Crescent Rd., Clifton Park 12065

The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs * (518) 587-2224 • waldorfsaratoga.org 122 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, January 21st, All School Open House from 10-1pm All locations will be open for tours.

WALDORF WELCOME: February 7th, March 14th & April 4th 8-9:15am RSVP: admissions@waldorfsaratoga.org

2017 Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair January 21st, 10 a.m. – Noon This is a wonderful opportunity to explore area preschools with over twenty preschools represented!

For more information please contact Richard Youmans at The Waldorf School at (518) 587-2224 or The Children’s Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at (518) 584-7860; Press 3 WWW.SSPL.ORG This event will take place at the Saratoga Springs Public Library in the H. Dutcher Community Room.

Proudly Sponsored by: SARATOGA SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY Your Source for Information, Inspiration, and Entertainment

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PRESCHOOL READINESS Is yo ur child ready for Preschoo l?

WRITTEN BY:

RACHEL SPENSIERI

Especially for those summer babies, it can be tough to make the call. Here are a few questions to help you decide if your child is ready to start a preschool program:

• Is your child healthy?

If your little one is plagued by ear infections or gets every cold they are exposed to, you may want to keep them out of the Petri dish that is preschool for a little longer. On the other hand, you may prefer your child be exposed to some germs before starting kindergarten when taking a few sick days can have more of an educational impact.

• How’s potty training going?

If your preschooler-to-be hasn’t quite mastered the potty, be sure to ask about the school’s toileting policies (i.e., if diapers/disposable training pants are permissible in the classroom or if children must be daytime toilet-trained in order to enroll).

The good news is that many children who are still working on this skill will be motivated by seeing classmates who have already gotten the hang of using the toilet.

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• Does your child separate well?

Children who are still clingers–in tears, arms and legs wrapped around your calf as you try to leave the house for a quick errand–may not yet be ready for a half-day of school. On the flip-side, preschool is a good way to learn to cope with being away from mommy and daddy. After all, it’s a life-skill they must eventually master.

• Can your child sit still for a few minutes?

Child psychologists generally say that a toddler should be able to sit still and focus on a task like coloring or building with blocks for the same number of minutes as their age (e.g., 3 minutes for a 3-year-old). But if your little one has ants in their pants, fear not; the varied activities of preschool may be able to help them learn to concentrate.

• Are YOU ready for them to start?

Are you still basking in the glow of full-time parenthood or could you use a break during the work-week? Or, perhaps you think your child is getting stir-crazy being home with just you for entertainment. Preschool, even a half-day program, may be the perfect solution for both of you. Also, if your child will be in a full-day kindergarten, it is a good idea to find a preschool program so they can begin to adjust to the schedule and routine of school.

• How does your child do with other children?

Learning to communicate, share, and cooperate with other children are among the most important lessons your child will learn in preschool.

Take note of how your little one interacts with peers at the playground, library, or on playdates to see if they are beginning to get a grasp of these social skills.

• Does your child still take a nap?

Most full-day preschool programs will still have one naptime for 3- and 4-year-olds, usually after lunch. If your child does still take a mid-day nap, you’re set. However, if they have ditched the nap, they should be willing and able to observe “quiet time” while their friends snooze.

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Auth en tic Happiness FOR THE NEW YEAR SEEDS OF

BY

Dr. Randy Cale

Dr. Cale is a Clifton Park-based parenting expert, author, speaker and licensed psychologist who offers practical, no-nonsense parenting advice for all ages.

His website, terrificparenting.com, features hundreds of articles and dozens of parenting products that will help you achieve your goal of happier children and a peaceful home.

3 SEEDS OF HAPPINESS TO SEW THIS NEW YEAR

Yet, we seem bound by the activities, and often surrender to more and more. It is also a given that we all want our children to grow up happy, but they too get lost in all that activity. In the country of everflowing blessings and abundance, we find many children unhappy, complaining and only wanting more, more, more. This keeps happening despite great parents who raise children in wonderful communities, exposed to ample love and overwhelming options.

For most of us, this needs to be number one on our list. What is it? This is the constant noise that is invading our lives. Noise is incessantly available now, and often we expose ourselves and our children to it. It’s coming to us from social media, the news, the phone (incessant texting), the radio, the TV, the video games, friends calling, etc. It’s the constant flow of signals, sounds, information and instructions coming from all directions.

There has never been a comparable time in history with so much outside noise.

Thus, in some ways we are missing the boat here. Perhaps you have sensed this for a while, and realized that more activity, more entertainment, more stuff and more ‘doing all the time’ is not a strategy to finding happiness. The societal ‘herd’ tends to move in mass, and most of the ‘herd’ is caught in the ‘doing more’ philosophy… despite the obvious anxiety, pressure and frustration attached. This is not to argue that activity is bad; that would be foolish. I’m advocating for clarity, as the intention for happiness for our families is a very high level and worthy of thoughtful consideration about how we can achieve this. Here are four ways to grow seeds of happiness in your home.

SaratogaMama.com

1

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the flurry of planning, prepping, get-togethers, and shopping. Deep down, many of us know this is not the path to deep satisfaction and happiness as we rarely get to experience the peace and joy we seek.

Reduce the ‘noise level’ in your family life.

This noise offers endless opinions, often negative, and our brains listen and react.

Often we hear opinions and strong judgments, inevitably pulling us into the world of more judgment in our own minds.

Our kids hear much of this growing up, and with time, we give them more exposure to their own brand of noise.

BOTTOM LINE: This noise tends to be constant in some form, tends toward the negative, and often drowns out the opportunity to just be present and enjoy life.

The noise keeps us caught in the world of listening and reacting, and inhibits simple awareness. In addition, because FEAR sells so well, this is used to hook one’s attention and take you toward worried and fearful thinking.

HAPPINESS SECRET: Commit to specific times without any external noise. Perhaps it will be after dinner for a couple hours, all day Sunday, taking a daily walk without the ear buds or phone in hand. Anywhere you pick is a good start. It must be specific, so you can hold yourself accountable to your commitment. It will take a few weeks to adapt, as your family might complain a bit. But very quickly, attention will turn to what is present and the options for happiness will expand.

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Eliminate repeating the same thing, over and over.

Nagging thwarts happiness.

2.

For many of us, we nag because we don’t know what else to do to get things done. It’s a simple mistake, but this points to a flaw in our parenting.

We keep repeating the same thing over and over, even though our children are smart. So, is the problem with our children? Likely not.

Actually, it gets worse. Nagging has an ‘unspoken’ message that becomes more and more clear over time. Both parents and children grow to hate it, and for good reason. By constantly repeating the same thing the underlying (unspoken) message is that, “Sweetheart, you don’t get it… do you?” Day after day, these small messages are a constant reminder to your son or daughter that ‘you don’t get it.’

Thus, this nagging ultimately robs your child of selfesteem, making happiness difficult to nurture.

HAPPINESS SECRET: Stop repeating yourself, and find out what happens. Nothing will selfdestruct. So they miss a bus, or are late to the game or maybe even fail to wear socks on a cold day. They will survive all those things, so risk it and find out what happens.

Once you do this, you may find yourself drawn to discover why things work better than you expect.

It won’t be perfect, but you will find a happier home and a happier mom and dad. It won’t be the whole answer, as you will need a parenting system to get things done smoothly. But the incessant repeating is NOT a parenting system. It is a sign of desperation, and is destroying happiness day in and day out. Abandon today, and then seek out a system to solve problems that remain.

3.

Stop Giving What They Want, Thinking This Will Make Them Happy. It Will Not.

It’s natural for us to want to give our kids more than we had growing up. Yet, we see that the more children get… the more children want. Another way of saying this might be: If wanting is fulfilled by getting, this leads to more wanting. Not more happiness.

Unfortunately, this process then leaves them without happiness with what they have. We cannot ignore this reality, yet keep buying and buying, and then expect that suddenly someday our children will start appreciating all these great blessings in their life.

The world of the internet, gaming and social media are an extension of this as kids get older, where any question or any impulse (for instant gratification) is immediately met with a response. Often, parents find themselves now reacting to children making

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plans and then informing mom of where she ‘needs to take me.’ The more these moments are instantly fulfilled, the more demand increases… without gains in life satisfaction or happiness.

HAPPINESS SECRET: Don’t be a continuous wish fulfiller. Teach them to fulfill their own wishes.

The real secret here is self-effort. If the effort is minimal and I keep getting every wish fulfilled instantly (i.e., I get all I want), then misery abounds. However, with genuine effort, we learn to value both the work that goes into ‘getting’ as well as the ‘thing’ that is gotten. Thus, for happier homes, we must start requiring effort in order to get to the goodies. This begins with daily routines, requiring ‘work done, then you play.’ Then, when your child wants a new toy or game (and no holiday is near), set up extra chores and small jobs so they can earn some cash.

As this unfolds, learn to keep your interest on their efforts, more than the results of their efforts.

This will be immensely valuable in the happiness formula, as effort is within our control while the very fruits of our efforts…not so much. Thus, learning to value doing your best becomes a hugely important component of happiness.

While more can be found on this topic at TerrrificParenting.com, these basics will be challenging enough for several weeks. Dig deeply into these changes, and watch what happens. Do expect a bit of struggle, and then a peaceful ease emerges once the habits have been accepted.

May we all simply commit to doing our best in the upcoming year, and bring this sense of focus to the present moment as it unfolds before us. Have a truly happy and peaceful new year.

SaratogaMama.com

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ns from

atio Recommend

Nor thshiree Bookstor

r e t n i W reading list FIRST SNOW By Bomi Park

This small picture book (perfect for little hands to hold) features a quiet palette in mostly black, white and red to capture the hushed enchantment of the season's first big snow. Follow along as the little child in a snow suit pushes an ever bigger snowball to a joyful surprise.

Baby & Toddler

l

Preschoo

BEST IN SNOW By April Pulley Sayre Stunning high-resolution photographs and a spare, rhyming text illustrate the power of snow to transform the wild landscape and the critters who live there.

A beautiful blending of science, photography, and poetry.

ANDY & SANDY AND THE FIRST SNOW

By Tomie dePaola A beginning easy-reader book with a background of Tomie's enduringly popular art. With snowballs, sledding, and snow angels, these two friends make the most of the first day of snow.

Lower Elemen tar y

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THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL

Upper Elementar y

By Megan Shepard At Briar Hill, an English estate for young TB patients evacuated from the Blitz, Emmaline sees winged horses through the hallway mirrors. Winter storms are brewing, and dark clouds gather overhead when one winged horse escapes into her world to recover from an injury. It falls to Emmaline to protect it from the pursuing darkness. Part Secret Garden, part Book Thief, this title is magical and beautiful.

Tweens & Teens

SECRETS IN THE SNOW By Michaela MacColl

Jane Austen's family is eager to secure her future by marrying her off. But Jane is much more interested in writing her novels, and finds every suitor lacking - until the mysterious Mr. Lefroy arrives. Could he be the one? Before Jane can find out, she must solve a murder, clear her family's name, and face a decision that might cost her true love.

A fun read for budding Jane Austen fans.

WINTER STROLL By Elin Hildenbrand Christmas on Nantucket finds Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn and his family busily preparing for the holiday season. Though the year has brought tragedy, the Quinns have much to celebrate: Kelley has reunited with his first wife Margaret, Kevin and Isabelle have a new baby; and Ava is finally dating a nice guy. But when Kelley's wife Mitzi shows up on the island, along with Kevin's devious ex-wife Norah and a dangerously irresistible old fling of Ava's, the Inn is suddenly overrun with romantic feuds, not to mention guests. With jealousy, passion, and eggnog consumption at an all-time high, it's going to take a whole lot more than a Christmas miracle to get the Quinns--and the Inn--through the holidays intact.

Adults SaratogaMama.com

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Baby,

It’s Cold Outside!

WINTER ESSENTIALS & MUST-HAVE ITEMS FOR YOUR BABY!

BY ILISSA GOMAN

1

You may or may not know it by now, but kids (and babies) are not supposed to be wearing winter coats in their car seats! It can create a gap in the harness and in an accident they can be ejected, eek! Try out a Cozywoggle. They’re a car seat-safe coat that has side zips so that it opens up like a poncho but also has a regular zipper for outdoor wearing. We’ve been using them for the past three winters and LOVE them!

CozyWoggle.com

2

Mimitens are a winter MUST-HAVE! They come in a variety of cute designs, are super warm, and have a sleeve on them so they won’t come off. Great for babies through elementary school age kids. Get them locally at The Bundle Store in Clifton Park.

3

A Saratoga home isn’t complete without its own horse stable.

Check out this super fun horse stable playhouse from Land of Nod. Perfect to keep the kids entertained inside while that snow is coming down outside! LandofNod.com

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4

Snow also means lots of time for snuggles and reading! Head downtown to Northshire Books to grab this fun counting book with hilarious dog illustrations.

"Dogs in Cars”, by Felix Massie & Emmanuelle Walker.

Check out more Northshire Bookstore winter book picks on page 32.

5

Need some layering pieces for under the kid’s jeans or snow clothes? Head to The Bundle Store in Clifton Park to grab some Nui Organics wool pieces.

6

Is your baby’s room chilly at night? Check out my new favorite sleep sack from ergoPouch.

It can be used as a swaddle for baby’s first three months (or until rolling) and then the arm holes unsnap to become a sleep sack.

Plus it comes in a few different warmth ratings, so you get just the right temperature. Bonus points for being made with Organic Cotton!

ErgoPouch.com

7

8

Kids love playing in the snow!

Here are two awesome finds from L.L.Bean.

Their castle kit is perfect for building huge snow forts and then also does double-duty for those summer sand castles. With their Woodland Animals snow kit, your kids will be spending lots of time making snow critters.

LLBean.com

And lastly, for those times when you have to get out of the house before you all go crazy, head to The Giggle Lounge in Clifton Park for some creative play, yummy food and a warm cup of good coffee- a winter ‘mama’ essential!

TheGiggleLounge.com

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Family Resolutions

( ) The best ones to make

PHOTOS AND STORY BY THERESA ST. JOHN

1

It's January st and everyone's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for what the New Year might bring us. We toast these next 365 days with high hopes, armed with a gazillion resolutions. We're going to lose weight, save more money, spend less energy, sleep more, smile more, travel more. Oh, our lists go on and on, don't they?

Some of us join a group of like-minded people, looking for support in keeping our resolutions, and we're able to lay claim to some success, to some degree.

But, what happens, come February and March? I bet our resolutions are now a dim, distant memory. Most of them, anyway. Especially if we've tried to make them happen on our own.

This year, let's shake it up a little, and make our resolutions about family. Perhaps, if we make the same exact resolutions, but include the heart of our home ~ our wives and husbands, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers ~ we'll have a better shot at making them happen. Who better to celebrate our wins, than with the ones we love the most?

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BELOW, YOU'LL FIND A LIST OF FUN, FAMILY RESOLUTION IDEAS. MAYBE YOU CAN ADD A FEW OF YOUR OWN.

Make time to get healthy together It doesn't feel good when someone mentions a recent weight change. In fact, sometimes it can be counter- productive. We might throw up our hands, giving up, thinking that weight loss is impossible, just beyond our reach.

What if we make getting healthy fun? What if it involves more fresh air and laughter? What if we make a work-out less about losing weight and more about feeling alive? We might be surprised with the results.

Go take a hike- literally No matter where we live, there are so many places to hike. We can look for easy walks, then work up to more strenuous hikes. There are so many parks in this area of New York, we could wander through the woods and find a different path every time.

The thing is this; when we spend more time out in nature, we can learn about birds and plants, wildflowers and insects. We eat better and move more, without even realizing it. Besides that, some kids become quite interested in science, or botany, because these simple walks, out in the woods with family, introduced them to the wonder of both.

Go fly a kite The wind does a good deal of the initial work for us.

Even so, running along the beach, or racing through a meadow, while trying to lift the kite, then keep it soaring in the air, gets our heart rates pumping.

Which ends up helping us burn calories.

Besides that, it's child's play. Something adults often forget about. Kite-flying makes us smile. The joy of it makes me laugh with my kids and others that might be flying kites with their own families. Concentrating on this one feat, is a great way to squelch anxiety and depression, as it makes us live in the moment

Cook healthy meals together I loved being in the kitchen with my mom. I would help her measure out spices and watch her arrange chicken or fish in her non-stick baking pans. We would chat the entire time and I could tell her about my day at school and she would tell me about her day at home.

Cooking with my children has always been fun. We take turns choosing different recipes, or themes for dinner. We've become better at substituting spices SaratogaMama.com

for flavor, rather than salting everything. We've made awesome salads, with green, leafy vegetables, nuts and fruit, rather than scoops of chicken and macaroni salad slathered in heavy mayonnaise.

Hands-on cooking classes are offered, at places like the Learning Center, at Healthy Living Market. You can check their website for details. It's all about health and even more about having fun while you make healthy choices for dinnertime.

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Learn how to garden Whether you decide to work on a flower garden, vegetable garden, or both, families can learn a lot about nature and work on getting healthy at the same time.

It's definitely good for our mental health, when we spend time out in the fresh air, kneeling down and digging in the dirt. It's honest work and we feel good with any progress made. Tending a little plot of land, and reaping the benefits, just a short time later, is a sweet success.

Let's teach our kids how to plant the seeds, weed the garden, cook the fresh fruits and vegetables once harvested. Let them bring a bunch of wildflowers to mom or gram, even a neighbor down the street. Let them learn firsthand, how much this little gesture of thoughtfulness touches the heart that might need it.

Spend more time giving back One easy way to give back is by coordinating a book drive. As parents, we can go through our own bookshelves, choosing favorite reads that are in good condition to donate. Our example of selfless giving can encourage our children to go through their own collection and do the same.

As a family, we can choose the place we want to donate our collection. That's when the work starts.

You and I can ask friends and family, even our co-workers for books, while our children can talk to teachers and classmates.

Giving back to the community, to people who are in need, can be a humbling experience that makes a family unit stronger.

Save a book to read yourself Another great way to spend more time with family, is to take turns reading aloud to each other. Grab a book and sit in the same room together. Forget about the TV, radio and cell phones, just for a little while. Curl up on that couch by the fire, tuck the kids under a blanket in that overstuffed chair. If we could let ourselves enjoy some quality time, turning pages in a novel, child's book, or a travel magazine, our family unit could be even closer.

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Dream together

Volunteer at a local farm

Speaking of a travel magazine, what if we chose a place together, for our next vacation? And what if we set aside some money each week, deposited in the belly of that piggy bank, to help make it happen?

There's nothing like being hands-on at a local farm. We can learn so much about the environment, the farm animals, the yearly crops that help our farmers survive and thrive, in spite of big business growth. We can become educated on ways 'growing local' and 'buying local,' can help our communities, while we work the land alongside our neighbors.

Of course, adults would save the bulk of it, but our sons and daughters could certainly help. A portion of household chores and yard work that usually earns them an allowance, could be added. Doing this allows our children to have a stake in making the vacation happen,too. It's not just handed to them.

This could serve to make the experience richer for everyone.

Bake some cookies for a rest home or hospital Who doesn't love a batch of homemade cookies?! They remind us of love at home, warmth of family and friends.

Baking cookies can show that we care about someone.

They're an easy way to say ' Thank You.' Cookies have always been a staple, in the art of making people feel good.

We could make a few batches for doctors and nurses on the intensive care unit of a local hospital. Or, along with a handcrafted card that reads ' Thinking of you,' we could drop them off at the community center of an elderly nursing home in the community.

I promise, the heart-felt feeling in giving back, will be nearly as good, ( if not better, ) than sitting down to eat the dozen cookies yourself.

Go ahead: • • • • • • • • • •

Thumb wrestle Giggle Go skateboarding Ride a bike Go roller-skating Color together Spend time around water Rock climb Attend community events Ride a carousel

These are all fun ways we can spend quality time together as a family. Let's get out in the fresh air! Our mental clarity will improve, we'll be exercising, losing weight and growing healthy without even realizing it. We'll save more money, spend less energy, sleep more, smile more, travel more. And that's what we wanted in the first place, right?

Raise money for a charity I am betting that each of us can name someone who is critically ill or in need of material things, like a roof over their head, or food on their table. As a family, we can choose a charity that will benefit those folks we love, or even strangers we hear about.

I lost a beautiful niece a few years ago, before her 24th birthday. The grief of Heather's friends and family was huge and all encompassing. We had no idea how to move on without her. We've since channeled that emotion into something very positive. We host a charity ride for her each July, and the money gathered is then donated to Boston Children's Hospital. We also present a yearly scholarship to a student, in her name. I cannot express how we've grown so much closer, honoring her this way.

SaratogaMama.com

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The

By Rachel Spensieri

ABC's of

Date Night

ASK ANYONE who has survived child-rearing with their marriage intact and they will tell you: You have to nurture your relationship while you are nurturing your children. That’s why date nights are so important to couples–they are an opportunity to reconnect, relax, and have some child-free fun. Not to mention it’s nice to have a shared experience to talk about that doesn’t require a diaper bag or a Ziploc full of Goldfish crackers!

While any type of couples-time is good for you and your partner, why not think outside of the dinner-and-a-movie box and try something a little more eclectic for your next foray? Planning a unique date night in Saratoga Springs can be as simple as ABC…

Adult Beverage Tastings Whether you like brewskies, vino, or something more… spirited…there are plenty of options in Saratoga Springs for an afternoon or evening of adult beverage sampling. Plan on calling a cab afterward!

THE OLDE SARATOGA BREWING COMPANY... crafts an assortment of year-round and seasonal brews in their facility, and the on-site Tap Room is a great place to sample their many wares. Stop by until 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and try a variety of their craft beers including hometown-favorites Saratoga IPA and Death Wish Coffee Nightmare IPA, which is indeed made with locally roasted coffee.

[OldeSaratogaBrew.com, 131 Excelsior Avenue]

THE SARATOGA WINERY

Using grapes grown in the Finger Lakes region, THE SARATOGA WINERY... stocks varieties from Rieslings to Cabernets as well as several blends (can’t go wrong with the Saratoga White!).

Their “signature” wine is Melomel, which blends fermented grapes with local honey. The winery features live music most weekends, as well as apps and wood-fired pizza on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Open until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and until 7 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday.

[TheSaratogaWinery.com, 462 Route 29]

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No sitter?

No problem!

Between work and soccer games and PTA meetings, it can be difficult to find quality together time with your partner–not to mention the challenge of booking a good babysitter on any given night! But even if you can’t find someone to watch the kiddos, you and your honey can still enjoy some QT. • Does date night have to happen at night? We don’t think so. Drop the little ones off at daycare or school and have a breakfast date!

• A hand-in-hand lunchtime stroll through the park or a rendezvous at your favorite lunch spot can be a fun way to reconnect with your sweetheart.

UPSTATE DISTILLING COMPANY

• Put the kids to bed early, cook some good steaks, light those romantic candles, and find a mutually agreeable selection on Netflix to make your own at-home dinner-and-a-movie date!

If you like day-drinking the hard stuff, UPSTATE DISTILLING COMPANY...

Offers tours as well as samples of their craft spirits from noon until 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday. They are currently pouring Blinders Vodka and Ryen’s Rye (in regular and cask strength).

In spring of 2017, the distillery will roll out their special recipe gin, and then for track season, it will be bourbon time!

[UpstateDistilling.com, 41 Geyser Road]

Bowling Get ready for laughter and a little friendly competition with your partner when you hit the bowling alley for date night.

You’ve been there for the kids’ birthday parties, but now it’s your turn to bowl with friends!

A great option for a double-date, the 28-lane SARATOGA STRIKE ZONE...

Is a rollicking good time, even if you’ve never broken 100. Guys against gals or couple versus couple–order a round of White Russians (à la The Big Lebowski), and you’ll no doubt have a blast rolling at Strike Zone! If your favorite team is playing, they also have an adjacent sports pub with TVs galore. The bowling alley and pub are open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m.

Friday and Saturday. They’re even open on holidays if you have family in town to watch the kids and want to get out of the house!

[SaratogaStrikeZone.com, 32 Ballston Avenue]

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Cooking Classes Aprons on and sleeves up! A cooking class is a fun way to bond as a couple while adding a new menu item to your culinary repertoire, and Saratoga Springs has great class options for your date night.

So, get out your calendars, put a heart around a day and time, and get that date night on the books! It will do your relationship good, and happy parents set the stage for even happier children!

Yes, it’s also a fantastic place for children’s parties, but did you know that SERENDIPITY ARTS STUDIO (www.serendipityartsstudio.com, 26-D Congress Street near the UPS Store) also offers a variety of cooking classes for adults? Choose your favorite cuisine–from Asian to Greek to Mexican fare–as well as breads and confections; expert chefs and bakers will show you and your honey how to prepare a delicious array of food. The best part? Enjoying your final product, or course! Some classes even offer wine, beer, and cider for purchase, so you can select the perfect adult beverage pairing for your delicious handiwork. (Note: If you are more of the creative type, Serendipity also has numerous adult art classes like drawing, ceramics, and glassworks.)

HEALTHY LIVING MARKET AND CAFÉ (www.healthylivingmarket.com, 3065 Route 50 at the Wilton Mall) has a variety of cooking classes for adults as well. Learn the art of making authentic New Orleans pralines or work on crafting an entire meal fit for a king–the instructors in Health Living’s Learning Center will show you how the pros do it with an assortment of hands-on classes. The store also offers free wine tasting and product demonstrations, a fun option if you’re entertainment budget is tight.

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Winter Recipes

By Jodie Fitz

Quick, Easy & Tasty!

Escape the cold and enjoy some time in the kitchen with a few of our most-loved winter recipes!

Follow along with Jodie for more recipe bites at www.jodiefitz.com

Taco Surprise •Traditional FlatOut® Fold-its® •1 pound ground turkey •2 cups fresh spinach

•1 pint grape tomatoes •½ cup onions, finely chopped •1 clove garlic

•1 tablespoon cumin •1 ½ teaspoon chili powder •1 teaspoon onion powder •½ teaspoon garlic powder •¾ teaspoon salt •½ teaspoon white pepper

Directions:

ing pan; draining off any Cook the ground turkey in a fry a clove of fresh garlic to the excess juices. Add the onions and ring frequently. meat and cook until tender, stir processor.

Finely chop the spinach in food cessor.

Puree the tomatoes in food pro es and spices to the meat Add the spinach, pureed tomato spices and other ingredients mixture. Stir and cook until the mixture is hot. are evenly distributed and the each half like a soft shell taco.

Cut the Fold-its® in half and use your favorite toppings. Enjoy Fill the center with meet and add in the mix the kids won’t taste. a dinner with fresh vegetables ings: Trad itional Taco Topp e lettuce, diced tomatoes, Shredded sharp cheese, romain beans, corn, etc. sour cream, taco sauce, black

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e l o m a c a u G & s p i h C d a e r b t a l F atbread aditional FlatOut® Fl

•Tr

•2 avocados ntro, fresh •2 tablespoons cila n chopped sweet onio •2 tablespoons finely juice, fresh squeezed •1 tablespoon lime

•1 clove garlic lt •1/2 teaspoon sea sa •1/ teaspoon pepper 2

•1/2 teaspoon onion

powder

til toasted. for 7-10 minutes; un s ip ch e th s: n ke o Ba ti Direc ed and a ise. Remove the se ng board and with hw tti gt cu a len o on ) ad (s oc ad av e re Place the flatb d place it into a and then the Cut th uit from the rind an gthwise into thirds fr len e it th t e cu ov r m . tte re es cu ec a garlic, cilantro, d pi pizz s to create chip size ion, crushed clove of rip on e st th in d th Ad in . y wl wa bo Mash opposite and onion powder. er pp pe lt, sa e, s. ic ee ju gr e lim ol or by 400 de with an avocado to er Preheat the oven to th ge to s nt ie t ed ee ng sh the ingr hand. on a non-stick baki er with two forks by th s ge ip to ch it e Place the chip pieces th ng e tti st cu Ba k cooking spray. e flatbread chips. th coated with non-stic e guacamole with th Season the chips wi th l. e oi rv la Se no ca of r ye with a light la lt. c powder and sea sa onion powder, garli

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Shamrock Fake Shake •2 cups fresh baby leaf spin ach (natural color)

•2 cups fat-fr ee frozen yogu rt (Hood is only 90 calories per serv ing) •1 1/ cups low 2 -fat or fat-free milk

•1 tablespoon

honey •1 teaspoon va nilla extract •2-4 fresh min t leaves* OR 1 drop of mint extract

Directions: Put it all into the blender, Blend and serve!

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Q&A with Kim Andersen

Second Language

,

CAPITAL REGION LANGUAGE CENTER

Q: Why should children learn a second language?

A: Learning languages is fun! A great

Research tells us that children have an exceptional ability to pick up another language when they are young. SaratogaMama talked with Kim Andersen, president of Capital Region Language Center, to learn more about language opportunities for kids in this area.

instructor will make the language and culture come alive through games, songs, stories and other methods that allow kids to be kids.

Studying languages while young results in native-like pronunciation and a global world-view that many monolingual children do not have.

Finally, studies show studying languages has cognitive, linguistic and creative benefits!

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Q: What languages are most popular for children at the Capital Region Language Center?

A: We offer instruction in several languages for ages ranging from preschool to high school. We have kids enrolled in American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Chinese, English as a Second Language (ESL), French, Korean, Russian and Spanish. For younger ages, Spanish and French are always popular. Since older students often take a language in school, they look at acquiring a third language such as Arabic, ASL, German, Korean, or Russian.

Q: What compels parents to pursue world language instruction for their children?

A: Parents know that learning a language is good for their

children academically and culturally. Sometimes a child takes language classes related to the family’s heritage. Parents often struggle to maintain a bilingual household but when the child comes to class and realizes that language-learning is fun, parents can build on the instruction at home. We’ve helped many households become bilingual in Spanish, German and French for this exact reason. Parents of adopted children will use the language classes as a way of exposing their child to language, culture and, often times, a native speaker. Not only does this help a child understand his/her roots, but it also leads to great self-esteem and confidence.

For all of our families, pursuing a second language is part of a holistic effort to help children become citizens of the world and to give them an advantage later in life in terms of entrance to college and career opportunities.

Q. You have school locations in Saratoga Springs and Colonie. For parents who can’t make it to after-school classes are there any other options you offer?

A. We partner with daycare centers, preschools, private

schools and libraries. For public elementary schools we host a Language Enrichment and Arts Program (LEAP!) in afterschool sessions. LEAP! is a great solution for busy kids and parents. We often work directly with a school’s administration or with the PTA to organize LEAP!. Finally, we hold popular storytimes monthly at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library and Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs.

Q. Do your two high school-age children speak languages other than English?

A. Our children were born when my husband and I were

living in Paraguay. I am a Spanish speaker so both our son and daughter have good Spanish skills. For several years my son took Chinese classes and my daughter opted for French in high school and Arabic on the side, as a fourth language.

This past summer my daughter’s language skills helped us travel in Morocco.

For more information about Capital Region Language Center: www.CRLCalbany.org 518-729-5407 SaratogaMama.com

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Clark

Photo By Lindsay Rae Photography

Norton &

...are Two

Big Dogs!

WRITTEN BY Sarah Parker Ward

Our BRAND NEW hardwood floors are scratched to H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICKS. My husband’s former pride-and-joy of a yard is now a post-apocalyptic mud bowl...

My HEART has never, ever been so FULL. All of these things are true and inherently tied together.

How? Read on...

A few months ago, my husband and I agreed it was time to welcome a fourlegged friend into the family, especially because our three-year-old spitfire is an intense animal lover. After many late nights of looking online, I’d come up empty handed. So I broadened the geographic search…and that’s when I found them: Clark and Norton.

To say that I was instantly and unabashedly in love is an understatement.

They were beautiful, animated, and huge – and there were two of them!

While nearly everyone I shared their picture with looked at me in sheer horror as though I’d finally lost my mind, I saw only two over-sized fur-balls of love.

The description indicated that the 170-pound, 21-month-old behemoths had been returned to their breeder after an unfortunate situation arose for 52 | SaratogaMama | Winter 2016 saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

their original family – to which my mother later quipped, “Yes, the unfortunate situation was that they had 330 pounds of dog in their house!” Regardless, I feverishly dashed off a letter to learn more and promptly said a prayer to the goddesses of puppy love that they were still waiting for me.

Dan Rossignol

being a pack leader How do you help two giant dogs with equally large personalities get acclimated to a new family and new rules? We called DanTrainsDogs! Dan Rossignol is a Master Trainer educated by two German Master Trainers over 30 years ago. He’s since worked with hundreds of dogs and owners throughout the Northeast, teaching clients how to become pack leaders with their dog(s) in unique one-time, in-home training sessions (usually 3 hours). I was able to catch up with Dan again to share some of his dog-whisperer-esque insights with you.

Q: What’s one toy or piece of equipment every dog owner should invest in?

Then I began carefully crafting a very persuasive presentation for my wonderful, thoughtful, and exceptionally patient husband as to why we should not get a 10-week old puppy, but instead should welcome two giant teenage brothers who also happened to be residing “a little ways away” (read: northern Minnesota).

A few days later, he mercifully agreed and, after a thorough vetting process from Balsam Bernards, we’d dropped the kids at their grandparents for a weekend, rented a van (because neither of our cars could accommodate these hefty boys), and were headed 1,057 miles west.

Fast-forward eight weeks: Clark and Norton have settled in wonderfully - thanks, in part, to an incredible trainer. In fact, you may have been one of the many who have already stopped, stared, pulled over, or taken a picture in their short tenure here. As our dear neighbor put it simply, “They’re definitely show stoppers.”

And while we’ve experienced our fair share of changes – see beginning of article for exhibits A, B & C - I can say without a moment’s hesitation that Clark and Norton fulfill our family in a way I hardly have words for. They were right for us and, more importantly, we were right for them.

PS – In case you’ve ever wondered if that infamous mud-flinging scene in Beethoven was CGI, I can now officially confirm that no, it was not.

A: A good crate is not punishment, but a safe place for your dog to relax. Remember dogs are like wolves, and wolves call it a day in their dens. We cover at least the top of the crates to make them dark, cozy and comfortable.

Leave the crate open and your dog will often retreat there for his quiet time.

Q: Why is “Disney love” troublesome for dogs?

A: I love Disney, but through watching Disney dog movies - despite the disclaimers – many owners believe that if you pet, hold and sleep with your dog, they’ll love you more.

Your dog is looking for a Pack Leader, not a sibling, to protect and guide them. Owners have become so weak that even the fearful dog feels they must “step up” and protect that owner (i.e. biting). This also results in the dog having a very high anxiety level, a serious problem we see mostly in the U.S. Q: What’s one training technique every dog owner should start working on today?

A: A dog’s brain is 98.5% wolf, not 98.5% human. Celebrate that your dog can be an independent, confident animal. After being petted for 3-4 minutes, let them enjoy playing with their toys alone or just resting.

SaratogaMama.com

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HOW TO NAVIGATE THE WINTER AS A RUNNER

BY SHELLY BINSFELD

Shelly Binsfeld coaches youth and adult runners throughout the Capital District. Find out more about Shelly or follow her blog on RunningCoachShelly.com.

MY WHOLE LIFE has been spent in the cold winter states of America. From Colorado to Minnesota to New York, my running has born the chill of the season. Even though sun burned off the snow covered sidewalks in Fort Collins, Colorado, we still had races in blizzards. Minnesota’s ice covered roads had me dancing as the temperature most winter days stayed under 10 degrees. New York hosted crazy weather with snow in October and a warm-weathered Christmas dinner on the back deck. In seeking to get my running fix and improve my race pace, I have gathered avenues to wade through the winter season and come out rejuvenated and stronger.

Here are my strategies for winter running: BUILD A STRONG CORE From the upper quads to the shoulders, wrapping from the front of the body to the back, all the way deep inside your middle, lays your strength. My last experience recovering from injury highlighted the need for better core strength. Using the three winter months to develop your core strength will lead to improved fitness in the spring. Remember, your strength comes from the middle of your body. Your legs work off of your core with core stability transferring strength to your legs. My favorite core routines are the main 18 Pilates exercises.

I add in challenging moves with a large ball or foam roller, increasing my balance. Keeping the routine new and fresh results in a stronger core.

JUST 10 MINUTES Let’s face it, the hardest part of running for most of us is getting out the door. When I consider all of my numerous excuses and think about the hardship of the activity, my motivation drops to a new low. That is when I institute my 10 minute rule: The run counts as long as I run for 10 minutes. As my expectations lower, my motivation rises. Now the hurdle of beginning the run disappears. Each time I start out on a “10 minute” run, I end up loving the fresh air and energy that I feel from the run. Ten minutes stretches out to 20, 30, or even 40 minutes and I come back happy. I just needed to lower my goal so that I could feel the benefits and reach my intended outcome.

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ONCE-A-WEEK CHALLENGE One weekly running workout that challenges the mind and body, and gets you out of your comfort zone, will keep you on track for increased fitness. This run is more intense than your normal easy run and gives you a chance to practice your interval and tempo paces. Perhaps jump on the treadmill for a negative split 4-mile run (progressively faster pace each mile), tackle a short steep hill by charging up (high knees and strong arms) and walking down or throw in a speed play session where you increase or decrease your speed each time you pass a landmark (telephone pole). For some runners, the challenge of running in the cold air is the comfort zone buster they need. Post a list on your fridge of your accomplished challenges and watch it grow.

READ ABOUT RUNNING Winter snowstorms and cold air beg for hours snuggled up with a book. Pick a running book to devour this winter. My top reads include Running with the Buffalos by Chris Lear and Kara Goucher’s Running for Women. These inspiring stories and helpful reads will motivate you and get you, out the door for your next run.

WEEKEND RITUALS Saturday morning Pilates followed by a long run each and every weekend will keep you building the platform to jump off of in the spring. Written in ink on the calendar, a must-do class and group run combo, will cultivate the devotion needed to succeed. Be purposeful and plan carefully.

RELISH THE BEAUTY OF FRESH SNOW The mornings spent in awe prancing through the clear neighborhood roads as the trees glisten with fresh fallen snow are tucked close to my heart. I relish the silence of a white morning run. Put in on your winter 2016-17 bucket list and never regret it. You will be wishing for fresh snow falls in order to draw you back into Narnia.

GATHER FRIENDS Plan a group run with dinner and a running movie this winter: McFarland, USA or Hood to Coast. The party will be a blast and the talk of the season: a new tradition for your training group!

All these strategies will get you through the winter season finish line ready for the spring races.

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Establishing a

Structured Routine in the

Home

FOR

CHILDREN WITH AUTISM WRITTEN BY: LAUREN LEUZINGER, NOURISHING MINDS TUTORING

The winter months are upon us, which means freezing temperatures and ever-growing snow banks. Many families spend their evenings and weekends indoors, which can lead to very long and sometimes stressful days, especially for families who have children with autism. It is fairly common knowledge that a characteristic of autism is a limited range of interests, particularly when choosing activities for play or leisure. This can lead to meltdowns and challenging behavior and ultimately stress on families. Enduring these winter months can be much easier and more enjoyable by establishing structure within the household. If facilitated appropriately, the time spent on creating this routine can pay back tenfold when families can spend more time together in a positive and productive way.

1. Set up a schedule

When was the last time you were actually productive without following some sort of schedule? Whether it is a grocery list, a daily planner, or your iPhone calendar, we all benefit from following a schedule, both in our work and home lives.

Individuals with autism thrive on having a consistent schedule; it can maximize enjoyment in leisure time, productivity in completing chores and less motivating activities, and can reduce self-stimulatory behavior or “stims” that may completely consume them. Many children on the spectrum experience high levels of structure when they go to school, but home is often a completely different story. When this happens, it is usually because families are overwhelmed and do not know.

HOW to help or WHERE to start.

There are so many different types of schedules that can work for children with autism at home, so it is important to figure out your child’s level of development and go from there. Talk to his or her teacher to see what kind of schedule is used at school, and it can be adapted accordingly (their teacher may even be willing to help you make it). The schedule could also be a checklist on a piece of paper, or a more structured schedule with objects or pictures/symbol cards that they manipulate to transition around their environment. If you have access to a tablet, there are numerous apps available to create your own home schedule.

2. Tie into child’s strengths (visuals)

One of the key elements in understanding autism is how people on the spectrum are visual learners, and many individuals often have delays in processing language. There is nothing worse than being constantly nagged, and we often fall into the trap of providing children with autism with verbal directives that are repeated multiple times because we believe the child “is not listening” rather than attempting to process what is being said to them. Establishing structure within the home that ties into visual strengths provides a clear expectation of the routine they should follow. These visuals can also help your child learn functional vocabulary (e.g. household items) and common directions (e.g. clean up, bathroom). The most important factor when setting up a routine for your child is ensuring they will UNDERSTAND what it entails. Of course, any new routine must be taught, but say your child is a non-reader, you certainly would not want to have a written schedule without any visual representations. The best part about using visuals is that you can eventually take yourself out of the equation and allow your child to follow structured routines independently, which is a long-term goal for individuals with autism.

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3. Consistency in expectations

If you are going to set up a routine in the household, it is crucial that everyone, both parents and children alike, are onboard with the expectations established with this new structure. The routine will take time to be engrained in your daily life, so it is important that you do not give up if it does not work immediately; it could take weeks or months to become second nature. Remember, you may be met with resistance when setting up this routine for your child, but it is important to teach the child to follow rules and contribute to daily life in your household. For example, your child may have a difficult time sitting at the table for dinner, but if you establish and enforce this expectation, you can teach your child to tolerate sitting with the family for dinner over time.

By having high expectations for your child, you will likely uncover skills and find that your child is capable of much more than you ever imagined!

4. Make the routine fit with your family

It will become very overwhelming if you have to completely revolve your life around an intricate schedule you create for your child, so it is important to keep in mind that it needs to work with your family’s busy routine and can support your child with autism in a positive way, rather than causing additional stress.

Include the whole family when making considerations about this new routine. The purpose of establishing structure is to make daily life easier over time, and this newfound structure does not need to be exhaustive. Many school-age children with autism work hard to “keep it together” during the six-hour school day, and may leave school to attend therapies, sports, or clubs. The routine does not need to keep them busy from the time they get

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home until they go to bed, rather than establishing a structure that will lead to a productive evening for the entire family with minimal stress.

5. Build in changes

Life is messy and complicated and curve balls are thrown our way at the most inopportune times. It is unrealistic and nearly impossible to establish structure without teaching your child to deal with sudden changes to the routine. Not only do we want to support our children to cope with change, it is important for families to enjoy special events and holidays without worrying about how your child will be affected. It is helpful to prepare your child for changes by providing “presets,” such as social stories (short descriptions of activities, which include specific information about what to expect and why), visual cues built into their schedule, or talking to your child prior to the event if they are able to process the information. The more you build in these changes and support your child appropriately, the better they will be able to handle changes over time, and the more you will be able to enjoy events in your community with your child.

Establishing a structured routine in the household might seem easier on paper than in reality. It certainly will not be a cake walk in teaching expectations for all members of the family and making changes to the current routine, but trust me when I say that incorporating more productive routines for your child with autism, or any children for that matter will lead to lasting benefits in the future. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, and do not resist asking for help from your family, your child’s teacher, or organizations in the community.

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e Pr es e rv

e lif ild W on Wilt

By Megan Harrington ◆ Photos provided

ten Ways to Enjoy Winter More

As the temperature drops and the first flakes begin to fall, it can be tempting to just start counting down the days until spring. But before you enter hibernation mode, check out our list of ways to enjoy the colder months a little more.

Whether you’re looking to get some fresh air or warm up inside, the Saratoga region has some great options.

1.

2.

3.

If your family misses warm weather walks and summer time hikes, snowshoeing might be a good alternative. Bundle up and head to Saratoga State Park or the Wilton Wildlife Preserve to rent snowshoes and explore the wintery woods.

While Vermont and the Adirondacks have great skiing, Willard Mountain is a wonderful local option. Make the short drive over to Greenwich (25 minutes from Saratoga Springs) and hit the slopes or tubing park.

Mark your calendar for the Saratoga Chowderfest scheduled for February 4, 2017. Give each kid a few bucks and challenge them to find their favorite local chowder. 3-ounce samples cost a dollar each and even if the weather is chilly, a brisk walk around town and some steaming chowder will warm things up.

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For ice races, children’s activities, fireworks, chili cook-offs, and more head north to the Lake George Winter Carnival, held every weekend in February.

Feeling cooped up? Grab a sled and take the kids to a local hill. Some favorites include Deadman's Hill, off Rowland Street in Saratoga Springs or behind the Milton Terrace School, off Route 67 in Ballston Spa.

For a special treat, drive to The Fun Spot in Queensbury to run around the indoor playground, play laser tag, or show off your roller-skating moves.

Warm-up with board games and hot cocoa. Break out Monopoly and make a batch of hot cocoa for a crowd. Try this recipe: whisk together 2/3 cup of hot water and ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Pour the cocoa mixture in to your slow cooker and add a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 ½ cups heavy cream, 6 cups of milk, ½ cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook on low for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, then top with marshmallows and whipped cream. Spend the afternoon sipping cocoa, watching the flakes fall, and enjoying some friendly competition.

Brush up on your cooking skills. Whether you’ve got a preschooler or an older chef, Healthy Living Market offers weekly kid-friendly classes and demonstrations. Bring the kiddos to a class and then walk around the Wilton Mall to burn off some energy.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Hold weekly themed dinners. When it’s cold and slushy, Tuesdays (or any day…) can feel kind of blah. Give the family something to look forward to by planning themed dinners.

You can get adventurous and cook a recipe or order take-out.

For extra fun, read a book or watch a movie that’s related to the theme! An idea to get you started: for a French-themed night, read a book from the Madeline series and make croque monsieurs (essentially, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich).

9.

10.

Have a family sleepover. Have everyone get into pajamas (parents, too!) and pile into the living room. Order pizza, turn on your favorite movie, and snuggle up in sleeping bags. The kids will love the novelty of it, but if you want to head to your beds at the end of the night, that’s okay too!

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Save the Date A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 1 P.M. & 4:30 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1 P.M.

Home Made Theater at The Little Spa Theater 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs The classic television special comes to life in this faithful adaptation where the Peanuts gang grapples with the real meaning of Christmas. When Charlie Brown complains about overwhelming commercialism during the holiday season, Lucy suggests that he direct the school Christmas pageant.

He accepts, but this proves to be a frustrating endeavor.

When an attempt to restore holiday spirit with a forlorn little tree fails, he needs Linus’ help to learn the real meaning of Christmas. Tickets $18/$12

FACT ANIMAL RESCUE HOLIDAY ADOPTION DAY

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. Saratoga Honda 3402 Route 9, Saratoga Springs

THE NUTCRACKER LAND OF THE SWEETS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 6 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2 P.M. The Saratoga Springs High School Loewenberg Auditorium Saratoga City Ballet will present its annual Nutcracker Act II production and will feature dancers from 4-18 years, making it a perfect holiday treat for audiences of all ages. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com and are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.

SETH AND THE MERRY MELIX HOLIDAY CONCERT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2 – 3 P.M.

Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room Join us for a winter wonderland celebration with Seth and the Moody Melix. Complete with live music we hope to offer you and your family a joyous and merry time together as we appreciate the beauty and wonder of a new season.

No registration required.

A SARATOGA CHRISTMAS WITH THE MCKRELLS

FACT (Fight Animal Cruelty Today) Animal Rescue and Saratoga Honda have partnered for a holiday pet adoption day. You can meet adoptable cats and dogs from 11th Hour Rescue. There will also be several vendors with unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list, a bake sale with lots of delicious goodies, tons of raffle items that make great gifts, photo opportunities with fun holiday props, and more! Entry is free and this event is pet-friendly (but please be sure your pet is good with other pets, is leashed, and up-to-date on vaccines).

Home Made Theater continues their tradition of hosting Christmas shows with Kevin McKrell and his merry musicians.

Join HMT for an evening of Christmas favorites, Kevin’s trademark sound, and their popular rendition of A Visit from St. Nick (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). Cost is $15.

PHOTOS WITH THE GRINCH

POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMA PARTY

Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Northshire Bookstore, 424 Broadway, Saratoga Springs

Join us this holiday season to take a picture of your child with the Grinch! While you're here, please consider making a donation or buying a book to support our Book Angels campaign, which gives new books to local children who would not otherwise receive them this holiday season.

All Aboard! The Children’s Department invites all little ones to wear their jammies and join us for a cozy evening with a reading of The Polar Express and visit from Santa Claus! Hot cocoa and a treat will be provided to all Polar Express passengers.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 11 A.M. – 1 P.M.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 7 P.M.

Home Made Theater at The Little Spa Theater 19 Roosevelt Drive, Saratoga Springs

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 6 P.M.

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THE PUPPET PEOPLE PRESENT: A CHRISTMAS CAROL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 11 A.M., 1 P.M. & 3 P.M. Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room A Charles Dickens holiday classic, this show features beautiful handcrafted marionettes, shadow puppets, gorgeous masks, lavish costumes, vivid sets, a professional soundtrack that includes many holiday favorites, and a giant 9-foot parade puppet. This program is for ages five and older. Pick up tickets at the library.

FIRST NIGHT 2017 – A NIGHT OF MAGIC SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 5:30 P.M. – 12 A.M.

ete ompl nd c a r Fo sa event isit f o t lis ties, v om activi a.c

gaMam o t a r a S

CHOWDERFEST

Downtown Saratoga Springs

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 11 A.M. – 4 P.M.

As one of the oldest and largest First Night celebrations in the country, First Night is the most affordable, accessible, family-friendly, safe and exciting way to spend New Year's Eve in the region. Join over 15,000 revelers as Saratoga Art’s hosts over seventy regional and touring performing groups in thirty venues throughout Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs. Starting with the 5K road race at Skidmore College at 5:30pm, culminating with the fireworks in Congress Park at midnight and packed full of live music, dance, comedy and magic in between, this event will be a highlight of your outgoing year. Cost is $20 for adults.

Downtown Saratoga Springs Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Family-friendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors—including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers—who open their doors to the public and serve hot bowls of chowder to event goers. Chowderfest will feature live music, family-friendly activities and, of course, a wide variety of chowders. Even dogs are welcome—establishments offer doggy chowder and a dog chow down competition!

SNOWSHOE AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKI RENTALS AT CAMP SARATOGA

WINTERFEST AT WILTON WILDLIFE PRESERVE AND PARK

Camp Saratoga, Scout Road - Parking Lot 1, Gansevoort

Camp Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve Park 80 Scout Road, Gansevoort

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 & SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.

Every Saturday and Sunday, from January 7- March 12 and February 20- 24 Get outside and explore our winter trails!

Rentals are free for members and $5 for non-members.

ANIMAL TRACKING WINTER WALK SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 11 A.M. – NOON

Camp Saratoga, Scout Road - Parking Lot 1, Gansevoort Join us for a guided hike all about winter exploration and discovery! Look for animal tracks and learn about different plant and animal adaptations for winter survival. Meet at the kiosk in Parking Lot 1 at Camp Saratoga on Scout Road and dress for the weather. Snowshoes are available for rental 30 minutes before the program; free for members and $3 for non-members. If there is no snow the program will take place without snowshoes. Call or email to register. info@wiltonpreserve.org • (518)-450-0321.

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 10 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Join us outside for a day of snowy fun! Snowshoes and Cross Country Skis will be available for rental from the Information Cabin in Parking Lot #1. Rentals are $5. There will be a bonfire at the old Scout Camp’s Council Fire circle where participants can warm up by the bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores. No registration is necessary.

MR. TWISTY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY, 22, 11 A.M. & 1 P.M. Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room Balloon artist and comedian, Chad Currin (aka Mr. Twisty), presents a fun-filled program for children and their families. Pick up free tickets beginning February 1, 2017. For ages 3+ up.

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One Last Story..

SECRETS OF

SURVIVING

MOM’S SICK DAYS Written by Katherine Morn a Towne

Some people can’t stand to just lay around when they’re sick, but when I finally catch the sickness the kids have inevitably already had, all I want to do is burrow into blankets on the couch and not reemerge until I feel better. But how do you do that when you have little ones? These are my two sick-day secrets:

TV, TV, TV Well, not just TV. My #1 suggestion for how to cope when you’re sick, if you’re like me and need to lay down all day, is to do so in an area where you can keep all the kids in with you. For me, that’s our play room, which has a couch (though I would absolutely make a bed on the floor if the best room to keep the kids in didn’t have a couch), a baby gate (to prevent little ones escaping), toys, and a TV (the patron saint of sick mothers). This obviously works only for the littlest ones, but they’re the ones I need to keep an eye on the most, so this is the best solution I’ve come up with. I gate us in, I lay myself on the couch with a pillow, blanket, diapers, wipes, tissues, the phone, and yes, the remote control. I let them watch Thomas the Tank Engine or Wild Kratt’s or Finding Dory over and over, all day long.

Dry Cheerios The only thing I require of myself on sick days is to keep myself and the children alive—I don’t require or expect crafts, outings, play dates, sports practices/games (yes, I’ve been known to keep a child home if I wasn’t up to it), or amazing meals. In fact, I feed the kids whatever I can manage—even if it’s just dry Cheerios in a bowl while they binge on TV. Given that they often survive on such food on purpose (how many amazing meals have been tossed off the high chair tray like it was garbage??), I know for sure that a couple of days of such eating isn’t going to do any harm. (I also like to keep apple sauce and yogurt pouches in the pantry—good for sick days!)

And that’s it! My two secrets for surviving sick days as a mom.

This is the sick-day diet my boys have grown up on, and I don’t mean to brag, but so far they’re pretty decent kids. My high school science teacher extolled the virtues of taking a day or two to rest when sick instead of trying to power through regular daily activities, since powering through might likely result in many more days of feeling poorly, and I don’t have time for that. Especially since I need to be back to cracking by the time my husband comes down with it!

How do you cope when you’re sick and caring for little ones?

Kate and her husband have six sons; ages 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, & 2.

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WINTER CROSSWORD ACROSS

2. In January, we remember Dr. Martin Luther _____ 6. An annual event in Saratoga where you can sample soup 7. The season after winter 9. You play this winter sport on frozen water 10. Strap these on and take a hike in the snow

DOWN 1.

3.

4.

5.

8.

Keep your hands nice and toasty with these I'm dreaming of a ________ Christmas A famous snowman The month after January A goal or promise you make for the New Year

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Kids Coloring Contest

Color this page and then have mom or dad help you snap a photo! Email your photo to colleen@saratogamama.com for a chance to WIN a spot in a Kids Cooking Class of your choice at Healthy Living Market! Winner will be chosen at random.

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