Capital District Family Now - February 2022

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February calendar listing

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FamilyNow Capital District

Vol. 3, #2 | February 2022

generations together

Can you feel the love?

cdFamilyNow.com

Keeping the fire alive Time management with triplets

February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 1

The best preparation for a top-tier college is a top-tier middle school.

Preschool – Grade 12

www.albanyacademies.org | 518.429.2348 2 Family Now — February 2022

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Editor’s desk

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

Frivolous February a welcome distraction What’s not to love about a celebration that keeps the month’s bitter cold at bay?

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GENERATIONS TOGETHER

For every age and stage of family life.

February 2022 Features Burning history

12-13

Valentine’s Day drama

14-15

ebruary isn’t an easy month to love even though there is a day to celebrate just that smack dab in the middle of it. It’s cold – sometimes bitterly so – dark and dreary. Even so, we try to make the most of it with candy, chocolates and proclamations of adoration. And you know what? It helps a little – at least it does for me.

Columnists

Last year my family began a new February tradition that makes the month even less onerous. It all started when I floated the idea of a “Frugal February,” a newish trend that encourages people to save and cut costs during the month.

The suggestion was met with outright horror. My family had grown a little tired of the pandemic-related austerity we had been living under and made a counter proposal – “Frivolous February.” For Frivolous February, we would draw names on Groundhog Day (also my mother-in-law’s birthday) and spend the rest of the month coming up with a gift for our chosen recipient that was truly and completely frivolous. The catch: It could not exceed $35 and you could not ask anyone else for any ideas. At the end of the month, we would gather to celebrate and exchange gifts. It turns out, our Frivolous February was a hit with everyone, and it was the perfect distraction for what often feels like the longest month of winter.

Retiring Retirement

So whether it’s Valentine’s Day or your own version of Frivolous February, I hope you find something to celebrate this month.

Senior Centers

Check out our articles and more at www.cdfamilynow.com and mail your story ideas and pictures to Capital District Family Now, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, NY 12054, or e-mail me at robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

Kristen Roberts Editor, Capital District Family Now

Parenting with Confidence

4

Triple Threat

6

Learning Center

8 18

What’s new On the Bookshelf

5

Kids Fun Page

10

Brain teasers

16

Resources Calendar

21-22 20

publisher - John McIntyre editor - Kristen Roberts editor-at-large - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Engagement Coordinators -

Rachel Dottino, Frank Gillen

Editor-at-large Michael Hallisey remembers all of the mixed messages of a grade school Valentine’s Day. Pages 14-15.

Capital District Family Now is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request. Capital District Family Now reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. © Copyright Capital District Family Now. No portion of Capital District Family Now may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.

February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 3

Parenting with Confidence

What does love look like?

F

ebruary is a month associated with love, so I wanted to share some of the favorite ways we can show our children love.

First, love always starts in our own homes. You are your child’s first teacher. The more love, kindness and compassion we show our children, the more they will be inspired to do the same in their days when they are with us and when they are around others.

Children watch and learn and take it all in. Showing them and not just telling them will have a bigger impact on their lives. According to child psychologist Dr. Robert Myers, “children who feel important and worthy have a higher selfesteem, a more positive outlook

on life and healthier relationships,” (Pittsburgh Parent, 2019). He also states that these children tend to have an easier time handling conflict, are more respectful of others and are overall more well-rounded individuals.

our ability to apologize when we mess up and our ability to forgive quickly all impact their feelings of self-worth.

Here are a few ways we can show our children love:

Tell them how

Children want by much you to be seen, love them validated and loved uncondiSaying the tionally. There words, “I love is no way to be a you” can seem so perfect parent but simple but it’s so a million ways to be impactful to our kids. a good one. As parents, Hug them, kiss them and we truly have the power to cuddle with them. uplift our children and show them how much they mean to Learn your child’s us. It’s true that our actions, our ‘love language’ words, our body language, our tone of voice, our compassion, There is a book called “The

Quoida Lauzon

L O O H C PRESCHOOL S E L R O P O H SC PRESCHOOL

RE

PRESCHOOL

Capital District Family Now, Attn: Calendar, P.O. Box 100, Delmar, N.Y. 12054 or Email: robertsk@spotlightnews.com

www.circleoffriendsprek.com • info@circleoffriendsprek.com

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

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Continued on Page 7

Send calendar submissions by the 5th of the previous month to:

Locations in DELMAR 518-478-0722 and RAVENA 518-756-3124

D SPENMMER SU D YOURUR CAMP! SRPSEUNMMER! YOU UR CAMP AT O TO

I always ask my daughter when I pick her up from school questions like, “Did you have any hard parts today?” “Was everyone kind today?” “Did you

List your local event or meeting in our monthly calendar

FA P RO G L L MS ENROLRLAIN N OW! G

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GENERATIONS TOGETHER

toddler-elementAry-middle school

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Registration opens February 16!

4 Family Now — February 2022

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5 Love Languages of Children” (Chapman & Campbell, 2012).

We all have different love languages and if you can learn what your child’s is then you can truly have a deeper connection with them as they grow.

Most children want that quality time with you. They want to have your attention. When a child says “play with me,” that’s their way of saying they want your time and attention and love.

picture books

On the Bookshelf

Reading will warm your heart ‘The Digger and the Duckling’

‘Almost Always Best, Best Friends’

By Joseph Kuefler

By Apryl Stott

Digger and the other big trucks love to build, but when a lost duckling waddles onto the jobsite, Digger and his friends learn to do more than just scoop and hoist and push.

They have to learn to become a family. Balzer + Bray

Poppy and her best, best friend Clementine spend EVERY DAY together making crafts, having adventures, and working on their bookmark business, but when Clementine spends an afternoon playing with someone new, Poppy fears she might be losing her best, best friend. Simon & Schuster

‘Everything Will Be OK’

By Anna Dewdney; illustrated by Judy Schachner Nothing is going right for little bunny today. His sandwich has jelly instead of cheese. He’s lost his kite. And he’s stubbed his toe! But while some days can feel more sad than happy, there’s always a bright spot on the horizon. Viking Books for Young Readers

Discover the Night

with the Albany Pine Bush

Experience nighttime in the Albany Pine Bush!

Enjoy videos that feature our local wildlife, storytelling, community history and more! Play interactive games, download fun activities and nature craft instructions.

Something for all ages.

You’re invited to visit

AlbanyPineBush.org/discover-the-night anytime on or after February 18, 2022 at 4:30pm.

A free virtual online special event.

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through seasonal walks, full moon hikes, wildlife themed and pre-k programs.

Reservations required.

518-456-0655 AlbanyPineBush.org/events

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More for this winter! Discover the Pine Bush

February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 5 2022 Discover the Night.indd 1

12/14/2021 12:06:27 PM

Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

A lesson worth learning

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Knowing how to get along even when there are disagreements is important

hen is it time to step in, and when is it time to let your kids figure things out on their own?

When do Mom and Dad help, and when do we let them accept responsibilities? This is such a challenge.

In four years, my children will be old enough to live on their own and face all consequences (positive or negative) for their actions.

I just want to be sure that they can deal with all the stuff that life can throw their way. Shoot!

Most days, I would like to be able to handle it all, too.

The way I was brought up has helped me figure out some of the best ways to help Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca deal with one another when things are tense. Don’t get me wrong, my kids fight and argue like most everybody else’s. Three kids by and two adults with one bathroom can make life a little tricky.

Getting ready for school is the hardest part of the day because all three leave at the same time. I can only offer guidance.

With great pride, I can say that they figured out how to make it work on their own. Everyone gets to school on time.

The Steuer family can occasionally butt heads, but they have learned that it is also important to talk things through.

Jennifer Steuer

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6 Family Now — February 2022

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0 FEB2

When I was growing up, there were four kids and only one bathroom. In a house with two boys and two girls, plus my mom, dealing with a crowded bathroom every morning led to a schedule to help keep everyone moving and off to school or work on-time. We still got in one another’s way. Sometimes by accident and sometimes on purpose, we would cause a fight and then had to figure out the best way to solve it while our mom was working. It wasn’t always easy to get along.

Picking a fight is easy – just bring up politics, religion, family and any other topic that has the potential to have more than one opinion. The more people with strong feelings about a topic increases the potential for a “spirited discussion.” Our family of five can butt heads sometimes. Sometimes it can feel like a free-for-all. Once we talk it through, the kids see how people can misinterpret signals or hear things incorrectly.

Harlan and I are trying to teach the kids respect. When Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca go out with friends, they will have conversations, and I want to be sure they can have a dis-

cussion and be respectful. There are so many roadblocks that can derail a friendship, and as they get older, they will branch out and meet other people and be introduced to other ideas. This momma bird is going to push her little chicks out of the nest with the ability to listen, have a conversation and be respectful!

My mom helped me to be a responsible and respectful adult. My father and friend Rose made sure I grew up right.

It didn’t happen in a day, just like it won’t happen in a day for Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca.

Over the past 14 years, Harlan and I have started laying a generous foundation with our kids.

When there is a problem, they can come to us. We listen to them. Respect goes both ways.

I realize that kids need to spread their wings. I want Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca to have space to spread their beautiful wings that will take them anywhere they want to go.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 14-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

n Parenting continued from Page 4 have any favorite parts about your day?” and “What did you learn today?” and I make sure to ask “What else happened in your day that you want to share with me?” In the evening, when we are doing our nighttime routine, I always lie with my daughter to read a book, pray and share a couple fun made up stories. After that, I rub her back.

I feel this is a time she opens up even more to me about her feelings, her day, anything else that may be on her mind. I’m glad I do this because I learn even more about my child in these moments.

Say “yes” more If my daughter asks to do something, instead of a quick no, I try to say we can do that after we do this first. I also try to say, “Let’s see if we can do that later this week.” I think by changing my words and how I respond, I have seen a bigger impact on her spirit. If we tell children “no” all the time, it definitely has a negative impact.

Choose to use words that can uplift them and use the word “no” for things that are definitely a no.

Apologize to your child If you make a mistake or

are wrong about something, don’t be afraid to apologize. It shows your children that you are human too and that no one is perfect. Many parents and children think that they need to be or appear to be perfect.

It’s not only impossible but it’s such a burden to try to even have that kind of standard.

I think there is a deeper and beautiful bond that happens when we can be authentic, real and own up to our mistakes in front of our kids. Your children will appreciate this, and you will too when you see them learn by example.

The more you love your children, the more they learn to love others. The days are long but the years are short, so remember to laugh, play, show up, put down your phones, read to them, hug them, dance with them, respect them, uplift them and love them!

Quoida Lauzon is a Capital District mom and a Registered Nurse who specializes in maternal and infant health, breastfeeding and childbirth education. She teaches classes and coaches new mothers in their pregnancy and “fourth trimester” journey and believes women should thrive, not just survive, motherhood. Connect with her on social media @ nurse.q.lauzon or visit nurseq. com.

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February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 7

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

UPCOMING

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Learning Center

Campus visit time Make the most of your college road trip with these tips

P

JAN

by

Patrick McNamara

tigation and research. Carefully consider a wide range of selection criteria, such as geographic location, rural/suburban/urban campus setting, size of student enrollment, religious affiliation, academic strengths and offerings, and athletic programs, among others. Include a range of “dream,” “target” and “safety” schools.

MA

arents of high school juniors everywhere are gearing up to hit the road over spring break to visit colleges of interest to their teenagers. While families can get a tremendous amount of valuable college information online, even in today’s Internet age, there’s no substitute for an in-person visit to get a true feel for an institution, its campus and its students.

APR

Organizing a college tour road trip can be a daunting task for parents. Which schools should be visited? How many schools?

How do you make the most out of a campus tour? Here are some tips for organizing a spring break college road trip that parents and students alike will give an “A.”

Once you have your initial pool of possible school targets, narrow that list to a more realistic number of schools to visit – schools that meet the criteria for your teen and your family.

Fine tuning your list can largely be done by visiting schools’ websites, reviewing college guides from the library or bookstore and, of course, by working with your teen’s school guidance counselor. Other students, friends and family members can also offer invaluable insight.

Cast a wide net

Get test prep support

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If you and your teenager haven’t already done so, start by putting together a big list of potential schools of interest – up to 20 schools - for further inves-

Finalize your target list

If you take a school off of your teen’s final target list because his or her SAT or ACT test scores

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To advertise in one or more of these issues please call: Denice Mau at 518-439-4940 or email: maud@spotlightnews.com 116415_4

8 Family Now — February 2022

Regardless of how many campuses you visit, make sure to schedule your visits while college is in session and students are attending classes.

n Learning Center continued from Page 8 aren’t in that school’s typical accepted student range – or you’re afraid they won’t be – consider obtaining SAT/ACT test prep support. For many students, skills can be mastered to raise test scores in as little as four to eight weeks.

Visit while college is in session Every family’s final “visit” list of schools is different. Some travel to 12 or more campuses while others only a handful.

Based on the geography of your target tour list, you may wind up making a few road trips – perhaps one over spring break and then one or two long weekend treks. Regardless of how many campuses you visit, make sure to schedule your visits while college is in session and students are attending classes. Be sure to call ahead and check on tour times, dates offices are closed,

and visit/interview policies.

If spring proves problematic because your target schools have spring break the same week your teen does, fall of senior year is also an ideal time to visit.

Schedule smart Be sure to make long trips efficient by planning several visits along the route. Figure out driving distances between schools so you and your teenager can determine which schools to visit on the same day. When you have a tentative itinerary, you and your child can begin calling colleges to schedule the visits. Be sure to reserve in advance official campus tours, and/or interviews with the admissions office, coaches or professors. Make your appointment calls at least two weeks in advance of your target visit date.

Ask questions Encourage your teen to ask as many questions as possible – and ask different people the same questions to see if you get

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different answers. In addition to the official tour guide, speak to representatives based on topics of interest to your student. See if you can speak with a professor and/or student from your teen’s intended major. Now is your – and your teenager’s – time to determine if this learning environment is right for your family.

Get the ‘inside skinny’ Official campus tours are almost always 30-60-minute student-led affairs that give a good overview of the college, its facilities, academic offerings and student life. They’re a good place to start, but see if you can get some unofficial information too. Is there a recent graduate of your teen’s school enrolled – if so, have coffee with him or her. If your teen is an athlete, musician, artist or has another special interest, call in advance to arrange a meeting with the relevant faculty members.

Eat and stay on campus What teenager doesn’t place

a high priority on food? Most schools allow visitors to eat on campus; so eat in the dining hall or other on-campus eating establishments to give your teen a firsthand “taste” of the school’s food. Likewise, if you need overnight lodging, consider allowing your teenager to stay in a dorm. Even if you don’t know a student with whom your child can stay, many schools will arrange for your teen to stay overnight with a current student – if you call in advance.

Create a photo diary Believe it or not, once your family arrives home from your college tour road trip, the campuses may start to blur together – especially if you visit numerous schools. Use your digital camera to take a lot of photos and videos during your visits to create a record of each school.

Patrick McNamara is the owner and executive director at Sylvan Learning of Albany and Clifton Park. For more information, visit SylvanLearning.com.

February Fun from the Children’s Library!

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February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 9

n u F s d i K e g a P

Math Blocks

Coloring Fun

Celebrate good heart health.

Color in this picture to create your own masterpiece!

Math Blocks Solution 10 Family Now — February 2022

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February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 11

In the neighborhood

Fanning the flames of history

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lbany is rich in history, but there is one segment of the area’s story that has been, until recently, underrepresented at local museums. The Albany Firefighters Museum and one of its creators, Bill Tobler, aim to change that by sharing the city’s firefighting history through exhibits and artifacts dating back to 1773.

“Every day we’re discovering something new,” Tobler said.

“We always find something that juts off to another avenue to explore.”

In December of last year, the museum opened its doors for an event that featured Albany City Historian Tony Opalka and invited visitors to take a trip back 240 years to the start of the volunteer firefighter period in

Albany and work their way back to the present day. It also featured a unique type of auction that included parts of a historic Albany fire truck, to raise money for the facility.

“There’s not too much literature written by the guys themselves,” Tobler said. “It’s a hit and miss.”

A lot of the physical history, like reports or stories, no longer It was one of the first public exist or are proving hard to events for the museum find. The reports filed since the pandemic. by the department However, Tobler were destroyed in by credits the a fire at Albany pandemic with City Hall in the helping the 1800s. Historimuseum gain ans have no way more information to tell how many about individual reports burned firefighters who with the building. served in the Albany Fire However, Tobler and Department. In the few times other active or retired firefightthat the museum was open to ers did catch a bit of luck. The the public in 2021, visitors from team found a ledger dating back as far away as Arizona and Los to 1801 that listed every Albany Angeles told stories of distant fire company in service until relatives who served.

1867. Approximately 10,000 in-

Cheyenne Wallace

dividual firefighters who served during that time are listed.

“We’re trying to explore the individual firefighters,” Tobler said. “We find a little information on a person and try to develop that as far as we can.”

The museum fundraised by auctioning off parts from the 1986 American LaFrance fire truck, Albany Engine No. 1. It was the first truck manufactured by the company in its Century 2000 series. The museum wanted to preserve as much of the engine as possible and figured that an auction would be the best way to raise money to do so.

“We’re going to restore the cab and put that in the museum,” Tobler said.

Continued on Page 13

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

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Capital District FAMILY NOW,

a monthly publication with timely features for every age and stage of family life.

With Capital District FAMILY NOW, you will find great columns and features to enjoy every month, plus so much more.

Pick up your copy today!

To advertise, please call Denice Mau at 518-439-4940 or email maud@spotlightnews.com.

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IF YOU GO

n Flames

Albany Firefighters Museum

continued from Page 12

384 Broadway, Albany (518) 428-1025 www.albanyfirefightersmuseum.org Visits by appointment only.

The goal of the night was to raise enough money to continue the museum’s work of figuring out the past. In total, the event brought in $1,000, much of which came from the silent auction. Four pieces were sold off Albany Engine No. 1. The most expensive, a pump panel, sold for $310.

“The pump panel was sold to a retired Albany firefighter,” Tobler said. “They served as a pump operator on this pumper in the 1980s and 1990s at many fires.”

While the museum team regarded the fundraiser as a success, it also reminded them of the importance of retelling

The Albany Firefighters museum formed in 2014 to preserve the history of over 150 years of professional fire service protecting the City of Albany. the history of fire service in the Capital District.

In 2014, Tobler and other retired and active firefighters thought there should be a firefighters museum. Tobler jokes that they were completely unaware of what they were walking into. He says there is a real passion for this museum, not just for Albany, but the entire region. In the early days of the museum, the team realized that

local firefighting history went further back than they thought.

“Our biggest find was Tony Opalka, who’s now our museum director,” Tobler said. “He’s our heavy hitter.”

With Opalka’s help, the team was able to find artifacts like the ledger and access to common council minutes that weren’t destroyed in the Albany City Hall fire. The minutes were saved because of the multiple editions made that weren’t kept with the reports. There still isn’t a lot of information to get from the minutes, so the team also relies on the newspapers from the time and visitor stories.

There have been other big finds, too. One of those is the

“We feel like there’s a brotherhood between that group that we can’t just totally dismiss,” Tobler said.

A unique and important artifact to the museum is an 18 karat solid gold badge with a diamond inlay and other jewels.

The badge was donated by a retired Albany firefighter and is originally from the 1890s. There are many artifacts and interesting stories that go along with them on display at the museum.

Tobler hopes that more people become aware of the museum’s existence, but also that someone comes in with stories, information or documentation about a distant relative that served with the department.

“We think, in some ways, their stories should be told,” Tobler said.

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Many in attendance at the late December fundraiser were firefighters; some retired, some active with a mix of both volunteer and paid service. Others were police officers, fire history buffs and families.

records of about 20 men who transferred from volunteer companies to the paid department.

Out of the 20 firefighters, five were killed in the line of duty by 1890.

February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 13

Recollections

Fickle youth Valentine’s Day brought out conflicting emotions in school children too young for romance

E

lementary school was easy. Questions had simple answers then.

Boys were boys. They knew who they were. They knew who they were going to be. They would be Batman. Girls had cooties. They asked stupid questions. They forever questioned authority, threatening to unravel the delicate tapestry of our realities. They would be annoying.

The school playground was our world. When Shakespeare wrote something about the world being a stage, I have no doubt he was observing the playground at an elementary school in suburban America. This was where every pop culture reference was personified and played out like off-Broadway productions.

Marvel and DC Comic superheroes always had popular runs. Somewhere within the playground social caste system defined who’d play the fastest, strongest, and therefore coolest characters. You had to use your imagination. If you were uncouth and had to ask what was going on, you were asked to leave. Girls did this too often. They always asked why we were running around, making noises with our mouths.

by

Mich Hall

Because I’m Superman, Karen. Go away.

When girls stopped having cooties, I don’t know, but there was certainly more clarity in the world back then. When you’re 8 years old, you have your likes and your dislikes. Some you hold in higher regard than others. There was nothing like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch, but spaghetti and meatballs was everything. Dislikes required less analysis. They were absolute facts. For example, I hate broccoli. When asked why, the answer always looped back like BASIC computer programing.

GOTO 10, type run and watch the answer repeat itself down the screen.

But looking back, there was always a bug in the matrix when it came to women. Girls? Girls were annoying. Lynda Carter? Lynda Carter was pretty.

But not as pretty as Mom. Yeah, they were versions of girls, but they weren’t. They were girls like Kal-El

14 Family Now — February 2022

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Recollections was human. He looked human, but he was Superman. There really wasn’t a comparison. Plus, they were adults. We had to respect them. They told us what to do, and that’s why we sometimes took their advisement into consideration.

Arguably the best activity to win over a classroom of kids is arts and crafts. The omnipresent playground social caste system was defined by who could build the longest, leggiest, and therefore most awesome egg carton caterpillar. It’s usually the most obnoxious kid persistent enough to go after the pipe cleaners. Ignoring the protest of other classmates while falling under the gaze of the teacher. I’m not bitter.

Valentine’s Day parties tapped into that vibe. It took an adult Hallmark holiday and dressed it up for children. Throw in some juice and candy hearts that forced us to read and you had the biggest conspiracy since the trial of the Chicago 7 in 1968. Did we forget the cooties? Boys don’t want this.

hael lisey

But we did. As we each went to the store to buy a box of cards, we learned of the assortment of themes. So many to choose from, including Disney and G.I. Joe. Duke and Snake Eyes posing for battle with a thought balloon stating, “Be My Valentine” was cool — never mind Snake couldn’t talk. These would be the cards. And in class, we would adorn a forgotten shoebox with construction and tissue paper. We would make them into the baddest-looking, pink-papered, heart-themed shoebox ever made. The brainwashing was complete.

The days leading up to Valentine’s Day grew confusing on the playground. A group of girls formed to start a game of tag. The object involved a party of girls to seek out and hunt a particular boy. Once the boy was caught, he’d be brought back to the lair — the tire swing — to face the Queen. While there, the Queen proceeded to punish the captive for an undisclosed crime with a kick to the shin. The Queen would change, and another hunting party would go out to find another victim. By Valentine’s Day, we had to decide who received the best cards.

Somehow it was imprinted upon me to gift the Snake Eyes card to Karen. The kick from her wooden clogs left a mark.

The mystery behind what kind of cards you received, and who would receive what from whom caused a stir before the day started. There was always the rumor that someone would go without receiving any cards. That they would be singled out by the rest of the pack. Suddenly excitement was replaced by the anxiety of being left out. Why we cared, we didn’t know. By now, we forgot we didn’t want to be a part of this in the first place.

Walking through the classroom to deposit our cards, the fear of being neglected flew around my head like a mean-spirited cherub. I put a lot of time into dressing up my shoebox, I thought. But, by the time I returned to my desk, I could see a few cards peeking out from the mail slot.

The teacher allowed us to open the cards during the party, and we all started tearing. Half the boys in class got the same G.I. Joe cards. The girls, however, didn’t get the memo. Who likes Strawberry Shortcake? Karen seemed to think so. Above my name, she handwrote a heart. I was puzzled. I asked. “Karen, what is this heart?” She smiled and said nothing. I asked my friends. “Hey, did you get a heart?” They shrugged their shoulders and moved on with apathy.

The playground social caste system was never the same.

The writer is managing editor of The Spotlight and editor-at-large of Family Now.

February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 15

Puzzle Answers on Page 22

Clues Across 1. Big tech firm 4. Picked 10. Type of whale 11. A woman of refinement 12. New England state 14. Common gibbon 15. Tall coniferous tree 16. State capital 18. Making a liquid muddy 22. Vinegary 23. Peninsula 24. Thee 26. Atomic #55 27. Used in units of measurement 28. Welsh female name 30. Arab ruler title 31. One’s mother 34. Trap

36. Soviet Socialist Republic 37. Assn. of oil-producing countries 39. Holy fire 40. Emit coherent radiation 41. Atomic #81 42. Orthodox Jewish college 48. Herbs 50. Ran after 51. Begin again 52. Named 53. Barbary sheep 54. Unwell 55. Postscript 56. Drivers 58. One point east (clockwise) of due north 59. Prim 60. A facility equipped for sports or physical training

Clues Down

CRYPTO F UN

1. Small islands 2. Skullcap 3. Unexplained events 4. One hundredth of a meter 5. Beloved baseball announcer 6. Repulsive 7. Northern European languages 8. Match or surpass 9. Northeast 12. Chew the fat 13. Innovative industry 17. Land to put down to grass 19. Products 20. Nostril 21. Surprise Icelandic politician 25. Conclusive acts 29. Inform on 31. Grinding tooth 32. Keep up 33. Tablelands

35. Raising 38. Mythical creature 41. Hums 43. Mountain in Antarctica 44. Neighborhood in Manhattan 45. Distinctive practice 46. Vice president 47. Contributes to 49. Small bones 56. Oil company 57. Empire State

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16 Family Now — February 2022

CASABLANCA DIRTY DANCING GHOST GREASE

LOVE ACTUALLY LOVE STORY MOULIN ROUGE MY FAIR LADY

NOTTING HILL ONLY YOU PURE COUNTRY ROMAN HOLIDAY

RUNAWAY BRIDE THE NOTEBOOK SERENDIPITY TIN CUP STEPMOM TITANIC THE GRADUATE WEDDING PLANNER

Social Security Corner

Defend against scammers Beware of threats and promises in exchange for payments

S

cammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.

One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents or other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you should do: • Hang up right away or do

not reply to the e-mail.

• Never give personal information or payment of any kind.

• Report the scam at oig.ssa.gov to immediately notify the law enforcement team in our Office of the Inspector General.

options and information about appealing.

by

There are a few ways you can identify a scam call or email. Remember that we will never:

Elizabeth Pivonka

You should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter explaining your rights, payment

• Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.

• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.

• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency or prepaid debit card.

• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Securityrelated problem.

• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If you do not have ongoing business with our agency, it is unlikely we will contact you.

Again, if you get a suspicious call claiming to be from us or law enforcement about Social Security, you should hang up and report it right away to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

The writer is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.

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February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 17

Retiring Retirement

Healing hearts love again

M

Couple’s tragic loss leads them to a new purpose – and another child to love

any people assign different meanings to love around Valentine’s Day. For John and Libby Moritz, the word “love” is a verb.

After losing their three young children in a car accident 30 years ago, the griefstricken couple struggled with what John calls “the timeline of healing.”

again and lets love win out,” the 66-year-old said. “Some get stuck on the timeline and never reach the healing end of it. We wanted love again more than we were afraid of another loss.”

by

As part of their path toward healing, a trip to a remote Guatemalan mountain orphanage spoke to their hearts as they witnessed a young paraplegic man and his wife from Minnesota care for adopted children.

After the Moritz children, Joshua, Kristen and Daniel (above), died in a car accident 30 years ago, their parents found healing with the adoption of their daughter Lily Joy from China (right).

Robert LaCosta

“There is a process in working through the grief and coming to a place of healing that overcomes the fear of loss

saw the conditions the children faced and felt their loss. We also saw how profoundly love was able to heal their wounds,” he remembered.

“We started to understand the heart of God for helping the fatherless and orphans. We

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“In giving love to another person, that same love comes back to you,” he said.

Sure enough, that deep desire to love another child manifested itself in the idea of adopting a baby girl from China.

“Libby and I had independently read the passage that says, ‘The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land (Song of Solomon 2:11,12 NIV).’”

“When we were signing the adoption paperwork,” he continued, “the document revealed that her birthday was the first day of Spring.”

He remembers changing her clothes that had the distinct smell of coal from the orphanage’s heating system. With that simple symbolic act, Lily Joy was welcomed into their family.

“On the flight back,” he said. “We were on Cloud 9.

Libby was beaming.”

Today, Lily Joy is a successful mechanical engineer.

And yet, there’s more to the story. Since the passing of their children, John and Libby have either started or supported orphanages in Africa, Mexico and India through their organization called Hearts of the Father Outreach. Their flagship home in Ghana is named after the children, “Josh, Kris, Dan.” It is now a flourishing school as well, and hundreds of children around the world fondly call Libby and John, “Mama” and “Papa.”

Below is John’s heartfelt message on the recent 30th

In Memory of Joshua, Kristen and Daniel Moritz “Thirty years has slipped away since you departed for heaven.

You did not choose nor did we know, the day would be our last.

We waited anxiously as snow came down to see your joyful smiles. Instead a knock came at the door and the policeman said, you were gone.

Tears rained down as rivers run and a fog of incomprehension clouded our days. “Why, God, are we here and not with you?” we cried. Then we heard you cry, God. You asked us to go and love. You showed us children from far off lands. No parents they had, no children did we.

Broken hearts began to mend. Hope unfurled his flag.

Then, though we were bereft, a little girl was given. Left in a basket, a gift to us. Spring had come, wintertime was over. Joy released.

Our promised reunion draws nearer as time runs on. We have kept the faith. Now we have many children who call us Mom and Dad. Different colors and languages they speak. Each one precious but none so precious as those we lost.

Thank you for all those who have prayed for us and supported our children through Hearts of the Father Outreach. We have overcome because of God and all of you. God bless you!”

-John Moritz To learn how you can share your love around Valentine’s Day or visit an orphanage, contact Hearts of the Father Outreach at heartsofthefather. org or call (413) 229-2922.

Robert J. LaCosta’s daily devotional blog is on his Facebook page and can also be received in your email by writing to norepcom@gmail.com.

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continued from Page 18

anniversary of their tragedy and would-be 40th birthday of their daughter:

*

I

f you would like to showcase special events in our monthly publication, Please send them to us by the 5th of the month preceding publication.* MO

NT

H

5

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Email to: Kristen Roberts at robertsk@spotlightnews.com

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n Retiring

*Based on space availability

February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 19

Senior Centers Clifton Park Senior Community Center 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park (518) 383-1343 For information about current services and programs, please visit cliftonpark.org/index.php/services/ senior-services/senior-center. *Please call to register for all programs listed.

Mondays: Game room activities, tap dance, jazz dance, chair yoga, beginner clogging, intermediate clogging, discussion group, Rummikub, quilting group, soul line dancing Tuesdays: Exercise to tape, game room activities, yoga, dice games, duplicate bridge group, qi-gong and tai chi, scrabble, hand and foot cards, square and round dancing, tai chi for seniors Wednesdays: Exercise to tape, game room activities, investment group, ukulele group, dice games, social bridge, bowling, poker, euchre, beginner tai chi, knitting and crocheting Thursdays: Exercise to tape, game room activities, chorus, Rummikub, yoga, watercolors, modern dance, pinochle, mahjong Fridays: Tap dance, ballet, orchestra, woodcarving, game room activities, dominoes, jewelry making class, Bingo, Latin line dancing

LifePath 28 Colvin Ave., Suite 2, Albany www.lifepathny.org; (518) 465-3322 Supportive services for older adults. To register: www.lifepathny.org/activities; (518) 465-3322 *All events will take place virtually via Zoom this month.

Thursday, Feb. 3 and 17 at 10 am: Seated Tap and Jazz

Learn tap and jazz foot moves while staying safely seated.

Thursdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 1 p.m.: Memoir Writing with Paul Lamar Writing your memoirs can be a creative, rewarding process.

This is a 5-part series on how to write your memoirs.

Sponsor: Albany County Department for Aging Fridays, Feb. 4 and 18 at 9:30 am: Play Reading Club “Raisin in the Sun” This show examines the effects of racial prejudice on the fulfillment of an AfricanAmerican family’s dreams.

Monday, Feb. 7 at 12:30 p.m.: Travel Log: Chinese New Year Come with us as we join the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m.: Mystery Celebrity Bingo Join our mystery celebrity host as they pull the numbers for an hour of Bingo fun.

Thursday, Feb. 10 and 24 at 10 am: Paint n’ Sip (2-Session Series) Join us for this 2-part series.

You must sign up ahead in order for the materials to be covered.

Thursday, Feb. 10 at 12:30 p.m.: LifePath Time Machine: History of St. Valentine and Valentine’s Day Join us as we step back in time and explore the life of St. Valentine and where the famous Valentine’s Day came from.

Mondays, Feb. 10 and 24 at 2p.m.: Tai Chi with Cheryl Hurd Stretch your body through a series of movements designed to improve alignment and release stress. No experience required!

Sponsor: CDPHP Friday, Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m.: Movie Club – “Hidden Figures”

20 Family Now — February 2022

Join us as we get together to enjoy wonderful movies and talk about our views with them.

Monday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.: Valentine’s Day Games and Trivia Join us as we joke, laugh, and play with fun games and trivia.

Thursday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 am: Celebrate Black History Month with Dr. Annette Johnson EdD, RD, MCHES Professor, Department of Africana Studies SUNY Albany Friday, Feb. 18 at 11 p.m. Documentary Days - Reimagining a Buffalo Landmark Learn about the 150-year-old history of the Richard Olmstead Campus, originally the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane.

Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.: Flower Camp with Michele Join us as we learn to design a beautiful flower arrangement to brighten up any setting.

Sponsor: Albany County Department for Aging Friday, Feb. 25 at 12:30 p.m.: Movie Club – “The Help” Join us as we get together to enjoy wonderful movies and talk about our views with them.

Monday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.: Book Club: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas

Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969 Additional information along with the calendar will be posted on the Niskayuna Town website at www.niskayuna.org/seniorcenter. Please note that all details are subject to change. Call with any questions or concerns.

Tuesdays 9 a.m.-noon: Tom’s Computer Class (first and third Tuesday of the month)

10 a.m.: Tai Chi 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service 10 a.m.: Cards, Mahjong, Bridge, Bocce Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service 1 p.m.: MVP Chair Moves Thursdays 10 a.m.: Tai Chi 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service 10 a.m.: Cards, Mahjong, Bridge, Bocce Noon: Gershon’s, BYOL and coffee service 1 p.m.: The Eddy Health Alert Chair Yoga, in house and via Zoom (Feb. 3 and 17) Fridays 11 a.m.: CDPHP Chair Pilates, Zoom only (Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25) Exercise Update: Mondays at 11 a.m.: CDPHP Zumba Gold, in house and via Zoom (Feb. 7, 14, 28) Wednesdays at 11 a.m.: SilverSneakers Zumba Gold, Zoom only (Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.: Gentle Flow Yoga with Susan (Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) Classes remain available on Zoom with a couple in-house.

You can email Edie for registration, dates and times at ecannizzo@niskayuna.org.

Feb. 3: 11 a.m. Book Club (“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins); Birthday Celebration Feb. 8: Blood Pressure Clinic

by St. Pete’s Health Partners; Potato Lover’s Day Feb. 10: Make a Friend Day Feb. 15: Gumdrop Day Feb. 22: Dimestore Trivia Day Feb. 24: Bingo

February

February 2 Wednesday Pine Bush Pups Walk: Groggy Groundhogs Also Thursday. We will take a short walk learning about groundhogs on the way, 10 a.m. Suitable for ages under 6 with caregivers. Program is free, but reservations required.

Albany Pine Bush Discover Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call (518) 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

The Year of the Tiger Craft Pick up a bag of supplies to make crafts at home in celebration of Chinese New Year.

While supplies last. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park.

For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

274-7071 or visit thetroylibrary.org.

Learn how to stretch meals creatively over multiple day, 6 p.m. Register online at thetroylibrary.org to receive the zoom meeting information. Troy Public Library, 100 2nd St., Troy. For more information, call (518)

www.theegg.org.

First Friday Lecture: Shaker Architecture and Design

3 Thursday Winter Wellness Toolkit: Thieves the Day Explore essential oils, focusing on the iconic Thieves essential oil blend, 6:30 p.m.

For ages 18 and older. Registration is required for this three part-series. Schenectady County Public Library, 99 Clinton St., Schenectady. For more information, visit www.scpl.org.

Documentary Film Series: “Love, Gilda”

4 Friday Experience the best Beatles tribute ever, 8 p.m. Cost is $59.50. The Egg Performing Arts Center, Empire State Plaza, Albany. For more information, call (518) 473-1845 or visit

Empire Plan Enrollees: NO OUT-OF-POCKET

Gnome Home Create a colorful gnome home scene with modeling clay, wooden pieces and decorative bits and bobs, 1 p.m. For ages 5 and older.

8 Tuesday Lost Radio Rounders Enjoy one of upstate New York’s premiere acoustic Americana duos performing an exciting mix of American Roots classics, noon.

Free. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, 30 2nd St., Troy. For more information, call (518) 2730038 or visit www.troymusichall.org.

9 Wednesday Pine Bush Pups Walk: Winter Birds Also Thursday. We will learn what birds do through the coldest months of the year on a short hike, 10 a.m. Suitable for ages under 6 with caregivers. Program is free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discover Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call (518) 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Continued on the next page

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Whether you call them groundhogs or woodchucks join us for this 0.9-mile walk, 11 a.m. Program is free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discover Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call (518) 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Cost is $16.05 for one hour. The Wonder Room, 896 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake. For more information or to register, call (518) 602-0237 or visit www.thewonderroomschool.com.

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Explore the ingenuity and thoughtfulness behind the Shakers’ creation of a religious sect and their lasting legacy, 10:30 a.m.

Attend in person or via Zoom. Registration is required. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

5 Saturday

Never-before-seen footage and journal entries form the narrative spine of the documentary, 6:30 p.m. Attend this program in person. Masks are required. Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

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February 2022 — cdFamilyNow.com 21

Calendar of events

February

10 Thursday

Pick of the month

Simple Hand Sewing Explore some simple stitches and techniques used in hand sewing, 4 p.m. For ages 7 and up. Cost is $32.10 for two hours.

The Wonder Room, 896 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake. For more information or to register, call (518) 602-0237 or visit www. thewonderroomschool.com.

22 Tuesday Library Luau to Go Hula in and grab crafts, activity sheets, and recipe ideas that will make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation. While supplies last. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

You Are What You Eat Dr. Robert S. Feranec, Curator of Pleistocene vertebrate paleontology, will discuss how he uses different chemicals in fossilized teeth and bones to understand ancient animals, noon. Program is virtual; visit the museum website to register. New York State Museum, Empire State Plaza, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

14 Monday Winter Bird Walk Fluff up your feathers and come explore birds in winter, 11 a.m. Program is free, but reservations required. Albany Pine Bush Discover Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

For more information, call (518) 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

15 Tuesday Cooking with the Seasons with Capital Roots Join us for a discussion about preparing meals using a variety of seasonal veggies, 6 p.m. For ages 18 and up. Registration is required. Schenectady County Public Library, 99 Clinton St., Schenectady. For more information, visit www.scpl.org.

Understanding Library Holds and Waitlists Learn how library holds and waitlists

of high energy performances, 5 p.m. Cost is $25. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany.

For more information, call (518) 465-3335 or visit www.palacealbany.org.

Hygge at Home Renovation of the Birds of New York Exhibit Hall

Feb.

3

Dr. Jeremy Kirchman will take you behind the scenes to introduce you to this beautifully crafted educational environment designed to welcome a new generation of bird lovers, noon. Program is virtual; visit the museum website to register. New York State Museum, Empire State Plaza, 222 Madison Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 474-5877 or visit www.nysm.nysed.gov.

work as we discuss the different ways to request items, 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

17 Thursday Listening Parties: The Velvet Underground This band had little to no success, until they dissolved, after which, they became legendary with some members going on to strong individual careers, 7 p.m. Registration required. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

GIVE YOURSELF A CHANCE TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE! In Home Personal Training

18 Friday Crash Course: Find Your Next Read with NoveList Wondering what to read next? Find out how to use the library’s NoveList database to discover new books and authors, 10 a.m.

Registration required. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

20 Sunday Black History Step Show The Price Chopper Black History Month Step Show & HYP3st Dance Competition features some of the best step teams from the Capital Region and beyond for an afternoon

Put your feet up as we master the art of hygge, a Danish term for a moment or feeling that is cozy, warm, and homey in this virtual program, 7 p.m. Advanced registration is required. Clifton ParkHalfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call (518) 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

24 Thursday Simple Hand Sewing Explore some simple stitches and techniques used in hand sewing, 4 p.m. For ages 7 and up. Cost is $32.10 for two hours.

The Wonder Room, 896 Saratoga Road, Ballston Lake. For more information or to register, call (518) 602-0237 or visit www. thewonderroomschool.com.

28 Monday Name That Tune Impress others with your musical knowledge as you identify tunes from television and film, 7 p.m. Teens 14 and older welcome. Registration required. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar.

For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

BRAINTEASERS ANSWERS

• Is balance an issue?

• Do you need someone to keep you motivated to stay active?

Certified Geriatric Personal Trainer through A.A.H.F.

Still offering services through Covid-19 Call Today 518-312-7983

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Stephanie Hutchins

In-home personal training is convenient and can help you start living with confidence/independence.

Assisted Stretching Available

CRPYTO ANSWERS: A. kisses B. hugs C. romance D. valentine

Albany Guardian Society’s Institute offers over 150 classes a year.

Currently all classes are being held online through Zoom.

Offering FREE Educational Programs on Aging Related Topics F Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis F Finding More Joy......

F Sustainable Food Solutions: Navigating Food Waste and Plastic Food Packaging To view the entire 2022 Winter Institute schedule, or to register, go to www.AlbanyGuardianSociety.org or call 518.434.2140.

Albany Guardian Society publishes the Housing Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region and Transportation Options for Senior Adults in the Capital Region. For a free copy, please email or call us, or check our website out for a digital copy.

Celebrating 170 years, Albany Guardian Society (AGS) is a not-for-profit foundation with a mission to improve the lives of seniors in the Capital Region, their families and their caregivers, through information, education, research, and collaboration.

To learn more about Albany Guardian Society and to sign up to receive emails about our programs and forums call 518.434.2140.

14 Corporate Woods Blvd., Suite 102, Albany, NY

AGS@AlbanyGuardianSociety.org

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