Capital District Family Now - November 2020

Inside:

Cookies for a cause

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

Vol. 1 | November 2020 | FREE

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Thoughtful Thanksgiving

The Pine Bush at night Autumn reads cdFamilyNow.com Month 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 1

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This information is available in other formats for members with special needs or who speak a language other than English. Please call us at 1-800-852-7826 (TTY/TTD: 1-800-662-1220).

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2 Family Now — November 2020

Editor’s desk

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FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

Remembering to be thankful ike most milestones we have passed in 2020 since the outbreak of coronavirus, Thanksgiving is shaping up to be a little different than in years past.

Thanksgiving is one of the most significant intergenerational gathering times of the year, but this year, sharing a big meal with our extended family poses significant challenges. Travel, for one. College students are discouraged from ranging too far off campus, and New York’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers from most parts of the country can put a damper on most holiday plans.

Then there’s the worry that we could inadvertently expose our older or immune-compromised loved ones to a deadly virus simply by getting together under one roof.

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

For every age and stage of family life.

November 2020 Features Cookies for a good cause

14-15

Thanksgiving during COVID

13

Virtual volunteering

16

Columnists Triple Threat

6-7

Let’s Cook

9

Legal Beat

11

Learning Center

12

Some families will be able to find their way around these hurdles, but for others, this quieter version of Thanksgiving will be difficult. I am heartened by the fact that our spirit of giving and gratitude remains intact, even under these circumstances. In this issue, you will find articles about how to volunteer to help others ­— with plenty of virtual options. And our feature article by Kaitlin Lembo highlights the work that 4-year-old Mia of Stillwater has put into brightening the days of essential workers with her homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Retiring Retirement

19

Social Security Corner

21

Even if our Thanksgiving is a little scaled-down this year, it is still a good time to reflect and connect with one another. A Zoom holiday may be a poor substitute for the real thing, but better times are ahead.

Senior center shorts

17

Brain teasers

20

Thank you for reading Family Now. Check out our articles and resource listings 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 us at robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

Kristen Roberts Editor, Capital District Family Now

What’s new Kids fun page

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

Mia Villa of Stillwater cooks up a batch of chocolate chip cookies for essential workers. Read about Mia’s Cookie Jar on 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.

November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 3

Time-saving tips

How to sanitize a backpack

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ackpacks are useful tools for students and adults alike. From hiking supplies to school books to sports equipment, backpacks can store just about anything. As veritable workhorses, they’re bound to get dirty and can benefit from periodic cleaning.

While it may be tempting to simply throw a backpack into the washing machine, it is important to check the care instructions first. Some canvas, nylon and fabric backpacks can go in the wash, but those made of leather or those with intricate details should not. You also don’t want to put a backpack in a dryer.

Here are steps to cleaning a backpack.

Backpacks can get grimy quickly.

Routine washing can freshen them right up.

1. To get started, begin by removing any items from the backpack, including all of the pockets. If necessary, use a vacuum to get crumbs out of the backpack.

2. Check the care label to see

Discover the Night

with the Albany Pine Bush

Experience nighttime in the Albany Pine Bush!

Enjoy preserve staff and special guest videos featuring 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 November 24, 2020 at 4:30pm.

A free virtual online special event.

Kits in the Discovery Center parking lot on Nov 21 from 10am-12pm & Nov 22, 27, 28 from 1pm-3pm.

First come, first served, while supplies last.

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4 Family Now — November 2020

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Bonus! We’ll be giving away Discover the Night Activity

if there are washing instructions. This will determine if you should wash it by hand or if it can be put in the machine.

more quickly outdoors, but avoid direct sunlight, which can compromise the integrity of the fabric or discolor the backpack.

3. If the bag can be machinewashed, turn it inside out first or place it in a pillowcase so that the straps and zippers will not be caught. Then wash it on a gentle setting with a mild detergent and lukewarm water. If the bag should be hand-washed, use lukewarm water and a soft sponge or a gentle bristle brush.

6. Do not store or use the pack until it is completely dry.

4. Zippers need occasional cleaning to remove dirt, sand or crumbs. Many zippers have water-resistant coatings so do not scrub them. Use a lubricant made for zippers to help them slide smoothly.

5. Hang the bag to air dry upside down. It likely will dry

7. Sometimes a backpack may need to be disinfected to prevent the growth of fungus or bacteria. Athlete’s foot fungus can easily transfer from socks and shoes to the backpack if gym clothes are left in the bag.

It’s a good idea to skip chlorine bleach and use a pine oil or phenolic disinfectant or a disinfectant wipe or spray.

If a backpack is waterproof, only wash it once or twice per year; otherwise, you may reduce the pack’s ability to repel water.

Use cleansing wipes to spot clean when necessary.

picture books

On the Bookshelf

Cozy reads for a chilly month ‘And the People Stayed Home’

‘Cozy’

By Kitty O’Meara

By Jan Brett

A thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine and the future that conveys an optimistic message about the meaning to be found in our shared experience of the coronavirus and the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet. Tra Publishing

Cozy is the softest musk ox in Alaska, with the warmest fur you ever did feel.

When a storm hits while he’s separated from his family, he starts to feel lonely – but not for long. As the snow piles up, animals start to notice just how warm and cozy Cozy really is! G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

‘The Couch Potato’

By Jory John; Illustrated by Pete Oswald The Couch Potato has everything he needs within reach of his sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, he is forced to venture outside. And when he does, he realizes fresh air and sunshine could be just the things he needs. HarperCollins

Toddler • Early Childhood • Elementary • Middle School

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Limited openings for Toddler ages 18-36 months and Primary ages 3-6 years old 100 Montessori Place • North Greenbush 518.283.5400 • woodlandhill.org 113066_4

November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 5

Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

A family to be thankful for

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Steuer household bands together when life-threatening allergy strikes triplet

or many moms, there are certainly times that will be burned into your memory for the rest of your life. Many of these moments will be happy, the others … not so much.

November is a tough month for many families, and this year isn’t any easier. Many of us just can’t face Thanksgiving and all of its trappings this year. This year, Harlan, Rebecca, Benjamin, Olivia, my mom and I will hopefully gather around the table with bowls of mashed potatoes and turnips sending up ribbons of steam, beckoning us to come sit and be happy. Our plates will overflow with salad, turkey and rolls. The love we

feel will make us smile. We will keep laughing over the inside jokes about key lime pie and corn bread as we do the dishes.

Long after the meal is done, we will still be talking and remembering family that isn’t with us. by

beautiful face. Seeing my child in such a state made my body go cold. My brave girl came to me, and there was no question that she needed the Epi-Pen. I looked into her eyes and felt time stop. I saw that visceral fear and tears running down her swollen cheeks.

We both knew what was at stake: her life. I grabbed the box of EpiPens and through rote memory from many, many practice shots and tutorials from Certified Allergy and Asthma, I pressed the applicator to her thigh. Olivia was so brave! After the Epi-Pen and two Benadryl,

Jennifer Steuer

In September, one of my biggest fears came true: Olivia had a reaction to something she ate.

Within two minutes of eating a cookie – she has had all the ingredients with no issues before – Olivia’s mouth began to swell and hives danced across her tongue, inside her mouth and spilled out onto her

there was no improvement so a second shot was necessary. From the time Olivia ate the cookie to the second Epi-Pen, five minutes had passed. Those five minutes were the most terrifying minutes of my life.

The entire family knew this was serious, and everyone jumped into action. I don’t know how an emergency could have gone more smoothly. Harlan had been in the garage; Rebecca ran and let him know what happened. Benjamin called 911 and gave them all the information necessary. My mom went outside to wave down the police, firetrucks and ambulance.

Continued on Page 7

To all of our

A Heartfelt Thank You! 6 Family Now — November 2020

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ESSENTIAL WORKERS

make sure that Olivia survived.

Food allergies are not to be taken lightly. The struggle with food allergies is life and death.

The allergens aren’t just in food.

Take a look at cosmetics, shampoo, facial cleansers – many of them have almond oil, ground walnuts, shea butter, and there is always the chance of cross contamination.

n Triple Threat continued from Page 6 We got Olivia outside and sat her in a lawn chair so there would be room for the emergency workers to help her. Her heart was beating so fast from epinephrine and fear. This terrified every single one of us. I couldn’t worry about anything in those moments because I was focused on whether Olivia could breathe.

I watched the EMTs check her over, give her oxygen and strap her on the stretcher. Olivia was pale and looked so small. I rode with her to the emergency room with prayers flying through my mind to my lips. I prayed for my daughter to be protected. This was life and death.

At the pediatric emergency room, every single person treated Olivia with kindness and compassion. The nurses kept both of us informed about the plans for treatment and what the best and worst case scenarios could entail. I sat next to Olivia’s bed and held

Olivia Steuer recently had a harrowing allergic reaction to something she ate. After an ambulance ride and emergency room visit, her family is very thankful for her recovery. her hand. We watched a movie, which was a great distraction for us. As emergency rooms and emergency situations go, we got lucky. We were blessed with a good outcome.

Olivia was diagnosed with peanut and tree nut allergies

right before Thanksgiving in 2009. She wasn’t even two years old. (Fun fact: Peanuts are actually a legume and not a nut.)

Since that day, we have done all we can to keep her safe. I had so much to be thankful that year.

This year, I am so grateful for a family that pulled together to

I sit back thinking of how my family is doing and honestly can say we are doing OK. Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia may argue and get on each other’s nerves but at the end of the day there is love. We stand by our family and we raise each other up. No matter how much fighting happens when Olivia needed Benjamin and Rebecca’s help no one hesitated to help. That is what I am most thankful this year and every year: my family.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 12-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

The Capital District family has changed -- and we are changing too.

In recognition of the multi-generational nature of the modern household, we are merging Capital District Parent Pages with Senior Spotlight to create Family Now, a monthly publication with timely features for every age and stage of family life.

With Family Now, readers will find all the great columns and features they already enjoy every month, plus so much more.

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

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n u F s d i K e g a P

Animal Friends Word Find

Coloring Fun

8 Family Now — November 2020

Let’s Cook! by

Jodie Fitz

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Ala mode apple pie A seasonal favorite gets turned on its head with delicious results

his no-churn apple pie ice cream recipe is easy to make. It’s layered with all of the flavors from an apple pie and then gently folded into that rich, creamy, vanilla yumminess that typically is scooped on top of a traditional apple pie. This is an all-in-one spoonful of flavor.

in its own edible, phyllo dough bowl. They are easy to make and add just the right crunch to the mix. When you serve it with my apple pie ice cream, it’s like adding the pie shell. And, when I use these little bowls, it’s also a little bit of built in portion control. They are also easy to make; I simply use a muffin tin to serve as my mold.

I like to serve my homemade ice cream

You are going to want to add this recipe

No Churn Apple Pie Ice Cream 2 large apples 3 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons brown sugar, light 2 teaspoons cinnamon 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk 16 oz. whipping cream or heavy cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 8 oz. old fashioned caramel dip Wash, peel, core and dice the apples. Place them in a sauté pan with the water. Cover them and cook over low heat until they begin to soften; don’t over cook them to a mushy state. Turn off the heat and stir in the brown sugar and a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until the ingredients have dissolved into the liquid. Let the apple mixture cool.

Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until it forms a stiff peak. Fold together the sweetened condensed milk and the whipped cream. Stir in the cooled apple mixture.

Pour half of the apple pie ice cream the into a freezer friendly storage container. Add the 8 oz. of caramel dip, drizzling it as evenly as possible

Get more recipes from Jodie Fitz through the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club at www.pricechopper.com. To learn more about her, visit www.jodiefitz.com.

over the creamy batter. Add the remaining cream mixture over the top and freeze the ice cream overnight before serving.

If you are looking for a little added fancy, you can make phyllo dough bowls to serve it in ahead of time.

Here’s how: Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a muffin pan with the non-stick cooking spray. Cut approximately 3 sheets of phyllo dough into 3-inch strips the shorter length of the dough and then cut those in half. Gently lay several strips in a muffin tin in a crisscrossed fashion to cover each muffin tin to form a bowl. Repeat this process until you have filled all 12 cups. Lightly baste the phyllo dough with a very light layer of canola oil. Bake the cups for approximately 5-7 minutes. The phyllo will be lightly browned. Let the cups cool completely before removing them from the pan

Get the word out!

Bring a Manatee Home for the Holidays Adopt-A-Manatee

to your menu. It’s perfect for fall entertaining, Thanksgiving dessert or to use up those extra apples from apple picking season.

And, it’s a great recipe to make with your children.

List your local event or meeting in our monthly calendar

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

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

FamilyNow

Photo © David Schrichte

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CAPITAL DISTRICT

1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 9

Helping hands

FamilyNow Ways children CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

can give back

UPCOMING

Monthly Deadlines December Deadline:

January Deadline:

February Deadline:

March

Deadline:

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Parents magazine reports that the number of parents with young children who are volunteering and getting involved has increased in recent years. As family schedules continue to be busy, charitable work done as a family unit can be an ideal way to spend time together and engage in activities for the greater good.

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Kids can get involved in many different charitable efforts. Quite often children are forward thinkers and innovators and may have their own unique ideas in regard to volunteering or charitable work, but the following are some ways kids can get involved in giving back.

JAN

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Donate food. Children can easily gather food to donate to a food pantry in the area. Set aside a bag to donate and pick one item for the donation bin each time the family visits the supermarket. When the bag is full, deliver it to an organization in need. Children also may work with their schools to have a collection box on campus and encourage other families to donate.

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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 112398_4

10 Family Now — November 2020

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hildren can learn about the importance of giving back at an early age. Youngsters who become accustomed to volunteering and supporting charities may be more inclined to continue doing so as they get older.

Participate in a walk or run.

Walks or runs for a cause are popular events in which participants solicit pledges tied to their performances. While these are traditionally group efforts, COVID-19 may change the way future walks are organized.

Children can begin learning about the benefits of being charitable individuals at a young age when their parents introduce them to volunteerism and other ways to give back.

Participants may be able to do a walk or run on their own and still raise funds for local charities.

Be a buddy. Children can be paired up with a senior at a nursing home, a child at a children’s hospital or even a kid who is new to the neighborhood and hasn’t yet made school friends.

Companionship can be a great gift.

Get involved in a cleanup campaign. Picking up litter from parks, beaches, streets, and even around school grounds can be a great foray into volunteer work. Go beyond just removing trash. Organize a planting event or remove brush and weeds as well.

Collect funds. Children can learn the joy of charitable giving by starting small. Keep a change collection jar at home and toss change from shopping excursions or coins they may find while out and about in the community. When the jar is filled, cash in the coins and donate to a charity of your child’s choosing.

Legal beat

Can an IEP help your child?

Individualized Education Plans can make it easier for children with disabilities to reach learning goals

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hildren with disabilities can face more challenges than others, particularly during this school year. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees all children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). It covers children from birth through age 21 or completion of high school.

FAPE requires that the child advance at an appropriate rate considering his or her circumstances. Students may receive special education and related services to ensure this.

An Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, documents these services, the child’s needs and the goals for the year.

To qualify for an IEP, the child must have a disability that falls within one of 13 categories. The disability must also affect The Individuals the child’s abilby with Disabiliity to learn. The ties Education 13 categories Act provides that are autism, deafthe student will ness, deafbe placed in the blindness, emoleast restrictive tional disturbance, environment. hearing impairment, learning disability, inThis means that schools tellectual disability, multiple cannot remove children with disabilities, orthopedic impairdisabilities from regular classment, other health impairroom settings unless education ment, speech or language cannot be achieved satisfacimpairment, traumatic brain torily even with additional injury, and visual impairment services.

Christen L. Smith

including blindness.

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York’s Children’s Law Project can advise and assist low-income families of children with disabilities. This assistance is free of charge.

You can learn more about the Children’s Law Project by visiting www.lasnny.org/clp.

If you have questions about an education matter, please contact the Legal Aid Society by calling (833) 628-0087.

The writer is an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York.

I asked what kind of family Amina wanted.

She said, ‘A family like yours.’ That’s when I knew I had to adopt her.

Denise, adopted 17-year-old Amina

LEARN ABOUT ADOPTING A TEEN YO U C A N ’ T I M AG I N E T H E R E WA R D

A D O P T U S K I D S . O R G

November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 11

Learning Center

Education insight for parents

Make your conference count

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Consider these questions when meeting with your child’s teacher

eady for another checkup? Only this checkup isn’t at the doctor’s office, it’s at your child’s school: Parentteacher conference time is almost here.

Did you know that parental involvement is a strong predictor of academic success? Teachers want you to attend conferences and be involved in your children’s school lives. This is an exciting opportunity for both you and the teacher.

To make the most of this opportunity, here are some important questions to consider asking during a parent-teacher conference. Although not

all of these questions will be your students’ parents? applicable to every student, by • What do you see as my coming to a conference with child’s strengths? some specific questions, you will have a better • What do you by experience and are think are academic more likely to challenges for my better understand child? how your child is doing in school • What would you and the values do if my child were and beliefs of your struggling academically child’s teacher, both with something? of which will be extremely valuable as the school year • What should I do if I see continues. that my child is struggling in your class?

• How do you prefer that we communicate with each other?

• Are you available for indi(Email? Phone? Text? Notes?) vidual help apart from class?

When do you offer that, and • What do you expect from how does my child access that help? What does it look like?

evening? Will our child’s grades be affected by homework not completed?

• What opportunities do the students have to develop socially while learning remotely or in class?

Also, before you ask the teacher for help, be sure to tell the teacher what you’ve tried already. That will show the teacher that you see this problem as a joint problem, not just something you’ve dumped in their lap. Ultimately, you want to work with the teacher to find the best solution for your child.

Patrick McNamara

• How can I help support my child’s remote learning in our house?

• Do you think my child is at performing at grade level for your class? Have you seen anything that suggests to you that my child might be missing foundational skills that are required to succeed in your class?

If you don’t know now, when will you be able to answer that question?

• (For math and reading teachers.) How do you handle standardized testing and prep for the State tests?

• What are your homework expectations and policies and how my child is doing with homework? How do you feel about us limiting homework time to __ minutes per

12 Family Now — November 2020

• What can I do at home to support what you’re doing in the classroom?

Remember that teachers are people with many demands on them from students, principals and parents. Try to avoid (at least at first) being that parent teachers answer last. Posing questions in a positive manner will go a long way toward being seen as a partner, rather than yet another person who wants something from them.

Saying, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today,” is a good way to start any conversation with a teacher.

Above all, remember to keep your conference friendly and positive. Just like the adage says, you’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Be positive and solution-oriented.

You and your child’s teacher can be a strong team of support for your child. Make this checkup a helpful steppingstone in a successful parentschool partnership.

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

Holidays

Thanksgiving during a pandemic

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Take steps to keep everyone safe if you are planning to host a holiday meal

uch like the holidays that preceded it in 2020, Thanksgiving figures to be different this year. An ongoing pandemic has changed the way much of the world lives their lives, including how holidays are celebrated.

As the novel coronavirus spread across the globe beginning in the winter of 2019-20, the World Health Organization recommended a host of behaviors designed to prevent the spread of the virus and protect those who are most vulnerable to it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also noted the importance of keeping distance from others, especially for those who are most likely to get seriously ill if they’re exposed to COVID-19, such as the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

The WHO and the CDC continue to recommend social distancing, which means Thanksgiving in 2020 will be unlike any other. Families must make their own decisions about getting together this holiday season, but hosts who intend to welcome guests into their homes this Thanksgiving can take certain steps to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Assign seats. If the meal will be served indoors, then hosts can assign seats to protect those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19. Instead of cramming everyone in at one table, set up temporary tables and have guests sit in every other seat rather than next to one another.

Isolate the vulnerable as much as possible while still ensuring they can engage in conversation.

Families must make their own decisions about getting together this holiday season, but hosts who intend to welcome guests into their homes this Thanksgiving can take steps to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Scale back the guest list.

Families accustomed to large Thanksgiving gatherings can scale the festivities back this year in an effort to keep everyone safe. Consider hosting a meal for immediate family members only, as the Environmental Protection Agency notes that COVID-19 may spread more easily in indoor environments via airborne particles. Extended family members can visit each other over the long holiday weekend to ensure everyone still sees each other, but keep such visits outdoors when possible.

Consider eating Thanksgiving dinner outside. If the weather permits, consider eating Thanksgiving dinner outside this year. Doing so may limit everyone’s exposure to the respiratory droplets that researchers say can spread the virus when inhaled. If necessary, serve the meal earlier than you normally would so everyone can eat in midday when it’s still warm outside. Hosts also can consider serving something more convenient than turkey, which takes a long time to cook, and limiting side dishes to one or two items.

Discourage guests from attending if they feel sick. A list of COVID-19 symptoms can be found at www.cdc.gov.

In the days prior to Thanksgiving, hosts can share that list with guests via email or social media and discourage guests who are feeling ill on or around the holiday from attending the festivities. If necessary, make a to-go plate for ill relatives and drop it off at their homes so they can still enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.

Stock up on hand soap and hand sanitizer. Hosts should make sure hand soap and sanitizer is readily available throughout their homes.

When guests arrive, make sure everyone washes their hands immediately, and encourage guests to continue doing so throughout the day.

We’re online!

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Be sure to visit our website…

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Mia’s Cookie Jar is a powerful force of deliciousness

TILLWATER — Devin Villa’s 4-year-old daughter, Mia, is kind of famous these days.

While Mia hasn’t learned fractions yet, she knows what her measuring cups look like. She can tell when the size is off. The consistency of each batch is impressive, even before you remember she’s a toddler.

She’s not an actress or a singer. While she’s cute as a button, she’s not modeling kid clothes.

Mia, clad in pretty dresses, curly pigtails with bows and a smile brighter than confectioners’ sugar, is a baker. Her signature chocolate chip cookies have been making the rounds to local essential workers and first responders since July, when Villa and Mia created Mia’s Cookie Jar. “She’s beginning to understand the toll these workers take when they go to work each day and perform what can be thankless jobs,” Villa said. “When we make deliveries, she is able to articulate what she’s seeing.”

by

Kaitlin Lembo

Villa has had Mia as a sous chef since she was tall enough to see the counter on a stool. When COVID-19 shut down the Capital District, Villa, a stayat-home mom, was looking for ways to keep her children involved in the world. Knowing Mia’s favorite food is chocolate chip cookies, mom and daughter decided to deliver some fresh baked cookies to essential workers.

Villa said the first few deliveries were basic. They would drop off the fresh-baked cookies, take a few pictures and would be on their way. Now, Mia’s Cookie Jar is almost entirely supported by Mia’s talent.

“The only thing she doesn’t do is anything with the oven,” Villa said. “But she measures everything out. She forms them. She mixes them. She knows exactly what goes in the cookies and what ingredients she needs. I’d bet money she’d be able to identify her measuring cups in a line up.”

14 Family Now — November 2020

As she waits for her cookies to bake, Mia draws a picture for each delivery. The picture shows the first responders or essential workers she will be rewarding.

Villa said Mia is proud of her art and thinks the presentation is the best part of their day.

“She goes right up to these people, who she’s never met, and will walk them through the picture,” Villa said. “One police officer said he was going to hang the picture in his office, and she was really excited.”

Mia’s great-grandfather, Doug Greth, is beyond proud of the compassionate girl Mia has become. He and Mia’s great-grandmother, Dolores, have been following her journey since its first days and are overwhelmed with the appreciation lavished on the little girl.

“We have such a great family unit, and Mia shows how we value goodness in our family,” Greth said. “The cookies and the picture show such a tremendous effort and is evident that Mia’s cookies are making a wonderful difference with each batch.”

Greth added Villa is an “incredible mom” and she takes ideas and advice given to her and runs with it.

Villa said since the beginning of Mia’s business, she’s had quite a few donations, which helps with the costs.

On Mia’s Facebook page, Villa showcases donations from places like Hershey’s (who sent a massive gift basket of Mia’s favorite ingredient, chocolate chips, among

Mia Villa, 4, of Stillwater is the tiny force behind Mia’s Cookie Jar, which provides homemade chocolate chip cookies to first responders and essential workers.

Photos from Mia’s Cookie Jar other goodies) and Price Chopper. She’s also received random gifts, like markers, stickers and toys.

Villa said the cookies are remembered — when Mia’s brother had a recent medical scare, paramedics were called. The unit that showed up was one that Mia had recently delivered to.

“They kept telling her how much they loved the cookies,” Villa said. “Everyone loves to see her.”

Villa concluded it doesn’t look like the excursions will be slowing down anytime soon; Mia cries if there isn’t a delivery to look forward to and she picks each special outfit in anticipation.

“If she wants to stop, we will stop,” Villa said. “She doesn’t want to stop right now, and with all the good it’s teaching her, I’m happy to go as long as we can.”

November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 15

Helping hands

V

Be a virtual volunteer

olunteerism is the life blood of charitable organizations. Many cannot function effectively without volunteers campaigning for their efforts, handling day-to-day activities and serving in many other essential capacities.

Social distancing and other restrictions instituted in response to the global pandemic do not have to stifle volunteer efforts.

The internet can be a gateway to volunteer opportunities – many of which can be handled virtually from the safety of home.

Organizations like Goodwill, the United Nations and even AARP offer online volunteering opportunities. Resources such as Volunteer Match also can connect interested parties with organizations that have virtual

volunteer options. The following are a few additional ways to become a virtual volunteer.

Staying close to home has become the norm, paving the way for virtual volunteers to make a difference in their communities.

Manage social media accounts. Charitable organizations recognize the importance of a social media presence, so prospective volunteers can offer to help nonprofits keep their social media accounts updated.

Assist those without sight.

Volunteers with Be My Eyes can provide important assistance to blind or low-vision individuals. Virtual video calls enable volunteers to communicate with people directly and provide help.

Offer tutoring or teaching.

Parents who may need assistance with children adapting to remote learning can benefit from quality educators willing to lend their time and skill sets.

Design and build websites.

Organizations may have trouble finding time to keep their websites updated with the latest information. Writers may be needed to keep blogs current, while coders can improve sites and make them more secure.

Assist call centers. People may have various questions and needs in a time of crisis. Volunteers can be used in retail call

centers, online therapy lifelines and even school offices.

Translate e-mails and phone calls. Translators are always in demand in an increasingly global society. Bilingual men and women can volunteer as translators so their favorite charitable organizations can effectively overcome any language barriers.

T hanksgivingW ishes from the staff at 16  Family Now — November 2020

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

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Senior Centers

The Sidney Albert Albany JCC is currently offering virtual programs for adults and seniors.

In November, we will once again do a service project and make holiday stockings for our soldiers filled with travel-sized toiletries, candies, dried fruit and nuts, energy bars and more. This is a multi-week project.

Erik Lehtinen, Independent Medicare Consultant, will give an overview of the major features of Medicare including Original Medicare and the current parts: hospital insurance, medical insurance, Medicare Advantage and Prescription drug coverage. Medicare supplements, the “Donut Hole,” and the relative benefits of national versus local networks will also be discussed.

View additional upcoming virtual programs at www. albanyjcc.org/adults.

TUESDAYS 9 a.m.-noon: Tom’s Computer Class (first and third of each month) 9:15 a.m.: Tai chi 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service* 10 a.m.: Cards, bridge Noon: Bring your own lunch 1 p.m.: Zoom Chair Moves 7 p.m.: Zoom Gentle Yoga

We’re holding these at-home online Zoom classes: ukulele, soul line dancing, yoga. We’ll even teach you how to ZOOM if you need help.

We have bocce ball, walking club, exercise to tape, knitting and crocheting, golf, yoga, watercolor, bingo, Latin line dancing, discussion group – all outdoors.

We also offer jazz dancing,

Dates for exercise classes scheduled inside are only tentative, and subject to change.

WEDNESDAYS 9 a.m.: Zoom Chair Moves 11 a.m.: Zoom Zumba THURSDAYS 9:15 a.m.: Tai chi 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Open for indoor/outdoor socialization/ coffee service* 10 a.m.: Cards, bridge, bocce available Noon: Bring your own lunch FRIDAYS 11 a.m.-noon: Zoom Chair Pilates *Registration or additional fee.

Bring your own lunch.

Roy F. Bordeau Owner/Manager Serving Families Since 1975

Life just got BETTER! ÅBeautiful, Renovated 1 Bedroom Apartments u Heat & Hot Water Included in Rent u Weekly Buses to Markets and Offstreet Parking u 24 Hour on Call for Emergencies u Affordable Rent Based on Income u HUD & LIHTC Subsidized u

Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna (518) 372-4969 The Niskayuna Senior Center has resumed a weekly and monthly activities schedule.

While we reopen our senior activities slowly, we continue to add additional classes and programs. For your safety, class size is limited. All activities held at the senior center require advanced registration.

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We continually update our newsletter with new activities and announcements. Please check the website frequently for these updates: https:// cliftonpark.org/services/seniorservices/senior-center.html

Pre-registration required.

For further information and to register: www.albanyjcc.org/ adults. Please email Louisas@ albanyjcc.org for assistance with registration.

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518-237-4430 518-273-6685 518-372-5422 518-462-1355

*

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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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Albany JCC 340 Whitehall Road, Albany (518) 438-6651

No Gimmicks, No Hidden Fees, Just the Lowest Price for Cremation with Professional & Dignified Service.

*Based on space availability

November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 17

On the Bookshelf

fiction for adults

New November reads to enjoy ‘Leave the World Behind’

‘Ready Player Two’

By Rumaan Alam

By Ernest Cline

Amanda and Clay head out to a remote corner of Long Island expecting a vacation, but a couple shows up claiming to be the homeowners fleeing from mass blackout and disaster in New York City. Should Amanda and Clay trust this couple — and vice versa? Ecco

Days after winning OASIS founder James Halliday’s contest, Wade Watts makes a discovery that changes everything.

Hidden within Halliday’s vaults, waiting for his heir to find, lies a technological advancement that will make the OASIS a thousand times more wondrous — and addictive. Ballantine Books

‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’

By V. E. Schwab In 1714, Addie LaRue makes a bargain with the devil to live forever but be forgotten by everyone she meets. After 300 years, she meets a young man who remembers her name. Tor Books

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18 Family Now — November 2020 vnaalbany.org

The Perfect Balance of Healing & Home

Retiring Retirement

A Matchless Mentor This is the first in a two-part series.

M

atchless Stove and Chimney founder Tim Madden is as comfortable mentoring employees in Glenmont as he is working with fathers and mothers from around the world at a ministry center in Hawaii that prepares families for short and long-term missions.

The 66-year-old doesn’t lecture from some six-point strategy on leadership or from the pretense of being older and wiser. Instead, he has learned to lead from following.

“God is sovereign, and if I follow him this moment,” Madden said, “he will lead me down the path he wants us to go.”

As a senior, he still pays

close attention to all of those daily nudges that direct his pilgrimage, which is more like a marathon than a sprint – an appropriate simile since he was sixty when he first participated in an Ironman triathlon.

[But more on that in Part II.]

were not the result of a detailed blueprint.

them talk about shooting a gun or assembling a Lego kit, I just love to hear the words roll off “God gives manna one day their lips, and I love to talk with at a time,” he said, referring to them and to have an interacthe biblical account of the bread tion with them. That’s all God’s from heaven. “I’m comlooking for with me. I can’t mitted to this hope till build anything in this world my last breadth.” that He needs. But relationships by Tim counters are forever, and these children Along the way, life’s uncertainties are going to live forever, and his marriage to to some degree, I’ll have some with the timeWanda has seen effect on that, and that’s sobertested practices all of the joys and ing. God enjoys being with me of journaling and sorrows through the way I enjoy being with my prayer, and those five decades of matgrandchildren.” daily times seem to rimony. They’ve raised reflect his role as a father To Tim’s way of thinking, a six children and enjoy and and granddad. influence 24 grandchildren, lot of life boils down to hanging have built a respected business, out, listening to and following “Grandparents don’t need and have ministered in seven the “Matchless Mentor.” anything from their grandcountries while taking on leader- children,” he said. “I just want Robert J. LaCosta’s daily blog ship roles at local churches. appears at robertlacosta.com and to hear them say what they’re his books are on Amazon and at thinking. Whether they’re three All of the very highs and lows local bookstores. years old or 13 or 20 to hear of this amazing progression

Robert LaCosta

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Puzzle Answers on page 22 Clues Down

Clues Across

CRYPTO F UN

1. Famed Spanish General’s nickname 5. Drink alcohol 11. Savings for soggy days 14. Kleenex, Puffs are some 15. Moved in a circular way 18. Pile of stones 19. Drenched 21. Talk to you (abbr.)

23. World’s longest river 24. Thoughts 28. Stake 29. Lawrence Taylor’s nickname 30. Coat or smear 32. Comedian Josh 33. Cost, insurance, freight (abbr.)

35. Royal Bank of Canada 36. Polyvinyl chloride 39. Lifeless 41. Doctor of Medicine 42. Former Saudi Arabian king 44. River along border of India & Nepal 46. German widow 47. Administrative review board 49. Small tower 52. Central American fruit 56. Cigar 58. Bring to life 60. Linked together in a chain 62. Marinara, BBQ are two 63. Mail 1. Expression of creative skill

2. Nonclerical 3. Credit card company 4. Ancient Chinese city 5. Personas 6. More (Spanish) 7. Close to 8. Nigerian City 9. Pals 10. Internal 12. Type of tent 13. Beloved Princess 16. Supplementing with difficulty 17. Region in Mississippi 20. Brave act 22. 36 inches 25. -__, denotes past 26. Swiss river 27. Submersibles 29. Portable computer screen material 31. Binary-coded decimal 34. Supervises flying 36. Represents dull, abrupt sound 37. Deformity involving a limb 38. Map 40. Dominican Republic 43. Breed of hogs 45. District attorney 48. Light Russian pancake 50. Selfs 51. Rock songstress Turner 53. American Music Awards 54. Partner 55. Egyptian Sun god 57. European money 58. Consumed 59. Doctor of Education 61. Actinium

Cooking Terms

WORD SEARCH

Solve the code to discover words related to FRUITS & VEGGIES Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 23 = e)

20 Family Now — November 2020

BOWL CLEAVER COOKER CUP DISHWASHER FORK

FRIDGE FRIER GLASS GRATER GRILL JUG

KNIFE LADLE MICROWAVE MINCER MIXER PAN

PLATE PRESSURE COOKER ROLLING PIN SCALES SPATULA SPOON

SQUEEZER STEWPOT STRAINER TEAPOT TOASTER TRAY

Social Security Corner

Veterans can count on Social Security

E

very year on Veterans Day, we honor the people who risk their lives to protect our country. Our disability program is an important part of our obligation to Wounded Warriors and their families.

Social Security is an important resource for military members who return home with injuries. If you know a wounded veteran, please let them know about our Wounded Warriors webpage. You can find it at www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors.

The Wounded Warriors webpage answers many commonly

asked questions, and shares oth- gardless of where the disability er useful information about dis- occurs. ability benefits, including how Even active duty military veterans can receive expedited who continue to receive pay processing of their Social while in a hospital or Security disability on medical leave claims. Benefits by should consider available through applying for disSocial Secuability benefits rity are different if they’re unable from those from to work due to a the Department disabling condiof Veterans Affairs tion. Active duty and require a sepastatus and receipt of rate application. military pay doesn’t necesWe apply our expedited sarily prevent payment of Social process for military service Security disability benefits. Almembers who become disabled though a person can’t receive while on active military service Social Security disability benefits on or after Oct. 1, 2001, rewhile engaging in substantial

Elizabeth Pivonka

work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits.

We honor veterans and active duty members of the military every day by giving them the respect they deserve. Let these heroes know they can count on us when they need us most. They earned these benefits. Our webpages are easy to share on social media and by e-mail with your friends and family. Please consider passing this information along to someone who may need it.

The author is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.

Slippery Roads, Icy Sidewalks and Heavy Snow Will Be Here Soon!

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November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 21

A virtual event coming up at the end of November will give you a peek at the Pine Bush at night.

The Pine Bush at nighttime L U N G C A N C E R W O N ’ T Q U I T,

EVEN IF YOU DID.

Experience nighttime in the Albany Pine Bush with Discover the Night, a free online special event that launches Tuesday, Nov. 24. Enjoy preserve staff and special guest videos featuring local wildlife, storytelling, local history and more. Play interactive games, download fun activities and nature craft instructions. There will be something for all ages.

Visit AlbanyPineBush.org/ discover-the-night anytime on or after the 24th.

You can also explore at your own pace; event content will be on the website through the end of this year.

Thanks to a new scan, lung cancer can be detected early when it’s more curable.

If you smoked, get scanned.

As a bonus, you can pick up Discover the Night Activity Kits

in the Discovery Center parking lot on Nov. 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Nov. 22, 27 and 28 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Kits are available first come, first served, while supplies last.

The Discovery Center is located at 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call (518) 456-0655 or email info@AlbanyPineBush.org.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve protects one of the best and last remaining examples of an inland pine barrens ecosystem on earth. With an accessible interpretive center and over 20 miles of trails, there are many ways to experience the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in person.

BRAINTEASERS ANSWERS

Talk to your doctor or visit SavedByTheScan.org

CRPYTO ANSWERS: A. fruit B. vegetable C. harvest D. produce

22 Family Now — November 2020

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Speak with an MVP Medicare Advisor today.

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Try MVP’s new Medicare Cost Calculator, or schedule a one-on-one virtual appointment at MovetoMVP.com.

Plus, FREE wellness programs, including virtual fitness classes, a FREE SilverSneakers® fitness membership, and more!

The annual election period for MVP Health Care Medicare Advantage health plans is Oct. 15–Dec. 7, 2020. MVP Health Plan, Inc. is an HMOPOS/PPO/MSA organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in MVP Health Plan depends on contract renewal.

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November 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 23 7.375” x 9.875”

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Call (518) 641-3400 (TTY 711)†

Visit CDPHP on the web at www.cdphp.com/medicare. * Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat CDPHP Medicare Advantage members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services. † Our hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week from October 1 - March 31. From April 1 - September 30, Monday – Friday, our hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. A voice messaging service is used weekends, after-hours, and federal holidays.

Calls will be returned within one business day.

CDPHP® refers to Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. and CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc. CDPHP is an HMO and a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CDPHP Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal.

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24 Family Now — November 2020