Capital District Family Now - July 2020

Inside:

Beware of pandemic scams

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

Vol. 1 | JULY 2020 | FREE

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Why scream?

Ice cream!

Finding comfort in reflection Art out and about

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SUMMER CAMPS JUNE 29TH - SEPTEMBER 11TH

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2 Family Now — July 2020

Editor’s desk

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

This journey has only just begun We can look for strength in our communities and one another

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ell, we’ve made it to July. This may not be that much of an accomplishment in any given year – time does march forward whether we want it to or not – but for 2020? I’m going to count this as a win. A win rewarded with lazy (and buggy) summer evenings and ample opportunities to explore the area’s outdoor wonders.

This hasn’t been an easy stretch of time. In the past three months, we’ve seen our traditional holidays and milestones downsized – Mother’s and Father’s Days were quiet, low-key affairs, birthdays were celebrated with car parades, and no pomp and circumstance for our 2020 grads – just lawn signs and lots of balloons. It has also been a time of concern for multi-generational family life, while we struggle with how to keep grandparents safe without alienating them from those who love them. Then came a national reckoning and civil unrest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, and we realized there is still so much work ahead of us to create a society where people are truly equal.

We may wish these past months looked different – and make no mistake, we are not yet out of the woods – but sometimes it’s the challenges we face that make us stronger and force us to reflect on who we are as human beings. We should never forget the examples of incredible empathy and heartfelt giving we’ve seen during this time that underscore the sentiment that we are all in this together.

For now, we can take joy in some of the small joys of a Capital District summer, such as a soft-serve cone with sprinkles from your favorite ice cream stand.

We have some favorites too, and editor-at-large Michael Hallisey tells you all about them in his article on pages 14-15. Feel like whipping up your own chilly treat at home? We’ve got you covered there too. Check out Jodie Fitz’s cookies and cream frozen yoghurt recipe on page 10.

And remember, despite the difficulties of this time, we will move toward a healthier and safer future for everyone – together.

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

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

For every age and stage of family life.

July 2020 Features Art on the trail Ice cream hot spots

11 14-15

Columnists Learning Center

5

24-Hour Shift

7

Triple Threat

8

Let’s Cook

10

Social Security Corner

18

A Patriot Remembers

22

What’s new Kids Fun Page

6

Brainteasers 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 Coordinator - Kaitlin Lembo 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.

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 3

On the Bookshelf

picture books

Summer reading starts now ‘How to Read to a Grandma or Grandpa’

‘A Thousand No’s’

By DJ Corchin; Illustrated by Dan Dougherty

By Jean Reagan; Illustrated by Lee Wildish

This story about perseverance and innovation illustrates what can happen if we don’t let our expectations of what something should be, get in the way of what it could be. Sourcebooks Explore

Kids can show their grandparents how to choose a great book, find the perfect spot to read together, and use their best readingout-loud voices. Even after the book is done, there are lots of activities to do together.

Random House Children’s Books

‘Speak Up’

By Miranda Paul; Illustrated by Ebony Glenn

When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, vibrant picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed. Clarion Books

Toddler • Early Childhood • Elementary • Middle School

Engaging, educating and inspiring children ages 18 months to 14 years old

Apply Now for 112373_4

FALL 2020 100 Montessori Place • North Greenbush 518.283.5400 • woodlandhill.org

4 Family Now — July 2020

Education insight for parents

Learning Center

Avoid summer learning loss Now it’s even more important as students finish the year with months of online schooling

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ithin 24 to 48 the staycation that will be comhours after learnmon this summer), ask your ing new concepts, child to keep a journal recording students often what you did. The only way to begin to forget information improve at writing is to write, unless it is reinforced or applied and if they write consistently, immediately. That’s why, during your child will be less likely to be summer break, even the best intimidated by a blank piece of students forget lessons they paper in the fall. have learned during Mathematics the school year. As by Helping mom or you can imagine, dad with grocery this year, summer shopping devellearning loss is ops opportunities going to be even to use math skills, more dramatsuch as calculating ic. Teachers did best prices, making the best they could change, weighing with online learning, fruits and vegetables, etc. but students (especially students who were already strug- Providing assistance with cooking can also familiarize children gling) did not learn everything they needed to know. Following with weights and measures, organization and planning are some recommendations for and following a recipe. Help families that want to minimize children pick a recipe, create an summer learning loss. ingredients list and go shopping Writing together.

To help writing skills, encourReading age your child to start a diary You can’t start too early or or write letters to a grandparread too much. Reading to ent or friend. Those relatives young children nurtures an and friends you can’t visit right interest in language, words and now will certainly appreciate communication. For older kids, it. Zoom calls are great, but reading together can be fun and grandma will recognize that a interesting. Children also learn letter took time and effort. If by example. If parents are setting you are taking a vacation (even

Patrick McNamara

Helping out in the kitchen can reinforce your child’s math skills.

time aside to read, it reinforces the fun and enjoyment of reading. Remember that librarians love to help families find books that are appropriate for your child’s reading level and interests, and many offer virtual children’s programs.

offers free educational resources, helpful tips and strategies on summer learning. There are ageappropriate activities you can download for your child.

Analysis and logic

There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out-of-session that can bridge academic skill gaps for kids who are behind, maintain academic skills so kids avoid summer learning loss or preview next year’s skills.

Patrick McNamara is the Executive Director of Sylvan Learning of Albany and Clifton Park, which provides tutoring services and academic coaching (www.

SylvanLearning.com).

Many family games and puzzles are not only fun, but help children to develop and reinforce skills. A simple card or board game can involve mathematics, analysis and logical thinking.

Research Parents don’t need to come up with a list of activities. There are an abundance of sites that provide summer resources for families. SylvanNation.com

Get the word out!

I asked what kind of family Amina wanted.

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

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

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

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

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

Summer Enrichment Programs

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 5

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WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? There are four things different between Picture A & Picture B. Can you find them all?

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Coloring Fun

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What’s the Difference answers: 1. Rope on swing missing 2. Boat missing 3. Extra rock in water 4. Distant island bigger

B

parenting is a full-time job

The 24-hour shift

Seeing past color to parent Caucasian parents raising children of color see the many sides of racism and white privilege

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s a Caucasian parent of children of color, my parenting is on a whole different level.

Hair care has changed for me – no more just washing, combing, done. Black history is so much more than just the work of Martin Luther King Jr. My family has become very aware of the Eurocentrism in our school curriculum and how little it goes into how black culture has enriched America’s culture as a whole.

As a white person, I have no idea what it is like to be out in public and fearful of someone calling the police on me, or being followed around a store

like a thief simply because of the color of my skin.

environment. Other times it’s more blatant, like being called nasty names when our child is having a public tantrum.

When the kids aren’t with me, I feel the by white privilege turn back on.

It’s an interesting yet unwelcome experience that I could do without.

I find the experience of parenting children of color to be enriching, enlightening and eyeopening. Our family has been “woke” since our children walked through our doors.

Theresa Davis

There is a uniqueness to our circumstance. Racism and white privilege for us is like changing clothes.

Sometimes the racism can be subtle, just like a general feeling of being unwelcome in an

Want to “draw“ more business online?

Parents of children of color have to say things to their children that one would never say to a white child, such as “Some people may not like you because of your color, and because of that you need to

be more careful.” No parent should have to tell their child these things, and no child should have to hear it.

As Caucasians, parenting a child of color is like wandering through unchartered territory.

There are many twists and turns, hostility and kindness.

It’s mostly on-the-job training, but the enrichment and education we get is well worth it.

Theresa Davis is a former early childhood educator and has worked in childcare centers for more than 15 years. She is also an adoptive mother, living and taking care of her family in the Capital District.

Ages 3-12

To advertise on our website, call Denice Mau at 518-439-4949 Visit us at:

cdFamilyNow.com

FamilyNow

2020

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

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CAPITAL DISTRICT

Woodland Hill welcomes you to play, cook, create, and invent! Explore nature, tackle design challenges, play with clay, tap into your inner musician, become a reporter, launch rockets and more!

Space is limited.

Register today!

June 22 - August 28 Woodland Hill Montessori School 100 Montessori Place • North Greenbush 518.283.5400 woodlandhill.org 112372_4

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 7

Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

How do we look ahead?

Trying times test us, but we have to move forward

The pandemic has changed the way we experience family life.

Asking when things will get better does little to alleviate the stress of here and now.

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s a human being, I am feeling lost and drifting with all that has happened in the world. As a mom, I am heartbroken by all the loss. I see the atrocities happening to other families. I see the death counts that are global, national and local. My faith in the powers that be is long gone.

The lives of my children, my husband and my mom are most important to me. We have been sheltering in place since March like almost everyone in New York.

they are more intense. I look out my windows and notice that there are fewer cars going by.

I look up and there are fewer planes going overhead. The grocery stores are quiet. I can see the nervous shoppers who are afraid to touch the produce, afraid to order from the pizza place or touching actual money. Wearing masks in public got less and by less scary because I worry about the mental health all of us are wearof the adults, too. ing masks.

The never-ending talk about These days “getting back to normal” might Olivia, Benjamin be doing the most damage to and Rebecca are our families. Now is a time to set managing to find other new goals and discover untapped avenues for entertainment. strengths. I know that today Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca I’m glad that we have access to doesn’t look the same as it would have seen the news and know Wi-Fi, albeit slow, that has made have last year, and it doesn’t look people are dying from this horit possible for the kids to keep the same as it will next year. I rifying virus. They have heard up with schoolwork. I hear them have to believe that tomorrow how many families have lost on Zoom calls with teachers and might be a little brighter, and a loved ones. Each of their lives friends, learning what was meant year from now even brighter. I has been turned upside down. to be taught in a classroom. have to believe in my heart that Not one person we know has Suddenly my kids couldn’t go to Benjamin, Rebecca and Olivia lived through a pandemic. Not school. Suddenly my kids had are going to have a wonderful one person can give us a firstno real access to their friends future. If I can’t believe that, person account on how to help and no access to anyone else to then what am I doing? our children through this nighttalk to.

Raising kids right now is not mare. Not one person knows In my opinion, the pandemic easy. Not only are we fighting what the future holds, and this is is going to cause many differa virus, we are fighting racism. scary for adults. Being 12? Well, ent problems for parents and The murder of unarmed black this is a hard age to begin with. teachers that we are only seeing men, women and children by My tears and heartache the beginning of. I worry about law enforcement is a pervasive haven’t stopped. If anything, the mental health of every child. problem in our country. Not

Jennifer Steuer

only are families worrying about a hideous virus killing a disproportionate number of black and Hispanic people, but the continuing violence is stealing lives. I need to be honest about my support of the Black Lives Matter movement. A very wise man, Rabbi Hillel, said (in the Talmud, Pirkei Avot chapter 1 verse 14) “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” It is my duty to stand up for the rights of the black men and women who are fighting for the same rights as you and me. It is my duty to tend to my brothers and sisters, as I hope they will for me.

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.

We’re online!

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Be sure to visit our website…

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8 Family Now — July 2020

A time like no other

Reflections

Share your quarantine memories for a regional archive

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e’re living through a historic moment of the 21st Century. It touches all of us in common, but as individuals, we each have our own perspective.

While we are all eager to put it behind us, we have an opportunity to share recent memories, express our voices and listen to one another. It won’t be long before a new generation will ask, “What was living through the pandemic like?”

Bethlehem Public Library would like to collect your recent memories of life during quarantine. Write about it, send images or video. You can also send audio of yourself, or interview someone else. They want to hear about your personal experience

and any details that are meaningful to you, even if it’s just one incident. (“Everything still seemed normal to me until I went down the paper goods aisle in the grocery store, and all the shelves were empty.”) The idea is not to focus on the global situation but on ordinary life.

Email your submissions to quarantinememories@ bethpl.org, or submit them online at bethlehempubliclibrary. org/quarantine-memories-archive. By submitting your narrative and any attachments, you hereby grant unrestricted use to Bethlehem Public Library. Your contact information will not be made public.

Here are some questions to get you thinking about your quarantine memories:

How did the look of your neighborhood change?

Did you get to know your neighbors better?

What was the impact on events that you had already planned for (weddings, proms, birthdays, graduations, church/ temple/mosque events, family reunions, etc.)?

Did you witness an unusual act of kindness?

How did your routines change?

How did you keep in touch with people you normally saw on a regular basis?

Did you lose touch with anyone as a result of quarantine?

Or did you reconnect with someone you had previously lost touch with?

If you worked from home, what were the negative aspects?

Were there any positives?

Will you continue any new routines after things reopen?

How did you keep up with the news? Did you avoid it, or did you binge?

How easy/difficult was it to manage emotions, and anxiety?

Mental health professionals reported patients were having more unusual dreams, or remembering dreams better after waking, was this true for you?

Spending more time at home made many people more inward looking. Did you spend more time thinking about the past?

-Bethlehem Public Library

To all of our

A Heartfelt Thank You!

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ESSENTIAL WORKERS

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 9

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

UPCOMING

Monthly Deadlines August

Deadline:

September Deadline:

October Deadline:

November Deadline:

Baseball treat a sure hit

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t’s been an unusual baseball season, to be sure, but this dessert promises to be a home run of flavorful fun.

Making this recipe is a lot like crafting with food – and it’s even more fun to create this treat together as a family. When it’s complete, sit back, enjoy a few good bites and a little more conversation.

JUL Y

6

by

Jodie Fitz

Kids helping out will gain some valuable kitchen skills like preparing fruit, hulling strawberries, stovetop safety and more.

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

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Cookies and cream frozen yogurt homerun

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½ cup vanilla frozen yogurt 4 chocolate cream-filled cookies 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup Strawberry gel (see below)

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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 112396_4

10 Family Now — July 2020

Let’s Cook!

Grind the cookies in a mini food processor or blender until they are crushed and look like dirt.

In a bowl, stir the cookie crumbs and syrup together.

Spread the cookie mixture on to a plate. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the frozen yogurt onto the cookie base.

Use the chilled strawberry gel in a piping bag with a writing tip to create the baseball lines.

Strawberry gel 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon tapioca ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Wash the strawberries, hull them and slice them. Measure 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Place them into a mini food processor or blender. Puree the strawberries very well.

Pour the strawberries into a saucepan. Over low heat, stir in the honey and vanilla extract until they are mixed well.

Stir in the tapioca. Continue to stir until the tapioca softens and the mixture begins to gel. Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely before using.

You can make this the day before.

Or, let it cool until a lukewarm state, put it into a piping tool with a writing tip and put it in the refrigerator until it’s ready to use.

Accessible art

Communities

Artist Susan Togut’s illuminated panels will create a ‘contemplative environment’ along the Rail Trail

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rt on the Rail Trail (ART) recently announced a new public art project that will be located along the Albany County Rail Trail between Main and Grove streets in Voorheesville by early July.

“You can’t go to a gallery or museum now, and the whole crux of public art is that you happen to come upon them as opposed to consciously having to go to an art spot,” Togut said. “Any person may or may not care about art, but when they encounter public art, that’s a beautiful thing. Public art is more holistic and integrates into daily life because it’s extremely accessible to all people.

With the pandemic and health precautions now, the fact that it’s outdoors makes it safe and lovely.”

The new project, “Crossroads: Transforming Uncertainty,” will feature a series of illuminated installations by Mount Tremperbased artist Susan Togut.

“I’m going to make a series of about eight installations on both left and right sides of the trail, which will have illuminated panels in different shapes with texts and inspiring messages sprinkled throughout,” she said. “I’ve often made contemplative environments, and it’s a journey really. It’s not just a single spot.”

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Togut said she had planned on including an on-site workshop for local residents to make rock paintings with her, but she dropped the idea because of concerns about people not practicing social distancing and how the Rail Trail continues to be crowded since the pandemic began.

Diego Cagara

The illuminated panels will be hand-painted and either be free-standing or placed in trees along the trail.

The work is partly inspired by Voorheesville’s origins as a location where two railroads crossed each other in a farm field in the 19th century. It will include imagery and messages that reference both that time period and how uncertain times are today — a reference to how people are at a metaphorical crossroads too due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Togut said public art is even more visible these days as more people visit parks and recreational spaces during the pandemic.

Julie Sasso, the ART Chair, agreed with Togut that art in public spaces reaches people in a different way.

“Public art is free and accessible out there and people come upon it,” she said. “The timing of this project would be enjoyed by more people in an otherwise bleak time.”

She said Togut’s installations will be the sixth art piece to be featured along the Rail Trail, with five murals having gone up since 2017. This year, ART received five proposal submissions by May 1 from artists looking to install their artwork this summer along the trail.

Artist Susan Togut, whose colorful outdoor installations are pictured above, is installing a brand new public art installation on the Voorheesville side of the Rail Trail.

Provided photo

“The submissions were great, and it was a really hard choice, but we ultimately felt Susan’s proposal best captured the vision we had,” Sasso said.

“We wanted to expand to more contemporary art, something different than murals and have something at Voorheesville’s end of the trail.”

Sasso praised the Voorheesville Community and School Foundation for providing a

$3,000 grant to help make the project possible.

Togut said that public art remains relevant in today’s age despite COVID-19.

“Public art is a form of community expression that can enhance an environment, ask questions, heighten awareness and reflect values while inspiring aesthetically, conceptually and spiritually,” she said.

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 11

Neighbors

Glenmont family helps baby squirrel

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uring a time when social distancing keeps us apart, one local family came together to save the life of a squirrel.

Debbie Wooster, a local elementary school teacher, one day received a call from her son, Henry, who had found an injured animal on the road and asked her to come help.

with the hope that the mother would hear it. When the mother did not return, the Woosters did not give up on saving the tiny squirrel’s life.

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“We brought it home and researched how to take care of it,” Wooster said. Over the next few weeks, the Woosters did everything they could to help rehabilitate the squirrel: bottle feeding, creating a cozy home in a box and ensuring he was fed.

Jackie Gold

“I leaned over, and I could see it was bleeding from its nose,” Wooster said, “but I could see it was breathing.”

A few days later, “Nutkin,” the name they gave the squirrel, opened his eyes for the first time. Once this happened, the Woosters knew that they would have to return Nutkin to the outdoors soon.

Wooster drove the squirrel home, cleaned it up, and tried to play a squirrel baby distress signal where they had found it

in their chicken coop.

“And then he transitioned from there on his own back out to the trees. He’ll still visit in there, and he still comes to our house to visit,” she says.

But Wooster saw this as more than just rehabilitating an animal. She also employed Nutkin to provide a teachable moment to her students.

Nutkin the squirrel was in good hands with the Wooster family of Glenmont.

Submitted photo

“We wanted to make sure we did what was right by him because we wanted him to be free,” Wooster said.

To do so, the Woosters began giving Nutkin outdoor training

Over Zoom, Wooster joined classes to show-and-tell about Nutkin and provide a lesson in science, writing and empathy.

“They eventually started sharing stories of when they have saved someone or something or an animal,” Wooster said. “It was a good discussion on empathy.”

If you find an injured animal, contact North Country Wild Care at (518) 964-6740.

SO CAN YOU. 12 Family Now — July 2020

Grilling

Take your burgers up a notch F ourth of July celebrations often take place in the backyard by the grill, and

this year marks a perfect opportunity to expand your culinary repertoire.

This recipe for Best Burger With Blue Cheese Butter courtesy of Eric Treuille and

Best Burger with Blue Cheese Butter (Serves 4)

Blue-Cheese Butter (Makes 15 servings) 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces (1 cup crumbled) blue cheese 2 teaspoons black pepper

1 pound ground chuck steak 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 4 1/2-inch slices blue cheese butter (see below) 4 sesame hamburger buns, halved Combine ground steak with salt and pepper.

Divide into 4 equal-sized pieces and gently shape into 4 burgers about 1-inch-thick. Top burgers with butter and serve hot in sesame buns.

Outdoor cooking: Grill over hot coals for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done.

Birgit Erath’s “Grilling” (DK Publishing) offers a new take on a backyard barbecue staple.

Place buns cut side down on grill until warm and lightly golden, 1 minute.

Indoor cooking: Preheat a ridged cast-iron grill pan over high heat. Cook for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per side for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill pan until warm lightly golden, 1 minute.

Place ingredients in a food processor or blender; pulse until well blended. Wrap in foil. Place in the freezer until hard, about 45 minutes. To serve, roll back foil and cut into 1/2-inch slices.

When slicing from frozen, warm the knife under hot water first.

After slicing, always tightly rewrap the unused flavored butter roll in the foil before returning to refrigerator or freezer.

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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July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 13

P

Everyone ha

eople feel strongly about their soft serve ice cream, and that passion flares up with summer heat. We are spoiled with a bounty of ice cream stands in the Capital District. You can’t swing a wet pool noodle without hitting one, and if you believe there’s no such thing as bad ice cream, then there is no such thing as having too much of a good thing, either.

by

Michael Hallisey

So, where should you go for the best ice cream?

Declaring who has the best tasting ice cream is a subjective matter reserved to those fool-hearted enough to try. Opinions are swayed by nostalgia or territory.

Maybe you’re looking for something that tastes like that joint your family visited when you were a kid. Or, there’s also the need to stick up for that stand around the corner. No one does it better than your go-to. We get it. But, let’s address the elephant in the room. If you’re scoping out an ice cream stand, you’re doing one of two things: 1. You’re a parent in desperate need of quelling a meltdown.

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t t v y y k y a b

We are spoile You c

14 Family Now — July 2020

ne has their favorite spot for a frozen treat, these are ours an emotional event there. Breathe.

Come back to center. Now, we still need to address the second scenario.

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2. You’re single.

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Selkirk’s Jericho Drive-In has the rustic charm associated with being out and away from the bustle of urban city life.

File photo

It’s a hot, summer day. You’re in the car and there’s a war waging in the back seat. It’s the House of York versus the House of Lancaster and you failed them as a parent. When you hear those two words parents know is a universal warning sign, you’re supposed to stop and react. It’s akin to the rattle of a Texas diamondback. You don’t move, you’re bit.

“We’re bored.” You heard it. You hear it now, with the last note stretched out in a demonic sing-a-long manner meant to strike down your spine with the precision of a ninja. It’s meant to say, you’re not in control, but you reacted with a dad joke. Who’s laughing now?

Whoa. Didn’t mean to trigger

You’re single, and you’re on a date.

You’re on a date and it doesn’t matter where you fall within the timeline, but this is a test. Soft serve ice cream is child’s play, and you’re being watched. Because, at some point during this dating thing between you and your significant other, you’re establishing whether or not this is a friendship or a courtship. You need to know if this is leading someplace that requires credit checks. If the question hasn’t been broached yet, thrusting your date into a screaming, jumping, singing, coughing, hopefully not puking line of children is a passive way of testing whether or not this person is worth a 30-year mortgage.

Now that we’ve identified just about every aspect of the plot here, we need a setting. You characters need a place to settle this out; the rising action, the falling action, the resolution. And, a wink and a nod to you nerds who can fill in the blanks.

Where are you going for ice cream?

Let’s find some atmosphere.

Continued on Page 16

spoiled with a bounty of ice cream stands in the Capital District.

You can’t swing a wet pool noodle without hitting one.

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 15

such a vacation is not complete without a stop underneath Martha’s rooster. Charlie has been standing over Route 9 since before the Northway was opened in 1967. One look at this place and you’ll see they are equipped to handle the 3 million people who visit Lake George each summer. Martha’s has been serving ice cream for nearly 75 years, and it arguably has the best tasting ice cream in the area. Location wise, Martha’s is in the middle of a community built to entertain.

So, if you’re coming out of an amusement park or looking to refresh yourself from a day on the lake, you’ll do worse to stop anywhere else but here.

n Ice Cream continued from Page 15

Andrew’s Burger Shed (Slingerlands)

It’s hard to beat a soft-serve cone on a hot summer day File photo let their children run around without fear of traffic while you steal away a few minutes for yourself. Technically, Andrew’s ice cream selection does not include soft serve — but this family-friendly location is worth the visit.

Martha’s Dandee Creme (Queensbury) From Canada Street to the Great Escape, Lake George has been a summertime destination for generations. Those who make the trip understand

Have a

Fabulous Fourth!

From the staff at:

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HIHIHIHIH

You probably know it as Ross’s Ice Cream & Hamburger Stand. Dave Swift of Swifty’s recently bought the popular food stand and named it after his 12-year-old boy. This joint used to be a spot families would stop at during drives between home and Crossgates Mall. It’s history actually extends back 50 years to when it was in Delmar. When the then-namesake owned the stand, it was best known for milkshakes and ice cream. But, it’s now at the center of a growing Slingerlands neighborhood that includes the upscale homes at Terremere and the new luxury apartments at The Hamlet. Though the surrounding properties have seen development over the years, this food stand still retains its expansive backyard, featuring picnic tables, a playground and a gazebo. This allows parents to

16 Family Now — July 2020

The Snowman (Lansingburgh) While other people note the sight of a flying robin as the first sign of spring, the people of the Capital District look to The Snowman. This ice cream stand has a Troy ZIP code, but

Continued on Page 17

couple waxing nostalgic with tales of kids on train rides and beautiful girls in water skiing exhibitions. And if your significant other passes the courtship test, you just might find yourself daydreaming of a future.

n Ice Cream continued from Page 16 it is Lansingburgh’s claim to fame. Located on 5th Avenue, it’s a short walk away from several pocket parks that includes Powers and 112th Street Park.

Like Troy, Lansingburgh has faced its challenges over the years. Nonetheless, droves of people have been picking up a cone from The Snowman for more than 50 years. It’s practically tradition.

Fool-hearted taste expert

Jericho Drive In (Selkirk) It’s never a bad time to grab some soft-serve with the family, and in the Married or not, there’s always an opportunity to impress.

Jericho Drive In allows for you to stop and have both a dinner and a movie in one place. It shows you’re economical and efficient with your time. Once the honeymoon is over, this becomes more important. Anyway, there aren’t many drive in theaters left in the world. Jericho is the only one in Albany County and it still holds on to the rustic charm associated with

Capital District, you have plenty of choices. being out and away from the bustle of urban city life. Aside from what I said about economics and efficiency, there’s something romantic about taking in a movie and eating an ice cream under the stars.

Jumpin’ Jacks Drive In (Scotia) There are few places better

than spending a July 4th celebration at Jumpin’ Jacks Drive In. Every year, spectators watch a fireworks display shot across the Mohawk River. It’s a tradition that defines every summer here in the Capital District. It’s usually an ideal place to spend a summer day. This is another place with a long history of that dates back to 1952. So chances are you will run into an older

Jack Carpenter, a friend of ours from Two Buttons Deep, employed himself with the impossible task of taste testing various soft serve stands across the Capital District last year.

He devised an intricate way of testing ice cream by using “three crucial categories of criteria” that included serving size, thickness and taste. Out of a high score of 10, Martha’s Dandee Creme (9.5), Guptil’s Ice Cream (9.4), Dairy Haus (9.2), Bon’s (9.1) and Joe’s Dairy Bar (9.0) were named among his top locations.

The author is editor-at-large for Family Now. You can reach him at halliseym@spotlightnews.com.

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Find free Care Guides to support you and your loved one at AARP.org/caregiving

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 17

Social Security Corner

Beware of pandemic scams Contact Medicare right away if you suspect fraud

S

ince older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to remind Medicare beneficiaries to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid falling victim to healthcare fraud during the pandemic.

We’re warning Medicare beneficiaries that scammers may try to use this pandemic to steal their Medicare number, banking information or other personal data.

Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of the most vulnerable people during times of uncertainty and change. You

must protect yourself by making sure you only give your Medicare number to your doctor, pharmacist, hospital, health insurer or other trusted healthcare provider.

for or to “verify” Medicare numbers.

• Call to sell you anything.

by

Elizabeth Pivonka

If someone calls you on the phone, saying they’re from Medicare and asking for your Medicare number or other personal information – just hang up.

Medicare representatives will never: • Call beneficiaries to ask

• Promise you things if you give them a Medicare number.

• Visit you at your home.

• Call you to enroll you in a Medicare program over the phone, unless you called us first.

identity theft. Even with this change, you should guard your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Be sure to check your Medicare claim summaries for errors and questionable bills.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, please report it by calling Medicare’s toll-free customer service center at 1-800-MEDIHome is Where CARE (1-800-633-4227).

You You’ll can also visit Medicare online at www.medicare.gov/formshelp-resources/help-fight-medicare-fraud.

Medicare cardsHome no longeris Where You’ll Find Us The author is with the Social have Social Security numbers Security Administration in on them to reduce fraud and Albany. protect beneficiaries from

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There will be no 2020 Altamont Fair as organizers cancel the event to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

No fair!

File photo

“Although we held off making this difficult decision as long as we could, we knew that despite our best efforts to create a safe path to host the Altamont Fair, it is clear we must cancel for this year to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19,” said Kathleen Stanton, Albany, Schenectady, Greene County Agricultural & Historical Societies Board of Directors president.

The three-county fair was slated for Aug. 18-23.

The City of Albany hosted the first fair in Albany County in 1819. It was sponsored by the Agricultural Jubilee at the Washington Park and the state Capitol. It was held at different municipalities around Albany County until moving to the 138-acre Altamont Fairgrounds in September 1893. At the time, admission was a quarter, and net proceeds for the fourday fair was $884.13.

In 1918, youth under 16

years old were prevented from attending the fair because of a polio outbreak, and it was canceled in 1943 because of World War II.

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Of course, there is also a huge selection of “fair food,” music, entertainment, rides and carnival games.

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The Altamont Fair takes pains to hold onto its agricultural roots with active 4-H participation and an emphasis on family farms and agricultural-based competitions and exhibitions.

“We know the impact of the Altamont Fair cancelation will be felt far beyond our own personal disappointments,” according to a statement by the board. “We will take this next year to prepare for the next Altamont Fair scheduled for Aug. 17-22, 2021. As we all learn to navigate this new landscape, we look forward to brighter, better days ahead when we can gather again to celebrate all that is agriculture and history in the Capital Region.”

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July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 19

Crossword Answers on page 22 Clues Down

CRYPTO F UN

1. Central European river 2. Actor Bana 3. 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet Clues Across 4. Southeast Asian ethnic group 1. Blackbird (Scot.)

5. Celestial body 5. Part of (abbr.)

6. Investigator 8. Large fish 7. Tangible 11. Of urea 8. Type of television 13. Mauna __, Hawaiian 9. Opaque gems volcano 10.

Portion 14. Organized crime head 12. Carriage 15. Bird genus 14. Women’s undergarment 16. Curve 19. Of sound mind 17. Greek sophist 23. Mentally ill 18. Thick river fish 24. Office skill 20. Negative 25. Follicle-stimulating hormone 21. Young woman (French) 26. An obligation to repay 22. Extra features 27. Read-only memory 25. Luckily 28. The lower end 30. Pounced 29. Billy knew a girl from here 31. Congressman 34. Not the beginning 32. 92543 35. He wrote “The Raven” 33. Flemish names of Ypres 36. When you’ll get there 38. Spherical body 37. Celtics legend Auerbach 41. Imply 39. Making fun of 43. Popular zombie TV show 40. Made dim 45. Drink 41. Heston character El __ 48. Used to have (Scottish) 42. Small integers 49. Former hoopster Heard 44. Unarmed combat 50. California graffiti artist 45. Made of wood 55. Managed 56. Irish military organization 46. Rex and Sorenson to name two 47. Affixes 57. Felt ill 48. Wife of Zeus 59. Larkin, Rose, Bench 51. Swiss river 60. Used to catch fish 52. Prejudice 61. Jewish spiritual leader 53. Actor Idris 62. Andahuaylas Airport 63. Google development expert 54. Runnin’ __: UNLV nickname 58. Criticize 64. Cheek

The Great Space Race

WORD SEARCH

Solve the code to discover words related to SPACE. Each number corresponds to a letter. (Hint: 17 = a)

20 Family Now — July 2020

FRUIT FLIES ORBIT MISSION SPACE LAB

ALAN SHEPARD COSMODROME SPACEFLIGHT ARMSTRONG

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On the Bookshelf

staff picks

Yes, truth is stranger than fiction ‘Nothing Is Too Late’

‘I’ll Be Gone in the Dark’

By Mark Kalmansohn

by Michelle McNamara

A lawyer and a postal worker pursue the most notorious Holocaust swindler you’ve never heard of. This book focuses a lot on international laws and how defendants can be tried in two different countries. It also dives into the circumstances of Holocaust reparation payments and how that worked for victims.

This is a great story of the pursuit of the East Area Rapist/Golden State Killer, also known as EAR-ONS. The author died before she saw the alleged suspect brought to justice, and her book is what helped them catch the guy. I cried at the end. If only she knew the difference she made.

‘All the Truth Is Out’

By Matt Bai This is the story of the Miami Herald’s pursuit of presidential candidate Gary Hart after the “Monkey Business” scandal. It’s a great political and journalism thriller, both heartbreaking for Hart and his wife and a triumph for the Miami Herald.

— Kaitlin Lembo, Family Now Engagement Coordinator

*

*

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

H

5

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

TM

Charles and Maude Spann, SINCE 1912 & 1917 1917. Even after 76 years together, they know how to keep love fresh. Now, they and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Email to: Kristen Roberts at robertsk@spotlightnews.com

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AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH

NT

*Based on space availability

July 2020 — cdFamilyNow.com 21

A Patriot Remembers

Prayers and trains

Both inspire mindfulness and contemplation

O

ur lives have held together with a spike had changed these days. a million stories of the people We have kept busy who built them. I remember over the last four how we would place a penny on months doing things differently the track hoping to find it all to occupy our time and minds. squashed and stretched out.

During this period, I was comThe train set at Christmas forted by my memories of trains was always a well-respected and the West Albany Shops. I toy. Those same toys are hobalways will remember my walks over the Watervliet West Albany bies to many adults today. The size of the model trains always Bridge. The experience was brought smiles. My one of tranquility and memories of trains reverence both to in our history are the power of trains by refreshing and and the power of rewarding to prayer. me. The crossDuring the country efforts time of the mediof the 1800s that cal pandemic, I ended the cattle also found comfort in drives to today’s blessdriving to the Voorheesing that the freight trains ville-to-Albany Rail Trail gazebo were not stopped by the virus in Voorheesville. There is as all roll around in my head. The small parking lot there. You train industry employed so could hear the train off in the many people, and we should distance and then the crossing thank God that it still exists lights and arms come down to today. Our travel methods are halt vehicle traffic. Sometimes I under scrutiny today, and seewould sit in the car and count ing those passenger trains under the 125-145 freight cars. Other the West Albany Bridge is a nice times I would stand some memory and maybe train life 20 feet away from the tracks could emerge big once more. and feel the power and earth Through the relaxation of shake. Sometimes I would walk train watching, my mind strays the tracks and just reflect on to serious moments of spiritualthe power and history of the ity and soul searching. Living railroads. The old wooden rails

Frank DeSorbo

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Watching trains and contemplating their history and importance is a meditative experience akin to prayer for some. in this complex world today, we hear of prayer in times of need and pestilence. Over the years, I learned to have a very short daily prayer that guides me: “If you need God’s help, ask him; if you don’t, then thank him.” I use the very short prayer to put things in perspective and be thankful for living in a country where I appreciate the values it stands for. As the years go by, my life has become more gentle, practical and simple, and yet the world has become more complex. An easy prayer among today’s problems helps with the coping and understanding. During these troubled

times, you hear more phases like, “Oh my God,” “God bless you,” or “Our prayers are with you.” A military phase is “there are no atheists in a foxhole.”

One thing we all should do is “count our blessings.”

These days, with a worldwide medical crisis and the domestic chaos and unrest, our life has taken on a call for calm and reflection. We have nothing to lose by having a power day of prayer and watching trains.

The author is a Capital District resident and freelance writer and guest speaker. Contact him at fomservice.com.

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Senior Spotlight (Cap Region) 7.375 x 9.875 due May 5

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CDPHP is an HMO and a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CDPHP Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal.

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