Capital District Family Now - January 2021

Inside:

A wish for 2021

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

Vol. 2, #1 | JANUARY 2021 | FREE

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

Snow fun for everyone Making the grade Get lost in a book cdFamilyNow.com January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 1

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2 Family Now — January 2021

Editor’s desk

We’ve come so far, and have far to go

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FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

elcome to 2021! We made it! Now what?

It looks like the weeks ahead could bring more of the same pandemic fatigue that has set in over 2020 with one big difference – it is colder and snowier and grayer.

That’s not exactly a recipe for happiness, which means we have to come up with ways to make our own happiness, even when it’s tempting to want to hide under the covers and have someone wake you up when it’s all over.

Sometimes all it takes is a little fresh air to help us clear our minds and regain the perspective we all need to push through to the end of this pandemic together. On pages 10-11, we’ve got some suggestions to get you outside and enjoying yourself – even if you’ve never been a big fan of winter.

Also in this issue on page 7, you’ll find a recipe for some decadent hot chocolate that will warm you up once you’re back inside.

As the pandemic raged on last fall, we were warned we in for a difficult winter. It has been, to be sure, but it has also presented opportunities to try new hobbies or spend more time in reflection – time that would normally be spent in frantic consumerism or the endless quest to be entertained.

Welcome to 2021! We made it, yes, but there is still a ways to go before we make it back to normal. Remember to care for yourself, your family and your community in the here and now as we all imagine a brighter future.

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.

January 2021 Features Year of the Mother

4

Get out and about

10-11

Know your local farmer

13

Columnists Learning Center

6

Triple Threat

9

Retiring Retirement

12

Social Security Corner

17

A Patriot Remembers

18

What’s new Bookshelf: Picture Books

5

Kids fun page

8

Bookshelf: Adult fiction

15

Brain teasers

16

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

This winter, avoid that cooped-up feeling by getting outside for some fresh air. Need some inspiration? Check out our ideas on page 10-11.

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.

January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 3

Your health

The Year of the Mother

A support system can help moms stay sane

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hat a whirlwind 2020 was! When we reflect on all we have endured during the pandemic, it’s been a very emotional year. It has impacted us all in so many different ways, especially women.

If you’re a mother reading this right now, I want you to pause in this moment, take a deep breath, and remind yourself how amazing you are. I want to stand with all mothers as we give ourselves a round of applause.

– from homeschooling to the stress of sending our kids back to school or not, and, of course, all the unknowns in between. We have had to do all of this while trying to stay positive for our families and ourselves.

We have had to find by a work-life balance by working from home, switching schedules, or even quitting our jobs due to not being able to be in two places at once.

We’ve even had to limit, and at times eliminate, our social in-person connections. I’m so thankful for my mom friends and that support system that helps keep me sane.

Quoida Lauzon

Since this pandemic started, we have had to navigate how to move ahead with all these new curve balls thrown our way

Moms need one another! I

how strong you are and that this uncertainty won’t last forever.

You will get through this. You will look back and appreciate your strength and know you can do anything.

The changes, the sacrifices, the stress and balancing act has been a lot for mothers, but we find a way because the love for our children and family is what makes us even stronger mamas.

Moms need to occasionally remind Our little ones are watching themselves how strong they are and may not quite understand and that this uncertainty won’t last what is going on right now. My hope is they look back when forever. hope that you have been able to take some time to breathe, enjoy extra snuggles, find the positivity in little things, and call friends and family.

they get older and say, “I want to be just like my strong mama.”

The author is a registered nurse in the Capital District who works to support new mothers postpartum. Learn more about her at Don’t forget to remind yourself www.nurseq.com.

toddler • early Childhood • elementary • Middle school

One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child.

– Dr. Maria MOntessOri

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4 Family Now — January 2021

fatherhood.gov

picture books

On the Bookshelf

New books for a new year ‘C Is for Country’

‘Outside, Inside’

By Lil Nas X;

by LeUyen Pham

Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

From Caldecott honoree LeUyen Pham, this moving picture book celebrates essential workers and the community coming together to face the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Outside, it was quieter, wilder and different. Inside, we laughed, we cried and we grew. Roaring Brook

Join musician Lil Nas X and Panini the pony on a joyous journey through the alphabet from sunup to sundown featuring wideopen pastures, farm animals, guitar music, cowboy hats, and all things country in this picture book that’s perfect for music lovers learning their ABCs. Random House

‘Mustache Duckstache’

By Amy Young; Illustrated by AJ Young When a mustachioed rabbit spots a mustache contest, he’s sure he has the competition beat. That is, until a pesky frog hops up with his own fine mustache. And a duck waddles up with a ... duckstache? Soon, the competition is full of moosestaches and mousestaches, whalestaches and tailstaches. Viking

Get the word out!

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

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GENERATIONS TOGETHER

MAKE SURE THEY’RE IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT United to Promote Quality

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NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 5

Learning Center

Education insight for parents

Middle school slump: Now what?

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our child recently received their first B (or C or D). Up until now, they’ve done fine, perhaps because they are naturally bright, perhaps because they work really hard, but for some reason, it didn’t provide the same result this quarter.

This can be a really big deal if your child hasn’t seen these kinds of grades before. To say they are disappointed might be an understatement.

They may or may not say anything about it, but it is a new experience and not a pleasant one. Moreover, because they’re 12, every emotion feels … BIG. As a parent, you are doing your best to help them process their

emotions, but what do you do next?

Help your child address a disappointing drop in grades by giving them the tools they can use when they face challenges in the future.

Middle school is a common time for students’ grades to take a little dip. There’s so much going on — academically, socially and emotionally. Teacher expectations are also increasing.

Add in all the COVID confusion, and a by good student can stumble.

Patrick McNamara

First, recognize that the intensity of your child’s emotions is perfectly normal, as is the occasional stumble. When kids make the transition to middle school, one of the challenges they face are new academic pressures.

Developmentally, they are only just becoming aware that they

may have shortcomings. They may not have had much experience dealing with letdowns.

And it can feel like the stakes are very high, even when they aren’t. They also may feel they’ve let you down. You’ve likely given lots of praise for good grades – what happens when those grades are not so good?

As a parent, your first job is to validate your child’s feelings. You might commiserate by explaining that if you didn’t get the grade you expected, you’d be upset too.

Perhaps you can relay past experiences where you didn’t succeed in the way you’d hoped. The idea is to put this whole experience

Continued on Page 13

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

The Capital District family has changed -- and we have changed too.

In recognition of the multi-generational nature of the modern household, we’ve merged Capital District Parent Pages with Capital District Senior Spotlight to create Capital District FAMILY NOW, a monthly publication with timely features for every age and stage of family life.

With Capital District FAMILY NOW, you will find all the great columns and features you 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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6 Family Now — January 2021

Food, fun and family

Warm up with the real stuff

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othing beats sipping a hot, soothing beverage after a day of lobbing snowballs in the backyard. Teas, hot toddies, coffees and mulled ciders certainly can fit the bill, but a mug of rich hot chocolate is a cold-weather staple.

Real Hot Chocolate Makes 1 to 2 servings 1-1/2 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces 1-1/4 cups milk Chocolate curls to decorate Place the chocolate in a large, heatproof pitcher. Place the milk in a heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a boil. Pour about one-quarter of the milk onto the chocolate and leave until the chocolate has softened. Whisk the milk and chocolate mixture until smooth. Return the remaining milk to the heat and return to a boil, then pour onto the chocolate, whisking constantly.

Pour into warmed mugs or cups and top with the chocolate curls. Serve immediately.

Hot chocolate can be whipped up quickly from premade packets, but many are loaded with sugar.

Chocolate lovers should have a reliable hot chocolate recipe to lean on when the moment is right, and this recipe for Real Hot Chocolate from “Chocolate” (Parragon) by the editors of Love Food is sure to please.

To all of our

A Heartfelt Thank You!

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ESSENTIAL WORKERS

January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 7

n u F s d i K e g Pa

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Downhill sport 4. Very breezy 5. Scary film and book 6. In the north 8. A bit cold DOWN 1. Frozen precipitation 2. Type of metal 3. Blades on ice 7. Snakelike fish

Crossword Answers ACROSS: 1. Skiing 4. Windy 5. It 6. Northern 8. Chilly DOWN: 1. Snowing 2. Iron 3. Skating 7. Eel

Coloring Fun

8 Family Now — January 2021

parenting triplets in the Capital District

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Triskaidekaphobia

riskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. I’m not afraid of the number 13, I am afraid of three 13-year-olds!

On Jan. 11 my itty, bitty babies are going to be 13. They are growing up so fast, but I am trying not to hold on so tight because I know they need to have some independence and learn how to be themselves. My littles have grown into young adults.

Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca are 13 … and I am scared.

This past year has been quite stressful for many families.

My kids are full of stress, and sometimes there are meltdowns, tears and days that just don’t go the way they would like. School days are long, and virtual learning has created dilemmas for students, teachers and administrators. We are all dealing with this stress in the best ways we can. What we do may not work for other families, but it works for us. I feel like I am watching the world implode and society shift its values while my children are figuring out who they are and what is important to them.

I can’t believe I am the mom of three 13-year-olds! Each stage of their lives brings many joys and a few challenges, and so far we are doing OK. I made it through the sleepless nights, teething, walking, talking, prekindergarten, Scouts, starting middle school and now 13!

Being Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca’s mom has been my greatest joy. I have made some huge mistakes as a mom. I have made some choices that make me hang my head. My children are my world, and I love them.

Thirteen-year-olds have attitudes, acne, changing bodies and the most amazing and unjaded perceptions of the world. The universe is all new,

Triple Threat

ing a 13-year-old girl, I have no idea what goes on in the mind of a 13-year-old boy. Benjamin is quiet and respectful, most of the time. He is a good student and smart. His sense of humor is just like my father’s was. Ben is serious and fun: the best of both worlds. He loves his family but doesn’t talk about it. The world of Ben is made up of school, computer games, family and friends. Sometimes one or two things dominate the others and we can butt heads. A 13-yearold butting heads with his mom? Unheard of! I love that he is a smiley kid full of confidence, but he’s also shy and sometimes he doesn’t want to be around people. Ben draws really cool cartoons on tissue paper.

The Steuer triplets are officially teenagers. While being 13 – and parenting 13-year-old – can be challenging, the transition to young adulthood has its rewards, too. and there is so much to explore better place for everyone. and learn. Whatever experiencMy spunky Olivia can cook es Harlan, my mom or I have like no one else I have ever met! had mean nothing to Rebecca, She has that intuition. She will Olivia and Benjamin because everything is new. Everything is put ingredients together that may not sound like they go shiny. The possibilities are together but end up endless. We can guide perfect. She loves to these spectacular by experiment with human beings, but cosmetics, theater ultimately they makeup and decide the trajecfashion. Olivia tory of their lives. can make sunI love seeing shine appear when the creative side of she smiles. Like all Rebecca. She makes 13-year-olds, she has me smile when she tells angsty and dark moments. me about discovering anime, Olivia is organized, focused and Procreate and sushi. Rebecca’s a perfectionist. Olivia watched facial expressions and the way glass ceilings shattered this year. she talks with her hands touch She cheered when Kamala Harsomething inside me, and the ris became Vice President of the feeling is so intense it almost United States. If she is fights for hurts. She is smart, funny and the opportunity, I believe she full of sass. She is loyal and could rule the world. fierce. I have no doubt that As much as I know about beRebecca will make this world a

Jennifer Steuer

I am so lucky to have three fantastic kids who are kind, loyal and bright. I am not the best mom in the world. Far, far from the best mom in the world! What I am is dedicated, fiercely protective and the mom my kids need. Being a parent is not a popularity contest. Being a parent is hard and messy and exhausting. Kids don’t always get what they want, they should get what they need and those needs are different for each child. I love Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca so much I ache.

Harlan and I love that our kids are becoming more independent, but still have time to play a game or snuggle. Being 13 is difficult. Being the mom to a 13-year-old is hard. I am not afraid of being the mom of a 13-year-old, the triskaidekaphobia is because being the mom to THREE kids who are 13 is terrifying.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 13-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 9

Winter fun fo f

Even if you’re not normally a snow sports enth

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t may be cold outside, but months of social distancing have left us feeling a bit … bored. This is more than your usual case of cabin fever. Movies are out. Concerts are a big no. Winter festivals are just not happening. With a pandemic still raging, outdoor recreation is one of the few activities we can do safely. Because of that, many of us who were never big winter sports fans are finding ourselves venturing outside for some chilly fresh air.

The following is a quick primer for wannabe winter recreation enthusiasts.

Skiing – downhill Downhill skiing is a lifestyle for many Upstaters. They follow the snow reports and have their favorite hills. If that isn’t you, then it might not be the best year to make the leap from the couch to the slopes. It can be expensive to get started and requires a certain amount of skill. You may also encounter limits on the number of skiers per day at many places, along with other COVID-19 guidelines. If you think you are up for the challenge, check out Maple Ski Ridge in Schenectady to keep it hyper-local.

They offer lessons, rentals and a low-key downhill ski experience that is great for beginners.

Cross-country skiing If you don’t necessarily feel the need for speed, join the rest of the pandemic hoards taking up cross-country skiing this winter. You can find some great prices on used gear at Play It Again Sports in Latham or on Facebook Marketplace, but be prepared to do some hunting because everyone else is looking for the same thing. The great thing about crosscountry skiing is you set the pace. Many local golf courses offer skiing on their grounds, and

10 Family Now — January 2021

parks like The Crossings in Colonie have relatively level surfaces for first-timers. Don’t feel like cutting your own trails? Check out the 35 kilometers of groomed trails at the Pineridge Cross-Country Ski Area in East Poestenkill.

They’ve got special weekday rates for seniors and it’s free for the 6 and under crowd.

b

Kris Robe

Snowshoeing If you’re still not sure you’re ready to fully embrace the icy outdoors, you can always give snowshoeing a go. It’s basically like

or beginners for

husiast, it’s a good year to venture outside

by

Sledding A perennial favorite on snow days, sledding is a hit with the kids. While many grownups find they’re only up for a run or two, kids can spend hours bouncing down hills and schlepping their gear back up with no sign of fatigue. I have found that these days, my favorite thing about sledding is acting as a snack concierge – it’s more my speed, but I still get to enjoy the thrill of racing down the hill vicariously. Plus, who doesn’t love being the hero with the hot chocolate? Just remember to dress warmly so you’re not the reason everyone has to pack it in and go home. Everyone’s got their favorite hill, but the ones in Voorheesville across from the fire station or at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland are both spacious enough to spread out on.

Chilling out

hiking in the woods – only a little harder. The plusses: The work you put into it keeps you pretty warm; you get to enjoy a whole different season on some of your favorite hiking trails; and it’s relatively inexpensive, whether you rent or decide to buy your own snowshoes. It’s also a great intergenerational outing for family members with different skill levels.

This is not a high-speed activity. I mean, there is such a thing as snowshoe racing, but we’ll just leave that to the pros.

sten erts

How about this one for the homebodies?

Make a cozy bonfire in your backyard with an outdoor fire pit. Bring out some blankets and a warm drink, enjoy some socially distant conversation or just breathe in the fresh outdoor air – no huffing and puffing involved. You can also build a funky snowman or snow sculpture that will cheer you up when you’re looking at it through the window once you’re back inside your cozy home.

These are by no means the only winter activities out there – there’s always skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more – but if you’re ready to take the plunge (and not the Polar Plunge – that is definitely not for beginners), it’s a good place to start. Who knows?

Maybe the silver lining of this pandemic will be that you will have discovered a new lifelong winter activity.

January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 11

FamilyNow CAPITAL DISTRICT

GENERATIONS TOGETHER

UPCOMING

Monthly Deadlines February Deadline:

March

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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 113091_4

12 Family Now — January 2021

But light nonetheless

by

Robert LaCosta

C

losing in on 35 years of writing about seniors, I got a little sentimental around the Christmas tree. I wasn’t wrapping presents. But I was trying to wrap my head around the wonderful depths of this holiday in contrast to some of the plummets many heads and hearts had to endure leading up to this particular Dec. 25.

And so, I offer this as a New Year’s wish to reinforce that if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that good and bad coexist every year. May seniors especially be the ones looked up to for faith, hope and charity.

It was 4:19 a.m. when I got up. A trip to the bathroom. A view out the window. Darkness had descended over The Hudson River. But wait. Some barely perceptible, stunning white art graces an 80-foot pine. Three dim stars, but light nonetheless. Oh, it’s a holy night.

MA

8

Retiring Retirement

As I walk down the hall, I flip the switch for some artificial light. But light nonetheless.

It affords me the opportunity to see what I’m doing as I straighten up before the day gets ahead of me. My AirPods burst with several versions of “O Holy Night” as I clean off the panini maker, check for mice droppings and, finding none, wipe off the counter anyway. A boy’s choir, a contemporary singer and Groban are like steps leading me up to Bocelli’s Italian rendition.

As I open the refrigerator, he sings, “O hear the angel voices.” In that instant, I have the hunger of man and the ears of heaven.

Moments of reflection can be illuminating.

I continue the mundane. The chandelier has almost a dozen bad bulbs. As I twist a new one in, the blind Bocelli ramps it up: “Led by the light of faith serenely beaming.” The 40-watt seems dull by comparison. But light, nonetheless.

I break from the chores and turn out all of the lights.

By the time the Italian maestro finishes with, “His power and glory evermore proclaim,” I am ready to fall on my knees.

I choose to sit on the couch instead.

I look up at the Christmas tree. A voiceless angel. A manmade star. But light nonetheless.

Robert J. LaCosta has written over 2,000 songs and blogs daily at robertlacosta.com. Write him at norepcom@gmail.com or call (518) 435-1250.

Community

D

Know your local farmer

o you remember a few months ago, when buying ground beef felt like a futile effort? Or when you were searching for chicken breasts, only to discover every store in a 20-mile radius was out? Our local farmers do too.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County, an organization that “[puts] knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being,” is using the pandemic as a time to showcase Albany County’s farmers. Samantha Baker, the local agricultural and 4-H manager, said the project aims to bring residents closer to local farmers who sell directly to consumers so people can understand where their goods are coming from.

To view the series, visit albany. cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/ know-your-farmer.

“I’ve heard a few times how people are a little intimidated talking to farmers at markets or events,” Baker said, “and I real-

n Learning Center continued from Page 6 into perspective — something they don’t yet have at this age.

Once you’ve reassured your child and given them some time to get used to this new reality, it is time to help them gain back a sense of control, coupled with a plan for moving forward.

Parents often hear that middle school is a time when parents should begin to step back and let their kids figure it out themselves. In general, that is correct, but it isn’t reasonable to leave them on their own, if you haven’t first given them the tools to figure it out.

If this is the first time your child has experienced this kind

than the steaks you get at the grocery store. Also, the money goes further. Instead of your $5 pork chop getting broken up into a pay day for the distributor, the store and the farmer, all of the money for your meat or your vegetables supports local efforts and ultimately helps boost the economy you live in.

“Once people understand how buying local can improve the A local series by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County highlights area’s quality of life in multiple area farmers to help build a better understanding of the food supply chain. ways, they are much more likely to drive their funds to someone ized that so many people don’t what the farmer hopes to achieve next door,” Baker said.

Baker said once she is finished know that farmers want to talk in the future. By doing this, about their product. They want Baker is breaking down that vast with farmers who produce foods, she is taking a look at those who you to ask questions and take cornfield you see on your comproduce other commodities. She interest.” mute to human beings; hopes the articles allow CCE by making it human, The project entails by and local agriculturists to break you’re able to identify Baker visiting a lodown some misconceptions with the people on cal farm, interviewabout farmers and the goods they the other end of the ing the farmer produce. supply chain. and identifying

Kaitlin Lembo

how you can buy goods from that farm directly. She asks about the history of the land, what the farm is known for producing, what its goals are and

Baker said buying local has its benefits. Not only are you purchasing higher quality goods than you would get from a big corporation, but it’s fresher

“It all comes down to education,” Baker concluded. “At the end of the day, a farmer’s only goal is to produce a safe product.

They want their goods to be used and appreciated.”

of challenge, you’d first want to discuss why your child was surprised. At this age, they are beginning to connect past actions with current results, but many students need help making that connection. If, after that discussion, they are still uncertain why they received this grade, the next step would be to contact their teacher.

only part of it.

entirely protected by you until they are in college.

Again, your goal is to help them understand what has happened and how it connects to their own actions. If they don’t know why they received this less than optimal grade, their teacher certainly should. Discussing why you are contacting the teacher will help them do it themselves next time. Explaining that no one can improve, if they don’t know what they did wrong, is

Once you’ve led your child down this path the first time, if something similar happens again, then it is time to stand aside and watch them try to do it on their own. Remember that helping them write an email might be easier than asking them to contact their teacher in class, where all of their friends are watching (and which might not be so easy with COVID restrictions).

Once you’ve provided this kind of guidance, and your child still finds themselves surprised by grades, then it might be time to “let them fail.” Some of the hardest parental choices involve not stepping in to “fix it,” but better they should learn from failure in middle school than be

All of this can be easier said than done, but if you present your middle schooler with a roadmap for how they can best understand how and why they are not performing at their usual level, two things will happen. First, after some inevitable nervousness, they will begin to feel more in control of the situation, and that will lead to maturity. Second, their teacher will see that your child cares a lot about their grade and is willing to make changes to return to land of A’s.

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

January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 13

Staying sharp

Always a good time for a book Make reading more your New Year’s resolution

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fter a long day, it may be tempting to curl up on the couch and turn on the television to unwind, but maybe it’s time to pick up a book instead. Research indicates that reading is one of the best workouts for the brain.

People make New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives, and reading more can be a great way to do just that. Reading has been associated with language reception in the left temporal cortex of the brain. When this part of the brain processes written material, neurons begin working hard to transmit information. Research conducted by Stanford University indicated that MRI scans of people who

are deep into a Jane Austen novel showed an increase in blood flowing to areas of the brain that control both cognitive and executive function.

The World Health Organization says that doctors diagnose nearly 10 million new cases of dementia each year, but when the brain is working efficiently, it may be less prone to some of the issues that can cause a decline in memory and brain function. Research published in the journal Neurology found frequent brain exercise through reading lowered mental decline by 32 percent.

Picking up a newspaper or magazine, joining a book club or reading with children are just a few of the many ways to improve the mind through reading.

Of course, the benefits of reading extend beyond the physical. Literary fiction can

Picking up a good book also can help a person gain knowledge of new cultures, ideas

14 Family Now — January 2021

help people be more empathetic. Getting lost in a book and the characters’ stories makes others more relatable.

and history and even improve vocabulary.

Picking up a newspaper or magazine, joining a book club or reading with children are just a few of the many ways to improve the mind through reading.

fiction for adults

On the Bookshelf

Read to work out your brain ‘A Splendid Ruin’

‘Before She Disappeared’

By Megan Chance

By Lisa Gardner

Out of the smoldering ruins of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, May Kimble embarks on a harrowing road to reclaim what is hers. With the help of an intrepid and charismatic journalist, vengeance is within May’s reach. But will she take it?

Lake Union Publishing

Frankie Elkin will stop at nothing to find the missing people that the rest of the world has forgotten. She must overcome her regrets and vices to locate Angelique Badeau, a Haitian teenager who vanished from her high school months earlier. She soon learns she’s asking questions someone doesn’t want answered. Dutton

‘Alchemy and Rose’

By Sarah Maine This beautiful and sweeping historical novel takes the reader from the west coast of New Zealand, to Scotland and Melbourne in the 1870s. Drawn together by harsh circumstances, Will and Rose are cruelly separated by a misunderstanding. Hodder & Stoughton

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(518) 489-2681 (518) 694-9907 January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com vnaalbany.org 15 vnhc.com The Perfect Balance of Healing & Home

Puzzle Answers on page 18 Clues Across

Clues Down

CRYPTO F UN

1. Cool!

2. Amounts of time 1. Gather a harvest 3. Aboriginal people of Japan 5. Federal Republic of Germany 4. Popular veggies 8. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

5. Wedding accessory 11. “The Little Mermaid” 6. Deep, narrow gorges 13. The common gibbon 7. Dry cereal 14. Volcanic island in Fiji 8. Competitions that require speed 15. Mother of Perseus 9. Cain and __ 16. Egg cells 10. Snake sound 17. Teams’ best pitchers 12. Type of amino acid (abbr.)

18. Credit associations 14. Pattern of notes in Indian music 20. Advance 19. Satisfy 21. Hair styling products 23. Misfire 22. Benign tumors 24. Nearsightedness 25. Arriving early 25. Indicates before 30. Called it a career 26. Increase motor speed 31. __ Paulo, city 27. When you hope to get there 32. Avoid with trickery 28. Indicates position 33. Easter egg 29. Where rockers perform 38. Veterans battleground 34. Substitute 41. Lack of success 35. __ juris: of one’s own right 43. Thing that causes disgust 36. Earliest form of modern human in 45. Deep, continuing sound Europe: __-magnon 47. Ancient kingdom near 37. Adult female bird Dead Sea 39. Do away with 49. You might put it in a fire 40. Lens 50. Partner to “oohed” 41. Flattened appendage 55. Actor Idris 42. Post or pillar in Greek temple 56. Slippery 44. A medieval citizen of Hungary 57. Plant of the bean family 45. Spiritual leader of a Jewish 59. One point north of northeast congregation 60. Patti Hearst’s captors 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 61. Places to hang clothes 47. Sew 62. Midwife 48. Evergreen trees and shrubs 63. Of she having oily one-seeded fruits 64. S. Korean statesman 51. Swiss river 52. Grayish-white 53. A way to illustrate 54. College basketball superpower 58. Midway between south & southeast

Tidy Up!

WORD SEARCH

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

16 Family Now — January 2021

FILING LEADERSHIP ORGANIZED PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ASSESSMENT GARBAGE LISTENING PRESENTATION RESPONSIBILITY STORAGE CLUTTER GROUPING MANAGEMENT PRIORITIZE SCHEDULE DATA TIME NOTES PROBLEM SOLVING SHELVES DEADLINES INSTRUCTION TRAINING

Social Security Corner

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

• Never give personal information, money, or retail gift cards.

• Report the scam at oig.ssa. gov immediately to Social Security’s law enforcement team at the Office of the Inspector General.

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

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

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

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

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

The author is with the Social Security Administration in Albany.

You should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits.

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

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

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

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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

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Email to: Kristen Roberts at robertsk@spotlightnews.com

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Elizabeth Pivonka

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January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 17

A Patriot Remembers

A Favorable Turn for 2021

W

hile reading the morning newspaper and having the TV on, the news was filled with statistics, misery and pestilence of the virus and pandemic that we all endured in 2020. Trapped in my Mind was another overdose of pandemic news. As I read the horse racing results and entries, I wanted to accentuate the positive. Next it First Dawn on me that I needed to write my January article for Family Now. Also my wife of 51 years is definitely a First Dawn.

We own, and Dawn still rides, a pleasure horse, I was part owner of a race horse at Finger Lakes Race Course, and I bet more often in my younger days, so the horse’s names brought optimistic and memorable feelings into my world. I want 2021 to be A Life That’s Good for all of us. Hopefully, we will be able to free ourselves of appearing like Five Star Bandits.

In July and August 2021 we can Jump For Joy at Saratoga Race Track. This summer may bring some new Summer Brew and think of Life On Top again. It’s A Gamble to bet or own horses or go to a casino.

Not being a big gambler is the key, and Kenny Rogers music came to mind.

Some of the horse’s names

can make it anywhere. Many a young basketball and baseball player had the King of Dreams in the belief Ifihadachance and had Another Shot, I could have made it.

Horse-racing memories inspire a wish for the new year. reminded me of my youthful experiences. A horse I bet, loved and followed in the 60’s was Favorable Turn. I won a few dollars and remember the Jockey Bob Ussery. My Officiating career for 25 years entitles me to Tellaperfecttale or two. Apex Predator reminded me of Apex Printing, a team in the Albany Twilight League where I umpired for many years.

heroes. A very dear memory arises about Johnny Choppy. He was a WW II Navy Veteran who served on the USS Wasp, a U.S. Aircraft Carrier that was sunk and he survived. I worked in construction at the ripe age of 18 and by Johnny as my foreman. He was very instrumental to me and I never realized it so much until later in my life. We all Have A Heart for all Veterans then and now.

Frank DeSorbo

There were patriotic references in some of the names, such as Stand For the Flag, Courageous Girl, Wasp and Forgotten Hero.

I don’t understand how you can ever forget your true hero. Too many times today we confuse an idol with a hero. We may have many idols but only a few true

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I’ve always been interested in sports and the horse’s name seem to fit very well. In 1969, the New York Jets with Broadway Joe made history, and I won a bet by taking the Jets and 21 points. Frank Sinatra sang and if you Make It In NY you

When I was 8 years old, I spent three weeks in the hospital and some horse’s names brought me back to youthville. Comic books of cartoon characters were big in the 50s such as Lulu (Eye Luv Lulu), Mutt & Jeff, and my real favorite was Sad Sack. Some of the TV programs I watched and loved were “Leave it to Beaver,” “Amos and Andy” and “You’ll Never Get Rich.”

Our children’s and grandchildren’s education now enters a new digital realm. I worked in education and I was told in the early 90s of the 3Ms of technology – it is driven by the Medical, Military and Money industry.

However, I wonder with all the online education and how many people would rush to their smart phones to know what Manifest Destiny was.

In this new world, we need to keep some basic horse sense about us. The memories may get vague but remain valuable. However with Gods Will we can look forward to A Life That’s Good.

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

BRAINTEASERS ANSWERS

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CRPYTO ANSWERS:

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18 Family Now — January 2021

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January 2021 — cdFamilyNow.com 19

Plans that give you more for less.

CDPHP Medicare highlights: f 5 Star PPO plans*—enroll anytime during the year! f $0 primary care physician office visits f $0 mail order for 90-day supply of tier-one prescriptions drugs f $0 video doctor visits with Doctor On Demand f Dental, hearing, vision, all in one plan

We’ll help you find the plan that works best for you.

Call (518) 641-3400 or 1-888-519-4455 (TTY 711).†

Visit CDPHP on the web at www.cdphp.com/medicare. *Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. †

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

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20 Family Now — January 2021