Issuu

Inside:

July calendar listings

arent pages

Capital District

Volume 21 • Number 7 • JULY 2017 • Complimentary

The Resource for Parents

Play with your food Make time for tick checks No prize? No problem!

cdparentpages.com 1 PARENT PAGES — MAY 2017

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Make the most of your summer

uly can feel like the sweetest of summer months. With the kids still newly out of school, this is the brief span where the phrase, “I’m bored,” isn’t uttered with the predictable frequency that comes the final weeks of summer vacation. In July, we shed our usual rigid schedules and routines and sport a more lax attitude: bedtimes are extended and ice cream is a not-so-infrequent treat.

p Capital District

Editor’s desk

arent pages The Resource for Parents

July 2017 Features We all scream for ice cream

14-15

Columnists 24-Hour Shift

As the summer wears on, kids can get cranky and restless, and worries about the coming school year start creeping in, but in July, all of that still seems so far away.

Let’s Cook

Triple Threat

With that in mind, we at Capital District Parent Pages want to help you make the most of your summer by providing comprehensive summer calendar listings, found in this issue on pages 18-22. If you’re still looking for something to do, farmers markets and summer reading programs at your local library are always sure bets, and we are lucky to live in a region that has an abundance of both of those venues.

Acorn Advice

British Nanny

We at Parent Pages have been known to trade tips among our own parenting circles about things families can do over the summer months, and from those discussions we’ve got two ideas for rainy – or oppressively hot and muggy – day activities that are too good not to share. The first is Kids Bowl Free, which allows kids to bowl two free games every day, all summer long at participating bowling alleys – and there are dozens in the Capital District. Register for the program at www.kidsbowlfree. com. The other is the abundance of free or reduced-price matinees featuring familyfriendly favorites. Both Proctors and Palace Theatre have free family film series, and you’ll find the listings included in our calendar pages, along with the showings at most local libraries. Regal Cinema’s Summer Movie Express presents $1 G and PGrated double features on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning at 10 a.m. See the list of films, participating theaters and schedules at www.REGmovies.com/Movies/Summer-Movie-Express. The word among parents in the know is that the seats, which are available first-come, first-served, fill up well before the 10 o’clock start time.

On the Bookshelf

Wherever you find your fun this summer, we hope it is a good one for you and your family! *** You don’t have to wait for a contest to submit a potential shot for the Parent Pages cover; email them to me anytime at robertsk@spotlightnews.com. Also feel free to send your suggestions, ideas, comments and pictures to me at robertsk@spotlightnews.com. You can check out the latest at www.cdparentpages.com. Kristen Roberts, Editor

On the cover: Madeline Nies, 6,enjoys a sunny Capital District day in this photo submitted by her mother, Kim. Parent Pages is always accepting photos for potential covers. Submissions should be at least 8-by-10-inches with a dpi of 400. They can be sent via email to robertsk@spotlightnews.com.

What’s new 5

Resources Birthday party venues

Schenectady County resources 12-13 Calendar

18-22

publisher - John

McIntyre Roberts advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen editor - Kristen

Capital District Parent Pages 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 Parent Pages 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 2013 by Capital District Parent Pages. No portion of Capital District Parent Pages may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC. Rachelle & Lawrence Stallman Founders of Capital District Parent Pages

JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 3

The 24-hour shift

No prize? No problem!

Crossgates Mall Rd | Albany, NY 12203

BillyBeezUS.com | (518) 313-0100 | Crossgates@usBillyBeez.com

t’s the end of karate class, and my child is anxiously and excitedly hopping up and down, occasionally looking over at me and her dad. It’s time to give out the stripes that the students earn to ultimately advance to their next belt.

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parenting is a full-time job

As the teachers get closer to her, the anticipation grows. Even my husband and I are wondering and hoping she will get a stripe. Was she good enough tonight? Surely every kid will get one. The teachers pass my child by; she didn’t get a stripe. She looks at us, slightly deflated, then ... nothing. Nothing happened. No crying or tantrum. We are also OK with the outcome. We smile at her, and she smiles back. No stripe for my child? Really? Everyone is supposed to get something. But why is it that we feel that way? As adults, not everyone is the boss, the employee of the month, or the winner. So as children, the same rules should apply. If their self worth is a bit dented, we owe it to them to help them learn how to repair it. Doors can close; children need tools to open other ones when that happens. This is not an easy task. When a child doesn’t win, or get chosen, or get a prize, it makes us feel like we aren’t good parents. And there is that bit of jealousy when another kid does something better than yours. The trick is not to impress this on our kids and to not blame the referee, the coach or the “unfair” rules for your child’s failure. Trying and failing is better than not trying at all. Failure is a hard but necessary vehicle to help your child learn about who

Theresa Davis she is and what her strengths are. After all, none of us are the best at everything, and not getting a prize may even inspire your child to work harder to get rewarded the next time. Our child did not get a stripe that night. She had not had enough experience or practice to earn one. Perhaps she just had not mastered the necessary skills yet. What she did get that night was the poise and grace needed to handle her losses and failures. 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.

Kids need to learn resilience in the face of setbacks.

On the Bookshelf

Beach reading and more! ‘Sofia Martinez: The Beach Trip’

‘Naptastrophe!’

By Jacqueline Jules

By Jarrett Krosoczka

Illustrated by Kim Smith

From the creator of “Punk Farm” and the acclaimed “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series comes a hilarious romp about one little girl’s insistence that she does NOT need a nap. Knopf Books for Young Readers

Sofia has a bit of trouble packing for her family vacation to the beach. Did she pack everything she needs, or will her trip be ruined? The inclusion of common Spanish phrases (along with a glossary for these words) also makes it a great bilingual book for early readers. Picture Window Books

‘Dad and the Dinosaur’ By Gennifer Choldenko Illustrated by Dan Santat Little Nick has a secret; it’s the secret to his bravery. But when he loses his little dinosaur, dad understands. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

If you think something is wrong with this picture, you should see what’s being served up in stores. Tobacco companies spend billions on colorful signs, special discounts and promotions in stores where kids can see them. And the more kids see tobacco, the more likely they are to start smoking. It’s time for tobacco marketing to hit the road.

Tobacco companies place most of their advertising in stores where

% OF

TEENS

Take action now at SeenEnoughTobacco.org

shop at least once per week facebook.com/TobaccoFreeNYS

@TobaccoFreeNYS 102435_4

JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 5

Birthday resources

planning guide

You say it’s your

birthday? Plan the perfect party at one of these Capital District venues! Afrim’s Sports

Drama Kids International

636 Albany Shaker Road, Albany (518) 438-3131 www.afrimsports.com Description: We do all the work so you don’t have to. Looking for a party filled with fun? Like the idea of all your guests enjoying fun activities while playing together? Want to enjoy the party without having to worry about running it? Afrim’s Sports has what you need!

36 Graffin Drive, Latham (518) 458-1313 www.dramakids.com/albany-ny Description: It’s your birthday ... feel like acting up? Let us handle the drama! Our program is fast-paced and fun, providing guests with an hour’s worth of fun, creative, interactive drama activities. Call us for a dramatically different party experience!

Billy Beez at Crossgates Mall One Crossgates Mall Road, Albany (518) 313-0100 billybeezus.com/location/ crossgates-mall/ Description: Give your kid the birthday party of their dreams – the chance to run, play, jump and explore with their friends! The Billy Beez party team will ensure a child-approved experience, sure to be the most talked about party. The catering menu includes kid and adult favorites, personalized birthday cakes and more.

Children’s Museum of Science and Technology 250 Jordan Road, Troy (518) 235-2120 www.cmost.org Description: Calling all builders, animal lovers, junior scientists, engineers and budding geniuses - come celebrate your birthday at the region’s only science center designed specifically for children! Led by a museum educator, CMOST parties immerse your guests in hands-on STE(a)M exhibits and activities, inviting kids to learn and grow through play.

6 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

Funplex Funpark 589 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush (518) 477-2651 www.funplexfunpark.com Description: Funplex Funpark offers outrageous outdoor fun in the Capital District. Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Bouncy Bounce, Bungee Trampoline, Bumper Boats and Rock Wall are just some of the attractions. Located just 10 minutes from Albany, there is so much fun for everyone.

Howe Caverns Inc. 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave (518) 296-8900 www.howecaverns.com Description: We have three fantastic birthday party packages. The Rock On Party, the Little Miner Party and the You’re A Gem Party. Each party is a 10 person minimum and includes pizza and gemstone mining for each party goer. A $50 deposit due at the time of reservation.

SPORTIME Schenectady 2699 Curry Road, Schenectady (518) 356-0100 SportimeNY.com/Schenectady

Description: We provide active sports-focused birthday parties, soccer, basketball, flag football, dodgeball, tennis, and seasonal pool parties. Save yourself the hassle of preparation and clean up and let our staff take care of your child’s special day.

Spotted Zebra Learning Center/ Bizzy Beez Activity Center 26 Computer Drive East, Albany (518) 438-4800 www.spottedzebra.org Description: The Spotted Zebra provides a wonderful location to host your child’s birthday party. The environment is sensory friendly and appropriate for ALL children. Staff are trained in working with children with special needs. Let us take the stress off of you so that you can enjoy your child’s special day.

Zing-A-Gram, Inc. 40 McCormack Road, Slingerlands 518-462-1703 www.Zing-A-Gram. com Description: Zing-A-Gram’s Children’s Party Entertainment and Balloon service offers popular children’s characters that play musical games, sign autographs and deliver balloons and more. Ask about our party packages that include balloon twisting and face painting. Call Zing-A-Gram at 518-462-1703 for more information. Visit www.Zing-A-Gram.com and follow on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ Zing-A-GramInc.

Let’s Cook!

Fun meal adds a dash of whimsy

Jodie Fitz

ombine child’s play and food for a whole bunch of creative cooking to kick off the summer months.

Are you looking for a way to serve salad in a whole new way that kids will love? Try a quirky caterpillar salad. Depending on your child’s age, you can prep the supplies, show them

the photo and let them create the salad for dinner. If you are looking for additional kid-friendly salad ideas, check out www.jodiefitz.com and search for “Salad Cyclops” and “Salad Sailboats.” Kids can work up a powerful thirst in the summer. Help them quench it with frozen Bug Juice featuring

homemade lemonade that will have them “bugging” you for more. Grab the blender and serve up something the entire family will enjoy. Get more recipes from Jodie Fitz through the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club at www.pricechopper.com. To learn more about her, visit www. jodiefitz.com.

Caterpillar Salad

Frozen Bug Juice

1 yellow tomato 1 cucumber Baby carrots Mini sweet peppers (red, yellow and orange) Romaine lettuce Olive pieces or black frosting gel Wash the baby bell peppers. Remove the top and seeds; slice the peppers. Wash and slice the cucumber. Cut the cumber slices in half. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Place it

on a platter as the salad bed. Wash the yellow tomato and place it at one end of your salad. Alternate the colors of bell pepper slices and cucumbers to serve as the body of the caterpillar. As you lay them down stagger them slightly to create the wave of the caterpillar body. Use slices of olives to serve as the caterpillar face. You can adhere them in placed with a bit of cream cheese. Or use black frosting gel to add a smiley face to the yellow tomato. Cut two slivers of carrots to serve as the antennae. Serve with your favorite salad dressing.

4 cups of ice 2 lemons, fresh 2 cups water 2 teaspoons raspberry extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup honey ½ cup 100 percent cherry juice (like the Pom brand) Cut the lemons in half to create four halves. If you have a citrus squeezer, simply squeeze them right into the blender. If you don’t, squeeze the juice into a liquid measuring cup so that you can extract the seeds from the juice before pouring the juice into the blender. Add the ice, water, extracts, cherry juice and honey and blend. *A little extra: Add ¼ cup of cherry seltzer to each glass for a little fizzy fun! JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 7

Triple Threat

parenting triplets in the Capital District

Time to write next chapter

lost track of how many different pregnancy books I had been given or skimmed through while I was pregnant. There are some books that tell it like it is: Pregnancy is sometimes the craziest hormonal ride you will ever experience. Then there are books that give everything this sweet ethereal glow with suggestions like have lavender candles in your birthing room with Gregorian chants in the background and embrace your innate ability to give birth. My two favorite books when I was pregnant were “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and “The Everything Book Twins, Triplets and More.” I studied and tried to think positively. Giving birth was the easy part. Raising triplets was

going to be a challenge! I could happening. I don’t make differnot find a book that helped ent meals unless it is leftovers me get an idea of what raising night. From the first challenge triplets would be like after of feeding tubes in their little the first year. I wonder if this noses to the big decision of is because the parents are too how many consecutive days tired or can’t rememputting cranberry sauce ber. The first year is on the table is acby full of options and ceptable, feeding opinions, beyond them has been a that is another challenge. story. Having differI have three ent friends and 9-year-olds with interests can cause three very different logistical problems. lives. Sure, they all sit In the age of play dates, down to dinner together. We social media and being able are a family of five (or six if my to see everything on Earth via mom comes for dinner) sitting home computer, getting three down to a meal. That is where to agree on most anything is the similarities end. I had via hurdle. Olivia and Rebecca sions of everyone having the are at that age where boys have same thing on their plates. Not cooties, so the play dates for

Jennifer Steuer

them are almost always with other girls. My daughters have different personalities and interests. Rebecca is in love with the Hamilton soundtrack. Olivia would rather draw or write. Friendships become harder the older they get because there are so many nuances among children. Sometimes I need a score card. Benjamin is a quiet boy the majority of the time. His interests lie with Legos, Snap Circuits, games on his tablet and Cub Scouts. He has friends he likes to do these things with, and he can also do them solo. Because he has autism and a shy personality, it can make friendships that much harder to come by.

Continued on Page 9

It’s too late to know if your child’s in the right car seat when you’re driving. Fortunately, you’re only reading.

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WWW.DRAMAKIDS.COM (518) 458-1313

Dramatically Different Birthday Parties 8 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

Car crashes are a leading killer of children 1 to 13. Is your child in the right car seat? Don’t think you know. Know you know.

safercar.gov/TheRightSeat

CELEBRATE YOUR

BIRTHDAY

WITH SUNY POLY CMOST!

We take the fun and excitement of a birthday party, and infuse it with creative and playful interactive learning activities.

There were plenty of how-to manuals when it came to parenting the triplets as babies, but after the first year, the advice was lacking.

continued from Page 8 I wasn’t expecting a magical book to give me all the answers on how to raise triplets. I wasn’t expecting a fairy godmother to turn my kids into obedient and clean children who keep their room picked up and shoes put away. What I was really hoping for was some sort of inner voice giving me guidance. I wanted to be the best mother possible. My searches took me on a journey. What I discovered is that every parent struggles with something; be it bedtime, making friends, food allergies, being a helicopter parent or a freerange parent. What I do may work for me but not another family, and that is just fine. I look at my sweet “babies” who will be 9 ½ this month and wonder if what I am doing is creating the results I hope for. My goal is to have self-sufficient

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adults once they begin the trade school or college of their choice. I would like them to be able to cook, do their own laundry, balance and budget their money, know how to pump gas and check the oil, how to write a proper thank you note and business letter and a few other things as time goes by. My life is not how I thought it would be growing up. I remember being 9. My goal then was to write a book. Challenge accepted! I am working on my book thanks to my 9-year-olds who believe in me and encourage me. I think my 9-year-old self is pretty proud of what has become of my life: wife, mother and author. Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 9-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.

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Triple Threat

WWW.CMOST.ORG

JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 9

Acorn Advice

growth from within

No-stress Julia tick checks Cadieux by

Train | Learn | Improve -

Train with our Professional Coaches Full Day (9am-4pm) = $65/day Half Day (9am-12pm or 1-4pm) = $45/day Technical Skills, Shooting & Passing, 3v3 For Ages 6-14 Lunch and snacks included Free ball for campers registered for 3+ days Free Jersey for all campers

Bounce | Play | Create -

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10 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

uestion: The ticks have been really bad this season and my kiddos are getting sick of the tick checks. I usually check them once a day at bedtime, but it adds an extra burden to an already stressed routine. My kids refuse to let me look on most days, and I end up having to muscle my way through it. It’s miserable for everyone. Any tips on how to get the job done more easily?

to help you by checking your scalp. My kids love getting their fingers in my hair! I like the team approach where adults check kids and kids check adults because it gets kids involved and lessens their feelings that this is yet one more thing being done to them.

I also think making the checks more frequent could lessen the burden at bedtime. Instituting quick tick checks at strategic times nswer: I am during the day can facing the same help normalize issue at my house. them. I usually do a My kids whine and quick scan of their complain about it. heads, arms, legs and I have tried talkfeet while they are ing to them about occupied watching a the seriousness of show. I also ask them lyme disease, but to check themselves it’s difficult to grasp when they come such consequences at inside from the Kids can get frustrated their age. What has yard. I find it helps with the constant tick helped me is to get that my kids usually support from my co- checks, but they are sleep nude in the parent on enforcing necessary this time of summertime. This the tick checks. We allows me to eye year to prevent lyme are united in sending and other tick-borne their bodies as they the message that move through their infections. this is something evening routines. that simply needs to Like brushing happen. teeth, tick checks become routine I also find it helps to give them when there is consistency, predictsome semblance of control over ability and leadership from the the process. For example, just ask- parents. Since you mention beding them to make a choice about time is already a stressed routine, when the tick check happens I would use the checks as an opcan de-escalate a power struggle. portunity to promote relaxation. You could say something like, You can attach a calming ritual to “We need to do tick checks tothe checks such as body massage night. Shall we do that now or or body scans. after stories?” It is also great to Julia Cadieux, a PCI Certified empower them to take ownership Parent Coach and Capital District over their own bodies. Older kids mom, helps other parents look can be taught to check themwithin for the answers they seek selves, perhaps starting with your and believes there is no “one size fits supervision. all” when it comes to child-rearing. Remember, adults need to be Send you questions and comments checked as well, so invite the kids to julia@thesupportedparent.com.

speech matters

British Nanny

Summer speech therapy tips

uestion: My 4-year-old son has problems with his speech. People outside our family still can’t understand him very well. He’s been receiving speech therapy at preschool but didn’t qualify for extended summer services. His speech therapist gave us practice sheets, but he won’t listen and practice with me. I’m afraid that he will lose all the progress he made during the year. Should I be concerned? What are my options? Answer: Summer break is here and with it frequently comes a break in speech services. Children with just speech articulation difficulties are often the hardest hit. They simply need to maintain their skills over the long summer vacation. The only

way your child will get summer temperaments to the table. In services is for his school speech fact, an actual table isn’t always therapist to prove regression. necessary! Speech practice can For some parents, this is a relief. be done from almost anywhere After all they and their children and in a variety of ways. Using are no longer bound to the rigid some creativity, you can design time frames of the school a summer program to year. For others, this individually fit your by three-month hiatus youngster’s personis fraught with anxiality. All you need ety that their child to guide you are will lose all that your child’s most they have worked so up-to-date goals, hard to attain. your child and these four tips: keep As a speech therait simple, keep it short, pist, I have similar concerns. make it fun and use technolWhile we want our young ogy. clients to have fun, we also want them to retain their current Keep it simple and skills and be ready to move stress free ahead in the fall. Summer vacation can be chaotic enough, and much Each of our kids brings time is spent in transition. a different set of skills and

Sharon Cole

A little preparation can go a long way, and speech time can find its way into many of the activities you and your family are already doing – traveling to and from daycare, going to the grocery store, in a restaurant, outside in the back yard, or at the playground. Don’t try to take on too much. Expectations and anxiety levels can run high during summer vacation. In addition to having your child say their sounds, I can’t overemphasize the importance of listening. Before children can pronounce correctly, we have to be sure they can discriminate between the sounds. Playing listening games such as “What animal makes that noise?” is also practicing speech.

Continued on Page 21

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JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 11

Family resources

Schenectady County

Schenectady County Museums and historic sites

tions. Also on the site are the Mabee Cemetery, a blacksmith shop, Dutch barn, carpenters workshop and a carriage shed. www.mabeefarm.org Museum of Innovation and Science (miSci) 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady; (518) 382-7890 A museum and planetarium with a mission to “celebrate, explore and inspire science and technology, past, present, and future.” www.misci.org Niskayuna Train Station Rosendale Road, Niskayuna A restored 19th-century brick station that served the Troy-Schenectady Railroad route. A picnic area, fishing, boat launch and bike path are also located nearby.

Continued on the next page

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Empire State Aerosciences Museum 250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville; (518) 377-2191 ESAM presents aviation history from the pioneer era to the jet age, with a focus on New York. The museum features two galleries, a Hall of Fame, an Art Gallery, research library, Air Park, and flight simulator. www.esam.org Flint House 421 South Reynolds Street, Scotia; (518) 374-2371 Historic home hosting occasional open houses and tours. www.flinthouse.org Mabee Farm Historic Site 1080 Main St., Rotterdam Junction; (518) 887-5073 The oldest house in the Mohawk Valley (built in the last quarter of the 17th Century). The main farmhouse, the adjacent inn and the brick house have retained many original characteristics of early Dutch and French settlers, with few design altera-

Online:

Nott Memorial View these listings, as well as at Union College Union Street, Schenectady those from Rensselaer County and The 16-sided Nott Memorial is a National Southern Saratoga County online at Historic Landmark. The campus also features www.cdparentpages.com. the Mandeville Gallery and Memorial Chapel – known for its superb acoustics. Free walking tour maps available at the admissions office. www. Libraries union.edu Glenville Branch Library Schenectady County Historical Society Museum 20 Glenridge Road, Glenville 32 Washington Ave., Schenectady; (518) 386-2243 (518) 374-0263 Mont Pleasant Branch The three-story house is of the Federal and 1026 Crane St., Schenectady Greek Revival style and is filled with a collection (518) 386-2245 of original 18th century furniture, paintings, cosNiskayuna Public Library tumes, toys, household and military items. Be sure 2400 Nott St. E, Niskayuna to see the dollhouse, built in 1834 by Joseph Yates, once Governor of New York, for his granddaughter. (518) 386-2249 www.schist.org Phyllis Bornt Branch Library & Literacy Center Stockade Historic District 948 State St., Schenectady Erie Boulevard and Union Street, (518) 372-4393 Schenectady (518) 372-5656 Rotterdam Public Library New York State’s first historic district and one 1100 N Westcott Road, Rotterdam of the few places in this country where a thriving (518) 356-3440 residential community has occupied the same Quaker Street Branch site for more than 300 years. Free walking tour maps available at the Heritage Area Visitor Center 133 Bull St., Quaker Street located at the Schenectady Museum. www. (518) 895-2719 historicstockade.com

12 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

Family resources

Schenectady County

Outdoor fun County Forest Preserve Lake Road, Duanesburg; (518) 386-2225 A multi-recreational park on 102 acres with hiking, fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. www.schenectadycounty.com Christman Preserve 3281 Schoharie Turnpike, Duanesburg; (519) 690-7878 The preserve is great for hiking, picnics and family fun. A highlight of the Christman Sanctuary is the Bozenkill, with its 30-foot waterfall and numerous lesser cascades. Freeman’s Bridge 2 Freeman’s Bridge Road, Scotia; (518) 382-3884 Free public launch site on the Mohawk River run by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Wheelchair accessible entrance available. Indian Kill Nature Preserve Maple Avenue, Glenville (518) 386-2225 A 100-acre preserve that follows the banks of the Indian Kill. Discover diverse habitats including climax forest, past farmed fields, wetlands, and young forest. www.schenectadycounty.com Plotter Kill Preserve Mariaville Road, Rotterdam; (518) 386-2225 Preserve contains 632 acres of rugged hardwood and coniferous forest along the Plotter Kill, a scenic tributary to the Mohawk River. The ledges give the stream its name: platte (flat) and kill (creek) Use caution when hiking, especially with young children; the terrain is very rugged with steep slopes and ledges near the trails. There are three spectacular waterfalls: the Upper Falls, Lower Falls and the Rynex Creek Falls.

Farmers Markets Schenectady Farmers’ Market Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church, 1241 State St., Schenectady Thursdays: 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in front of Schenectady City Hall, Franklin and Jay streets Open May through October. Enjoy shopping at a variety of vendors who offer fresh fruits and vegetables, natural eggs, herbs, wines, baked goods, flowers and plants, crafts and

Parks and Rec Central Park Central Parkway and Wright Avenue, Schenectady; (518) 382-5151 Music Haven Stage, basketball, bocce, casino restaurant, greenhouse, baseball fields, tennis courts, Tiny Tot Land, pedal boats, picnic pavilion and rose garden. www.cityofschenectady.com or www.schenectadyrose.com Collins Park /Freedom Park Route 5 and Schonowee Avenue, Scotia (518) 374-2225 Picnic area, playground, tennis and basketball courts, ball fields and swimming. Free summer concerts and family entertainment. Home to US Water-ski Show Team. www.visitscotia.com or www.freedomparkscotia.org Erie Canal Lock Parks www.canals.ny.gov; (800) 4CANAL4 • Erie Canal Lock 7 Park Lock 7 Road, Niskayuna Free state boat launch facility. • Lock 8 Park Rice Road, Rotterdam • Lock 9 Park Rte. 103, Scotia Jackson’s Garden Union College, Union Street, Schenectady Eight acres of gardens and woodlands. Kiwanis Park Route 5S, Rotterdam Boat launch and picnic area.

Mohawk Hudson Bikeway (800) 962-8007 A 30-mile trail along the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers. Great for hikers, bicyclist and rollerbladers. Free maps at the Schenectady Chamber Visitor Center (306 State St, Schenectady) or download a map at www.schenectadycounty.com. Proctors Theatre 432 State St., Schenectady; (518) 364-6204 Each season, Proctor’s Theatre presents world class singers, side-splitting comedians,

electrifying dance programs, wonderful classical productions, including opera and symphony orchestras, and top-notch touring Broadway musicals. Something for all ages. www.proctors.org Scotia Cinema 117 Mohawk Ave, Scotia; (518) 346-5055 Updated 1920s-era theater with old-school marquee offers second-run movies and discount concessions. Kids love the balcony! www. scotiacinema.net

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Schenectady County Public Library 99 Clinton St. Ext., Schenectady (518) 388-4500; www.scpl.org Scotia Branch Library 14 Mohawk Ave., Scotia (518) 386-2247 Woodlawn Branch 2 Sanford St., Schenectady (518) 386-2248

more. The Downtown Thursday market offers a lively outdoor setting complete with music, food, and weekly special events. www.schenectadyfarmersmarket.com Schenectady Greenmarket Sundays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Summer market: May through October, 105 Jay St., Schenectady Winter market: November through April, Proctors arcade, 432 State St., Schenectady A place to buy fresh local produce and artisan goods in a festive community atmosphere. Upper Union Street Farmers Market Parking lot behind the Trustco Bank off Woodland Avenue Open Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. All the farmers at the market are local and within 10 miles of the market.

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We are thrilled to announce that Fox Vision has recently implemented the Optics-Trainer. This cutting-edge technology will help children and adults improve visual skills that are essential for success in school, at work, and in sports!!

Please join us for a FREE “Experience Vision Therapy” Workshop on August 3rd, 2017 from 6PM-8PM! To learn more about how this NEW technology can help improve the following: reading skills, ability to focus and concentrate, visual processing, peripheral awareness and sports-performance. Dr. Fox and his Vision Therapists will review the beneÀts of vision therapy, explain how vision therapy works, and provide you with a hands-on experience.

When you experience the Optics Trainer, you are not going to believe your eyes! Please RSVP to drfoxassistant@gmail.com or call the ofÀce at 518-374-8001 by August 2nd, 2017 www.FoxVisionDevelopment.com

Don’t Miss Maple Ski Ridge 2725 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam (518) 381-4700 Year-round activities and festivals at a local ski hill that is great for beginners. www. mapleskiridge.com

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continued ...

Dr. Robert S. Fox OD, FCOVD

1202 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Latham, NY

(518) 374-8001

Vision therapy will change how you see the world! JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 13

Make it a swe

Chill out at one of these local ice cream h

e are now into the lazy days of summer in the Capital District, and nothing seems to go better with barbecues, flip flops and sunscreen than a towering ice cream cone with sprinkles.

There are plenty of ice cream joints to choose from in the Capital Distract, including the five all-stars listed below. • Jim’s Tastee Freez: Located on 58 Delaware Ave., in Delmar, Jim’s Tastee Freez is the community’s staple takeout ice cream shop. Though physically small, Tastee Freez certainly has a grand reputation: It is a rarity to find yourself at the front of the line upon arrival. Luckily, its efficient and friendly staff helps you get your ice cream order in record time. The menu is extensive, ranging from hard and soft ice cream to milkshakes, sundaes, floats, tornadoes and Dole whips (a vegan option). And if your sweet tooth isn’t quite aching, Tastee Freez’s menu also includes burgers, chili dogs, sandwiches and french fries. • Jericho’s Twist Ice Cream Shoppe: Though you might

14 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

not have enough time to catch a double feature at the Jericho Drive-in, its Twist Ice Cream Shoppe can surely satisfy any ice-cream craving. Located at 19 Jericho Road in Glenmont, Twist has a great atmosphere. The huge drive-in screen is visible from the vast sitting area, which complements the music playing and lamps. Aside from the ambiance, Jericho’s menu is all the more reason to stay, with soft ice cream and hard ice cream on homemade, hand-dipped waffle cones, and cake cones, along with shakes, floats, malts, “Crunchi Creme,” “Razzles,” sundaes, italian ices, frozen yogurt, sugar-free ice cream, and homemade ice cream sandwiches. • Guptills Coney Express Ice Cream: Guptill’s Coney Express Ice Cream of 1085 New Loudon Road, Cohoes, has been a fixture of the community since 1951. The ice cream shop, located right next to the roller skating area, is an open venue with plenty of windows for undeniably quick service, and a spacious patio, complete with outdoor seating. The shop has a cash-only policy, but there are ATMs available if you find yourself in a bind. Though the service and the environment are excellent, Guptill’s real trademark is its remarkable list of flavors:

80 in total, with 48 soft. Additionally, t cies: shakes, ice cre sundaes, strawberry chocolate chip cook slushies.

• Kurver Kreme: vides customers wit forms like specialty to-go ice cream, an dogs, nachos and sl in Albany, Kurver K seating to enjoy the

• Snowman: Star 1950s, this commu wealth of options w as well as specialty als, malts, banana s any given summer Troy to enjoy a gen delivered by a frien

weet summer

m hangouts

al, with 48 flavors of hard ice cream, and 32 of itionally, the menu carries many other delicaes, ice cream sodas, flurries, sundaes, brownie strawberry shortcake sundaes, banana splits, chip cookie vanilla ice cream sandwiches, and

er Kreme: Founded in 1952, Kurver Kreme protomers with ice cream, sherbet and yogurt, in e specialty sundaes, shakes and flurries, packedcream, and cakes and pies. They also have hot hos and slushies. Located at 1349 Central Ave. y, Kurver Kreme has an abundance of outside o enjoy the flavor of the week.

wman: Started by the Murphy Family in the is community landmark gives its customers a options with ice cream, yogurts and sherbets, specialty sundaes, ice cream pies, brownie roy, banana splits and flurries to choose from. On summer day, you can go to 531 Fifth Ave. in njoy a generous portion of more than 30 flavors by a friendly staff.

Amelia McCarthy and Jillian Crocetta

JULY 2017 â€” CDPARENTPAGES.COM 15

Rodeos have all kinds of events. Fill in the blanks to name some of them.

1) C A L _ R _ P I N G 2) G O _ T T _ I N G

n u F s d i K ge Pa

3) B U _ L R I _ I N G 4) B A _ R E L R A _ I N G 5) B R _ N C R I D _ N G 6) C H _ T E D O G _ I N G 7) S T E E _

Fact or Fiction?

WRES_LING

Rodeo Challenge

COLORING PICTURE Every year, kids of all ages go to the rodeo. Here are some questions about rodeos. How many can you answer correctly?

1) Rodeos have been around for years. Fact or Fiction? 2) The word “rodeo” comes from the Spanish word meaning “to go around.” Fact or Fiction?

3) Most rodeos begin with a Grand Entry, which includes the singing of the national anthem. Fact or Fiction? 4) All rodeo events are judged by skill. Fact for Fiction? 5) Only men age 35 and up compete at rodeos. Fact or Fiction? 6) Horses are the only animals found at rodeos. Fact or Fiction? 7) Most broncs are horses that have been trained to buck off riders. Fact or Fiction? 8) Some rodeos have a queen. Fact or Fiction? 9) Some rodeos have clowns. Fact or Fiction? 10) Rodeo life can be fun but hard. Fact or Fiction? Answers: 1) Fact, 2) Fact, 3) Fact, 4) Fiction, some events are judged by skill and some by speed, 5) Fiction, men and women of all ages, and sometimes teens and kids, compete, 6) Fiction, all kinds of animals can be found at rodeos from horses to cows to goats, 7) Fact, 8) Fact, 9) Fact, 10) Fact

Q: Why are most horses in shape? Because they eat a stable diet.

Q: What is a bull’s favorite lunch? A bullogna sandwich!

16 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017 COLORING

PICTURE

Answers: 1) Calf Roping, 2) Steer Wrestling, 3) Bull Riding, 4) Barrel Racing, 5) Goat Tying, 6) Bronc Riding, 7) Chute Dogging

URE

Name That Event

Coloring Fun

COLORING PICTURE

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Calendar of events

family fun for July

July

Pick of the month

1 Saturday Build a Better Sundae

Turtle Time Meet one of the Discovery Center turtles and bring your questions and curiosity, 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

First Friday Friends

Kick off summer reading with ice cream, a balloon twister, music and fun activities, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Children ages 12 to 36 months and their parents are invited to play and interact with others while using age appropriate toys, books and puzzles, 10 a.m. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

2 Sunday Wildlife Presentation

Summer Cinema

Wildlife rehabilitator Kelly Martin will introduce some of the birds of prey and other animals in her care, 10 a.m. Suggested donation is $5 per family. Call to register. Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, 87 Nature Center Way, Voorheesville. Call (518) 872-0800 for more information.

Bring a blanket or pillow; we’ll supply the popcorn as you watch “Moana” (PG, 107 min, Walt Disney), 2:30 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Mini-Golf at Bethlehem Public Library

July

Free Family Movies

Watch “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” (1982) Rated PG for language and mild thematic elements, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Proctors, 432 State St, Schenectady. For more information, visit www.proctors.org or call (518) 346-6204.

For one afternoon, the library will transform into an 18-hole miniature golf course where golfers of all ages can enjoy this favorite family pastime, 1-5 p.m. Regular library services will be limited. Sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

3 Monday I Forgot Day Celebrate the events you forgot. Make a card or do a craft to remember friends and family, 10-11 a.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

5 Wednesday

Treehouse: Team Building and Minute 2 Win It Build a Better World through cooperation with team challenges, relays, Minute to Win It games, and group fun will be our theme, 2-3 p.m. For grades 1-4. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

Turtle Time

6 Thursday

Meet one of the Discovery Center turtles and bring your questions and curiosity, 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Family Fun Nights: ‘Lego Batman Movie’

Submit an event

Batman attempts to overcome his greatest fear in order to stop The Joker’s latest plan (Rated PG, 90 minutes), 6:30 p.m. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 4589274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

• To have your event included in our print edition, email the information, including date, time, place, cost and contact information to robertsk@ spotlightnews.com by the 10th of the preceding month. Events run space permitting, and submission does not guarantee publication. 18 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

A Day on the Farm Experience life on a small Mohawk Valley farm by planting veggies, harvesting summer rye and baking a fresh loaf of bread, 10 a.m. For ages 5 to 10 but all are welcome. Cost is $7 per child; registration required. Mabee Farm Historic Site, 1100 Main St, Rotterdam Junction. For more information, call (518) 887-5073 or visit www.schenectadyhistorical. org/families.

Fairy Houses Construct whimsical structures using a variety of natural and sparkly materials for our fairy and other woodland friends, 2 p.m. Registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

7 Friday Traveling Talks: Silent Sparks of Fireflies Discover the world of fireflies with environmental educator Fran Martino, 4:30 p.m Bring a mason jar with holes punched in the lid, or borrow one of ours. Catch and release. Cost is $5 members and $10 for nonmembers. Olana State Historic Site, 5720 NY-9G, Hudson. For more information, call (518) 828-0135 or visit www.olana.org.

8 Saturday Electric City Comic Con The Electric City Comic Con is the area’s family friendly indie con – small but fierce, it celebrates comics and the artists and writers who create them, 10 a.m. Free. Schenectady County Public Library, 99 Clinton St. Schenectady. For more information, visit www.scpl.org/ComicCon/index.html.

Builder Party Play at building and digging, 1 p.m. For ages 4-10. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Hold Onto Your Hat with WMHT’s Barbara Lukas Enjoy a morning full of reading, crafts and fun activities based on the classic children’s book “Caps for Sale,” 10:30 a.m. For preschool through grade 2; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

9 Sunday Pond Ecology

Interactive cooking class where kids make their own multi-course dinner and parents get a night out too, 6 p.m. For ages 7 and up; registration is required. Cost is $30. Serendipity Arts Studio: 26 D Congress St., Saratoga Springs. For more information, visit serendipityartsstudio.com

Join science educator George Steele to explore the wiggly water wonders of the Arboretum’s Meeting House pond, 2 p.m. Cost is $5/person, $15/family for members; $15/person, $25/family for nonmembers. George Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road, Esperance. For more information, visit landislive.weebly.com/2017-activities-and-events/ pond-ecology or call (518) 875-6935.

Campfire at the Mabee Farm

Karner Blue Butterfly Walk

This program invites kids to unplug themselves for the evening and tune in to the real world instead where they’ll enjoy apple cider warmed over an open fire along with some s’mores, 7 p.m. Cost is $7 per child; registration required. Mabee Farm Historic Site, 1100 Main St, Rotterdam Junction. For more information, call (518) 887-5073 or visit www. schenectadyhistorical.org/families.

A 0.9-mile hike to see the Karner blue butterfly with preserve staff, 1-2:30 p.m. Learn about the natural history of the Karner blue and efforts to rescue it from the brink of extinction. For ages 6 and up. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Kids Cooking: Kids Night Out!

Continued on the next page

family fun for July

Calendar of events

9 Sunday (cont.)

or online at smirkus.org. Call 518-365-3459 for group sales and for more information. Saratoga Casino Hotel, 342 Jefferson St. Saratoga Springs.

Farm to Preschool The Farm to Preschool Farm Stand offers a comfortable location for children and families to learn about and sample fresh fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers, 2:30 p.m. Cohoes Community Center, 22-40 Remsen St., Cohoes. For more information, call (518) 237-7523 or visit www.cdcccc.org/page/farm-topreschool-31.html#sthash.mj6mNPgC.dpuf.

StarLab Planetarium Show Percy Jackson fans will love this planetarium show called “Andromeda to Zeus!” Greek mythology and seasonal constellations are showcased, while students predict regular motion of celestial objects, 6-6:45 p.m. For grades 5-7. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

11 Tuesday Big Vehicle Petting Zoo Come see what the Guilderland Highway Department uses to build us a better world! They will be here with some BIG vehicles for you to see up close, 11 a.m. For families. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www. guilpl.org.

Author Nina Crews Visits Popular children’s author Nina Crews (“One Hot Summer Day”) will lead an interactive program in which she will read from her books, talk about the writing process and answer questions, 6:30 p.m. Her books will be available for sale and signing. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

BPL Drama Llamas: Puppet Show and Storybook Theatre Enjoy a fun, interactive show presented by our teen volunteer drama troupe, 4-4:30 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Circus Smirkus Also Wednesday. Join Circus Smirkus celebrates their 30th Anniversary Big Top Tour with Midnight at the Museum — a wild and wonderful journey with Jurassic jugglers, astonishing aerialists, courageous clowns, and wily wirewalkers, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for children 2-12 and $25 for 13 and older. Tickets can be purchased locally at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga and G. Willikers

Palace Theater Free Summer Movie presented by Albany Medical Center & SEFCU. Doors open at noon for fun and activities and movie begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the Palace Theatre Box Office in advance or on the day of movie. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www.palacealbany.org.

12 Wednesday Turtle Time Meet one of the Discovery Center turtles and bring your questions and curiosity, 2 p.m. All ages. Free. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www.albanypinebush.org.

Busy Beavers at Five Rivers

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10 Monday

‘Kung Fu Panda’

Meet at Five Rivers and see all the ways beavers have an impact on the environment, 10 a.m.-noon. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Land of Stories Trivia Test your knowledge of the twins Alex and Connor Bailey and all of their adventures, 2-3 p.m. Sign up online or call. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Make-up with a Clown Bee Bee the Clown will show boys and girls (grades 4-6) how to put on their own clown makeup, 6:30 p.m. Registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Brain Builders Workshops: Paper Making Join naturalist George Steele as he shows you how to make recycled paper projects, 2-3 p.m. For grades 1-4; registration required. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

13 Thursday Family Fun Night: Trivia Night Local celebrities John Craig and Kumi Tucker will test your knowledge of trivia in this teambuilding night of family fun, 6:30-7:30 p.m. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

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Free Family Movies Watch “Sing” (2016) Rated PG for some rude humor and mild peril, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Proctors, 432 State St, Schenectady. For more information, visit www.proctors. org or call (518) 346-6204.

Continued on the next page JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 19

Calendar of events

family fun for July

13 Thursday (cont.)

museum admission. Iroquois Indian Museum, 324 Caverns Road, Howes Cave. For more information, call (518) 296-8949 or visit www.iroquoismuseum. org.

This month

Welcome to the Age of Dinosaurs

Free Family Movies

The Children’s Museum of Science & Technology will discuss these fascinating prehistoric creatures, 2 p.m. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Watch “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981) Rated G, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Proctors, 432 State St, Schenectady. For more information, visit www. proctors.org or call (518) 346-6204.

Rubber Duckies Get Ready for Kindergarten!

17 Monday Nuts & Bolts: amily STEAM Night

Children 3 and up work at their own pace and narrow in on the skills they most need, 11 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

14 Friday Little Wonders of Science: Watching the Seasons Also Saturday. Introduce preschoolers to weather with an educator-led reading of “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William followed by some hands-on activities, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Cost is $5-$10 plus regular admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit.

Schenectady County SummerNight Celebration will feature live musical performances, games, and great food. Closing out the show will be Grammy Award winning Blues Traveler who will rock the crowd beginning at 8:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Free. Downtown Schenectady. For more information, visit www. SchenectadyCounty.com/specialevents.

Summer Cinema Bring a blanket or pillow; we’ll supply the popcorn as you watch “Secret Life of Pets” (PG, 87 min, Universal), 2:30 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Spanish Story Time with Señora Gloria Señora Gloria of the Capital Region Language Center will present stories, songs and movement activities, 10 a.m. Drop-in program for ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Summer Friday Film ‘Lego Batman Movie’ A cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal

Fourth of July Fireworks

July

An Albany tradition since our country’s bicentennial celebration in 1976, the annual event features live music and fun for the whole family, including the best fireworks show in the region, 3-10 p.m. Traffic and parking get crazy on the Fourth, so show up early. Empire State Plaza, Albany.

Explore a variety of fun and educational handson activities that build Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math skills, 6:30 p.m. For grades 1-4 with caregiver. Please register. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary. org or call (518) 765-2791.

Game Day Play old-fashioned board games, card games, building games and more, 1 p.m. For children ages 3-11; young children must be accompanied by an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 371-8622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Take Home Pixel Art with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick (PG, 1 hour, 44min.), 2 p.m. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

efforts to rescue this species from the brink of extinction. For ages 6 and up. Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, 195 New Karner Road, Albany. For more information, call 456-0655 or visit www. albanypinebush.org.

Jungle Jim’s Minecraft Madness

Can you save the egg from cracking? Scientist George Steele will lead the challenge, 1 p.m. For ages 8-18; registration required. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Combining balloon artistry, magic, comedy and improv, Jim creates an amazing experience for children, 6:30 p.m. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

15 Saturday Think Outside the Box Join us for stories about boxes and building, then create things out of boxes, 11 a.m. For children ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

Children’s Star Sighting Interactive program identifies stars, planets, comets and constellations in the night sky, 11 a.m. Geared to children ages 3-7 and their families. $3 all seats. Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, 25 Quackenbush Square, Albany. For more information, visit www.albany.org.

Egg Drop Challenge

Explore More Science Fair Event presented by Howe Caverns and WMHT will entertain and delight the whole family, with photo opportunities with Curious George, 11 a.m.4 p.m. Exhibits are free; parking costs $2. Howe Caverns Inc., 255 Discovery Drive, Howes Cave. For more information, call (518) 296-8900 or visit www.howecaverns.com.

Family Carnival & Ice Cream Social Bring the whole family for a day of carnival games, crafts and prizes; most activities will be held outdoors, 10 a.m. For ages 4 through grade 6 with family. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

16 Sunday

Karner Blue Butterfly Walk

Traditional Iroquois Storytelling

A 0.9-mile hike to see the Karner blue butterfly with preserve staff, 1-2:30 p.m. Come learn about the natural history of the Karner blue and our

Join guest storyteller and cultural educator Tonia Loran-Galban at the Iroquois Indian Museum for a fun afternoon of stories, 2 p.m. Free with

Plan your pixel art design on graph paper and the iPad and make a poster to take home, 2-3:30 p.m. Sign up online or call. For grades 6-12. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Beaded Wind Chime Craft What can you make with some beads and a piece of driftwood? A cool and colorful wind chime! Hang it in your garden, on your porch, or in your room, 2 p.m. For teens. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www. guilpl.org.

18 Tuesday Building Bonanza A fun read-aloud and then lots of free playtime with blocks, Duplos, Lincoln Logs, and other fun building toys-including different mystery building materials each week, 3 p.m. For children ages 3-7; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Wii Just Dance Summer Party Tweens and teens are invited to a Wii Just Dance Party with the latest Wii Just Dance games on the big screen, 3 p.m. Registration required. Grades 3-12. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Continued on the next page 20 PARENT PAGES — JULY 2017

18 Tuesday (cont.)

19 Wednesday

‘Lilo & Stitch’

Kids’ Movie Matinee: ‘Lego Batman’

smART Series Become SmART in art with this creative summer series and have your art questions answered. Each session will investigate a creative concepts of modern art to explore how contemporary artists express their ideas and pose questions, 10:30 a.m. For ages 6 and older. Free for members; $5 per non-member child. The Hyde Collection, 61 Warren St., Glens Falls. For more information, call (518) 792-1761 or visit or visit hydecollection.org/ family-programs.

Building the Future Learn how a city develops and changes over time by using SimCity on the library’s laptops, 6:30 p.m. Representatives from the Future City Competition will introduce this activity. For grades 5-8; please register. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

British Nanny continued from Page 11

Keep it short I can’t stress this one enough, especially for a preschooler. Nothing turns a child off more than endless lists of words. Do not try to get your child to practice for his normal session length. Even trained speech pathologists often have to stand on their heads to get a preschooler’s attention for a 30-minute period. You, Dear Parent, don’t have a chance! Try for 15 minutes if your child is enjoying an activity. Five minutes here or there as you are going through your day also counts. Remember, your child doesn’t have to be sitting to make it a session. Don’t try to introduce more sounds or concepts during this time. Use sounds and words he’s familiar with. It’s better to use 5-10 words that he practices correctly than 50 words that he

A cooler-than-ever Bruce Wayne must deal with the usual suspects as they plan to rule Gotham City, while discovering that he has accidentally adopted a teenage orphan who wishes to become his sidekick (PG, 104 min.), 1:30 p.m. Popcorn and light refreshments will be served. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Kitchen Science or Magic? Explore how common kitchen ingredients change to create reactions and new products before investigating states of matter, measurement, and following recipes like a scientist, 6:30 p.m. For grades 3-6; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Treehouse: Brainiacs It’s time to build your brain with mad scientist Dr. Demento and some wacky experiments, 2-3 p.m. For grades 1-4. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

practices incorrectly.

Make it fun This is key to being successful. If it’s not fun, let’s be honest, it’s probably not happening. As a speech therapist and doting grandparent, I have learned to adapt an activity mid-stream if I see I’m losing my child’s attention. With preschoolers, “Be silly for success” is my motto. For added fun, have your child take pictures of objects with his sound. Make them into cards and use them with his activities over the summer. The following “on the go” activities are easy, short and fabulously fun and motivating. • Sing silly “sound” songs while driving in the car with your child. If you have a difficult time making up songs there are also commercial articulation CDs you can purchase online. • There are many ways to

family fun for July

Calendar of events

Tween Game Night: Minute To Win It

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

How many challenges can you complete before time runs out, 6:30-7:30 p.m. For grades 5-7; registration required. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

20 Thursday Family Fun Night: Pirate School David Engel’s solo comedy variety act features rousing immersive audience participation, antic puppetry, adept magic, and amusing bubble play, 6:30-7:30 p.m. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

Dr. Dismantle! Performed by veteran family entertainer David Engel (Pirate School! Jedi Academy! etc), there wiil be zany props, magic, bubble play, feats of balance and truckloads of audience participation, 2 p.m. For ages 4-10. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Fuse Bead Make and Take Art Bring your imagination and leave with some cool fuse bead art, 2-3 p.m. For ages 9 and up.

practice at the playground. Just use your imagination. My grandson Jack likes to push his cars down the slide with a loud “go.” Your child can push cars substituting his sound or picture card. This also works with “rolling rocks” or “skimming stones.” • Use sidewalk chalk to create a large hopscotch game. You can substitute words instead of numbers and have you child throw a rock and say a word. • Have a picture scavenger hunt. You and your child can go around the house taking pictures of objects with his sound. • Kids love sand. Make it a speech activity by burying laminated cars or objects with his sounds and having him “dig for sounds” as he puts them in his sand pail. • Water play in the bathtub or wading pool is particularly good for /b/ sounds (boats and bubbles!) but can be used for

Kids Cooking with Jodie Fitz Jodie Fitz, the creator of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club for Summer Food Fun will be making tropical smoothies and a frozen treat with the kids, 3 p.m. For grades 3 through 6; please register. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

21 Friday Teen Movie: ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ Watch the adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter reads his book in school, 1:30 p.m. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Summer Cinema Bring a blanket or pillow; we’ll supply the popcorn as you watch “Ice Age: Collision Course” (PG, 94 min, 20th Century Fox), 2:30 p.m. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Continued on the next page any sound. • For many tech-savvy children, using apps on the computer is a preferred way to practice. My own grandchildren learned how to use apps from about the age of 1. Most speech apps are very stimulating and motivating, and it may be a good way to practice sounds during some down or snuggle time. While each child should have a break, in some case it’s advisable to prioritize speech therapy and continue formal therapy in the summer. In these cases, private speech therapy may prove well worth the investment. Sharon Cole is a speechlanguage pathologist and proud grandmother based in Albany. She is the owner of Vocally Clear Communications PLLC. Vocally Clear’s goal is to promote effective communication for all ages. She can be reached at Vocallyclear. com or message her at “British Nanny” on Facebook. JULY 2017 — CDPARENTPAGES.COM 21

Calendar of events 22 Saturday World Clothing Learn about what people wear around the world and why, 1 p.m. Please sign up. For ages 4-12; registration required. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Family Concert with Dave Ruch: A Mule Named Sal Celebrate the 200th birthday of the Erie Canal with music featuring banjo, bones, spoons, washboard, jaw harp and so much more, 3 p.m. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

23 Sunday Free Family Movies Watch “ParaNorman” (2012). Rated PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Proctors, 432 State St, Schenectady. For more information, visit www.proctors.org or call (518) 346-6204.

family fun for July

p.m. For grades 5-7. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

25 Tuesday

noon for fun and activities and movie begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the Palace Theatre Box Office in advance or on the day of movie. Palace Theatre, 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information, call (518) 465-3334 or visit www.palacealbany.org.

Traveling Farm

Traveling Farm and Petting Zoo

Meet some of the Winterberry Farm animals at a traveling petting zoo at the library, 11 a.m.-noon. For kids and families. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Winterberry Farm will be bringing some of their animals to the Library, 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome; no registration required. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www.voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

The Marshmallow Incident

Build Some Bird Feeders

24 Monday Mad Labs

‘Finding Dory’ Palace Theater Free Summer Movie presented by Albany Medical Center & SEFCU. Doors open at

Let zing-a-gram make your child’s party special

518-462-1703 www.zingagram.com

29 Saturday

26 Wednesday

30 Sunday

Brain Builder’s Workshops: Architecture

SenseAble Science

Architect Meghan Brennan of Butler, Rowland + Mays will instruct kids how to build their own fictional zoos, 2-3 p.m. For grades 1-4; registration required. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org.

A sensory friendly science center experience for those with autism and other sensory needs, 10 a.m.-noon. Presented by the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, Schenectady ARC, and miSci with additional funds from sponsors. Cost is $5-$10 plus regular admission of $5 for children, $8 for seniors and $10 for adults. MiSci, 15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. For more information, call (518) 382-7890 or visit.

Free Family Movies

“Chicken Lady” Lindsay Sprague brings live animals with her for this hands-on experience, 6:30-7:30 p.m. William K. Sanford Colonie Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie. For more information, call (518) 458-9274 or visit colonielibrary.org. 102457_4

Unbirthday Party It’s not your birthday? What a coincidence, it’s not mine either! Celebrate with party games, cake and piñata, 1 p.m. Rensselaer Public Library, 676 East St., Rensselaer. For more information, call (518) 462-1193 or visit rensselaerlibrary.org.

Family Fun Night: Traveling Farm

Costume Singing Telegrams Mimes Face Painters Magicians Pony Rides Petting Zoo Jugglers On-site Decorating Bounce Houses Children’s Party Entertainment & Balloons

some easy projects to comfort and amuse shelter animals, 2 p.m. For grade 7 and up; please register. Voorheesville Public Library, 51 School Road, Voorheesville. For more information, visit www. voorheesvillelibrary.org or call (518) 765-2791.

Build a marble run, 2 p.m. Presented by the Capital District Child Care Council. For ages 3 and up with an adult. Registration required beginning July 18. Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Road, Clifton Park. For more information, call 3718622 or visit www.cphlibrary.org.

27 Thursday

Popular Children’s Characters

Balloons Party Decorating Balloon Twisters…

Page 10

Making a Marble Run

Hear the story, then make marshmallow shooters and play some games, 2-2:45 p.m. Sign up online or call. For grades K-5. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Environmental Educator George Steele will help children make three kinds of bird feeders, 2 p.m. For grades 1-3; registration required. Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland. For more information, call (518) 456-2400 or visit www.guilpl.org.

Roll up the sleeves of your lab coat and get ready for fascinating science experiments, 6-6:45

Time out for tick checks

28 Friday Teens Care: Sewing for Shelter Animals Earn Community Service credit while making

Watch “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016). Rated PG for action and some rude humor, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Proctors, 432 State St, Schenectady. For more information, visit www.proctors.org or call (518) 346-6204.

31 Monday Rubber Ducky Sensory Playtime A playtime for babies and toddlers up to age 35 months to use their senses to explore the world around them, 10 a.m. Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

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