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4 Hudson Valley Parent n June 2017 ON OUR COVER In this issue FEATURES 8 I am a Hudson Valley Parent Dan Plunkett is a man with four kids who makes a difference. His lacrosse program for kids with special needs is wildly successful. 10 Me Time: Just for women When is it time to think about your personal goals apart from being a mom? Five ideas that foster your personal development. 15 4 Must-see farms to add to your summer list Do your kids love animals? How about letting them run through the fields and pick their own fruit? Choose your farm and pick your fun. 22 Let's get serious about pool play Stats tell us that pool deaths take a hugh toll on our kids. Some simple precautions will make a difference. 24 Great dads help raise happy kids Readers share their favorite dad and kids photo. And they will enjoy going to a Hudson Valley Renegades baseball game. 26 Fabulous fun on the nearby waterways We are lucky that New York State continues to support our canal system where we can cruise from dock to dock and experience new adventures. 28 100 top things you won't want to miss out on From castle fun or sandy beaches, we have collected 100 things to do that you can add to your check list. 32 Calendar: With great June weather, you will find more outdoor festivals and fairs listed in our monthly calendar. This month's cover kid is Savana from New Windsor who was only 6 months old when this photo was taken. Her mother said that Savana is now walking and she enjoys dancing. She also loves her stuffed animals and must have one with her at all times. Photo by Michael Bloom HV PARENT READER FEEDBACK What is your favorite summertime day trip? "We went to the Pocono Envi- ronmental Education Center. There are kid-friendly hikes that focus on learning about nature preservation. It was a great day trip for our family!" — Cat F. "Bronx Zoo then we head a few miles away to City Island for some good food by the water." — Percida C. "Kalahari Waterpark in the Poconos, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Walkway over the Hudson and Mid Hudson Children's Museum. Stepping Stones Children's Muse- um in Norwalk, Connecticut, Lake Wawayanda, Lake Minnewaska, Bear Mountain, Firefly Splash Pad in Matamoras." — Raina D. "We head over to Noah's Park Retreat." — Michele D. "Franny Reese State Park for a great hike and awesome views! We also love... Lasdon Park, Letchworth Village, Mount Ninham, Albany Museum, Kent Falls, Croton Dam, Woodstock, Innis Free Garden and Clermont State Historic Site." — Christine V. "Howe's Caverns Cobelskill, Lake George, MiSci Museum in Sche- nectady, Trevor Zoo in Millbrook, Adirondack Animal Land in Glovers- ville, Animal Adventure Park in Har- pursville, Ross Park Zoo in Bingham- ton, Via Aquarium in Rotterdam and the New York State Museum." — Roxanne F. TRIPS WE LOVE: The adventure begins on page 6 The adventure begins on page 6