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Must-Read Thursday, December 3, 2020



Ideas for family celebrations, support your teen, and emergent writers

Up-to-date local news


Five fun ideas for safe family celebrations
Creative mom blogger shares her personal choices for a happy holiday

How to support your teen through the pandemic
Be proactive with your teens. Don't wait until they are in trouble. Recognize problems before they blow up 

Squiggles to words: the emergent writer
Children begin mastering writing skills earlier than you think. Have fun with this idea



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • Get Outside, Get Offline

    Participate in Fish and Wildlife Day events September 28

    The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) encourage New Yorkers to give back to the State lands and sites they treasure and get outdoors by participating in stewardship events for Fish and Wildlife Day on Saturday, Sept. 28. read more »
  • Beware of “Friendly Greeting” phishing scams

    Always be cautious when receiving messages from unknown senders

    The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection warns New Yorkers of “friendly greeting” phishing scams, which are deceptive text messages from unknown senders that can lead to fraud. Phishing is a common technique that scammers use to send fraudulent communications that appear to come from a reputable or trusted source. It is really an attempt to trick consumers into revealing personal information or clicking on harmful links that can download malware to their devices. Phishing scams are usually performed through text messages, emails, or chats on WhatsApp, Signal, or Facebook Messenger platforms. read more »
  • Tips to help students be better writers

    Writing and communication skills are essential to success

    No matter students' chosen career paths, writing and communication skills are essential to success. Whether a student identifies as a “math kid,” a “sports kid,” or even a “reading kid,” writing doesn’t always come naturally read more »
  • Safe sharps disposal

    Keeping students healthy at school

    Back to school can be overwhelming for students and families. With new classes, new friends and sometimes new schools, students have a lot to balance. Additionally, changing routine can be challenging for students managing health conditions, including allergies, diabetes and others that require using and safely disposing of needles, syringes, or epinephrine autoinjectors at school. read more »
  • Smart starts for a healthy heart

    Improve hydration, skip added sugars with better-for-you beverages

    How you start your morning can impact the rest of your day. If you want to incorporate healthier choices into your morning routine, try a concept known as “habit stacking.” read more »
  • Debunking 5 common myths about root canal treatment

    If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you may be dreading the procedure or even trying to find a way out of it. The good news? Today’s root canal treatment is nothing like the myths you may see circulating the internet, which are misinformed and simply false. read more »
  • Celebrate your 4-legged friend

    3 ways to give back during National Dog Month

    While most dog owners need little reason to celebrate their furry family members, National Dog Month provides a perfect opportunity to show pets a little extra love. read more »
  • What you (and your child) should know for kindergarten

    6 habits to start right now

    Starting kindergarten is a major milestone that sets the stage for future learning. Ensuring children are well-equipped to enter kindergarten sets them up for a successful school year in the short term and an academic career in the long term. read more »