Winterguide 2014 by Winter Guide: Explore Winter in Upstate New York

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Where to Go • What to Do • Maps • Calendar of Events

WINTER guide The Best of Upstate New York

2013-14

Fun Stuff Inside

Interactive edition at cnywinter.com

Tons of great events covering the best of Upstate New York

IT’S

UTDOORS! O T A E GR

s w eg an in O h t r e t is win

o County!

th tion vaca o t Don’t Miss These 2014 Events! ! etter place s e i k c b o Jan. 18: CNY Arts Center Snow Day, Fulton R a e d Jan. 19: Winona Forest Stonewall Classic Snowshoe Race Highest annual snowfall east of ths you won’t ﬁn Jan. 31- Feb. 2: Oswego County Winter Carnival, Sandy Creek trail With nearly 400 miles of groomed snowmobile Feb. 7-8: Warm-Up Oswego Feb. 7-9: Great Eastern Whiteout, Fulton

NEW Snowmobile App!

Visitor information: 1-800-248-4FUN (4386)

WWW.VISITOSWEGOCOUNTY.COM

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Free app makes it easy to map your trip, zoom in on a trail section, & locate businesses!

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WINTER GUIDE

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PO Box 8 • Adams, NY 13605

(315) 232-3300 All coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy in the year of its issue. Products may vary by state. Certain products may not be available in all states. Property/casualty products offered by Farm Family Casualty Insurance Company and United Farm Family Insurance Company. Life products offered by Farm Family Life Insurance Company. Home Offices: Glenmont, NY.

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Winter Guide

CONTENTS

Snowstorm Name Games to Start... 7 Almanac: Rough Winter Ahead............. 9 Warm-Up Oswego to Feature Fireworks.... 10 Curing Cabin Fever......................... 12 Are All Snowﬂakes the Same?................... 15 Ice Harvest Fest Offers Unique Outing......... 17 Ice Fishing 101.............................. 19 Skijoring, Anyone?............................. 21 The Thrill of Skating............... 40 Food: Going Beyond Chili and Soup............. 41 New Snow Games .................. 42 Celebrations Around the World....... 43 Bored? Try New Board Games.................44 20 Health Tips for the Winter...............46 Products to Insure a Safe Winter...............48

Winter Guide CNY is published every year by Local News, Inc., which also publishes 55 PLUS magazine, Oswego County Business Magazine and In Good Health— CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper, among other publications. www.CNYwinter Editor & Publisher: Wagner Dotto Associate Editor: Lou Sorendo Contributing Writers: Melissa Stefanec, Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Calendar of Events Editor: Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Advertising: Peggy Kain, Paige Killinger Design & Layout: Chris Crocker Ofﬁce Manager: Laura Beckwith Proofreading: Shelley Manley © 2013 by Local News, Inc.. All rights reserved.

✓ CALENDAR OF EVENTS... 23 ✓ SPECIAL MAP................26-27

(315) 342–8020 P.O. Box 276 Oswego, NY 13126 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

Our Advertisers THE FOLLOWING ADVERTISERS HAVE MADE THIS BOOKLET POSSIBLE

ATTRACTIONS

Laser Tag Adventure................ 27 Long Lake & Raquette Lake .... 21 Onondaga Parks & Recreation .. 3 Pole Position Raceway ............ 51 Red House Arts Center ........... 18 Syracuse Gay & Lesbian Choir 27 Town of Inlet ............................ 21 Warm Up Oswego Festival ...... 25 WonderWorks .......................... 51

AUTOMOTIVE

Burdick Ford .............................52 Dick’s Auto Specialties ............ 33 Fucillo’s Auto Malls ...................11 Ken’s Body Shop ..................... 29 Longley Dodge ........................ 30 Parker’s NAPA Auto Parts ....... 33 Pullens Truck Center ............... 14

FUEL

Amerigas ................................. 29 Johnston’s Gas ........................ 31

HARDWOOD

Lakeshore Hardwoods .............32

HEALTH / DENTAL

Associated Dental Arts ............ 24 Oswego Health ........................ 28

HOME & BUIDING

Burke’s Home Center .............. 28 Deaton’s Home & Building....... 35

INSURANCE

CASINO

Fitzgibbons Agency ................. 25 James A. Cheney Insurance (Farm Family) ............................ 4

FARMERS MARKET

JP Jewelers ............................. 24

Vernon Down Casino Hotel ....... 4

Cazenovia Winter Farmers Market...................................... 27

FINANCIAL

Compass FCU ......................... 25 Computer Accounting .............. 28 Met Life .................................... 31

JEWELERS

LIQUOR STORE

ORGANIZATIONS

Oswego County Promotion & Tourism ................................... 2 Oswego County Stop DWI ...... 29 Pulaski/Eastern Shore C of C .. 32 St. Lawrence County C of C .... 22

OUTDOOR SERVICES

Jim’s Trailer World ................... 26 Parker’s Excavating ................. 34

PLUMBING AND HEATING SERVICE

Yager’s Plumbing ................... 31

REAL ESTATE

Century 21- Galloway .............. 28 Century 21 Leah’s Signature ... 30 Christmas & Associates ........... 20 Peter Realty ............................. 26

SPECIALTY STORES

Make Sense Shop ................... 35 Sharp’s Bulk Food ................... 18 Weedens Mini Mall .................. 15

Pulaski Wine & Spirits ............. 34

MUSEUMS

H. Lee White Marine Museum . 28 Suggett House Museum .......... 18

SNOW RELATED

Labrador Mountain .................... 4 Old Forge Sport Tours ............. 21

Salmon Hills Adventure Ctr ....... 2 Snow Ridge Ski Resort ........... 21 Toggenburg Mountain .............. 14

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Alton Coffee Cup ..................... 15 Burger King ............................. 14 Driveway Inn ............................ 31 Eddie’s Cove Bar & Grill .......... 36 Eddy’s Place ............................ 33 El Rincon Mexicano ................. 15 Mimi’s Drive-In ......................... 31 Mr. Sub .................................... 34 Rainbow Shores ...................... 32

WHERE TO STAY

All Seasons Inn / Beacon Hotel 24 Brown’s Village Inn .................. 27 Fox Hollow Salmon River Lodge ................................... 34 Little Sodus Inn ........................ 26 Mid-River Motel & Campgnd ... 14 Port Lodge Motel ..................... 35 Riveredge Resort .................... 10 Summit 2 Sea Sales & Rentals 20

THRIFT SHOPS

Friendship Thrift Shop ............. 36 Santa’s Redemption Center ... 29

Advertisers by Alphabetical Order All Seasons Inn / Beacon Hotel .... 24 Alton Coffee Cup ........................... 15 Amerigas ....................................... 29 Associated Dental Arts .................. 24 Brown’s Village Inn ........................ 27 Burdick Ford .................................. 52 Burger King ................................... 14 Burke’s Home Center .................... 28 Cazenovia Winter Farmers Mkt ..... 27 Century 21- Galloway .................... 28 Century 21 Leah’s Signature ......... 30 Christmas & Associates ................. 20 Compass Federal Credit Union ..... 25 Computer Accounting Service ....... 28 Deaton’s Home & Building............. 35 Dick’s Auto Specialties .................. 33 Driveway Inn .................................. 31 Eddie’s Cove Bar & Grill ................ 36 Eddy’s Place .................................. 33

El Rincon Mexicano ....................... 15 Fitzgibbons Agency Insurance ...... 25 Fox Hollow Salmon River Lodge ... 34 Friendship Thrift Shop ................... 36 Fucillo’s Auto Malls .........................11 H. Lee White Marine Museum ....... 28 James A. Cheney Insurance (Farm Family) .............................. 4 Jim’s Trailer World ......................... 26 Johnston’s Gas .............................. 31 JP Jewelers ................................... 24 Ken’s Body Shop ........................... 29 Labrador Mountain .......................... 4 Lakeshore Hardwoods .................. 32 Laser Tag Adventure...................... 27 Little Sodus Inn .............................. 26 Long Lake & Raquette Lake .......... 21 Longley Dodge .............................. 30 Make Sense Shop ......................... 35

Met Life .......................................... 31 Mid-River Motel & Campground .... 14 Mimi’s Drive-In ............................... 31 Mr. Sub .......................................... 34 Old Forge Sport Tours ................... 21 Onondaga Parks & Recreation ........ 3 Oswego County Promotion ............. 2 Oswego County Stop DWI ............ 29 Oswego Health .............................. 28 Parker’s Excavating ....................... 34 Parker’s NAPA Auto ...................... 33 Peter Realty ................................... 26 Pole Position Raceway .................. 51 Port Lodge Motel ........................... 35 Pulaski Wine & Spirits ................... 34 Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber .. 32 Pullens Truck Center ..................... 14 Rainbow Shores ............................ 32 Red House Arts Center ................. 18

CNYWINTER.COM 6

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WINTER GUIDE

Riveredge Resort .......................... 10 Salmon Hills Adventure Center ....... 2 Santa’s Redemption Center ......... 29 Sharp’s Bulk Food ......................... 18 Snow Ridge Ski Resort ................. 21 St. Lawrence County Chamber ..... 22 Suggett House Museum ................ 18 Summit 2 Sea Sales & Rentals ..... 20 Syracuse Gay & Lesbian Choir ..... 27 Toggenburg Mountain .................... 14 Town of Inlet .................................. 21 Vernon Down Casino Hotel ............. 4 Warm Up Oswego Festival ............ 25 Weedens Mini Mall ........................ 15 WonderWorks ................................ 51 Yager’s Plumbing ......................... 31

Flurry Worry:

Snowstorm Name Games

Get ready for a “Snowmageddon,” “Snowzilla” or maybe a “Frankenstorm.” Or maybe not. Some media to get more moderate when it comes to naming storms By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ith Central New Yorkers’ fa- fall-out of the hype. People think we’re moving to downplay the storm name miliarity with snow — both not accurate when our predictions game. For the second season, The its splendors and hassles — it don’t match the national predictions Weather Channel will name significant seems like weather forecasters’ predic- that paint with such a broad brush, like storms with a list of names based upon tions of bad storms have become a tad Philadelphia to New England. Locally, mythological figures, from Atlas to Zephyr. To “earn” a name, a storm must we can be precise.” like the little boy who cried wolf. meet specific criteria of severity. This The Weather Channel is at least Each new, moderately-sized or larger storm is given a diresounding name. It may pay to prepare for a “Snowmageddon,” “Snowzilla,” “Snowpocalypse” or “Frankenstorm.” But fear-inducing monikers for storms that fizzle out may be doing more harm than good when the storms don’t live up to prediction and no storm prediction is taken seriously. “I personally think the names are silly,” said Alfred Stamm, distinguished service professor at SUNY Oswego’s department of earth sciences. “I don’t know who dreams them up or why.” That’s why Your News Now (YNN) CNY doesn’t name storms. “We don’t name storms because it builds up hype,” said Michael Gouldrick, director of meteorology for YNN. When national media outlets predict a mega storm of one to “I personally think the names are silly,” said Alfred Stamm, regarding the names attwo feet and local experts forecast tributed by the media to large snowstorms. Stamm is a distinguished service professor mere inches, “nine times out of at SUNY Oswego’s department of earth sciences. “I don’t know who dreams them up 10, the storm doesn’t live up to or why.” He is shown during an interview with British Broadcasting Corp. along Lake their prediction,” Gouldrick said. Ontario near Rudy’s restaurant during the filming of “23 Degrees,” which will air on “Local media has to clean up the the Discovery Channel. Courtesy of Jim Russell/SUNY Oswego. 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

ensures that minor storms won’t get over-hyped with a name like Titon. “It’s not as alarming to name storms these names, but any name is a little alarming because people think that the storm must be pretty severe to get a name,” Gouldrick said. “But it is easier for social media to name a storm so people can refer to it.” The Weather Channel’s website said that “the decision to begin naming storms came about as part of The Weather Channel’s program to ﬁnd the best possible ways to communicate severe weather information on all distribution platforms, including social media.”

Just in case we get a real “snowmageddon” or you become snowbound at home, it pays to have on hand a few items to keep you comfortable and safe. Stock up on several days of non-perishable foods and keep a manual can opener, in case the power is out. Choose foods that need minimal preparation and heating, unless you have a gas stove. Don’t run short on household basics, non-perishable foods, bottled water, and pet and baby items. Maintain a stocked ﬁrst aid kit and a supply of any prescription medication needed. Obtain alternative sources of light, heat, and entertainment ahead of time.

To stay in touch, get a back-up cell phone power source. If your home phone service is knocked out or if you don’t have a land line, it’s vital to keep your cell charged. Store a couple snow shovels inside. If a storm buries your door, you may not be able to get out to the shed. Plan ahead to stock your car with roadside emergency items, including a broom, snow brush, flares, jumper cables and basic tools, non-perishable food and water, an extra set of warm clothes, blanket, flashlight, extra battery, matches and a candle, distress flag to tie to the antenna and a first aid kit.

Let it Snow! Top Upstate cities with the highest average snowfall in a year (population 50,000+) 115.6

115.6 108.2

100”

93.6

92.3

75” 63.9

63.9

50”

25”

Syracuse

Clay

Utica

Amherst

Buffalo

(pop. 140,658)

(pop. 58,836)

(pop. 59,082)

(pop. 116,773)

(pop. 276,059)

Niagara Falls Rochester (pop. 52,326)

(pop. 208,123)

Irondequoit Schenectady (pop. 52,354)

(pop. 61,560)

Albany (pop. 93,963)

Sources: www.city-data.com

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Rough Winter Ahead Cold and snowy winter for about two thirds of the country. For Upstate New York? Bitterly cold and snow-ﬁlled weather By Melissa Stefanec

eople around the United States wait for advice from a book that is almost 200 years old. That book is the Farmers’ Almanac. The ﬁrst edition appeared in 1818 and since then Americans turn to its pages for weather reports and sage advice. The ﬁrst thing most people look for is the Almanacs’ weather prediction. According to Sandy Duncan, the Almanac’s managing editor, this winter is going to be a rough one. “It’s going to be pretty darn cold for the entire country,” said Duncan. “It’s going to be one of those winters you want to hunker down.” Indeed, the Almanac predicts a cold and snowy winter for about two thirds of the country. The Northeast will be

no exception, as it’s on board for a bitterly cold and snow-ﬁlled winter. The Almanac predicts particularly horrible weather in the ﬁrst 10 days of February, with Feb. 1 to 3 being especially wintery in the Northeast. This could spell bad news for football fans. The 2014 Superbowl is slated to be played Feb. 2 at the Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey. Some businesses that are involved in the Superbowl are even buying insurance because of the Almanac’s predictions. They have every reason to be nervous. Last year the Almanac was only a few days off when predicting the winter’s biggest storms. The March that follows isn’t going to be a picnic

in the park either. “It’s looking like March is going to be horrible month,” said Duncan. “It’s going to be a long winter.” Although the winter is going to be very cold and snowy, the Almanac’s prediction is that summer will answer with its own extreme weather. The Almanac’s prediction is for a lessthan-ideal summer in 2014. It predicts oppressively humid, wet and thundery conditions for the Northeast. So, Central New York, get ready for a long, tough winter. According to one of the longest-running print publications, we are going to have to use every trick in the book to get through this season. 2013 / 2014

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Warm-Up Oswego

Perfect Warm-up in February Festival to include ﬁreworks

entral New York-area residents always need a warm up in February. That’s where the Warm-Up Oswego Festival comes in. The idea is to remedy cabin fever and feature “hot” events geared to revive one’s spirits. The Warm Up Oswego Festival is now in its 8th year and will be featured Feb. 7-8. Warm Up Oswego is a collaboration involving the Oswego YMCA, the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the city of Oswego and downtown businesses. Feb. 7 begins with the hot wing contest at the Lake Ontario Conference Center at 6 p.m. On Feb. 8, the daytime events revolve around the YMCA Armory. People can register for the downtown scavenger hunt, the “Hot 2K Trot” and the “Crazy Costume” sled race beginning at noon. Fireworks will be featured over the Oswego River at 6 p.m. All-day performance including arts and crafts and a firstever chili cook-off will be held at the YMCA Armory. The Music Hall is hosting an open mic event on Feb. 7 and a concert with Chris Eberhardt will be held Feb. 8 at the McCrobie Civic Center, 41 Lake St. after the fireworks. Lakeside Artisans will host its annual wine, cheese and chocolate tasting at Canal Commons on West First Street and many taverns and restaurants throughout the city will serve as “hot spots” to celebrate the festival on the evening of Feb. 8. “This is a great way to get people outside and back into the shops after the January doldrums — when students are out of town and people are recovering from the holidays,” said Mary Vanouse, director of the Community Development Office in Oswego, who is sponsoring the event in conjunction with Greg Mills, executive director of the Oswego and Fulton YMCAs. “It’s a great way to bring life back to downtown Oswego,” Vanouse added. By Lou Sorendo

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Curing Cabin Fever Fun and easy winter activities to do as a family By Molly Martindale

abin fever is an idiomatic term for an isolated feeling where one feels conﬁned in a space for an extended period of time, typically during the winter months. In Central New York, being stuck at home is often inevitable. Between the excessive snowfall, chilling winds and freezing temperatures, staying warm inside is sometimes a lot easier than enduring the cold. For families that are feeling cooped up indoors, there are options for fun things to do in the winter. Check out this list of fun and easy things to do as a family to help cure cabin fever.

Sledding Getting the family outside during the winter months is sometimes a great feat but sledding offers a timelessly fun activity for all ages. The act of climbing the steep hill is rewarded with a thrill-

ing ride back down combining both a workout and excitement. Skyline Hill in Long Branch Park, located at the northern end of Onondaga Lake Park is a 500 ft. long hill that offers family fun sledding for all ages. • Tip: Plastic sleds and tubes can be purchased in a number of locations including drug stores, for quick (and cheap) pickup.

Movie night Movie nights are a simple way to get the whole family in the same room. Grab your favorite movies, popcorn, soda, blankets and pillows and cuddle around the screen. Movie nights can provide easy ways to connect with the family through the emotions that the ﬁlms evoke. Don’t own a lot of movies? Redbox is in a number of locations and you can buy newly released movies for only a

dollar–you can’t beat it. • Tip: Try alternating who gets to pick the movie every movie night. By taking turns family members will be more apt to be open to others’ choices knowing that they get to pick soon.

Ice skating Ice skating is a great family activity for all ages. Skating provides exercise combined with the joy of racing around the ice. Even if you think that you wouldn’t be any good at ice-skating–you don’t know until you try. Trying new things together as a family can even bring you closer together. Clinton Square Ice Rink located in downtown Syracuse is an open-air ice skating rink open to the public. Admission is only $3 while ice skate rentals are extremely reasonably priced at $3 or $2 for children and seniors. • Tip: Instead of renting skates, you can ﬁnd second-hand sport stores that sell ice skates at reasonable prices. Also, make sure to wear comfortable socks when ice skating to avoid blisters.

Play in the snow Key word: play. Seriously. Make a snowman, have a snowball ﬁght, make a fort or snow angels…you’re never too old to have fun when it comes to snow. And Central New Yorkers know that we’ll certainly have a lot of snow to play with. Make use of it…snow is right outside of your front door, it’s free, and there are tons of possibilities. • Tip: Use food coloring to dye snow to make some colorful snowballs and snowmen.

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Board games Board games are a good way to bring collaboration and teamwork to a family night. Games are a good way to keep minds sharp with the use of strategy, and many board games have education factors as well. You can go simple for younger ages with Candy Land, Guess Who or Life, or go for the more advanced games like Monopoly, Balderdash, or Risk for the older crowd. • Tip: Take a break from the game halfway through to grab some snacks. Playing a game together while munching on some chips or drinking some hot chocolate will make for one happy family.

Ice Fishing If you love summer time fishing, it’s counterpart ice fishing is a fantastic winter activity to try. If you’re looking for something different to cure your cabin fever, ice fishing might be just what you and your family should check out next. You may need to pick up a few tools

such as a portable shelter or an auger to break the ice, but most are affordable at sporting and outdoor good stores. A few places to ice ﬁsh in Onondaga County are Cross Lake, Oneida Lake or Jamesville Reservoir. • Tip: Make sure that you dress appropriately. You and your family will be sitting on a frozen lake ﬁshing into frigid waters–to think you will be cold is an understatement. It’s easier to overdress and take off layers.

Baking Baking is another great way to bring the family together and warm up winter blues. Whether it’s a combined effort to make the food or to eat it, it’s still bringing everyone to the table. Food can also be inviting and cozy. Who can be grumpy around a gingerbread cookie or a homemade casserole? Get the kids together to help you put together a yummy dessert or have a nice sit-down meal to discuss the day. • Tip: Cooking isn’t your strong suit? There are tons of effortless recipes online. Just search what you’re looking for and you can ﬁnd anything from brownies to pot roast–some with very few ingredients.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Cross-County skiing and snowshoeing are incredibly simple activities. From older adults to young children, these activities are appropriate for any age. Onondaga County has tons of options when it comes to hitting the trails with cross-county skis or snowshoes. Highland Forest in Fabius features 20 miles of trails and there are fees of only $5 for adult access and $2 for children 15 and under. Skis, boots, poles and snowshoes are available for rent, with snowshoes as little as $3 for the ﬁrst hour. There are 7 miles of ski trails at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, although they don’t offer skis for rent. continued on next page 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

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• Tip: Cross-Country ski lessons are available and there is a Try Snowshoeing clinic offered on weekends. There are also weekend guided walks to track wildlife on snowshoes.

Sleigh Rides If you’re looking to make some unique winter memories as a family, sleigh rides are the best bet. Grab the kids, some blankets and hot chocolate in a thermos and take a ride down snowy trails escorted by Clydesdale horses. Sleigh rides are available through Cooperstown Carriage Company at Highland Forest located in Fabius. At only $6 per person and $3 for ages 5 and under, sleigh rides are fun and affordable. • Tip: Make sure to dress warmly so that the focus can be on the experience, not the cold weather. Also, bring a camera to document your winter wonderland sleigh ride.

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Get Creative If being cooped up inside for hours at a time is driving your family crazy, use some of that time to brainstorm what you all might like to do together. Maybe it’s starting a scrapbook, making a craft, dancing to music, playing the Wii or ordering a pizza, the options are really endless. There are tons of websites that have checklists such as “100 Winter Activities,” and your family can make its personal list of what to do this season. • Tip: Making a winter check list will help your family feel accomplished during lazy winter months and everyone will get a say on what to do.

Myth Busting No, cold can’t make you sick, and, no, not every snowﬂakes are unique By Melissa Stefanec

inter comes with its fair share of folklore, old wives’ tales, regional boasting and advice. This information is passed down through generations, but not much of it is actually fact checked. Everyone has his or her 2 cents to put in. After reading this article, you will know that your contribution packs a little denser snowball. Feel free to use the ammo.

in a human’s respiratory tract. People in colder climates tend to get sick in the colder months because they spend more time indoors. In warmer climates, people catch colds in the rainy months (when they spend time indoors). When people spend time indoors, it gives the viruses ample breeding grounds and infection routes. There are typically fewer viruses in the outside air during the winter, so going outside and engag-

Can the cold make you sick? The cold can’t make you sick. The common cold is caused by more than 100 viruses; the most likely culprit is the rhinovirus. These viruses are highly contagious and cause symptoms

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ing in physicall activity will typically help you avoid a cold.

Will eating snow keep you hydrated? According to every survival article on the Internet, eating snow is not a good way to stay hydrated or avoid hyperthermia. Your body has to melt the snow to digest it, and this takes a lot of energy and lowers your core temperature. If you are ever in a situation where you need to use snow for water, the best strategy is to melt the snow outside of your body and then drink the water. You can keep the snow in a canister next to your body or use another means of melting it prior to drinking it.

Is every snowflake really unique? The answer is — not really. According to Pao Wang, a meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin, some basic snowflakes are the same shape and those basic shapes take on more snowflakes and create unique designs. Wang studies how snow and ice form into clouds. According to the university’s website, all snowflakes are built on a hexagonal shape that occurs when water droplets freeze into crystals, and these shapes are not infinite. They may not all be unique, but most of them are quite different.

What city is the gloomiest in Central New York? According to city-data.com, which reports on everything from weather to school districts, crime and housing, there is a clear winner for gloomiest city in Upstate New York. Syracuse wins that less-than-prestigious title, as it ranks 18th in cities (population 50,000 or more) with the lowest average sunshine amount in the United States. Syracuse may take the title, but the rest of Upstate New York isn’t far behind. Utica ranks 23rd, Cheektowaga 38th, Buffalo 40th, Niagara Falls 41st, Rochester 57th, Irondequoit 58th, Schenectady 85th, and Albany 88th.

What place in Upstate New York gets the most snow? According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), during the winter of 2012-2013 (October 2012 to April of 2013) there was a clear winner in the most snow category. That award went to

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a Lewis County hamlet called Highmarket got 211.6 inches of snow during last year’s winter. However, other Upstate New York cities still saw plenty of the white stuff. Buffalo got 58.8 inches; Rochester 78.1 inches; Fulton 209.9 inches; Redﬁeld 178.5 inches; Syracuse 115.4 inches; Albany 51.4 inches; and Watertown 80.9 inches.

If you lose control of your car on the road, should you veer into the slide? According to the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) tips for winter driving, it doesn’t matter if your vehicle is two- or four-wheel drive or front-or rear-wheel drive. Assuming you have antilock brakes, you should handle losing control of your car the same way every time. First, you should keep your eyes on where you want to go and steer the vehicle in that direction. Do not slam on the brakes, as doing so will make it harder for your vehicle to right itself. Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again. When this happens, gently steer the wheels in the direction you want to go.

Ice Harvest Festival Offers Unique Outing Feel you’ve seen it all? Well, you should check out the Ice Harvest Festival in February By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

f you feel like you’ve done all the winter events in Central New York and done them a few times, check out the Ice Harvest Festival held annually at the Hanford Mills Museum in East Meredith, just east of Oneonta. Like a time travel trip, visitors to the event can savor life as it was during simpler times when the iceman’s deliveries kept the icebox chilled. Among the activities are horsedrawn sleigh rides, sampling wares from local vendors, warming up at bonfires, viewing films showing ice cutting in the 1930s, ice fishing demonstrations by the Dave Brandt Chapter of Trout Unlimited, demonstrations on throwing the atlatl (a Native American weapon) by historic interpreter Barry Keegan and children’s activities led by Oneonta World of Learning. The highlight of the event is the opportunity to help cut ice blocks from the frozen mill pond. Just as many of their ancestors did, visitors can use authentic ice saws. Once the blocks are cut loose they’re loaded on a horsedrawn sled, which hauls the ice to the museum’s period-authentic ice house. The ice blocks are packed away using old fashioned methods — no deep freezers — until July. At that point, the ice is used to make old-fashioned, handmade ice cream for the Hanford Mills Museum Independence Day Celebration. Liz Callahan, the executive director, said that the event’s uniqueness draws many of its participants. “It’s a historical activity that not many people get to participate in,” she said. “It was an important part of the economy before electric refrigeration

Young and old can join in the fun at the Ice Harvest Festival.

Harvesting ice is probably not something many of us have done, but the opportunity awaits at Hanford Mills Museum this February. 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

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�� was common on farms and in homes.” Most years, 500 to 1,000 visitors attend the event, depending upon the weather. About 7,000 to 8,000 visit the museum annually. Callahan advises visitors to dress warmly and wear non-slip footwear. “People don’t have to participate in ice cutting, but are welcome to,” she said. “We’ve had 2-year-olds and people in their 90s. We want to make it accessible to visitors.” Soup and other hot foods from local vendors will also be available for sale to help visitors warm up. The event is the ﬁrst Saturday of February each year, Feb. 1 this year. Hanford Mills Museum also hosts Antique Engine Jamboree in September, Independence Day Celebration, Miller’s Harvest Festival in October, and Woodsmen’s Festival in May. Other events, workshops and lectures are held at the museum throughout the year. Handford Mills also hosts general and group tours. Adult and teen admissions are $8.50, seniors and AAA members are $6.50, active and retired military are $4.25 and museum members and children 12 and younger are free. The museum is at 51 county Highway 12, in East Meredith. For more information, call 607-278-5744 or visit www.hanfordmills.org.

Horse-drawn sleds and sleighs are part of the Ice Harvest Festival.

2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

Ice Fishing 101 By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ce fishing can provide both wintertime recreation and a tasty supper, but it takes preparation to be safe, comfortable and successful as a winter angler. Ben Barry, store manager of All Seasons Sports, Inc., in Pulaski, is an avid ice fisherman. “It really is a lot of fun,” he said. “You can hang out with your friends and catch fish. And the fish you catch in cold water are better tasting than in August when it’s 90 and they’re already half baked out of the water.” The equipment is a little different from that of warm weather fishing., Barry said. Rods, reels and bait meant for ice fishing will be more effective. Barry also recommends tip-ups so you can see when you’ve got a bite. You’ll also need an auger to get through the ice. Though it’s exciting to reel in a bucket of fish (and do bring a lidded bucket for fish hauling and for a seat), safety should be your No. 1 concern. Know the thickness of the ice and test it with a chisel as you walk out since ice thickness can vary on one body of water. Bringing a pair of ice picks and a long rope can also help you get out of the water should you fall in. Don’t go ice fishing alone. Even an experienced fisherman can make deadly mistakes — Barry has slipped through the ice a few times — and without someone to help you get out, you can die. Wear weather-appropriate clothing in layers with a moisture-wicking layer next to your skin. Barry recommends ice cleats, too, so you can more easily stay upright. “Shanties are a good thing so you can get out of the wind and weather,” Barry said. “You can try to secure a tent, but it may blow over. They do make some for ice fishing. But shanties are better.” The canvas and pole structures

usually come on a plastic sled to make moving it easier and cost around $100 to $150. “A heater isn’t a bad idea and deﬁnitely some hand warmers to put in your gloves or boots,” Barry added. “Bring something to eat and drink.” Your body will burn calories faster since it’s working to stay warm. The New York DEC named Sandy Pond, Oneida Lake and Lake Neahtahwanta as prime ice ﬁshing spots; however, numerous excursion companies in the area would be happy to take you out.

Ice Fishing Safety Tip

Follow these safety tips from the NYS DEC: • Clear, blue, hard ice over non-running water should be at least 2 inches thick for one person to walk on; many anglers wait until it is 3 inches thick.

• Three inches can support groups walking in single ﬁle. • It takes 7.5 inches of ice to support a car, and 8 inches to support a small truck. • Slush can make the ice 50 percent weaker. • Ice covering running water can be up to 20 percent weaker. • Be cautious of open water around bubblers, which are used to keep open water around docks and other structures. The bubbling action can undermine the ice. • If you’re unsure of the area, check with a local tackle shop for current conditions before venturing out on the ice. • Look for others already on the hard water and follow their paths. • In warm, clear weather, be careful near shore where the sun’s rays can melt the shallow ice. • Be especially careful near tributary mouths.

pots Prime S ing ﬁsh for ice-

ond Sandy P e Lak Oneida wanta ahtah Lake Ne C York DE Source:

The New

2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Skijoring, Anyone?

f you want to experience a new winter sport, why not try skijoring? Skijor Now, a leading sport organization in Shoreview, Minn., describes skijoring as “cross country skiing [combined with] dog mushing.” Originating in Scandinavia and literally meaning ‘ski-driving’ in Norwegian, skijoring allows a dog and owner to exercise together while enjoying the outdoors. Roy Smith, who operates Adirondack Kennel in Lacona, has skijored

for decades and even won medals at international races. Though he doesn’t skijor as much, thanks to the busyness of his dogsled tour business, he occasionally takes one of his two dozen or more dogs out for a good run. But one doesn’t have to be a canine professional to train his dog to skijor. With the right dog, some basic equipment and a little patience, you can do it, too. “Some breeds like pit bulls love to pull,” Smith said. “Some dogs you

wouldn’t normally think of pulling like pulling. I use predominately a Scandinavian hound. It’s German shorthair mixed with various hunting hounds. Working dogs seem to be the best.” Some people assume that a husky would be a perfect pet for pulling, but Smith said that may not be true. “If the pedigree is predominately for show, they may not want to pull,” he said. continued on page 22

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He typically starts training a new dog with another that is experienced in skijoring since the new dog seems to learn from the other. Otherwise, practicing with a bicycle or scooter before the snow flies can help. “On a bike, you can pedal so it’s not dead weight,” Smith said. “It’s more like moving with skis on.” All you need is a dog harness and a rope that can connect the two of you. Use a rock climbing harness, weightlifter’s belt or other low, wide belt to connect the dog to you so you don’t hurt your back. Speed skis, which are shorter and may be waxed, should also be part of the ensemble. Cross country skis are too long. Poles may also be helpful. A problem some dog owners face is that most dogs have been trained to not pull on a leash and the animal must learn to pull once the harness is put on. Donning the harness signals the dog that it’s pulling time, so learning to skijor won’t spoil walk time. But be careful to never use the harness when you want your dog to heel next to you for a walk. Reserve the harness for only pulling and the leash for walks. “I’ve been involved in skijoring 30 years,” Smith said. “I want something fast. I didn’t want to go diddling through the woods.” Anyone who asks, Smith teaches to train their dogs. A large enough dog, one 60 pounds or larger, should have no problem pulling an average to small-sized adult. Your skiing ability also makes a difference. “If you’re a really good skier, you can probably use one dog,” Smith said. To find places to skijor, check with the New York State Parks website, nysparks.com/parks. Anyplace that permits dogs and cross-country skiing should be a good place to skijor. Smith recommends www.sleddogcentral.com for dog training information and www.skijornow.com for skijor-specific information.

Entertainment

GUIDE Lights on the Lake, Onondaga Lake, LIverpool

DECEMBER All Month Long Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. The 24th annual event offers a two-mile long drive through light extravaganza featuring larger than life-size displays, themed sections and a memorable grand ﬁnale. Open nightly 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. MondayThursday $10 per car; Friday-Sunday $15 per car. $6 on Monday and Tuesday with a Wegmans Shoppers Club Card. Cash or check only. Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive. 453-6712. Visit: www. lightsonthelake.com. Syracuse: 28th Annual Gingerbread Gallery. When you visit the Erie Canal Museum during the Gingerbread Gallery, the delicious aroma of ginger and candy will waft through the air, leading you to the second ﬂoor gallery. Each year the museum transforms into a festive 1800s street scene with over 40 gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows. These sweet creations are made locally by professional and amateur bakers. The Gingerbread Gallery is open during ECM hours. ECM is closed on December 25 and Jan 1. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. A $5 donation is suggested. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Boulevard East. 471-0593 x15, Visit: www.eriecanalmuseum. org, natalie@eriecanalmuseum.org. Rochester: A Christmas Carol. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by a series of ghosts who remind him who he was and what he might yet become. He

learns that the true meaning of the season and that it’s never too late to make a new start. The famous tale of redemption for the most despised man in London will awaken your heart and rekindle your spirit in the critically acclaimed new adaptation. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theatre. Performances through December 28. Geva Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd. See schedule and ticket pricing online. 585-232-4382. Visit: www. gevatheatre.org.

Each Weekend Fabius: Cross Country Ski Lessons. 90-minute introductory lessons offered, weather permitting. 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Rd. $20 includes equipment rental; $10 if you have your own equipment. 683-5550. Call to make reservations at onondagacountyparks.com/highland-forest Skaneateles: Dickens Christmas 20th Anniversary. Step back in time and enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way, as the Skaneateles area businesses give a gift to the public for their support throughout the year. Charles Dickens and his cast of more than 50 characters will interact with residents and visitors in the streets, stores and restaurants. Numerous events and activities will be available for all ages throughout downtown Skaneateles, including live music, carriage rides, unique shopping opportunities and more. The celebration begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs every Saturday and Sunday through December 18,Noon to 4 p.m., and a limited show on Dec 24 (Noon to 4 p.m.). Free.

685-0552. Visit: www.skaneateles.com/visit/eventsa-attractions/dickens-christmas.

Dec. 1 Oswego: Toys, Trains and Christmas. Visit the Oswego Railroad Museum to view festive set up of railroad and toy train displays. 12 to 5 p.m. Oswego Railroad Museum, 56 West First Street. $2, adult; $1, 6 to 12 years; under 6, free. Visit: www.oswegorailroadmuseum.org. Fulton: Annual Poinsettia Open House. Thousands of blooming poinsettias on display with the highlight of our 12-foot-tall poinsettia tree. Entertainment provided by Dan Duggan. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oliver B. Paine Greenhouses, 125 South Granby Rd. Free. 592-2773. Visit: www.oliverpainegreenhouses. com. Inlet/Old Forge: Adirondack Christmas on Main Street. Events all day throughout Inlet and Old Forge, including book signings, free gift wrapping, book sale, candy cane hunt, children’s ﬁlm festival, Holiday Dog Parade, crafts and more. Free. Started Nov. 29. Visit: www.adkchristmasonmain.com. Pulaski: Light Up Pulaski and Memory Tree. Family events all day. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be at the Ringgold Fire Hall to greet children. Hayrides will be from the South Park with free hot dogs and hot chocolate from the Lions Club. The Memory Tree Ceremony will take place in South Park and will be lit at 4 pm. To pay tribute to a loved one on this special tree, make a check or money order payable to Memory Tree and send it to Charlotte DeGaetano, 424 Albion Cross Road, Pulaski. All the money donated will be given 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

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to the local food pantries. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at various locations throughout Pulaski. Free. 298-2213. Visit: www.pulaskinychamber.com. Syracuse: Syracuse Thanksgiving Antiques Show. A Syracuse holiday tradition for nearly 40 years. Antiques, art and collectibles in all styles and price ranges and great holiday gift ideas. There’s truly something for everyone. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building at the New York State Fairgrounds. Adults/Seniors $7; children under 12 free. 686-5789. Visit www.nysfair.org. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Adapted by Romulus Linney. Directed by Peter Amster. The beloved family classic returns to Central New York after a seven year absence in an adaptation new to Syracuse audiences. Relive the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s encounters with three ghosts that change his life from one of stinginess to generosity. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 820 E. Genesee Street. Single tickets, $30 to $54. Children under 18, $20; Under 40, $35 all tickets, all performances; SU students, $20 all performances; senior discounts

available all performances except Fri. and Sat. evenings. Rush tickets available day of performance only, $22 to $27 general public and $18 with valid student ID, subject to availability. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more. 443-9844. Visit: www. syracusestage.org. Central Square: 66th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Sing Christmas carols and enjoy cookies, cocoa, and fun with Santa. 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Goettel Park, US Rte. 11. Free. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. The Thousand Islands Museum transforms into a wonderland of trees decorated by local businesses, organizations and families. The memorial tree is centerpiece of displays waiting for name of your loved ones you would like to commemorate. Suggested admission is one canned or non-perishable food item contribution to the St. Lawrence Skiff, a collection point for the Clayton Food Pantry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 312 James St. Free. 686-5794. Visit www.timuseum.org. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. The magniﬁcent Granger Homestead will be sparkling with more

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than 100 trees, wreaths, tabletop decorations and gift baskets beautifully created by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Come and bid on your favorites at the silent auction. Mon. to Wed. 1 to 5 p.m.; Thurs. to Fri. 1 to 7 p.m.; Sun. 1 to 5 p.m. Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum, 295 N. Main St. $5, adults; $4, seniors/members; $1, students K-12; free under age 5. 585-394-1472. Visit www.grangerhomestead.org. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. This popular holiday tradition returns for its 18th season. This presentation of more than 70 cleverly designed and decorated gingerbread creations will be the largest yet, on view in a dedicated gallery as well as throughout the historic house. The display features clever confections from professional bakers, families, and community groups. In addition, the National Historic Landmark house is elaborately decorated for the holidays. Tues., Wed., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p,m., Sun. 11 p.m. to 5 p.m. Adults, $12; seniors, (65+) $10; students (with ID), $5; children 12 and under and members are free. George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, 900 East Avenue. 585271-3361.

Dec. 2 Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Baldwinsville: Kissing Ball Craft. Spend the evening creating a beautiful, balsam kissing ball, accented with red ribbon and bow. Register to make this wonderful addition to your holiday decorating. 7 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 106 Lake Drive. $16. 638-2519. onondagacountyparks.com/beaverlake-nature-center. Inlet/Old Forge: Adirondack Christmas on Main Street. See Dec.1 listing. Fulton: Parade of Trees. Schools and organizations decorate Christmas trees with homemade ornaments. Come and view the trees and vote for your favorite. Winners will be chosen in three categories. Sponsored by The Friends of History. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Pratt House Museum, 177 S. First St. Free. 598-4616 Lyons: Festival of Trees. Stroll through a “forest” of decorated Christmas trees. The trees are sold at silent auction with bidding on the 16th. 10 a.m.

DON’T MISS 14th Annual Great Eastern Whiteout Fulton • Feb. 7

Antique and vintage snowmobile show/swap meet and races. 6 p.m. Fulton War Memorial, 609 West Broadway. $10, adults; $5, children 6 to 15; under 5, free. 592-4892. Visit: www.thegreateasterwhiteout.net.

to 8 p.m. Wayne County Nursing Home, 1529 Nye Road, Lyons. Free. 946-5673 . Visit: www.waynecountynursinghome.org. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 3 Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Baldwinsville: Kissing Ball Craft. See Dec. 2 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

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Dec. 4 Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Baldwinsville: Wreath Making Workshop. Invite holiday guests and Christmas cheer through your front door with your handmade evergreen wreath. Just smelling the fresh boughs will put you in the proper spirit. The price includes boughs, wire and a bow. 10 a.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 106 Lake Drive. $15. 638-2519. Visit onondagacountyparks. com/beaver-lake-nature-center. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Ithaca: Chanukah Celebration. We’ll celebrate Chanukah with light, latkes, dreidels, and singing. Bring your chanukah menorah, candles, and a snack-toshare if you can. Fun for all ages. All are welcome. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Congregation Tikkun v’Or / Ithaca Reform Temple, 2550 N Triphammer Rd. Free. (607) 256-1471. Visit www.tikkunvor.org. Ithaca: A Tour of Neolithic Brittany. Enjoy an informative presentation on visible evidence of the pre-Roman culture in Brittany with a virtual tour of some of the better-known sites, including the famous stone alignments of Carnac, which extend over several kilometers; the 6500-year-old megalithic complex at Locmariaquer with its 280-ton Grand Menhir; the spectacular cliffs of Lost Marc’h; and the huge tumulus of Barnenez, the largest passage grave in Europe. Although the true purposes of these structures must remain conjectural, excavations have revealed fascinating evidence that some monuments were “repurposed” in ancient times, experiencing multiple phases of use over periods as long as 2500 years. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ithaca College, Room 208 Center for Natural Sciences, 953 Danby Road. Free. (607) 272-6959. Visit www.ithaca.edu. Ithaca: CU Music: Chamber Music. Performers include Malcolm Bilson, fortepiano; Ariana Kim,

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violin; and John Haines-Eitzen, cello. Enjoy an evening of chamber music including Schubert’s B-ﬂat Piano Trio. 8 p.m. Barnes Hall, Sage Avenue, Cornell University. Free. (607) 255-4760. Visit music. cornell.edu/calendar.

Dec. 5 Oswego: Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa will arrive by ﬁre truck and light the tree. Children’s parade starts at 5p.m. from the I Heart Oswego building, 29 W. Seneca and follows W. Second St. to City Hall, W. First St. Free. Owego: A Christmas Story. Portrays the riotous trials and travails of young Ralphie Parker on his quest for the one thing he wants for Christmas: A Red Ryder

BB gun. His requests keep getting reproved with a “you’ll shoot your eye out” by his parents, teacher, and even Santa Claus so he’s not real sure he’s going to get it. On top of that, his skirmishes with his brother Randy and the school bully Scut Farkus leave him wondering if he’ll ever make it to Christmas at all. 8 p.m. Ti-Ahwaga Performing Arts Center, 42 Delphine Street. General Admission, $20, Fri.; Students with ID $10; Sun., Seniors 60+, $17. (607) 687-2130. Visit: www.tiahwaga.com. Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Pulaski: Drawing Class. Artist Patricia A. Tanner will lead a drawing class for all ages. All materials are provided through a generous donation from Drs. Patricia and Jay Chapman. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Salmon River Fine Arts Center, 4848 N. Jefferson

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Street. Free. 315-298-7007. Visit: www.salmonriverﬁneartscenter.com. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 7:30 p.m. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Baldwinsville: Wreath-Making Workshop. See Dec. 4 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Ithaca: Powerdove. Willard Straight Theatre, Cornell Cinema and the Department of Music present an evening of live, improvised rock. The creation of pianist and singer Annie Lewandowski, a lecturer in the Department of Music, Powerdove also features John Dieterich (Deerhoof) on guitars and Thomas Bonvalet (L’ocelle Mare) on banjo, small instruments, body percussion, and electronics. They will perform songs from their new album Do You Burn?, released in the U.S. and Europe in March 2013 (Circle into Square and Murailles/Africantape). In The Wire magazine (UK), Clive Bell called Do You Burn? “an exhilarating album, zinging with empty space and surprises.” The band will perform alongside the music videos of Neil Infalvi, Gaby Wolodarski, and Department of Art Professor Michael Ashkin, among others. 7:30 p.m. 256 East Avenue, 101 Lincoln Hall, Cornell University. Admission, $10 general; $8 students at CornellCinemaTickets.com

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Dec. 6 Oswego: 6th Annual “Lights on the River” Festival. Enjoy music, entertainment, ice sculpting, horse and wagon rides, Santa, free refreshments. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. with ﬁreworks starting at 8 p.m. Downtown Owego. Free. (800) 671-6772. Visit: www.lightsontheriver.com. Aurora: Prohibition Era Cocktail Party. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Prohibition’s repeal, this swinging evening will begin in the Aurora Inn’s lakeside speakeasy and include hors d’oeuvres and classic, yet approachable, cocktails featuring locally-crafted liquors from the master mixers and Finger Lakes Distilling. Sip recreations of housemade elderﬂower liquor, lavender simple syrup, and bourbon cherries. 7 p.m. reception, 8 p.m. music. 391 Main St, $50. 364-8888. Visit: www.innsofaurora.com. info@InnsofAurora.com. Oswego: Christmas Simulcast by Women of Faith. An evening of hope and joy for the entire family. Bring blankets, pillows, relax and watch an amazing Christmas program. 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. West Baptist Church, 39 West Mohawk Street. Free. 591-2749. Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Syracuse: Syracuse Holiday Crafts Spectacular. At the Syracuse Holiday Crafts Spectacular, 125 artists will showcase not only their work but also share a little bit of their lives. Buying their products and giving them as gifts is a win/win for all concerned, especially supporting sustainable made handcrafted goods. Noon to 8 p.m. Horticulture Building, New York State Fairgrounds. Adults, $5; Weekend Pass, $6; Children, free. Visit www.nysfair.org. info@craftproducers.com. Syracuse: The Nutcracker Ballet. See Dec. 6 listing. Noon. A holiday classic, The Nutcracker will thrill the entire family. The beautifully staged performance will feature professional dancers from the Syracuse City Ballet. Parking $8-$10. Admission varies by seating. 7 p.m. The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 800 South State Street. 435-2121. Visit: www.syracusecityballet.com. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 8 p.m.

DON’T MISS Winona Forest Tourathon Annual XC Ski Race. Mannsville • Feb. 22 Formerly known as the Tug Hill Tourathon. Held in Winona State Forest. Skiers can elect to race 12.5, 25, 37.5, or now a dedicated 50 kilometers. Visit www. winonaforest.com and skireg.com.

Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Walworth: The annual Canaltown Chorale Christmas Concert will present “Rejoice,” a concert of Christmas music, including the cantata “Rejoice, Beloved Christians” by Dietrich Buxtehude with organ accompaniment. Jerry Heﬂey will conduct with Kay Oosterling accompanying on piano and organ. 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Walworth United Methodist Church, 3679 Main St., Walworth. Freewill offering will be taken. No admission charge. 946-9085 or 986-1607. Lyons: Holiday Boutique. The Wayne County Museum will host an array of artisans and crafters on three ﬂoors of the museum, just in time for holiday shopping. Desserts, coffee and tea served all day. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wayne County Museum, 21 Butternut Street, Lyons. Free admission. Visit: www.waynehistory.org. Lake Placid: Holiday Village Stroll. A Lake Placid tradition, the Stroll is a family and couples weekend chock full of events, entertainment, parties, and dining specials and shopping in the fairytale winter wonderland of Lake Placid. The weekend includes lots of free kids’ activities. Santa will be making an appearance in several locations throughout the weekend. For couples, there will also be dining specials and live entertainment into the late evening hours. Activities take place throughout Main Street, Lake Placid Admission varies, but most activities are free. (518) 523-2445 Visit www.lakeplacid. com/holidays. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: 20th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree.Visit all 16 wineries by starting at any of the four starting points, and receive one sou-

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2013 / 2014

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venir wine glass per person, one grapevine wreath, unique ornaments from each winery, a Shopper’s Card worth $5 off a $35 wine purchase at each winery, and holiday recipes. The starting points are Friday afternoons at King Ferry, Long Point, Montezuma or Six Mile Creek wineries. Or, start at 9 a.m. Saturdays at King Ferry or Long Point wineries. Grand prize drawings include a Cayuga Lake Wine Trail Season Pass 2014, Hilton Garden Inn-Ithaca, one night stay; Microtel Inn & Suites Seneca Falls, one night stay; LaTourelle Resort & Spa-Ithaca, one night stay; gift card to Rogue’s Harbor Inn-Ithaca; gift card to The Market at Traders Village, Ovid. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at King Ferry, Long Point, Montezuma, and Six Mile Creek wineries. Free. (800) 674-5217. Ithaca: The Temptations. In addition to being the most consistently commercially successful and critically lauded male vocal group in rock history, the Tempta-

tions have been charting hits for 40 years. Yet unlike most other living institutions, the Temptations remain a vital, hit making group, with the double-platinum Phoenix Rising from 1998 living up to its name. Despite personnel changes and conﬂicts, through countless triumphs and setbacks, the Temptations, with Franklin and Otis Williams at the helm, forged ahead. Today, with Williams the sole surviving original member, the group continues. 8 p.m. State Theatre of Ithaca, 105 West State Street. $28.50-$52.50. (607) 277-8283. Visit www.stateoﬁthaca.com.

Dec. 7 Oswego: NU2U Sale & Cookie Sale. Decorate your home for less with new and gently used Christmas items. Enjoy Christmas music while you shop and don’t forget to pick up some cookies at the bake sale. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 45

E. Utica St. Free admission. 343-1715. Oswego: Reindeer Run. 5k course with walk, run or team options. Show your holiday cheer by dressing up as your favorite seasonal character. 9:30 a.m. YMCA, 265 W. First St. Admission TBD. 343-1981. Visit: www.oswegoymca.org. Oswego: Oswego Music Hall Concert: Bill Staines. Enjoy the traditional music of folk artist Bill Staines. 8 p.m. Oswego Music Hall, 41 Lake Street. Admission varies. 342-1733. Visit: www.oswegomusichall.org. Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Syracuse: The Nutcracker Ballet. See Dec. 6 listing. Noon and 5 p.m. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Owego: A Christmas Story. See Dec. 5 listing. Mexico: Christmas in Mexico. Five church bazaars

Winter

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Winter is a great time to visit the Pulaski area!

Enjoy the thrill of our winter fishery – Steelhead fishing in the Salmon River – New York’s best and most popular fishing destination! Or enjoy the world-class ice fishing on Sandy Pond for perch and northern pike. Bring the family for winter fun time –snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and dog sledding! Top off your stay at one of our fine lodges and excellent eateries.

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3 Locations: Pulaski, Syracuse & Victor www.lakeshorehardwoods.com • 315-298-6407

sell handmade arts and crafts. The Cratchit family roams the streets entertaining visitors. A horse drawn wagon provides rides and stores hold sales. Concert on Sunday at 3 p.m. closes the weekend. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mexico High School, 3338 Main Street. 963-7898. Mexico: Oswego County Holiday Farmers Market. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County will once again be hosting a farmers market as part of the Christmas in Mexico festivities. Visit the market and ﬁnd great holiday gifts from local Agricultural Producers. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mexico VFW, 5930 Scenic Ave. Free admission. 963-7286. Visit: www. thatscooperativeextension.org. Fulton: Christmas Classics Culinary Class. Students will decorate Christmas themed sugar cut out cookies, cupcakes and Holiday candy construction. Students should bring a box to take home their Christmas treats. Pre-registration only, no walk-ins. Please bring a container to carry items home. Ages 7 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. CNY Arts Center, 357 State St. (use Park St. entrance). $20, includes materials. 592-3373. Visit: www.cnyartscenter.com. Hannibal: Children’s Movie Matinee. Bring a pillow and blanket to cozy up and enjoy a fun ﬂick. Refreshments available for a small fee. Noon. Hannibal Community Park, 824 Co. Rte. 34. Free. 564-6037. Syracuse: Syracuse Holiday Crafts Spectacular. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Dec. 6 listing. Syracuse: NYS Indoor Kart Racing Championship. Everyone is welcome to the 21st Annual NYS Indoor

Championship. The race last year drew well over 100 entries in 18 classes. Between the heats, consolation races, and A and B main events, there are approximately 70 races packed into six hours of non-stop action. Unlike other forms of racing you may have seen, there are no long delays between races. One group exits the track, and the next comes on. The noise never dies down, and the action on the track never stops. Come on out to watch the action, and bring the kids. This is very much a family affair. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Center of Progress Building, New York State Fairgrounds. Adults, $15; children under 12, $10; under 5, free. 676-1061. Visit: www.syracuseindoor. com. info@syracuseindoor.com. West Monroe: Country Christmas Celebration. Craft fair starting at 3 pm with holiday singers at 6:30pm and Santa arriving by ﬁre truck at 7 pm. Food will be available. Tree lighting when Santa arrives. West Monroe Town Hall, Co. Rte. 11. Free. 668-8756. Sherrill: Live Nativity. For more than 10 years, Christ Church United Methodist has sponsored a Live Nativity re-enactment that retells the Christmas story with live actors and animals on the front yard of the church. Seating provided. 6 p.m. 417 Park Street. Free. 3631061. Visit www.christchurchsherrillny.com Parish: Round and Square Dance. Grab your partner and do-si-do at the Parish Fire Barn. Coffee is free and you may bring your own snacks. 6 p.m. Parish Fire Barn, Union Street. $5 per couple, $3 for single. 625-5040. Auburn: “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” & Other Eric Carle Stories. Presented by the Auburn Education

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Come explore what makes Central New York so great. Fishermen, Snowmobilers & Skiers

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Foundation, the classic children’s stories will appeal to children 2 through 7. 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. Auburn High School Auditorium, 50 Lake Ave. $15. 255-8827. Visit: www.auburnedfoundation.org Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: 20th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree. See Dec. 6 listing. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Lyons: Holiday Boutique. See Dec. 6 listing. Sodus: Family Holiday Fest. Enjoy family fun with Santa and Mrs. Claus, pet rescued farm animals from Cracker Box Palace, ride fire trucks, play games and make crafts. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sodus Point Community Center, Bay Street. Free admission. 483-9828. Wolcott: Festival of Trees. Kick off the holiday season walking through the Northup Park in the center of the village. Enjoy the display of decorated trees and marvel at the 6 p.m. mass tree lighting. Music, vendors and refreshments available all day. New Hartford Street across from the municipal parking lot. Free admission. Savannah: Montezuma Birding Van Tour. 9am to noon. Hop in our van to tour Montezuma’s birding hotspots in search of bald eagles, tundra swans, rough-legged hawks and more. You never know what you will see at Montezuma but it is guaranteed to be wild. Participants are encouraged to bring their camera and binoculars. Expect to walk short distances. 9 a.m. to noon. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Free admission. 365-3588. Visit: www.ny.audubon. org/montezuma.htm Lake Placid: Holiday Village Stroll. See Dec. 6 listing Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Corning: Museum of Glass Holiday Open House. Enjoy craft activities, live music, and special glassmaking experiences kick off the holiday season. Have breakfast or lunch with Santa, make an ornament at The Studio, and get your picture taken with Santa in front of the giant ornament tree. Hear local caroling groups and bands of all ages as they provide live holiday music throughout the museum. Decorate and eat a holiday cookie, and enjoy holiday crafts (for a nominal fee) and a general atmosphere of holiday cheer, all weekend long. Reservations are required only for breakfast and lunch with Santa. Studio projects are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way. Free admission. Breakfast (8:30 a.m.) or lunch (Noon.) with Santa is $5 per person. Studio projects cost $10 each for blown ornaments and flowers, and $5 for icicles, fused sun catchers, and sandblasted drinking glasses (age restrictions apply). (607) 4385500. www.cmog.org. publicprograms@cmog.org.

Dec. 8 3969 Port St., Pulaski 298-5556

Open 9 am - 9 pm Monday - Saturday Sunday Noon - 6 pm

2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

Oswego: Toys, Trains and Christmas. See Dec. 1 listing. Oswego: Christmas at Sea Open House. Traditional holiday decorations, theme trees, music and refreshments. Santa comes to hear the wishes of

DON’T MISS Winterfest 2014 Feb. 13–23 • Syracuse

Enjoy dozens of family-oriented activities and great food in the downtown area. With more than 100,000 people attending, Syracuse Winterfest draws the second largest audience in CNY. Free. 243-2500. Visit: www.syracusewinterfest.com. attending children. Miniature train displays courtesy of the Oswego Valley Railroad Association. 1 p.m. H. Lee White Marine Museum & Maritime Center, End of West First St. Pier. Free. 342-0480. ww.hleewhitemarinemuseum.com. Oswego: Christmas Open House. Visitors will view beautiful Christmas decorations, listen to holiday music, enjoy cookies and punch, and tour the historic mansion. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Richardson Bates House Museum, 135 E. Third St. 343-1342. Free. 343-1342. Visit: www.rbhousemuseum.org. Brewerton: Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Plunge sponsored by Special Olympics. Help raise funds for the organization or watch the frigid fun. It’s a wild, crazy, fun event and a great way to show your community colors. So grab your friends, neighbors and co-workers and form a team. Get creative or reuse that Halloween costume and enter the costume party, take something off your bucket list, enjoy a Law Enforcement Torch Run, food, beverage and more. Raise $100 to take the Plunge and receive an ofﬁcial Polar Plunge Sweatshirt. Too chicken to take the plunge? Join the chicken coop. Raise $100 and receive a 2Chicken2Plunge T-shirt and access to the chicken coop. Raise more and receive the same great incentives as Plungers. 9 a.m. registration. 10 a.m. plunge. Free to participate or watch. Oneida Shores Park 9400 Bartell Road. (518) 388-0790 x 107. malberico@nyso. org. Visit polarplungeny.org. Mexico: Annual Christmas Concert. Savor the sounds of the season, sponsored by the Mexico Historical Society. 3 p.m. Presbyterian Church, 4361 Church St. Free. 963-7898. Mexico: Christmas in Mexico. See Dec. 7 listing. Sherrill: Live Nativity. See Dec. 7 listing. Syracuse: Syracuse Holiday Crafts Spectacular. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See Dec. 6 listing. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 2 p.m. Owego: A Christmas Story. See Dec. 5 listing. 2 p.m. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Cayuga Lake Wine Trail: 20th Annual Holiday Shopping Spree. See Dec. 6 listing. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Make Sense Shop 4901 N. Jefferson St., Pulaski, NY 315-298-8694 M-F 8:30am to 2pm

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Join Us for our Open House during “Light Up Pulaski” on Dec. 1st 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Special Christmas Hours

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OPEN SATURDAYS

A student run business “learning by experience” Participating Schools Include: APW, Camden, Pulaski, Sandy Creek

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Sat., Nov. 23rd Sat., Dec. 7th Sat., Dec. 14th Sat., Dec. 21st

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WHY STAY ANYWHERE ELSE? Ithaca: Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers: a candlelit Lessons and Carols service sung by the Cornell University Chorus and Glee Club, with traditional readings by members of the Cornell community. Features Robert Isaacs, conductor, and organist Annette Richards, with audience participation in the familiar Christmas hymns. 7:30 p.m. 256 East Avenue, Sage Chapel, Cornell University. Free. (607) 255-4097. Visit music.cornell.edu/calendar.

Dec. 9 Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Canandaigua: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Ithaca: Sage Chapel Christmas Vespers. See Dec. 8 listing.

Dec. 10 Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Hannibal: Holiday Concert. An evening of holiday songs to get you in the spirit will be presented by the Hannibal Senior High Band. 7:30 p.m. Hannibal High School, 928 Cayuga St. Audience members are asked to bring a donation for the Hannibal Christmas Bureau. 564-7910. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House

Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 11 Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 7:30 p.m. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Palmyra: The annual Canaltown Chorale Christmas Concert’s second performance will present “Rejoice,” a concert of Christmas music, including the cantata “Rejoice, Beloved Christians” by Dietrich Buxtehude with organ accompaniment. Jerry Heﬂey

DON’T MISS 4th Annual Winter Blue Grass Festival. Jan. 24-25 • Ithaca

Revel in a weekend of concerts, workshops and jamming at the La Tourelle Resort with the Saturday Night Show at the State Theatre. (607) 277-8283. Visit: www.wintervillagebluegrass.org

will conduct with Kay Oosterling accompanying on piano and organ. Palmyra First United Methodist Church, located on the corners of Church and Main streets in Palmyra. A suggested donation of $5 per person will be accepted at the door. 315-946-9085 or 315-986-1607. Baldwinsville: Natural Holiday Decorations & Ornaments. The old-fashioned Christmas tree is back in style with its wonderfully diverse assortment of handmade and hand-me-down ornaments. Register and join us to make your own ornaments utilizing natural materials or motifs. 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 106 Lake Drive. $15. 638-2519 onondagacountyparks.com/beaver-lake-nature-center. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 12 Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Pulaski: Drawing Class. See Dec. 5 listing. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 7:30 p.m. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 13 Owego: A Christmas Story. See Dec. 5 listing. Fulton: Parade of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Syracuse: Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice. This holiday show features some of the very best handmade jewelry and crafts in upstate New York. Mingle among the artisans and shop and buy their wares: unique, quality gemstone and lamp work jewelry, handcrafted soaps, lotions and oils, wooden utensils, wooden pens, baby clothes, American Doll clothes, ﬁne art, cat and dog toys, dog coats, photography, note cards, ceramics and more. Enjoy fun community shopping with your local artists and crafters. Exhibitors are also offering a selection of products by popular home-based business representatives. 10 a.m. Free. Hosted by JB Enterprises at Shoppingtown Mall, 3649 Erie Boulevard E. (518) 491-1130. Visit: www. JB-Enterprises.org. North Syracuse: “A Baby Changes Everything: A Christmas Musical.” North Syracuse Baptist Church’s annual pageant is the largest-scale church-based program or pageant in Central New York, featuring carols and hymns sung by a sizeable choir, audience participation and sing-alongs, a living Christmas tree and a narrative re-telling of the Nativity story for the whole family. 7 p.m. 420 South Main Street. Free. 458-0271. Visit: www.nsbcchristmas.com.

Old Forge: Snodeo. Kickoff the snowmobile season checking out displays of 2014 models from all four snowmobile manufacturers. Races, raffles, vintage snowmobile displays and more. Sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association. Free. Hiltebrant Recreation Center Pavilion, State Rt. 28. Visit www. snodeo.com. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 8 p.m. Seneca Falls: 67th Anniversary It’s A Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls. Come celebrate the holiday season and the Frank Capra Classic film. Many believe Bedford Falls was based upon Seneca Falls, including Karolyn Grimes (the youngest Bailey child, “Zu-Zu”), who will make an appearance at the event. Grimes co-starred with Donna Reed (Zu-Zu’s mother, Mary Bailey) and Jimmy Stewart (Zu-Zu’s father, George Bailey). The event includes the opportunity to receive a “Bedford Falls” holiday postmark at the post office, autographs by Grimes and Carol Coombs-Mueller (“Janie”) for $10, raffle, films, gingerbread contest, It’s a Wonderful Life Look-alike Contest, reception at the Hotel Clarence, caroling, and a wine tasting dinner. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hotel Clarence, 108 Fall St. and other locations throughout Seneca Falls. Free, except for some activities. Complete schedule and more details available at Visit www.therealbedfordfalls.com/events.php. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 14

Friendship Thrift Shoppe

Owego: A Christmas Story. See Dec. 5 listing. Oswego: Rice Creek Rambles-Early Winter Wonders. With the cooler nights and days and the possibility of snow, the trails take on a new appearance in early winter. We will hike the trails using snowshoes, if conditions are suitable. Our snowshoes will ﬁt most children ages 9 and older. Since we have a limited number of snowshoes, bring your own if you have them. Come dressed appropriately for the weather. Those planning to attend are asked to call on the morning of the hike to check trail conditions. Since program size is limited, we are not able to accommodate groups. An adult needs to accompany children. 11 a.m. Rice Creek Field Station, Thompson Road.

“Volunteers Extending A Helping Hand”

6046 S. Main St., Sandy Creek

(315) 387-6673

Offering Quality Used Clothing and Household Items at Low Cost! Open Monday thru Friday 9 am to 4 pm Saturday 9 am to 1 pm

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Thurs - 35¢ Wing Night, 5pm - Gone (Eat-In Only) Open 7 days Fri - Fried Haddock Dinner w/2 Sides Sat - Our Famous Oven Roasted Prime Rib Dinner a week at noon Sun - $2.00 Bloody Marys, 12-6 pm

Prices are for eat-in only

2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

Free. 312-6677. Fulton: Holiday Open House. Enjoy the holiday spirit at the CNY Arts Center Arts in the HeART Gallery. Gingerbread house contest, holiday shopping, signature gifts, classic Christmas treats and more. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CNY Arts Center Arts in the HeART Gallery, 47 S. First St. Free. 598-2787. Visit: www. cnyartscenter.com. Syracuse: Sugar and Spice and ALL Things Nice! See Dec. 13 listing. North Syracuse: Christmas Pageant. See Dec. 13 listing. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Parish: Round and Square Dance. See Dec. 7 listing Seneca Falls: It’s A Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls. See Dec. 13 listing Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Baldwinsville: Holiday Pancake Breakfast. See Dec. 7 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Old Forge: Snodeo. See Dec.13 listing.

Dec. 15 Owego: A Christmas Story. See Dec. 5 listing. 2 p.m. Oswego: Toys, Trains and Christmas. See Dec. 1 listing. Seneca Falls: It’s A Wonderful Life in Seneca Falls. See Dec. 13 listing Syracuse: Sugar and Spice and ALL Things Nice! See Dec. 13 listing. North Syracuse: Christmas Pageant. See Dec. 13 listing. 4 p.m. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 2 p.m. Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Sodus: Annual Holiday Fireworks. Enjoy complementary hot dogs, coffee and cocoa, provided by local businesses and sponsors, and one of the best winter ﬁreworks shows in Central New York. Refreshments

Winter

in Sandy Creek

will be offered starting at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Wallington Fire Dept., 7863 Old Ridge Road. Free. 483- 8937. Visit: www.wallingtonfd.com. ﬁrework@rochester.rr.com. Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Old Forge: Snodeo. See Dec.13 listing.

Dec. 16 Lyons: Festival of Trees. See Dec. 2 listing. Palmyra: Family Home Evening at the Smith Farm. Enjoy a Christmas celebration in the style of the 1820s with games, caroling, entertainment, refreshments. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Smith Farm, 843 Stafford Road, Palmyra. Free. Visit: www.hillcumorah.org Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 17 Rochester: Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display. See Dec. 1 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing. Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 7:30 p.m. Pulaski: Drawing Class. See Dec. 5 listing. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 20 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Parish: Round and Square Dance. See Dec. 7 listing Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 22 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 2 p.m.

Dec. 23 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 2 p.m.

Dec. 24 Oswego: Nativity Barn Service. For more than 25 years, Minetto United Methodist Church has presented a re-enactment of the Christmas story at the farm. Flanked by the farm’s animal stalls, the hay

games, and a family dance party. Stick around for the stroke of midnight because the orange ball drop returns, followed by an amazing ﬁreworks display to ring in 2014 the right way. First Night will also feature an opportunity to walk through Lights on the Lake. Show your tickets at the Dunkin’ Donuts stand and receive one free complimentary hot beverage at the festival (while supplies last). Coffee will also be available for sale Live outdoor music all evening culminating with a concert by national recording artists, New Boyz. 5 p.m. to midnight. Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive. Admission, $8; 5 and younger free; advance sale tickets, $5. 471-9597. Visit: www. lightsonthelake.com. Aurora: New Year’s Eve Celebration. Indulge in a four-course, limited menu skillfully prepared by the Inns of Aurora culinary team. The luxurious ambiance and live music will help you ring in the new year in style. Highlights from 2012s menu include oysters, winter squash consommé, Waldorf salad, American Kobe strip loin, local duck, and frozen hazelnut chocolate tortes. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 391 Main St. $100 per person, $30 wine pairing option. 364-8888. Visit: www. innsofaurora.com. info@InnsofAurora.com.

wagon stage and hay bale seating provide a downhome atmosphere for the reading of the Christmas story. Since the event takes place at a functioning farm, attendees should dress warmly and bring a flashlight. 5 p.m. Greco Family Farm, 297 West Fifth Street Road. Free. Visit: www.minettoumc.org. church@MinettoUMC.org.

Dec. 26 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 7:30 p.m. Pulaski: Drawing Class. See Dec. 5 listing. Fabius: Cross Country Ski Lessons. One hour introductory lessons offered, weather permitting. 10 a.m. (reservations required) or Noon-3:30 p.m. (no reservations required). $20 includes equipment rental; $10 if you have your own equipment. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Rd. 683-5550. . Visit onondagacountyparks.com/highland-forest Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 27 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Clayton: 19th Annual Festival of Trees. See Dec. 1 listing.

JANUARY Jan. 1

Dec. 28 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Parish: Round and Square Dance. See Dec. 7 listing Lake Placid: Holiday Festival on Ice. Celebrate the holidays with performances featuring skating celebrities such as Kurt Browning, Jeffrey Buttle, Elvis Stojko, Joannie Rochette, Kimmie Meissner and more. 2634 Main Street. $25 to $125, depending upon seating. (518) 523-3330. Visit www.whiteface.com.

Dec. 29 Syracuse: A Christmas Carol. See Dec. 1 listing.

Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 2 Syracuse: 28th Annual Gingerbread Gallery. See All Month Long Dec. listing. Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 3 Syracuse: 28th Annual Gingerbread Gallery. See All Month Long Dec. listing. Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 31 Saranac Lake: First Night Saranac Lake. Enjoy an alcohol-free alternative to ringing in the New Year. It is one of 75 First Night(R) New Year’s Eve celebrations around the United States. From live music all over the community, to dining specials and fireworks, this event has grown from its humble beginnings in 2006, to being recognized for the best First Night button in the country in 2011. As the event draws closer, many events will be added to the schedule. Check back often for updates and entertainment schedules. Starts at 5:45 p.m. with events around town. Admission varies. Visit www.firstnightsaranaclake.org. Syracuse: First Night CNY. Forget finding a babysitter and paying an expensive cover charge. This year your New Year’s Eve fun is right in your own backyard. First Night is back. Last year, First Night brought more than 8,800 people to Onondaga Lake Park for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration. The event will also offer lots of activities for younger revelers, including laser tag, inflatables, crafts, video

Jan. 4 Pulaski: Sportsman’s Dinner. Savor a meal of domestic and game meats. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sandy Pond Sportsman’s Association, 3210 Co. Rte. 15. Admission TBD. 387-6310. Hannibal: Children’s Movie Matinee. See Dec. 7 listing. Syracuse: 28th Annual Gingerbread Gallery. See All Month Long Dec. listing. Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 5 Syracuse: 28th Annual Gingerbread Gallery. See All Month Long Dec. listing. Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

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WINTER GUIDE

Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 7 Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 8 Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 9 Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Jan. 10 Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing. Long Lake: Ice Fest. Join the Town of Long Lake in welcoming The Ice Farm for a winter event celebrating community and the season. The Ice Farm is owned and operated by world class ice sculptor Stanley Kolonko. Located in Central New York, Stan will be coming up to Long Lake before venturing off to Ottawa for the 23rd Crystal Garden International Ice Carving Exhibition. Stan uses the best ice south of the Arctic Circle, utilizing reverse osmosis ﬁltration, Clinebell ice machines and a good amount of patience. Look for mini-events throughout the town during the day as Stan visits each business to start his installation. Spectators welcome to watch him work. Sculptures slated for the Raquette Lake Library, Shamrock Motel & Cottages, the Long Lake Town Ofﬁces and more locations to be announced. Free. Visit mylonglake. com.

Jan. 11 Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing. Long Lake: Skating Party. Join the Long Lake Parks and Recreation team for a fun-ﬁlled night with DJs, games, free-skate, ice skating competitions, hot chocolate, popcorn, ice dancing. Wear your fanciest attire. Bus tour of Ice Fest sculptures and much, much more! Fun activities for the whole family. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Geiger Arena Skate Rink. (518) 624-3077. Visit mylonglake.com.

Kind and Queen of the Winter Carnival and join or watch the cardboard box sled races, Ladies Fry Pan Toss, Broom Ball, ﬁreworks and more. Events all day around Long Lake. Visit mylonglake.com. Cleveland: Cleveland Historical Society Spaghetti Dinner. The winter fundraiser for the Cleveland Historical Society includes a meal (spaghetti, homemade sauce, sausage, meatballs, salad, desserts, and drinks), silent auction and 50/50 rafﬂe. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Cleveland American Legion, NYS Rte. 49. Admission $8; seniors, $7.50; children under 12, $5. 675-8688. swron407@aol.com. Fulton: 3rd Annual Snow Day. Warm up to frosty fun at this children’s snow-themed carnival, art projects, and food. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Carnival tickets 3/$1. CNY Arts Center, 357 State St., use Park St. entrance. 592-3373. Visit: www.cnyartscenter.com.

Jan. 24 Ithaca: 4th Annual Winter Blue Grass Festival. Revel in a weekend of concerts, workshops and jamming at the La Tourelle Resort with the Saturday night show at the State Theatre. This year, the Claire Lynch Band and Balsam Range will be performing all weekend. They will be joined on Saturday night by the Chris Stuart & Janet Beasley Band. Concerts and Workshops are being held on Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday morning and afternoon at La Tourelle Resort. The Saturday night concert will be at the State Theatre with doors opening at 7 p.m. and music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday morning performances will be at La Tourelle at 10 a.m. 107 West State Street. Weekend Passes are $75 and include a gold circle reserved seat at the State Theatre. Saturday night concert tickets are available for three prices. Gold circle reserved seats cost $35. Reserved seating includes all lower level seating, except for Gold circle and costs $25. The bleacher balcony seats includes all balcony seating except the ﬁrst two rows and costs $20. (607) 277-8283. Visit: www.wintervillagebluegrass.org

Jan. 25 Skanetateles: Sunrise Rotary WinterFest. A community celebration of the snowy season, the annual event combines entertainment, food, community service and fundraising. See website for times and locations of events throughout the village. Admission for certain events. Visit: www.skaneatelesrotary.org/Skan_Rotary/WinterFest.htmlý.

of spectacular ﬁreworks above the world-famous Ice Palace. Kicking off with the coronation of the Winter Carnival Royalty, the event proceeds with the lighting of the Ice Palace, ﬁreworks, parades and performances and culminates in the Carnival Slide Show and Gala Fireworks. The 2014 edition marks the 117th anniversary making the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival the longest-running event of its kind in the eastern United States. See website for a detail list of events, times, history, and more. Admission varies. 518-891-1990. Visit www.saranaclakewintercarnival. com/schedule.

FEBRUARY Each Weekend Lake George: Lake George Winter Carnival. Enjoy family fun and various activities including polar plunge, outhouse race, cook-offs, motorcycle, ATV and snowmobile races, bonﬁre on the beach, and fireworks. All events and activities are weather permitting. Times vary. Locations are throughout Lake George. Admission price varies. Visit www. lakegeorgewintercarnival.com.

Feb. 1 Pulaski: Mad River Children’s Ice Fishing Derby. Sponsored by the Sandy Pond Sportsman’s Association. Register and pick up the rules at the club on Friday before you fish. 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sandy Pond Sportsman’s Association, 3210 Co. Rte. 15. Admission TBD. 387-6310. Visit: www.sandypondsportsmans.com. Hannibal: Children’s Movie Matinee. See Dec. 7 listing. East Meredith: Ice Harvest Festival. Feel like you’ve travelled through time as you cut ice from the frozen mill pond, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, and warm up at the bonfire. Local food samples will be available and a film depicting ice cutting and other aspects of life in the 1930s. 51 County Highway 12. Adults and teens, $8.50; seniors and AAA members, $6.50; active and retired military, $4.25 and museum members and children 12 and younger are free. (607) 278-5744. Visit: www.hanfordmills.org. Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Feb. 2

Liverpool: Wegmans Lights on the Lake. See Dec. 1 listing.

Skanetateles: Sunrise Rotary WinterFest. Seen Jan. 25 listing.

Pulaski: Mad River Children’s Ice Fishing Derby. See Feb. 1 listing. Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Jan. 18

Jan. 31

Feb. 3

Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing. The annual 10-day festival will include performances, sports, dances, parades and two sets

Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Jan. 12

Long Lake: Long Lake Winter Carnival. Enjoy a full day of winter fun including a snowmobile parade that descends Mt. Sabattis. Witness the coronation of the

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WINTER GUIDE

Jan. 26

Feb. 4 Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Feb. 5 Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Feb. 7 Oswego: Warm Up Oswego Festival. Indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family, including YP Voice Crazy Costume Team Sled Races, Hot to Trot 2k Race, Treasure Hunt in the Snow, hot and spicy food, Hot Downtown Scavenger Hunt, mask making and craft workshops, swing dancing, theater and dance performances, and ﬁreworks at 6 p.m. over the river. After the ﬁreworks, the fun continues with Babik at the Oswego Music Hall and Community Fiestas throughout downtown. 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Free. 343-1981. Visit www.warmuposwego.com. Fulton: 14th Annual Great Eastern Whiteout. Antique and vintage snowmobile show/swap meet and races. (Conditions permitting for racing). Sponsored by Fulton Area Snow Travelers, Inc. 6 p.m. Fulton War Memorial, 609 West Broadway. $10, adults; $5, children 6 to 15; under 5, free. 592-4892. Visit: www.thegreateasterwhiteout.net. Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Feb. 8 Oswego: Warm Up Oswego Festival. See Feb. 7 listing. Fulton: 14th Annual Great Eastern Whiteout. See Feb. 7 listing. 8 a.m. Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing.

Feb. 9 Fulton: 14th Annual Great Eastern Whiteout. See Feb. 7 listing. 8 a.m. Saranac Lake: Saranac Lake Winter Carnival. See Jan. 31 listing. Rochester: 14th Annual Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Plunge sponsored by Special Olympics. Help raise funds for the organization or watch the frigid fun. It’s a wild, crazy, fun event and a great way to show your community colors. So grab your friends, neighbors and co-workers and form a team. Get creative or reuse that Halloween costume and enter the costume party, take something off your bucket list, enjoy a Law Enforcement Torch Run, food, beverage and more. Raise $60 to take the Plunge and receive an ofﬁcial Polar Plunge Sweatshirt. Too chicken to take the plunge? Join the “Chicken Coop.” Raise $100

and receive a 2Chicken2Plunge T-shirt and access to the chicken coop. Raise more and receive the same great incentives as Plungers. 9 a.m. registration. Ontario Beach Park Ofﬁce, 4650 Lake Avenue. Free to participate or watch. 585-586-7400. email mcrisona@nyso.org.

Feb. 13 Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. Enjoy dozens of familyoriented activities and great food in the downtown area. With more than 100,000 people attending, Syracuse Winterfest draws the second largest audience in all of Central New York. Activities include family-oriented games, snow sports, food sampling, cook-offs, library and museum events, and competitions of all sorts. Play both indoors and outdoors. Events and activities start at various times. Free. 243-2500. Visit: www.syracusewinterfest.com.

Feb. 15

Race that has been held in Winona State Forest and surrounding area for the past 32 years. The length and speciﬁc course has varied over the years. Currently, the event is held on a dedicated event loop in Winona State Forest, starting at the CCC Camp on County Route 90 in Mannsville. Skiers can elect to race 12.5, 25, 37.5, or now a dedicated 50 kilometers. Visit www. winonaforest.com and skireg.com. Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

Feb. 23 Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

MARCH March 1 Hannibal: Children’s Movie Matinee. See Dec. 7 listing.

Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing. Raquette Lake: Raquette Lake Winter Carnival. The two days of family-friendly fun includes live music and performances, golf and tug of war. Warm up at a large bonﬁre and enjoy a ﬁreworks display. All day around Raquette Lake. Free admission. Visit mylonglake. com/raquette-lake.

March 22 18th Annual Maple Weekend. Various maple producers throughout Central New York open their doors for tours, tastings, samples, demonstrations and more. Presented by the New York State Maple Producers Association and hosted by more than 110 maple producers across New York State, producers show how maple syrup and other related products are made. Some sugarhouses will provide a variety of other activities to make visits even more memorable. Many sell maple gift baskets, candies, cotton candy, sugar, and cream. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check the website for various locations and directions. Free. Visit: www. mapleweekend.com.

Feb. 16 Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing. Raquette Lake: Raquette Lake Winter Carnival. See Feb. 15 listing

Feb. 17 Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

March 23

Feb. 18

18th Annual Maple Weekend. See March 22 listing.

Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

Feb. 19

March 29

Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

18th Annual Maple Weekend. See March 22 listing.

Feb. 20

March 30

Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

18th Annual Maple Weekend. See March 22 listing.

Feb. 21 Syracuse: Winterfest 2014. See Feb. 13 listing.

Feb. 22 Inlet: Inlet’s Frozen Fire & Lights. The winter carnival includes book sale, bonﬁres, ﬁreworks, free sledding, treats, wine and chocolate sampling, ice-skating and more. Sunrise to sunset. 160 State Route 28. Admission varies, but most activities are free. 357-5501. Visit inletny.com. Mannsville: Winona Forest Tourathon Annual XC Ski Race. Formerly the Tug Hill Tourathon, the Nordic Ski 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

The Thrill of Skating Many facilities in the region give enthusiasts a ‘place to glide’ By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

ew other wintertime activities can top the thrill and nostalgia of ice skating. “It’s a very enjoyable sport, gliding on the ice,” said Rob Hameline, manager of the The IcePlex on the campus of SUNY Morrisville, Madison County. The IcePlex offers the community free skate events that include complimentary skate use (check the website iceplex.morrisville.edu for dates and times). Otherwise, admission starts at just $2. Rental skates are also available for $3. The facility also offers lessons to improve general skating skills, speed skating, ﬁgure skating or hockey skating. For more information, call 315684-6425 or, for community skating events, 315-684-6632. Closer to home, Oswego Figure Skating Club (www.oswegofsc.org) offers lessons for those interested in ﬁgure skating and open skate times for members, usually at

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WINTER GUIDE

Crisafulli Rink and at other rinks in Oswego. For more information, email ofsclearn2skate@yahoo.com. The city of Oswego operates Crisafulli Skating Rink and Cullinan Skating Rink (www.oswegony.org/ ABOUT_crisafulliskate.html). Daily passes start at $1.50. Annual passes range from $30 for youth to $100 for a non-resident family. For more information, call 315-343-4054 (Crisafulli Skating Rink) or 315-343-6594 (Cullinan Skating Rink). I n S y ra c u s e, Meachem Ice Rink (www.syracuse.ny.us/ parks/meachemrink. html) charges $2 admission and $3 for a skate rental. The cityrun rink hosts open skate hours, events, and programs for all ages. For more information, call 315492-0179. Also in Syracuse, the rink in Clinton Square (www. syracuse.ny.us/parks/ clintonSquareRink. html) charges from $2 to $3 and $3 for skate rentals. For a “Lunch Break Skate,” the rate drops to $1.50 or, $2.50 for admission with a skate rental included. For more information by calling 315-423-0129. Another Syracuse rink, Sunnycrest Ice Rink, (www.syracuse.ny.us/parks/sunnycrestRink.html)offers enclosed skating. The rate ranges from $2

to $3 and skate rental is $3. If you’re a senior, try the Senior Skate program Thursday mornings for a free hot beverage and a $1 admission rate. More offers are available on the website. For more information, call 315-473-4696. In Cicero, the Cicero’s Twin Ice Skating Center (www.ciceroicerink. com) offers skate rentals for $2.50 and open skating for $4 to $5, depending upon the time. Golden Skate offers a discount and special skating time for seniors and the time slot features oldies tunes. Free WiFi at the rink allows parents to stay current while their children skate. The rink hosts parties, hockey games, adult leagues and clinics. Lessons are also available. For more information, call 315-752-7465. In Auburn, Casey Park’s indoor rink offers public skating opportunities and private party reservations. (http://www. auburnny.gov/Public_Documents/AuburnNY_RecPrograms/caseypark) provides an indoor skating experience for public use. Rates range from $1 to $95 for a season pass. For more information, call 315-255-4737. Utica’s Val Bialais Sports Center (www.skibigval.com) ice skating on its 100 by 55-foot rink. Admission starts at $5 Skate rentals are also available, as are skating lessons, including ﬁgure skating. If you skate frequently, season tickets may be the way to go. For more information, call 315-266-0453. Before you head out, contact the rink to make sure it’s open, since some close for weather or maintenance without notice. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring along something to drink to stay hydrated. Skating is a physical activity and it’s still possible to become dehydrated when it’s cold out.

Food: Going Beyond Chili and Soup Tired of chili or soups? Ideas on how to have a good time with your food By Melissa Stefanec

here’s something about the cold weather that makes you want to cook. Dinner parties and potlucks are two of winter’s best companions. However, if chili and soup have become routine and lost their fun, here are some ideas on how to have a good time with your food. Even if you don’t have little ones at home, these playful ideas are sure to brighten and liven the dreary, short days of winter. Food arts and crafts are the next big thing.

imagine.

Rainbow shish kabobs

Break out your holiday cookie cutters and make some fun-size sandwiches. Use a firm whole-grain bread and cut a shape out of the center. (You can save the trimmings for bread pudding or stuffing.) Use your bread shapes to make sandwiches. You can also make your sandwich before using the cutter. This will give it a more defined look.

Take your leftover summer skewers to make fruit salad on a stick. Start with a strawberry or ﬁrm raspberry, then on orange or cantaloupe, then pineapple, then kiwi or honeydew, then a blueberry and ﬁnish with a purple grape. Arrange your kabobs on a plate so that they make the shape of a rainbow. Winter is brightened.

Marshmallow pops

Take skewers or food-safe sticks and place extra-large marshmallows on them. Melt chocolate chips (or your favorite ﬂavor of chips) in the microwave. Dip marshmallows in your melted mixture and roll in graham crackers bits, crushed cookies, nuts, crushed pretzels, sprinkles or any other topping you can

Teddy bear race cars

Use fun-size 3 Musketeers candy bars and push a teddy bear- or bunnyshaped cracker into the top of the bar. Use small dabs of frosting to attach round candy pieces as wheels. You can also dot the front of the candy bar with white or yellow icing to give the car headlights.

Cookie cutter sandwiches

Wafﬂe or pancake faces

Put an array of pancake and wafﬂe toppings (think fresh berries, bacon, cut-up fruit, fruit slices, chocolate chips, or dried cereal). Let your kids or guests make their own wafﬂe faces. Use whipped cream for hair. Make it into a contest for the best face.

Mufﬁn cup picker

Use a mufﬁn tin or silicone mufﬁn

cups to display snacks. People will love these perfectly portioned snacks and there will be less mess.

Caprese toadstool

Use medium-sized balls of fresh mozzarella. Take cherry, grape, or another variety of small tomato and cut it in half. Use a toothpick to attach the tomato to the top of the cheese. Mix dried basil, garlic, and salt into a mayonnaise. Use a re-sealable plastic bag with a hole cut in it (or a pastry bag) to apply small dots to the tomato, which will make it look like a toadstool. Set your creation on a bed of fresh basil to make a forest ﬂoor.

Pepper bowl quiche

Instead of cooking quiche in a pie crust, use a hollowed-out pepper. This healthier alternative looks beautiful and tastes great. Pepper bowls are also great for dips and rice or grain mixtures.

Vegetable parfait

Use parfait glasses and layer ﬁnely chopped fresh vegetables with your favorite white dip (ranch, French onion, veggie, etc.). You can also add salad dressing to Greek yogurt for stiffer combination that will hold up to layering. Serve with crackers. 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

New Snow Games By Melissa Stefanec

pstate New York winters are deﬁned by snow. It is everywhere. We are always talking about it, and more often than not we curse it. All the while, kids are loving it. They want to play in it. If putting on a bunch of snow gear and trudging through the snow to make yet another snowman sounds about as much fun as driving on black ice, here are some ideas to reinvent snow play. Maybe these fun ideas will make you rethink your stance on snow. Maybe they will even rekindle a childlike wonder for the stuff winter is made from. See-ya-later snowman — There are lots of fun critters you can make with snow balls. Role smaller balls and arrange them into a caterpillar. Make a snow bear. Make a snow cat. Let your child’s creativity run wild.

Snow of a different color — Dilute food coloring in water and pour it on a pile of deep snow. Then use the colored snow to make critters or decorations. Just make sure kids have old mittens on, as the colors will stain. Playing with dyed snow is ideal for older children. Snow bubbles — Those same bubbles that offer hours of summer fun are possibly even cooler in the winter. Bubbles freeze in the cold. Watch them stick to the wands and crack like glass.

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Frozen bocce ball — Use hoola hoops or dyed water to make circles in the snow on the ground. Then, roll ﬁrmly packed snow balls into the circles. You can also try throwing snow balls into the various rings and assign p o i n t values to different circles.

Bring the kitchen out to play — Bring some of your pots, pans, cake molds and utensils out in the snow. These materials lend themselves well to building snow sculptures. Use a ladle to make eyes or a ridged pie cutter to give

Those same bubbles that offer hours of summer fun are possibly even cooler in the winter. Bubbles freeze in the cold. Watch them stick to the wands and crack like glass.

snow buildings textured sides.

WINTER GUIDE

Dilute food coloring in water and pour it on a pile of deep snow. Then use the colored snow to make a snowman

Winter target practice — If you have a young sports enthusiast in the family, have him or her practice snowball aim. Draw or purchase a bull’s-eye and attach to a fence or hang it from a tree. Then see if your child can hit the target. Ice cube scavenger hunt – Use food coloring to make dyed ice cubes. Take the colored cubes out of the tray and hide them around the yard in the snow. Let the kids use a sand pail to collect their cubes. Name those tracks — Purchase a field guide or create one using information from the Internet. Find tracks in the snow and try to identify which animal left them. Maple snow taffy — Boil pure maple syrup. Carefully pour it onto firmly packed snow. The syrup will form into a do-it-yourself maple candy. Snow beach — Take out all of your summer beach paraphernalia. Build castles with snow. Use your buckets, shovels and shape makers to put a little taste of summer into the colder months. Snow mazes — If your kids are small and there is a large accumulation of snow, you can make snow maze. Use a shovel or a snow blower to make a maze for your kids to navigate. Snow fire — As long as you have dry wood, you can start a fire in snow. Kids will get a kick out of watching their fire slowly sink into the snow as it burns. Bring the snow inside — Who says snow has to stay indoors? Fill a bucket with snow and let kids use snow as they would play dough. Use food from the kitchen to decorate their creations. Family sledding — Taking the kids sledding is one thing, but when is the last time you actually joined them? Get a toboggan and pack the whole family on for a ride. Don’t be afraid to wipe out on a saucer. Your kids will love you for it.

Celebrations Around the World By Melissa Stefanec

s we go through our winter traditions, other people are enjoying some unusual events of their own. Read on to get the scoop on the festivities from around the globe.

Antarctica

Winter celebrations - Since it’s summer in Antarctica, this continent gets summer tourists. Human tourists visit the Antarctic Peninsula, which is accessible from Chile and has a milder climate than the rest of the continent. This part of Antarctica is sometimes called the Banana Belt and is home to a surprisingly diverse population of plants and animals.

Beijing, China

Winter celebrations - The Chinese celebrate the lunar New Year. The Chinese New Year is actually called the Spring Festival in China. The celebration lasts for 15 days and is the longest on the Chinese calendar. The Lantern Festival is last day of celebration and is celebrated around the end of January or the beginning of February. The date moves because the holiday is based on the lunar calendar. Lion dancers, ﬁreworks and other activities occur during this holiday.

Cairo, Egypt

Winter celebrations - Most Christians in Egypt celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7. This is the nativity of Jesus according to the Coptic calendar, which is used by the Coptic Orthodox Church. This calendar is based on the ancient Egyptian calendar. Midnight praises that recognize Jesus and Mary are held.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Winter celebrations – On Dec. 16,

The Chinese New Year is called the Spring Festival in China and takes place at the end of January or beginning of February, depending on the lunar calendar. The celebration lasts for 15 days and is the longest on the Chinese calendar. South Africans observe a holiday called the Day of Reconciliation. The holiday was started in 1994, following the fall of apartheid. The holiday is supposed to bolster reconciliation and national unity. It also serves as the de facto start of the South African summer. South Africans will celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day within the following 16 days.

Lima, Peru

Winter celebrations – Over 95 percent of Peru’s population is Catholic. The country has even produced two saints: Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Martin de Porres. As such, they spend their summer months observing holy days such as All Saints Day, the Immaculate Concepcontinued on page 45 2013 / 2014

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Bored? Try Board Games Family game night is back during the winter season By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

reaking out board games on a blustery day can help pass the time. But ﬁnding a game that’s “fun for the whole family” can be a challenge. It must be easy enough for small ones, yet challenging for tweens and teens. Let’s not forget about mom and

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dad who might like a game that doesn’t include cartoonish animals, gross bodily functions, or branded characters. This round-up of games includes reinvented classics and clever new concepts that will engage each family member. So ﬁx popcorn and pull up a chair. Family game night is back. Say Anything Family (North Star Games, $19.99) provides a kid-friendly version of the party game. Since no answers are wrong, even children younger than the recommended baseline of 8 may be able to play with assistance.

For three to six players, Say Anything Family works somewhat like Apples to Apples. One player draws a question card and asks the group an offbeat question such as “Who would make the worst celebrity babysitter?” The other players jot down their answers and share them. Then they vote on which answer they think the dealer will choose. Will he go with the nutty answer, the ironic one, the obvious one? Or something else? Creationary (Lego, $34.99) will

engage kids and the adults who loved their Legos. The game is recommended for children ages 4 and older because of its small parts. Creationary, predictably, involves building with the bricks, sort of like Pictionary with Legos instead of a pad and pencil. Rolling the special die selects a category such as vehicles, buildings, nature or things. Three levels of challenge keeps the game interesting. Once a creation is underway, the other players must guess what it is. For three to eight players. Jenga Tetris Edition (Hasbro, $14.99) strolls memory lane with this version for ages 6 and older. Though it retains the rules of the original Jenga tumbling tower game, the blocks look like Tetris pieces, which makes it tough to determine their exact size. Rated for ages six and older, smaller children might like to try their hand at it as well. Road Trip (Daddy-o, $24.99) combines retro hip style cues (station wagon markers and a chrome motor home box, for example) with travel- and language-based brain teasers such as: Name three towns that begin with “P” or make up a silly story with all “T” words. A roll of the alphabet die decides which letter players use for each challenge cards. Potholes and “Rest Stop” cards add spontaneity to the trip across the board’s vintage style USA map. If you’re snowbound, Road Trip may be the cure to cabin fever!

Gaming Tips For Young and Old

If your family has quite an age span, it can be hard to play a game that involves everyone. Try these tips: • Team a toddler with an older child so if the tyke wanders off, the game can continue. • Play games that play in short rounds. • Praise good strategy, accurate counting and sportsmanship. Winning isn’t everything. • Don’t razz players’ mistakes, but make it a learning experience.

Celebrations Around the World continued from page 43 tion, Advent, Christmas and Lent.

London, England

Winter celebrations - The English celebrate Boxing Day. This is a public holiday that is typically observed on Dec. 26. Historically, employers recognized servants and tradesmen with mall gifts on this holiday. In modern times, Boxing Day is somewhat like the American Black Friday. Stores are visited by throngs of customers looking for sales.

Moscow, Russia

Winter celebrations - The Russian New Year is a ﬁve-day holiday. It occurs from Jan. 1 to 5. During this time, most public ofﬁces and business are closed. If any of these days fall on a weekend, they vacation days move to the 6th. and 8th. of January. Jan. 7 is the day many Russians observe Christmas, and this is also a day off.

Munich, Germany

Winter celebrations - Germans celebrate Carnival, which is also called Fastnacht, Fasching or Karneval. This celebration occurs immediately before Lent and typically involves parades, circuses and street parties. The holiday is typically observed in areas with heavy Catholic populations.

Nagasaki, Japan

Winter celebrations - On the second Monday of each January, the Japanese celebrate Coming of Age Day. This holiday congratulates and recognizes those who turned 20 within the past year. Twenty is the age of majority in Japan and it symbolizes entrance into adulthood. There are ceremonies and celebrations to mark this day.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Winter celebrations - Although illegal at other times of the year, it is legal to purchase ﬁreworks for a short period before New Year’s Eve. On New Year’s Eve, the entire city of Reykjavik is decorated with amateur ﬁrework shows.

Rio Grande, Argentina

Winter celebrations - This time of year is the Argentinian summer and many cities celebrate Carnival in the beginning of February. This festival occurs immediately before Lent. Carnival is typically held in areas with large Catholic or Eastern Orthodox populations. It features parades, circus elements, masks and street parties. Children also play water games during the festival.

Sukkur, Pakistan

Winter celebrations- On Dec. 25, Pakistanis celebrate the birthday of the Great Leader. This is the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. On February 5, Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed, which serves as a protest against the Indian administration of Jammu and Kashmir.

Queensland, Australia

Winter celebrations - Australians celebrate many of the same holidays as Europeans and Americans. However, Jan. 26 is official national day of Australia. It marks the day in 1788 when first fleet of British ships arrived at Sydney Cove. Modern-day celebrations are aimed at celebrating the diversity of the nation and feature community and family events, community awards and citizenship ceremonies.

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Winter Season: 10 Health Tips Stopping That ‘Winter Itch’

ll winter ﬂakes are not made of snow. Cold weather, with its low relative humidity, wreaks havoc on our skin, making it dry and ﬂaky. Skin dries out if it’s deprived of moisture and this dryness often aggravates itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as “winter itch.” During the winter the air is drier, and indoor heating further depletes your skin of moisture. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can replenish the water content of your skin. Here are 10 tips provided by Robyn Gmyrek, a dermatologist and director of the Skin and Laser Center at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. Moisturize daily. Petrolatum or cream-based moisturizers are far better than lotions for normal to dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. Apply moisturizer directly to your wet skin after bathing to ensure that the moisturizer can help to trap surface moisture. Cleanse your skin, but don’t overdo it. Too much cleansing removes the skin’s natural moisturizers. It is enough to wash your face, hands, feet, and between the folds of your skin once a day. While you can rinse your trunk, arms and legs daily, it is not necessary to use soap or cleanser on these areas every day. Limit the use of hot water and soap. If you have “winter itch,” take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, non-detergentbased cleanser. Immediately afterward, apply a thick cream or a petroleum-jelly-

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type moisturizer. Gently pat skin dry. Humidify. Dry air can pull the moisture from your skin. Room humidifiers can be very beneficial. However, be sure to clean the unit and change the water according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce mold and fungi. Protect yourself from the wind. Cover your face and use a petrolatum-based balm for your lips. Avoid extreme cold. Cold temperatures can cause skin disorders or frostbite in some people. See a doctor immediately if you develop color changes in your hands or feet accompanied by pain or ulceration. If you develop extreme pain followed by loss of sensation in a finger or toe, you may have frostbite. Protect your skin from the sun. Remember that winter sun can also be dangerous to the skin. Even in the winter months you should use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater if you will be outdoors

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for prolonged periods. Overexposure to sunlight can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Avoid winter tanning. Tanning beds and artiﬁcial sunlamps are always damaging to your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. If you want to keep your summer glow, use self-tanners along with extra moisturizer as self-tanners can also dry out your skin. Take vitamin D supplements. During the summer months your natural vitamin D production increases due to daily sun exposure, but when winter rolls around that exposure decreases. Taking vitamin supplements can ensure that you are getting the recommended amounts of vitamin D all year. See your dermatologist. If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching, skin growths that concern you or other rashes, see your dermatologist — not only in winter but throughout the year.

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Flurries, Squalls, Snow Advisory: Behind the Words Tackling Winter Allergies: 10 Tips

pring and summer are not the only seasons that bring misery to those with allergies. The winter months can be brutal for people young and old who are sensitive to mold spores and dust mites. Here are 10 tips on how to ﬁght allergies, provided by William Reisacher, a physician from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center and director of The Allergy Center in New York City. Turn on the exhaust fan when showering or cooking to remove excess humidity and odors. Clean your carpets with a HEPA vacuum to decrease dust mites and pet allergen levels. Mopping your ﬂoors can be very effective as well. Wash your hands frequently, especially after playing with the family pet to reduce exposure to pet allergens and when returning from public places to decrease transmission of common winter viruses. Launder your bed linens and pajamas in hot water (above 130º F) to kill dust mites. Treat your bedroom as the allergy “safe haven” of your home because this is where you may spend most

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of your time. Your bedroom should have the fewest allergy triggers so keep pets, carpets, rugs and plants out of this room to avoid dust mites and mold from decaying plants. You may also want to place an allergenic barrier around your pillows and mattress to create a barrier between dust mites and your nose. Spray your live Christmas tree with a garden hose before setting it up and remove all dust from your holiday decorations. Install high-efficiency furnace filters, which capture 30 times more allergens, and make sure your furnace fan is always on. Keep your indoor humidity level between 30-40 percent with the help of a humidifier or dehumidifier to help prevent the growth of mold and mites. Change the water and filters in your humidifier according to manufacturer recommendations to avoid contamination by mold and bacteria. Perform an indoor and outdoor survey of the house every month to look for visible mold and identify areas that are at high risk for mold formation, such as a pile of firewood close to the house or an area of the basement with a musty odor.

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Here’s a rundown of some of nonfour letter terms commonly used to describe the weather in Central New York or the global patterns that may effect it. Arctic Air Mass: As the name implies, it’s an air mass that forms over the Arctic. As you might expect, it’s a comparatively cold mass. It can be pushed southward when pressure is high over the North pole region, bringing frigid air into the northern states. Black Ice: Refers to nearly invisible ice that forms on roadways and sidewalks, which may appear wet rather than icy. Blizzard: You’d know one if you saw it, but the word technically refers winter snow storm with sustained winds or frequent gusts over 35 miles per hour. Because of blowing snow, visibility is reduced to less than a quarter of a mile. Cold Front: Cold air is denser (high pressure) than warm air (low pressure). When a mass of cold air displaces a warmer air mass by creeping under it precipitation usually forms at or behind the boundary. After the front passes, the weather will frequently be colder and drier. Cyclone/Anticyclone: Not as foreboding as it sounds, a cyclone is a counterclockwise circulation of 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

wind around a low pressure area. An anticyclone is a clockwise circulation of wind around a high pressure area. In the Southern hemisphere, the circulation is the opposite of cyclones and anticyclones. Freezing Rain: While snow can slow things down, freezing rain produces some of the most hazardous conditions in the region. When rain from a warmer layer of air falls to freezing surface temperatures, it can coat surfaces in a thick layer of ice.

Oh, Winter… Here is a list of products that will make your winter safer

Gale: Winds blowing with a speed of 32 to 63 miles per hour. Heavy Snow: Seeing this in your forecast means that snowfall will accumulate four inches within 12 hours or six inches within 24 hours. High Wind: Winds of 40 miles per hour or greater that last for one hour or more. Alternately winds of 58 miles per hour or greater of any duration. Ice Storm: Describes a freezing rain storm that is expected to or has caused damaging amounts of ice accumulation. Oswego County residents may remember a particularly nasty one several years ago. Jet Stream: A narrow band of strong winds that ﬂows continuously around the around the world from west to east. It tends to be located between where cold polar air and warm equitorial air meet, somewhere in the middle latitudes. Why should you care about it? When it’s located south of Central New York, the weather will be colder than when it’s up in Canada. Lake Effect Snow: A regional specialty! When dry, cold, continental air passes over a large, warmer lake, it picks up moisture and heat, forming small but sometimes persistent snow storm systems on the far side of the lake. If the lake should freeze, as the shallow Lake Erie often does, the lake effect system shuts down. The deep Lake Ontario, however, rarely freezes.

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uch as I dread it, winter is on the way. One way to make it more palatable is to be prepared. With that in mind I’d like to review some products that can help in daily use or in a pinch. About 15 years ago I slipped on an icy sidewalk and fracture-dislocated my ankle, an experience that I hope never to repeat. So I’ve experimented over the years with products designed to improve traction. For long walks try the Katoohla Microspikes (kahtoola.com/product/ microspikes/). These mini-crampons slip over your boots and dig their little pointy spikes into icy surfaces. They’re fairly easy to get on and off, and long lasting. Although expensive, they will last through several winters and are far cheaper than a visit to the emergency room and lost wages. I tried a similar but less expensive product Yaktrax (www.yaktrax.com). I didn’t like it as well. They’re trickier to put on and they don’t last an entire season if you are an avid walker. Worst of all,

when they give out, the rubber snaps and shoots one of the traction springs out in such a manner as to trip the wearer into falling flat on his face. Since there’s no warning, it’s scarier than slipping on ice. I experienced this twice before discovering the Katoohla product. Several years ago, while walking through Bon-Ton, I saw a traction product in their bargain pile for $5. Alas I don’t recall the brand name, but they look similar to the Spare Spikes or Alta-Grips products sold by the Winter Walking Company (winterwalking. com/all-products.php). They worked quite well though they wore out by the end of the winter. I also own a pair of Neos overshoes (www.overshoe.com/ Pages/default.aspx). They’re clunky and not comfortable for long walks, but they fit right over my work shoes and get me safely through the parking lot with dry feet. Cold toes and fingers are another winter hazard. Proper mittens and and socks are essential, but for an added boost, try a chemical warming product like Toasti-toes (www. warmers.com/hothandstoasti-toes-adhesive-toewarmers-40-pairs/). You can find them in almost any store that sells out-

A tiny Esbit stove plus a metal mug and some packets of hot cocoa, tea or instant coffee will provide a hot beverage in a pinch.

Katoohla Microspikes. They’re fairly easy to get on and off, and long lasting. door gear. Even though they come sealed in a package, they don’t work so well when they are not fresh. Throw last year’s warmers away and buy new ones for the season. Speaking from experience, if using the adhesive model, stick them to your socks not to your shoe. They’re fairly tough to peel out of your boots at the end of a full day outdoors, but easily removed from socks. At a recent search and rescue training day, I learned that similar technology now comes in a larger size, with self-warming blankets and vests. I found the cheapest price at Campsaver (www.campsaver.com/heated-vest). It’s something that can ﬁt in your car or daypack for an emergency, and the expiration dates of the ones passed around at our training day were several years in the future. You can even buy self-heating hot cocoa! Be aware that the reviews say that about one third of the cans are duds; the people at the training

day who have tried them say that was their experience too. But in a pinch they were palatable. It seems like a product you could keep in your car just in case you went off the road in a blizzard. The product also comes in several soup ﬂavors and can be ordered through Walmart (www.walmart.com/ip/ Hot-Can-Self-HeatingHot-Chocolate-Beverage12pc/17217560). Here are suggestions for items to include in a compact survival kit for hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling. A tiny Esbit stove (www.amazon.com/Esbit-Ultralight-Folding-Pocket-Tablets/dp/B001C1UGVO) plus a metal mug and some packets of hot cocoa, tea or instant coffee will provide a hot beverage in a pinch. Add a pair of contactor grade 55-gallon trash bags. With an opening for your face the bag can serve as an instant raincoat/shelter. Check out this website for how to use the trash bag as survival gear: masterwoodsman. com/2013/trash-bag-guideto-survival/.

Throw in waterproof matches or other ﬁre starter, candles or other tinder, some paracord, a signal mirror, and a whistle. And don’t forget to bring along a knife or multi-tool and a ﬂashlight or headlamp. Take the batteries out of your light so that it won’t accidently turn on and use up the batteries before you need it. If you are going hiking — winter or not — be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Learn to read a topographic map and bring one with you. And if you do get lost, stay put. As the National Association of Search and Rescue puts it, “Hug A Tree.” Staying in one place prevents you from using up energy and increases your chances of being found.

Winter Walking Company. These shoes worked quite well though they wore out by the end of the winter. 2013 / 2014

WINTER GUIDE

Snow Place Like Home: Building a Snow Fort By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

uilding a snow fort together can provide frosty fun for any family. Of course you want a snow fort that is strong and safe so no one gets buried under a fallen wall. Try these construction tips for a sturdy fort. Use the right kind of snow. Dry, powdery snow is the type that falls during sub-20-degree weather. It doesn’t hold together well. You need the wetter stuff. Test it by making a few snowballs. If they disintegrate before you can pack a sizeable snowball, it may be a better day for snowshoeing or some other activity. But if it’s packing well, then press on with the building plans. Choose a good location. If the fort stands in direct

sunlight, it won’t last as long as if it’s in the shade. Unless the snow is deep, select an area near a deep drift. That can make the job easier since you won’t have to haul snow across the yard. Walk the perimeter of where you want the fort to mark its boundaries and stomp down any ﬂuffy snow. This may seem like a waste of time to children eager to get building but it’s easy to make a crooked and thus wobbly wall without taking this step. Don’t forget to leave an opening to get in and out. Pack the snow into a form to make bricks. Snow and sand brick forms are usually available at mass merchandisers or at outdoor gear stores. If you don’t have a snow brick form, a small plastic storage container, empty plastic food

container, bucket, storage tote or other plastic container would work. Form and lay the foundation blocks and then offset the next level by half a brick like a bricklayer for optimal strength and longevity. Build as high as you would like (or need, if there’s a forthcoming snowball war). Fill in the cracks between the blocks with more snow. This helps stabilize the walls. Pouring cold water on the ﬁnished walls will help them solidify and remain strong as it freezes. Leave the top open so you can lob snowballs at your snow foe. Since it’s not an igloo, you really don’t need a roof anyway. Then it’s time to hunker down and stockpile snowballs before the battle commences.

Dress Appropriately

Before you even start, dress for the weather. Remember, you’ll be outside for a while. Start with a synthetic, moisture-wicking layer. Cotton gets clammy with perspiration and will let you get cold faster. Dress in layers you can remove as you get warmer and top it with a waterproof layer. Wear warm, non-skid boots, a hat or hood, and waterproof gloves. If it’s bitter cold, wear a ski mask or balaclava. Use sunscreen on exposed skin and wear a lip balm that contains SPF. Sun damage can occur even when it’s cold outside. Take breaks to warm up inside as needed. Drinking a hot beverage or soup can help you defrost.

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