Family Times February 2018 by Family Times

FEBRUARY 2018

FREE A Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day treat to make The art of a calm dental visit Make the most of your Disney trip

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FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

BECAUSE I SAID SO

HEALTH

FEATURE STORY

TOGETHER TIMES

BEEN THERE

You, too, can spend a ton and have some fun at Disney.

Pediatric dentists help anxious young patients with calming strategies. CNY speed skaters turn to a Syracuse club for coaching and camaraderie. Make chocolate-covered strawberries for a Valentine’s Day treat. My son is 18. Now what?

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE

The Love 17, 19, 21

LEARN

PARTY & PRACTICE

FAMILY FUN CALENDAR

ADVERTISER INDEX FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

FROM THE

THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

FEBRUARY 2018 | ISSUE NO. 190

GENIUSES AT WORK PUBLISHER/OWNER

EDITOR

What do we all need in February, when winter seems as if it will never end? Distraction! That’s what’s so great about Valentine’s Day—a frivolous holiday that focuses on affection, chocolate, and the colors red and pink. Why not use the occasion as an excuse to make some chocolate-covered strawberries with your kid, as Laura Livingston Snyder did? (See her article and photos on page 16.)

Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Robin Barnes GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Greg Minix Rachel Barry

Or consider Winter Break. Are you, perhaps, going to Disney World? On page 6, Neil Davis has advice for you (and some humor you might appreciate, even if you never plan to step foot in the Magic Kingdom).

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Aaron Scattergood

Maybe you could go in the opposite direction, and embrace (not literally, we hope) the ice and cold. In this issue, reporter Kira Maddox talks to families who belong to the Syracuse Speedskating Club, which has been introducing kids and adults to the sport since 1958 (page 12).

CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh, Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Linda Lowen, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver

For those of you in the mood for a more serious read, consider a young person’s 18th birthday and what that means. Tammy DiDomenico has a few thoughts on the subject (page 20). All this, plus a calendar chock-full of activities and outings for kids and parents, starting on page 23. Enjoy!

SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 114) ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Elizabeth Fortune (ext. 116) EFortune@syracusenewtimes.com Paige Hart (ext. 111) PHart@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com

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1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 www.familytimes.biz

Sarah, Isabel and Matthew Crovella are members of the Syracuse Speedskating Club, a group devoted to the fastest human-powered sport.

Speed skaters wear helmets to protect in the event of falls. Learn more about the sport and the SSC on page 12. Advertising is is March 16. Calendar Advertising deadline deadline for forApril March Feb. 15. Calendar deadline deadline for forApril Marchis isMarch Feb. 2.3. Design by Rachel Barry Photos by Michael Davis

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Off to the Magic Kingdom You, too, can spend a ton and have some fun at Disney | BY NEIL DAVIS JR.

o you finally caved. Every parent who can (almost) afford to does, eventually. There’s only so much begging you can tolerate before you give in and say those exalted words. “We are going to Disney World!”

That’s actually the toughest part, that decision to invest half your savings in a surreal, weeklong party hosted by a bunch of people dressed as animals. The rest is easy: plane tickets, park tickets, hotel room, restaurant reservations. I didn’t say it would be cheap. But who needs a new furnace anyway? At least you’ll be warm for those days in the Florida sun. If you’re not sure the nonstop dancing, show tunes, fireworks and parades will be worth it, try to see it from a child’s perspective. When you are 8 years old, a visit to the Magic Kingdom is the beall, end-all of entertainment. It’s the equivalent of simultaneously attending the Super Bowl and Comic-Con, accompanied by Oprah and Seinfeld, with an open bar and free nachos. In other words, instant memories.

“ 270 minutes?

How many days is that? ”

Plus, all the food is shaped like Mickey Mouse. All right, maybe not all of it. But I challenge you to make it home without eating at least one Mickey-shaped snack. It can’t be done.

If you’re a first-timer or even if you haven’t been in a while, there is much to know about a Disney vacation. I have managed to survive three Disney vacations in the last five years, and it didn’t happen by accident. The last trip involved 16 people, one large house, seven hot days, five different parks, four rental cars, three traffic jams, two thunderstorms, and a partridge in a pear tree. Actually, instead of the partridge, there was a group photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Finding a partridge might have been easier.

For one thing, make a game plan. No, you shouldn’t map out every minute of every day. In fact, the unexpected things can be half the fun. During our week, we were accosted by storm troopers, affectionately mauled by Winnie the Pooh, and serenaded by a man with a ukulele.

BECAUSE I SAID SO

Between all that, we adhered to a predetermined schedule of ride passes, shows and restaurant reservations. There is more to see and do in Disney World than anyone can squeeze into one week. Preparing an agenda ahead of time will enable you to prioritize the events that matter to you and your family, while allowing for the inexplicable amount of time you will spend in restrooms and gift shops. continued on page 8

RACHEL BARRY ILLUSTRATION

I’m not sure if this all makes me an expert or just a glutton for punishment. But here’s what I’ve learned: Planning ahead is key, and every bit helps. A little last-minute research can go a long way toward maxing out the merriment. Every minute in Disney World is meant to be an immersive experience filled with wonder and surprise, and there are simple ways to work that to your advantage.

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Loftus, Ryu, Bartol, MDs PC Reem Akkawi, MBChB Suzanne Bartol-Krueger, MD Kelli Corniello, DO Erin Hill, MD William Loftus, MD Richard D. Semeran, MD PC Richard Semeran, MD University OB/GYN Associates, Inc. Nicholas Baranco, MD Helene Bernstein, MD Maureen Burke, MD Hans Cassagnol, MD John Folk, MD Leah Kaufman, MD Jennifer Makin, MD Renee Mestad, MD John Nosovitch, Jr., MD Robert Silverman, MD George Stanley, MD Brian Thompson, MD Jodi Wallis, DO Charina Carissimi, CNM Kathleen Dermady, CNM Mary Hartman, CNM Women’s Wellness Place Sara Quinn, MD

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continued from page 6

BEGIN BY GOING ONLINE. There is a wealth of Disney insider knowledge on the internet. Two websites I found helpful are disneytouristblog.com and allears.net. Also, if you’re like me and you consider food to be part of the adventure, check out disneyfoodblog.com. It will fill you in on where and what to eat. Read up on all the tips and tricks that might save you time, money or headaches. For instance, water is free at Disney World. Yes, you can pay $3 for a bottle of Dasani, but free iced water is available to guests anywhere that fountain drinks are sold. Over the course of a hot, humid week, this could add up to your air fare back to Syracuse.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE TRANSPORTATION.

From buses to boats to monorails, Disney has mastered the art of moving people from place to place. They will even get your luggage from the plane to your Disney hotel room without you ever touching it. In spite of all this, wear comfortable shoes. The storybook fantasy is simulated, but the walking is very real. Also, allow one rest day at the pool mid-trip to alleviate the stress of the 12 hours you will spend on your feet every other day.

DISCOVER WHAT’S NEW IN THE PARKS. Those attractions are always the hot tickets. On our trip, the Frozen Ever After ride in EPCOT tested our determination with a 90-minute wait, at which point we were ready to just “Let it go.” This turned out to be nothing compared to the new Avatar experiences in Animal Kingdom, where the wait times exceeded all reason and tested our math skills. “270 minutes? How many days is that?” That figure is genuine, and it should scare you into learning Disney’s FastPass+ system. It allows you to skip the line at three attractions per day in a single park. You can reserve these up to 60 days in advance through the My Disney Experience app on your phone. The app can also manage your restaurant reservations and the rest of your schedule. The technology doesn’t end there, as you can then link all of those plans to your MagicBand. This is the plastic, wearable wristband that connects you to Disney World in fantastically convenient ways. It opens your hotel room door, instantly transmits photos taken by Disney photographers to your phone app, makes rides personally interactive, and allows you to charge purchases to a credit card with a wave of your hand—like magic.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, ENJOY YOURSELF. Be a kid again. Plan on your IQ dropping 20 points the instant you walk through the gates. It’s all part of the same illusion that allows you to believe that $35 is a reasonable price for a T-shirt. My advice is to accept it and indulge a little. Soon enough, you will be back in New York, resuming your regularly scheduled, less-magical life, wondering why none of your food is shaped like mice.

BECAUSE I SAID SO

RACHEL BARRY ILLUSTRATIONS

Neil Davis works at Bristol-Myers Squibb and lives in Liverpool with his daughter, Sadie.

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FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

Opening Reception

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When It’s Hard to Open Up

Anxious dental patients can benefit from calming strategies | BY AARON GIFFORD

etting a child who is fearful of the dentist’s chair to submit to an exam or procedure requires a compassionate, thoughtful approach. Those who have mastered the art of calming nervous kids have often completed an additional two to three years in their pediatric specialty beyond the requirements for practicing general dentistry. The reasons for a child’s fear can be irrational, but anxiety can also spring from a bad experience with a dentist or hygienist who did not have a gentle touch. Kids who are shy or intellectually disabled present additional challenges. At Little Jaws Big Smiles pediatric dentistry in DeWitt, the initial approach to any child with chair anxiety comes down to three main ideas: Tell, show, and do. “Every kid is different,” says Tansy Schoonmaker, a pediatric dentist at the practice. “But the parents let us know ahead of time, or our assistants can spot (fear) right away. When they walk in, we already know what to do.”

HEALTH

The dentist immediately tells the young patient what she is going to do, which always starts with having a look inside the mouth. Then she demonstrates on a puppet with teeth, using a mirror to get a closer look inside the puppet’s mouth. “Half of the time,” Schoonmaker says, “that works right away.” The dentists also allow a child to sit on his parent’s lap if he is afraid to get into the chair. As with many pediatric dental practices, there are televisions on the ceiling at Little Jaws. The distraction helps ease anxiety. If X-rays are taken, all of the images are shown and explained to the child, Schoonmaker says. When it comes time for a procedure, the practice offers a range of options to keeping the patient calm, from headphones for listening to music, to scented nitrous oxide medication (bubble gum and fruit are choices). “It’s like they are dreaming, but they can wake up,” Schoonmaker says. “About 70

percent of our patients who have anxiety are treated by that method.” If nitrous oxide doesn’t work, then parents can consider sedation options. For the most extreme cases, a child may need to be completely asleep. That would require an outpatient facility that can provide general anesthesia. Little Jaws does not offer sedation, but personnel there can work with parents to find a provider and facility that fits their needs, Schoonmaker says. Aside from the initial tell, show, do approach and the drug options, pediatric dentists are trained to communicate differently with anxious patients. They often talk very quietly, so the patient has to listen more carefully, and calms down in the process. For autistic patients, the main concept is repetition. The child might visit the dentist’s office and walk around a few times before he or she is eventually relaxed enough to get into the chair. “Our goal is to have all of our kids leave here comfortable and happy,” Schoonmaker says.

She says the demand for pediatric dentists is growing locally and nationally. The use of sippy cups, nighttime bottles for infants, and snacking between meals have all played roles in that trend. “It’s frustrating because they have found that snacking can be good for metabolism, which is obviously important in dealing with obesity issues. But it is also bad for our teeth,” Schoonmaker says.

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According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, more than $40 billion is spent in the United States annually treating cavities. In its annual “State of Little Teeth” report, the AAPD indicated that tooth decay, if left untreated, can result in life-threatening infections, significant pain, chewing difficulties, poor speech articulation, poor sleep habits, low self-esteem, social ostracism and poor school performance. The report also said putting off a child’s first visit to the dentist until they are toddlers is a mistake: Research has found that kids who have not had an oral examination until age 2 or 3 are more likely to require restorative and emergency visits. Between 5 percent and 10 percent of U.S. children under age 3 have oral health issues, and about 60 percent of U.S. children have had at least one cavity by age 5. That includes 40 percent of children who have had a cavity when they enter kindergarten. Early education and intervention are key to preventing cavities, the report says, but one of

the major impediments to improved oral health nationally is, in some areas, a shortage of pediatric dentists who accept Medicaid. Currently, about 70 percent of pediatric dentists see Medicaid patients. At those practices, Medicaid beneficiaries represent about 25 percent of the patients. The number of practicing dentists, whether general dentistry or pediatric dentistry, is growing in the United States, according to the report. The AAPD forecasts that by 2020, about 5,600 dentists will be graduating from training programs annually, or about 800 more than in 2010.

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The Fast

and the Frozen Local speed skating club gives families a common pursuit STORY BY KIRA MADDOX PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DAVIS

FEATURE STORY

bout 10 children teeter around Sunnycrest Ice Rink in Syracuse’s Eastwood neighborhood. Each is a tiny padded puff in a brightcolored ski jacket and bicycle helmet, some holding on to plastic milk crates as they tentatively skate laps around the ice.

hard enough, you can feel your skate dig into the ice and almost try and brake it,” says 16-year-old club member Matthew Crovella. “For me, that’s the best feeling, because you know you’re putting down all this pressure and flying around the corner, and you’re somehow doing it yourself.” Matthew has been doing speed skating since early elementary school, along with his sisters, Sarah, age 15, and Isabel, 13. All three belong to the club.

Coach Gretchen Byrne Burns blows a whistle and asks them to come back to the center. She crouches to demonstrate the best position for speed—“stand like a monkey, not a shower”—and reminds them to think about pushing the milk crate away from them rather than leaning on it.

Speed skating originated in Scandinavia, Northern Europe and the Netherlands around the 13th century as a way to deliver messages between villages via frozen canals and rivers. It became a competitive sport in the 1860s and has been an Olympic event since 1924.

The kids are members of the Syracuse Speedskating Club. Speed skating is a competitive sport where skaters race around a rink, seeing who can get the best time. It’s believed to be the fastest human-powered, non-mechanical sport in the world. The club is the only one of its kind in Central New York, with members from Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins counties, among others.

The Syracuse club was founded in 1958 by Jack Byrne—Burns’ father—and Harold Harrington. The club has three nationally certified coaches—Burns, Klaus Doelle and Cherise Wilkins—and holds two practice sessions twice a week for about an hour each night. The earlier session is for beginners and skaters under age 12, while the later one is for people with more experience to prepare them for competitive skating.

“Sometimes if you’re pushing yourself

Burns has skated since she was 5 and went on to join U.S. National Speedskating. She stepped away from the sport in 1980 but got back into it when she had her son and wanted to get him to skate. She began coaching for the club in 1991 and was named U.S. Speedskating Development Coach of the Year in 2002. “I got a lot out of speed skating, so this is a way to just try to give back,” she says. Now she gets more excited when her students succeed—like when Wilkins, who was one of Burns’ students, went to Nationals for the first time—than when she used to. “Seeing them do something I taught them makes you say, ‘Wow, I really did make a difference.’” Her father used to take Burns and her 10 siblings ice skating throughout Syracuse every weekend. During Syracuse’s brutal winters, the ponds at Onondaga and Kirk parks would freeze over and the city would open them for skating. With such a large family, Burns says she was happy to have something they could do as a group. The Syracuse Speedskating Club tries to emulate that same feeling, putting an emphasis on family and unity. continued on page 14

Isabel, Matthew, Paul and Sarah Crovella (opposite page) are members of Syracuse Speedskating Club. Gretchen Byrne Burns (above), daughter of the club’s co-founder, coaches a session with beginning skaters. FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

continued from page 13 Sarah Crovella appreciates the togetherness. “We all have done different sports: Matthew’s done crew, I’ve done soccer, Isabel has done running. This is one thing that we can all share,” she says. The older children from session two will sometimes skate during session one to act as mentors to the younger skaters, and generations of club members regularly come back for special events—like the holiday potluck they had at the end of December. Burns’ 3-year-old granddaughter is learning to speed skate. In past years the club took road trips together up to Lake Placid to skate on the outdoor Olympic rink.

“ Our club motto

is, ‘Feel great, speed skate,’ and I think that pretty much sums it up. ”

“The feeling on days like today where the snow is falling and you’re out on the ice, skating as fast as you can, it’s just this incredible feeling of being free,” says Sarah. “You don’t have to worry about anything in that moment. You’re just focused on skating.”

When practice is over, the children head back into the building’s warmup room to meet their parents and get ready to go home. Andrew Knopka, who was out on the ice helping Burns during session one, takes a seat on a bench. His children—Hannah, age 5, Grace, 7, and Ricky, 11—wait for him to help unlace their skates and get their sneakers on. Knopka makes a 45-minute drive to Syracuse from Rome once a week so his kids can come to practice and participate in the club. Ricky joined the club about three years ago after having tried ice hockey. Ricky has impulsive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and was born with a condition that caused small bones and a small head. Although he is four years older, he’s the same height as his 7-year-old sister. His condition made contact-heavy ice hockey a challenge. “We were looking for other things to do for him, and we stumbled on this,” Knopka says. Often children who are drawn to speed skating are the same ones who may have trouble in school because they can’t sit still, Burns says. They like to be moving, to go fast, and they lean toward individual activities rather than having to play with a team. The club is a place for them to learn something by watching and doing without having to worry about getting in trouble. “I’m just trying to get kids away from computers and give them fresh air and something to do during winter.” When father and son came to their first practice, Burns asked Andrew Knopka if he knew how to skate. When he said yes, she encouraged him to grab a pair of skates and come out on the ice to help. He’s now on the club’s board of directors. Helping at practices gives him a chance to see the work up close and reinforce the techniques at home or at local open skates. As Knopka gets his children ready to head home, Burns walks around the room, giving words of encouragement and something to keep in mind for next time—crouching with their hands on their knees to remember to stay low, or holding a water bottle between their legs so they aren’t too far apart on the ice. “We all get along and help each other every week,” Knopka says. In the background, skaters begin to sing “Happy Birthday” Competitive SSSC skaters (top photo) in the warmup room at Sunnycrest Ice Rink in Syracuse; skaters wear helmets and goggles (middle photo), in addition to other protective gear; new skaters use buckets for balance (bottom photo).

FEATURE STORY

to fellow member Cassie. She brought in doughnuts to celebrate.

and had no trouble borrowing a spare from another skater.

There’s a similar feeling in the larger speed skating community. Matthew, Sarah and Isabel skate at the competitive level; each has a spot in their room where they hang their medals and trophies. They placed in last year’s Empire State Winter Games and will be competing at the Children’s National Short-Track competition in Saratoga Springs in March.

The Syracuse Speedskating Club members wear outfits that fit tightly to reduce drag, and protective gear is worn as well. Each member wears a mouth guard along with knee pads and shin and neck guards to prevent injury after a fall. The uniforms are made of Kevlar and are cut-resistant in case a skater gets clipped by a blade; speed skating blades are much longer and thinner than those used in figure skating and ice hockey.

Three years ago, Matthew and Sarah got to compete in an international competition in Austria, where they skated alongside other kids from places like Spain and the Netherlands. Sarah took home a silver medal and Matthew earned a bronze. “That was my most memorable moment: finally seeing all the work pay off, especially in an international competition,” Matthew says. Despite the competitions, speed skating remains a smaller, niche sport in New York. Young skaters will usually see the same people at local races. “When you’re on the ice, you’re racing, but as soon as you get off the ice you’re friends again,” says Sarah. “It’s like normal hanging out, getting lunch together. It’s a really open community and really close.” A few times Isabel forgot to pack her uniform

Before every practice, club members help bring out large pads to line the corners of the rink walls, in case skaters lose control going around the rink. About eight kids, including the Crovellas, glide around the ice as the second session begins. Unlike the children in session one, the session two kids have already mastered staying low and keeping their legs close. Burns helps the skaters fine tune: keeping their heads up, making sure their weight stays centered, and controlling their muscles to push out from their hips. They’ll need it to improve their personal times. Matthew’s best time in the 500 meter is 49.19 seconds, Sarah’s is 52.4 seconds, and Isabel’s is 55.3 seconds. “A lot of kids sometimes are discouraged

by their place at bigger races,” Isabel says. “They may think, ‘Oh, I only got seventh overall,’ but that actually could be really good considering the number of good skaters who are there.” Toward the end of the night, Burns breaks the young skaters off into pairs. They begin at opposite ends of the rink and get into position, legs bent with one skate forward. At the whistle, they take off across the ice, arms moving in time with their strides. Regardless of the outcome, they’ll leave with a sense of accomplishment— Isabel says they always do. People should not let the mindset of “I can’t skate” stop them, she says. They’ve all seen many members come in with little to no experience who end up being strong with fast times. Sarah agrees. For most people, once they put on the skates and get a taste for the speed, it clicks. “Our club motto is, ‘Feel great, speed skate,’ and I think that pretty much sums it up,” says Sarah. The other Crovella kids smile and nod. “That,” Matthew adds, “and, ‘Go hard, turn left.’” Kira Maddox is a staff writer for Family Times and the Syracuse New Times.

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FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER PHOTO

Sweets for the Sweet

Chocolate-covered strawberries are a great Valentine’s Day project | BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

eing original on Valentine’s Day is not particularly easy. Millions of cards are exchanged and billions of dollars are spent on flowers each Feb. 14. So, forget construction paper and overpriced petals. Instead, get the kids in the kitchen to make sweet treats: chocolate-covered strawberries!

and can be measured in the amount desired. Choose at least two different flavors.

SUPPLY LIST

Presentation is just as important as taste. Purchase plastic heart-shaped plates and white paper doilies. For those who wish to give a bouquet of “roses,” buy lollipop sticks.

Choose a package of fresh strawberries. Soft, green leaves and shiny red skin indicate fruit that has recently been picked. Keep in mind the biggest berries may not necessarily be the juiciest. Avoid overripe berries that will lose their shape and become mushy when handled. Pick out about a pound or so of chocolate. Pre-packaged morsels and chunks from the baking section of the grocery store can even include flavors like caramel, peanut butter and butterscotch. I prefer chocolate mixtures that can be purchased in craft stores and Walmart. These chocolate wafers (dark, milk, white) can also be found in the bulk section of grocery stores 16

Plain chocolate-covered strawberries are tasty and easy enough for small children to help make. To get into designer mode, gather coconut flakes, crushed cookies or pretzels, mini M&Ms, nuts, and sprinkles of all kinds. The choices are endless.

Use wax or parchment paper over a cookie sheet for the dipped strawberries to set on.

GOING SOFT Wash and dry the strawberries, leaving the calyces (pronounced kale-le-sees) intact. These are the stems and leaves. Have your child learn this name so he can impress his teacher. Since melted chocolate can harden at room temperature, it’s best to have all your

TOGETHER TIMES

items out and ready to go before beginning. The single most important rule is to not let the chocolate seize or get scorched. Both result in thick lumps that cannot be fixed. Seizing is when chocolate is mixed with an incompatible ingredient. Tempering pure chocolate is tricky, so I suggest sticking with a chocolate mixture, such as Merckens wafers, which contains emulsifiers and milk solids that can handle extracts and colorings that are probably already in your pantry. Pure chocolate must use only oil-based (not water-based) ingredients, which are more readily found in craft stores. These flavorings are very concentrated, so only a drop or two is needed. To avoid scorching, the chocolate cannot burn. It can be melted in the microwave or on the stove in a double boiler. (A pot of water under a pot of chocolate, which warms indirectly, reduces the chance of the candy getting too hot.) My son and I use the microwave because it’s the easiest and safest way. As long as the morsels are in a microwavable bowl that is taken continued on page 18

LEARN

LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER PHOTO

continued from page 16 out often and stirred, nothing should burn. Don’t forget the pot holders! Start off with about a cup of chocolates in the microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. They will melt on the bottom first so I usually check to see if they’ve softened, then put the dish back in for another 30 seconds. Once you’re able to actually stir, cut the length in the microwave to about 20 seconds at a time. Add another half-cup of chocolate if needed and repeat. Don’t try to get all the pieces to melt on their own. When the majority is smooth and glossy, stir so the warm temperatures melt the rest. Do this for the other flavors. Food coloring or flavors can now be added.

2 3

TAKING THE PLUNGE Coating strawberries is a bit of trial and error. It’s important to gently pull up the leaves so they don’t get covered, but don’t hold by the leaves because the fruit gets heavy and the greens will rip off. I found it helpful to do a berry or two, so my son could see what I wanted him to do. Holding the strawberry at the top will allow the most control—and besides, the whole fruit doesn’t necessarily need to be covered. Dip the strawberry into the melted chocolate by using a front, back, side, side motion. It’s best to do it fairly quickly to avoid chocolate buildup. I try to let it drip or wipe the bottom across the edge of the bowl. Hold the berry over another small bowl and sprinkle toppings immediately, if desired. Allow to set on the parchment paper. If the bowl of chocolate starts to get lumpy or loses its gloss, simply pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds to re-melt. For any dipping that doesn’t come out just right, my professional suggestion is to eat the evidence and start over with another berry.

MAKE IT MARVELOUS Once you find your groove, it’s fun to get creative. To try a fancy swirl, dip with the primary chocolate, drizzle the secondary and use a toothpick to make designs. Make tiny chocolate hearts onto the wax paper and, when set, “glue” them onto the strawberry using a small bit of chocolate. Adding a different flavor or color chocolate to an already dipped strawberry isn’t difficult, just allow the first chocolate to set. It will be dull instead of shiny, and firm when picked up. Drizzling in diagonal lines looks professional and is a fast way to decorate.

AWE-INSPIRING ARRANGEMENTS

Creating this edible gift is fun and easy, yet it still looks elegant. It’s also less expensive than ordering anywhere. And since it’s homemade, it’s made with love. Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at freshapplesnyder.com.

TOGETHER TIMES

LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER PHOTOS

No need to wrap this present: Artfully arrange berries on a pretty plate and top with a bow. To make “roses,” carefully poke a lollipop stick through the stem. Wrap them in tissue paper inside a box with tulle, baby’s breath or ferns. For a display, poke the sticks into floral Styrofoam inside a stout vase, and add ribbons. I used a potato inside a decorative Chinese takeout box with tissue paper. Eat the same day for the best flavor and freshness.

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LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER PHOTOS

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LEARN

iSTOCK ILLUSTRATION

18 And Counting

When does adulthood begin these days? | BY TAMMY DiDOMENICO

any news stories in recent years have highlighted how long young people are taking to achieve adult milestones. As my older son and many of his friends have hit the age of 18, I’ve had a front row seat to this reality. In the weeks leading up to my son’s birthday, I thought about what things were like back when I turned 18. My parents, and others of their generation, generally expected behaviors that signified adulthood. Once a person came of age, she needed to meet certain standards: to work, pay rent (if not in college), pay for her own car, and at least contribute toward car insurance. “Welcome to adulthood!” I can still hear my mother say. Nobody reminded me about my college application deadlines, and I had no electronic gadgets to alert me about my work or sports schedules. Today’s older teens, it seems, are far less eager to jump into the sea of adult responsibility. Few of my son’s friends have part-time jobs. Those who have cars generally had them given or leased for them; their gas consumption is lumped into one big monthly “family” bill. Their phones are also part of a “family” plan. And, as offspring of involved (or helicopter) parents, they have little need for alarm clocks or planners because their moms basically manage their schedules for them. Then there is the life-skills department. My husband and I have been successful in instilling some sense of financial responsibility and independence in our son. But I must take the initiative in supporting his late-blooming interest in things like doing laundry, cooking for himself, making his own dental and medical appointments, and not allowing his room to become a toxic waste dump. After years of taking an “I can do it faster, so I’ve got this” approach to such aspects of childrearing, I’ve spent a lot of time over the past couple of years regret-

ting that approach—and have attempted a course correction that has been painful for all involved. This is not an original observation on my part. Robert Epstein, founder and director emeritus of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies in Massachusetts, has studied how American culture promoted the gradual infantilization of young people. He traced the roots of this trend back to the late 1800s. Epstein writes that parents treating their adolescents like children has resulted in their acting more like children. Such adolescents also spend less time with adults and more time alone or with their peers. Epstein suggests that as each generation lowers its expectations of its young adults, the bar for their own aspirations falls. In short, when we expect less from our young people, that’s what they think we want from them, and that’s what they give. Adolescents need to be allowed to face adult challenges in order to nurture their ability to actually be adults. This cannot happen when parents micromanage every aspect of their teens’ lives. This lengthening of adolescence is not unique to my son’s circle, nor does it seem to be a phase that is winding down. Our society seems to be collectively encouraging this extension of childhood. Where once young people rushed to find posthigh school or college employment to get their own benefits, the Affordable Care Act (signed into law in 2010) required insurance providers to offer dependent coverage until age 26. Many parents of college-aged children considered this a victory, as relatively few recent graduates can secure a job that provides, or enables employees to purchase, health and dental benefits. Marriage has gradually become less desirable to young adults, and some researchers contend that it can—at least partially—be traced to parents’ tendency to overschedule our children, eliminating

BEEN THERE

opportunities for free play with other nearby children. Those who don’t get chances to develop social skills within mixed peer groups as children are less likely to date as teenagers. Those who don’t develop relationship skills as teenagers are likely to marry later as adults—if at all. (Let’s not even get started on the recent trend among pediatric psychologists to label the years from 18 to 25 as “late adolescence.”) Turning 18 still comes with its share of life changes—most of them legal. These teens can commit to military service, vote, be tried as adults for felonies, buy lottery tickets, keep their medical records out of their parents’ hands, and marry. But it’s getting harder and harder to find 18-yearolds, or even 25-year-olds, who really feel like they are the adults we think we were at those ages. I recently asked several of my son’s friends what they were most looking forward to as their 18th birthday approached. Most said something along the lines of “full driving privileges.” Some expressed concern about how their age would be viewed in a court of law—their parents having warned them how seemingly minor offenses become much less minor after an 18th birthday. Talking to other parents of teenagers and perusing the websites of various psychological journals, it’s clear that there is lots of blame to go around with little in the form of solutions for changing course. Now that my own son is 18, I can only hope that I have gotten out of his way enough for him to have developed some self-confidence and—perhaps one day — maturity. Award-winning writer Tammy DiDomenico lives in DeWitt with her husband and two sons.

iSTOCK ILLUSTRATION

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Saturday, Jan. 27 Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. The Magic

Circle Children’s Theatre presents an interactive version of the tale, in which children in the audience help Alice play croquet with the Queen, color the roses red, and join in the Wonderland fun. Children are invited to dress as their favorite fairy tale character. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.

Sunday, Jan. 28 Immaculate Conception Open House. 10-

11:30 a.m.; also Feb. 1. Learn about the school for children from pre-K through grade 6. Immaculate Conception Elementary School, 400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville. (315) 637-3961. icschool.org.

Most Holy Rosary Open House. 11 a.m.-

12:30 p.m. Learn about the pre-K through grade 6 programs at this Catholic school. Most Holy Rosary School, 1031 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse. (315) 476-6035. mhrsyr.org.

St. Margaret’s Open House. Noon-2 p.m. Learn about programs at the Catholic school, including a gifted and talented program for grades 3-6. St. Margaret’s School, 201 Roxboro Road, Mattydale. (315) 455-5791. Stmargaretschool.org.

Monday, Jan. 29 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, Jan. 30 See Ongoing Events

Wednesday, Jan. 31 Kindergarten Information Night. 7-8 p.m. Parents with children entering kindergarten in September 2018 can learn about this Catholic school. Most Holy Rosary School, 1031 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse. (315) 476-6035. mhrsyr.org.

Thursday, Feb. 1 Teen Writer’s Guild. 4-5 p.m. Middle or high school students can participate in writing workshops that emphasize constructive feedback, brainstorming and support. Writers in all genres, from poetry to nonfiction essays, are welcome. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

CALENDAR

Immaculate Conception Open House. 4-6 p.m. See Jan. 28 listing.

Maker Club. 5:15 p.m.; also Feb. 8 & 15. All

month, kids age 5 and up can make items related to Black History Month. At each session, make something different: an African necklace, tribal masks, and a spirit drum. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3395.

Bishop Grimes Open House. 5:30-7 p.m. Learn about programs at the Catholic high school. Bishop Grimes Jr./Sr. High School, 6653 Kirkville Road, East Syracuse. (315) 314-7157. bishopgrimes. org. Holy Family Open House. 6-8 p.m. Learn

more about this Catholic school. Holy Family School, 130 Chapel Drive, Syracuse. (315) 4878515. holyfamilyschoolsyr.org.

Friday, Feb. 2 Drop-In Craft Time. 2-3 p.m. Kids age 3 and

up and caregivers can make a simple craft. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032.

iSTOCK ILLUSTRATIONS

y r a u r Feb Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Feb. 10, 17

& 24. Kids can read to a friendly dog from Paws Inc. of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Pups ‘n Pages. 11 a.m.-noon; also Feb. 17. All ages of participants can come read to one of the Go Team Therapy Dogs or just hang out. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org. Tails to Tell. 11 a.m.; also Feb. 17. Children ages 5-12 can read to a furry friend trained by Paws of CNY. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797.

Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 27 listing.

Rice Creek Ramble. 11 a.m.; also Feb. 10 & 17.

People of all ages (kids under 17 must be accompanied by an adult) can go on an informative, family-friendly walk. Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, 1 mile south of SUNY Oswego’s main campus, Oswego. Call to check trail conditions the morning of the hike: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/ricecreek.

Popcorn Fridays. 3:30-4:30 p.m.; also Feb. 9, 16 & 23. Young people ages 12-18 can watch anime, play games and eat popcorn. Central Library, TeenSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Ukulele for Beginners. 1-2 p.m. Pat Doherty

Teen Open Homework Hour. 3:30-5 p.m.;

6-10 can learn about masks and then make their own. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 435-3636.

also Feb. 9 & 16. Young people ages 13-19 can come by for homework help and healthy snacks. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Saturday, Feb. 3 Bishop Grimes Scholarship/Entrance Exam. 7:45 a.m. Bishop Grimes Jr./Sr. High School, 6653 Kirkville Road, East Syracuse. Preregistration recommended: (315) 314-7157. bishopgrimes.org.

Make Marble Roller Coasters. 10 a.m.-noon. Kids in preschool and up can use pipe insulation, tape and other supplies to make and test a roller coaster for marbles. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration requested: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Preschool Information Fair. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Representatives from local preschools will provide information about their programs to families. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org. The Melodic Life. 10:30 a.m. Kids and parents

can enjoy a Symphoria performance that traces the life of Bob, a lighthearted melody. Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse. $15/adults; $10/senior citizens; free/age 18 and under. (315) 299-5598. ExperienceSymphoria.org.

teaches a class for newcomers to the ukulele. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

African Mask Making. 2 p.m. Children ages

Graphic Novel and Comic Book Club. 2 p.m. Young people ages 11-18 can talk about this month’s selection, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet. After the discussion, participants can work on their own graphic novels. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326. Technology Camp. 2 p.m.; also Feb. 10, 17 & 24. Young people ages 8-18 can learn about different tech topics, including coding, robotics and gaming with tablets. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays. In upcoming sessions of this weekly interactive series, topics will include: a car powered using chemistry; wind and weather; the Future Science Leader youth program; scientific research; and chemical reactions. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/ages 2-64; $7/seniors, age 65-plus; free/under 2. (607) 272-0600. sciencenter.org. Literary Legos. 3 p.m.; also Feb. 10, 17 & 24.

Children age 6 and up can break out the Legos and hear a story for inspiration. Central Library, KidSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

Sunday, Feb. 4

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Cinderella. 1:30-3:30 p.m. All ages can enjoy Rag

First Steps. 9:30 a.m.; also Feb. 14, 21 & 28.

Tag Theatre’s version of “Cinderella,” with themes of inner beauty and staying true to who you are. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Chemsations. 2 p.m.; also Feb. 18. Local high

Children who are good walkers, up to age 3, can with a caregiver take part in a program with music, movement, crafts and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Trading Card Games. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Young

people ages 12-18 can join TCG Player for an afternoon of games and prizes. Central Library, TeenSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Teen Writing and Drawing Group. 3:30-5

p.m. Teens can share art or writing, get feedback, and talk about their projects. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3636.

school students demonstrate chemical reactions with color changes, bubbles and light. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. sciencenter.org.

Baby Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also Feb. 14, 21 &

28. Babies and caregivers can share rhymes, songs, stories and signs in this language-building program. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Xbox in the Evening. 5 p.m. Young people ages

Monday, Feb. 5

Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also

Friday, Feb. 9

Rhyme Times. 10:30 a.m. Children from infants to age 2 (siblings of all ages welcome) can, with a caregiver, learn songs and nursery rhymes, followed by free play. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326. Gaming for Adults with Special Needs.

1:30-3 p.m. Adults with special needs can play Wii games and board games; caregivers must remain in the room. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Monday Funday. 5 p.m.; also Feb. 12 & 26. Chil-

dren ages 5-12 can make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 6723661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Tuesday, Feb. 6 Wiggleworms Storytime. 10 a.m.; also Feb. 13,

Feb. 14, 21 & 28. All ages can enjoy a storytime and play session. Central Library, KidSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

11-18 can play on the Xbox One and have snacks and beverages. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m.;

play board games in the first session of the month and video games in the second. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

also Feb. 23. Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/ family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist.org/Tots.

Thursday, Feb. 8

Saturday, Feb. 10

Home School Nature Series. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Homeschooled students ages 5-12, accompanied by a chaperone or parent, can join wildlife biologists to band ducks and gather data about winter waterfowl populations. Dress for the outdoors. Event is weather dependent. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. $8/student. (315) 3653588. ny.audubon.org/montezuma.

Book and Bake Sale. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Baked goods, and used books, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, CDs and more will be for sale. Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free admission / 9:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.; $2/1:30-3 p.m., with bags sold at event. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also Feb. 21. Teens can

20 & 27. Children from infants to age 5, accompanied by caregivers, can practice the skills they’ll need for school success at a special storytime. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797.

Paws and Books. 10:30 a.m.; also Feb. 24. Kids ages 5-12 can read a story to Cooper, a dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen. Afterward, they can stay to make a dog-related craft. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326. Hansel and Gretel. 11 a.m. This performance by puppets asks how a little witch with a sweet tooth became a big, bad witch. Open Hand Theater, Shoppingtown Mall, Suite No. 3, 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. $5. (315) 476-0466. openhandtheater.org.

Terrific Tuesdays. 4-7:30 p.m.; also Feb. 13,

20 & 27. Children of all ages and their families can drop in, read together, play a board game, make a craft or engage in other activities. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 27

Black History Month Celebration. 6:30-7:30

Preschool Book Club. 10:30 a.m.; also Feb.

p.m. Kids age 5 and up with a caregiver can learn about some influential African Americans and help make a poster to hang in the library. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

15 & 22. Children ages 3-5 can bring a parent or guardian to read a book together and then talk about things happening in the book. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. For more details and to reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemomsmingle.com.

Trail Tales. 1 p.m. Children ages 3-5 can hear

a naturalist read two stories, then go on a group hike tied to the stories. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. (315) 638-2519.

Weekday Mornings 5:30 -10AM

listing.

African Drumming and Dancing. 3 p.m. Kids ages 5-19 will learn traditional African drumming and dancing with an instructor from Wacheva Cultural Arts. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Sunday, Feb. 11 Sweet Treats. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A variety of animals will receive heart-shaped treats including

Jordan Elbridge

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CALENDAR

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popsicles made with juice and fruits, meat patties and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $4/ adults; $2.50/seniors; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 & younger. (315) 435-8511.

Montessori Open House. 2-4 p.m. Find out about the school that serves ages 3 through 12 with its preschool and elementary education based on Montessori philosophy and methods. Montessori School of Syracuse, 155 Waldorf Parkway, DeWitt. (315) 449-9033. mssyr.org. New School Open House. 2-4 p.m. Explore

options at the independent K-8 school. The New School, 5205 Jamesville Road, DeWitt. (315) 4756453. newschoolsyracuse.org.

Monday, Feb. 12 Art Project. 3:15 p.m. Children ages 5-12 can take part in a trivia game about significant African-American women in history, then make a work of art. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 Yoga Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also Feb. 27. Children ages 3-6 take part in a full-body experience that incorporates yoga poses, breathing exercises, songs and more. Mats are provided; socks must be worn. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. ffl.org. Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m.; also Feb. 27. Young

mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 569-2542.

YA Graphic Novel Book Club. 6-7 p.m. Young people this month will read and discuss Black Panther Vol. 1. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 14

Happy Birthday, Frederick Douglass. 3:30 p.m. Children age 5 and up can make crafts and take part in activities to honor the 200th birthday of the anti-slavery activist and writer. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797. Teen Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can come and talk about anime. Cosplay is okay, but library staff must approve. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, Feb. 15 Terrific Thursdays. 11 a.m. Homeschooled stu-

dents in K-grade 12 and accompanying adults can find out all about recycling with OCRRA’s Theresa Evans. Learn what happens to recyclables once they leave the curb. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

ages 5-10 and a caregiver can work on a creative project together. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 27 listing.

Snowshoes, Stars and Stories. 7-9 p.m. Peo-

Teen Book Club. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Young people ages 12-18 will read F.C. Yee’s The Epic Crush of Genie Lo and discuss the book. Central Library, TeenSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

ple age 7 and up can take a hike through the woods to a cabin and a fire, drink hot cocoa, and hear stories. Snowshoes provided. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

Friday, Feb. 16

Sunday, Feb. 18

Toddler Dance Party. 10:30 a.m. Children

Ice Carving. Noon-2 p.m.; also Feb. 19, 24 & 25.

ages 18 months-5 years can come play musical instruments, enjoy bubbles, and dance their sillies out. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ. org. (315) 446-3578.

Community Reading with the Pinkney Family. 2-3 p.m. Marcelle Haddix of Syracuse Uni-

Ice artisan Adam Vural creates sculptures. Part of Syracuse Winterfest. Next to Clinton Square Ice Rink, 100 W. Water St., Syracuse. Free. Syracuse winterfest.com.

Monday, Feb. 19

versity hosts a session that focuses on the stories of the Pinkney Family, an African-American family who turned children’s books into the family business. Open to all ages. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3395.

Saturday, Feb. 17 Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The

Winter Hibernation Festival. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Numerous activities and displays: cross-country skiing (age 5 and up); horse-drawn sleigh rides; hibernation bear cave; sledding; marshmallow roasting; and more. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5

Winter Wonders Week. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; daily through Feb. 23. Various special break-week activities, including a chance to try snowshoeing (weather permitting, Feb. 19 & 21 at 10 a.m.), build a snow cave (Feb. 23, 10 a.m.), learn about winter animals (daily, 1:30 p.m.); and more. All activities are weather dependent. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E.

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Mad Hatter Tea Party. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enjoy a fantastical Alice in Wonderland-themed event, with finger foods, fruits, punch and teas; and games with the Queen of Hearts. Meet animal ambassadors as well. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $20/ event plus admission. Registration required: (315) 435-8511, Ext. 113. Parent and Me Craft Class. 11 a.m. Kids

Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk on the subject of the history of oxygen on Earth. The talk is geared toward middle school students, who must be accompanied by an adult. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: jrcafe@tacny.org.

1135 W. Genesee St • 471-8042 2136 Erie Blvd East • 445-2920

miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. $4/adults; $2/under 12; $8/family. (315) 697-2950. greatswampconservancy.org.

Now Enrolling for 2018-2019

PreschoolFirst Grade (Ages 3-7)

• Spacious, bright, multites age classroom Mon sori • Encourages peer teaching & learning • Lessons in Spanish • Science, Music & Art complement the curriculum • A continuous Montessori Discovery program in the Syracuse School area for 40 years For more info or to schedule a visit: Call (315)446-0204 109 Waring Road, Syracuse | www.montessoridiscoveryschool.com

FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/ vehicle. $5/hour snowshoe rental. (315) 638-2519.

Geek Girl Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Girls in grades 3-5 can learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics with hands-on projects. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Ice Carving. Noon-2 p.m.; also Feb. 24 & 25. See Feb. 18 listing.

Cocoa and Crafts. 3 p.m. Kids ages 6-12 can make a craft and drink some hot cocoa. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578. Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8 p.m. Parents of homes-

STEAM at Petit. 2-4 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 22, 23 & 24. Every day, kids can take part in a different activity, from making slime to building a structure using gumdrops and toothpicks. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3636. Adinkra Symbols. 2 p.m. Children age 5 and up will

create their own version of the symbols by making stamps out of various craft materials. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3395.

Chocolate Makes the World Go Round. 2 p.m. All ages can learn about chocolate around the world. Central Library, KidSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 435-1900. Make Your Own Playdough. 2:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can make playdough from scratch. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Game On. 3 p.m. Young people in grades 3-8 can bring their friends and play board and video games and on the library’s Wii and iPads. Refreshments served. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

choolers can learn about different topics. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Engineer’s Week. 3 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 22 & 23. Children ages 8-12 will learn about levers, build with Legos, and play with technology all week. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3797.

Tuesday, Feb. 20

Teen Theater Group. 6-7 p.m. Teens can join in im-

Create a Board Game. 2-3 p.m. Kids ages 8-12 can create a board game from their own designs, using provided materials. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 4586184. nopl.org.

Teens Can you.. Sing, Act, or Dance?

Are you a techie (Camera, sound,editing)?

The Media Unit

provisation games and read through scenes from plays. No audience is present. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Wednesday, Feb. 21 Teddy Bear Clinic. 10 a.m.-3

p.m. Children of all ages can bring a stuffed animal for a checkup. “Veterinarians” will give the stuffed animal a checkup and offer first aid if necessary. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $4/ adults; $2.50/seniors; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 & younger. (315) 435-8511.

Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 27 listing. Family Afternoon. 1-3 p.m. Make a yarn painting, create with clay, or watch a handbuilding demonstration by an artist. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Admission: Pay what you wish. (315) 474-6064. Balloon Show. 2-3 p.m. Jeff the Magic Man does

comedy, tells stories and performs balloon puppetry in a one-of-kind show. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484. nopl.org.

Join us on our Spring and Summer Tour with shows around Syracuse and New York City.

Chain Reactions. 2 p.m. Children age 5 and up can

work together to create a Rube Goldberg-style chain reaction machine. Central Library, KidSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Winter Olympic Games. 2:30 p.m. Children ages 5-12 can engage in indoor games, making and racing mini bobsleds; trying ice skating in socks; and creating their own gold medals. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Thursday, Feb. 22 Escape Room. 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Kids age 9 and up

can solve puzzles and find the stone in this Harry Potter-themed escape room. One-hour sessions at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. Teen-only session at 6:30 p.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl. org.

STEAM Camp. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Students in grades 6-8 can take part in a co-ed day of fun, hands-on experiments and activities. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org. Drop In Crafts. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Kids can make fun, seasonal crafts in the Children’s Room with provided materials. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org. Creative Poetry. 2 p.m. Inspired by renowned black authors, kids age 8 and up will write poetry in various forms and make artwork as well. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3395.

Snowflake Bentley. 2 p.m. Kids age 5 and up can join a staffer from Baltimore Woods Nature Center to discover if any two snowflakes are alike. Dress warmly for a walk outdoors. Central Library, KidSpace, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900. Snowshoe Adventure. 2 p.m. People age 10 and up

(who must bring their own snowshoes) can trek around the library grounds and then go inside for a snack. Adults are encouraged to snowshoe with their kids. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Moonlight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Until 9 p.m.;

through Feb. 25. Venture onto Beaver Lake’s 10 miles of trails (if the snow cover is adequate) lit by the moon. Hot chocolate and other refreshments available at the visitor center. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

Friday, Feb. 23 Geek Guy Day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Boys in grades 3-5 can

learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics with hands-on projects. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Family Times Kids Expo (Formerly Camp Fair)

Call us at (315) 478-8648

CALENDAR

SATURDAY April 14th, 2018

Drive-In Movie. 10:30 a.m. Enjoy an indoor

“drive-in” movie experience with a car you make out of a cardboard box; for kids ages 3-10. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Guided Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. 7 p.m.

Explore the woodlands and frozen marshes on snowshoes with a guide; space limited. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/snowshoe rental; $4/vehicle. Registration required day of hike: (315) 638-2519.

Saturday, Feb. 24 Rice Creek Story Hour. 11 a.m. Elementary-age children (kids must be accompanied by a caregiver) can hear tales of nature and animals’ wild ways. Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, 1 mile south of SUNY Oswego’s main campus, Oswego. (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/ ricecreek. Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activ-

ities of a flight engineer. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.

Ice Carving. Noon-2 p.m.; also Feb. 25. See Feb. 18 listing.

Model Train Show, Feb. 25

Ice Carving. Noon-2 p.m. See Feb. 18 listing.

Monday, Feb. 26 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, Feb. 27 See Ongoing Events

Wednesday, Feb. 28 See Ongoing Events

Alice in Wonderland. 12:30 p.m. See Jan. 27

ONGOING EVENTS

Sun Party. 1-3 p.m. Observe the sun through specially filtered solar telescopes and get a look at sunspots, flairs and eruptions. (Backup date: Feb. 25.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

Horsedrawn Sleigh (or Hay) Rides. Satur-

listing.

Sunday, Feb. 25 Model Train Show. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Operating train layouts and displays, the whole Thomas the Train gang, and dealers selling train items. Presented by the Syracuse Model Railroad Club. Eastwood American Legion Post 1276, James Street and Nichols Avenue, Syracuse. $4/adult; $2/age 12 and under; $12/family max. (315) 706-7580. syracusemodelrr.org.

days & Sundays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; through Feb. 25. Also Feb. 19. A 20-minute ride into the woods. Highland Forest Park, County Road 128, Fabius. $6/adults; $3/age 5 & under. (315) 683-5550.

CNY Scholastic Art Awards. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., weekdays; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays; through March 2. See over 1,000 award-winning artworks by CNY junior and senior high school students. Whitney Applied Technology Center, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. For group visits: email recruitment@sunyocc.edu or call (315) 498-2221. Prenatal Yoga. Fridays, 9 a.m., Center of Grace, 8219 Market Place, Manlius. Sundays, 11 a.m., Sky Yoga & Wellness, 42 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles.

Calming class leads participants through gentle flow and breath work in postures adapted to the pregnant body. All levels welcome. $15/session. buddhafulbelliescny.com.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Thursdays, 5 p.m.

Members of the community can join in making more than a hundred bagged lunches to hand out to the hungry and homeless in downtown Syracuse. The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 218-6066. wholelygroundsattheroad.org.

Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails.

Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and wetland and grassland restoration areas. The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. (315) 697-2950.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. Snowshoe rental: $5/day. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.

ADVERTISERS INDEX 93Q........................................................................................................................ 24 Bernice M. Wright Child Development Lab School................................ 21 Bluebird Music Together.................................................................................. 21 Canterbury Stables.............................................................................................. 5 CNY Tix...............................................................................................................22 Crouse Hospital................................................................................................... 7 Dave & Buster’s.................................................................................................. 15 Edge Federal Credit Union.............................................................................. 15 Everson Museum.................................................................................................. 9 EYE Studio.............................................................................................................. 9 Faith Heritage School........................................................................................ 19 Family Life Network............................................................................................ 5 Flamingo Bowl................................................................................................. 5,22 Jewish Community Center.............................................................................. 19 Joe Ball’s Home Improvement........................................................................ 24 Jordan Elbridge Country Kids Child Care Center....................................24 Margaret Madonian, DDS................................................................................ 11 Mike Carter’s Cartoon Island.........................................................................22

New Hope Family Services................................................................................ 9 Montessori Discovery School.........................................................................25 Montessori School of Syracuse...................................................................... 21 Montessori School of the Finger Lakes........................................................ 19 My Gym Children’s Fitness Center...............................................................22 Paciorek Orthodontics ................................................................................... 11 Peak Family Dentistry....................................................................................... 11 Pediatric Associates............................................................................................. 9 Rochester School for the Deaf......................................................................... 2 Sam’s Auto Body................................................................................................25 SewSyracuse........................................................................................................ 21 Spinnaker Custom Products...........................................................................26 Syracuse Academy of Science......................................................................... 17 The Dance Studio CNY.................................................................................... 21 The Media Unit...................................................................................................26 Upstate Medical University........................................................Back Cover World of Life Christian Academy.................................................................. 19 Weiss, Savedoff & Ciccone................................................................................ 9 FAMILY TIMES FEBRUARY 2018

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