December%202017%20parent

DECEMBER 2017

show you have great tastE

edible giftS

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8207 Route 26 315-376-0300

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learningcurve Program helps parents prepare kids for kindergarten

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ocal families in Onondaga County now have access to more resources to help their children with language acquisition, reading and school readiness through free in-home educational visits. Trained home visitors will visit approximately 1,000 parents and children in the county throughout the next six months to increase awareness among parents of how learning begins at birth and provide them with tools to promote early brain and language development.

The new Talking is Teaching Home Visiting Strategy is a part of the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) of Onondaga’s larger “Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing� campaign, which is a national campaign that encourages parents to engage with their children in language-rich activities like talking, reading and

singing every day. The local campaign first launched in Onondaga County in May 2017 and made Onondaga County the 12th community in the country to partner with Too Small to Fail on the national initiative.

During the home visit, families will receive a tote bag that includes a learning toy, book and “Talking is Teaching� information and materials that parents can use to engage their children in conversation and reading.

The home visitors will demonstrate interactions that parents can have with their children and reinforce their importance in a child’s overall development.

Thirty home visitors are trained in the “Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing� campaign messaging and materials, and additional home visitor trainings are planned for January.

To learn more about the

Open Christmas Trees th Nov. 18 1850 Rte. 91, between Rt. 80 & 20 Pompey, NY

Memories that will last a lifetime!

• Cut your own and precut trees • Beautiful Canaan and Fraser Firs to 14 feet • $7 per foot • Over 9 feet, Special Pricing! • Fresh wreaths, roping & tree stands • Free wagon ride • Free baling & drilling • Farm store: Alpaca yarn, clothing/socks, local honey/ maple syrup/local artisans

Fridays: 1-5pm • Weekends: 9-5pm Weekdays by appointment 315-683-5860 www.springsidefarm.net

initiative, all parents in Onondaga County are encouraged to visit, like and share the “Talk, Read, Sing Onondaga� Facebook page. For

more information on the national campaign, including parent-friendly resources, tips and activities, parents can visit talkingisteaching.org.

CNY SPCA SINCE 1891 & STILL GOING STRONG!!

Thank you for your generosity and support of the SPCA and for helping us KEEP TRUE TO OUR MISSION!

‘Tis the Season to Support Our Furry Friends!

Please go to http://www.cnyspca.org/submit-a-donation

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT CNYSPCA! Visit Us: www.cnyspca.org & .PMMPZ 3E 4ZSBDVTF /: t

DECEMBER 2017 SYRACUSE PARENT

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mealsinminutes oh,

Show you have great taste with these easy, edible gifts

fudge!

Share your

dark side CHOCOLATE FUDGE

Ingredients 4 (8-ounce) jelly jars with lids 2 cups cocoa powder 1 cup sugar 4 tsp ground cinnamon 1 cup mini marshmallows

Ingredients

12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Into each jar, layer 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of marshmallows. Repeat with remaining jars and ingredients.

Screw on the lids and affix a label with the directions at right:

Directions

Line a nine-inch baking pan with foil. Combine the chips and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan. Warm over the lowest possible heat, stirring until smooth. Remove; stir in the nuts and vanilla.

Spread evenly on baking pan.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or until

Hot cocoa in a jar

firm.

Lift from the pan; remove the foil. Cut into 48 pieces.

Sugar-n-spice nuts For those who like salt with their sweets Ingredients

Directions

6 Tbsp light brown sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground red pepper 1/4 tsp ground cardamom one egg white 2 tsp canola oil 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 cup raw pecan halves 1/2 cup raw whole almonds 1/3 cup shelled pumpkinseeds Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix first five ingre­dients. Combine egg white, oil and Worcestershire; whisk until frothy. Combine mixtures, then dd nuts and pumpkinseeds, coating well. Spread on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove; stir nuts to break apart. Return pan to oven.

Reduce to 300 degrees. Bake 10 minutes. Remove nuts; cool 5 minutes. Stir to break apart nuts.

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2017

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Remove marshmallows and mix together the remaining ingredients in the jar. Bring one cup of milk to a simmer over low heat. Add 3 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix and stir until combined.

Pour into cups or mugs and top with marshmallows before serving.

HHHHH

Enter the

light

cookies and creme fudge

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds white chocolate 1 bag white marshmallows 1 package chocolate sandwich cookies

Directions

Melt the chocolate, either with a double boiler or over very low heat, stirring constantly.

Cut marshmallows into quarters. Roughly chop cookies into large chunks. When chocolate is melted, mix in the marshmallows and stir. Add the chopped cookies and combine well. Pour mix into lined cake pan and set in refrigerator for at least three hours.

Once set, cut into squares.

learning curve 3 Program helps parents prepare their children for kindergarten.

meals in minutes

contents

calendar 8

Family-friends events and programs to be found in and around Central New York.

4 Oh, fudge! Show you have great taste with these easy, edible gifts.

from the editor 6 Finding my way as my kids grow, and I grow old(er).

family fyi

Happy holidays from Syracuse Parent.

May your season be full of fun and family!

7 A Mother’s Perspective: Spoiler alert!

Read this column before sharing with the kids (or deciding not to.)

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315-458-5365 DECEMBER 2017 SYRACUSE PARENT

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fromtheeditor Finding my way as my kids grow, and I grow old(er) I told myself I wasn’t going to do this - write my column while I’m feeling somewhat down in the dumps. Unfortunately, as I get older, I find myself, more and more, feeling my age, which can mean that I have achy joints, am tired and, quite frankly, depressed.

I know, I’m supposed to be “aglow” with the success of raising two wonderful children, maintaining a comfortable home and working at a job I love.

The truth of the matter is, no matter how much I clean, do laundry, make lunches ahead of time, send that last email or Jennifer Wing proofread that final story, there is a pileup of more of the same Editor in front of me. There’s no “June Cleaver” moment for me, where the counter is sparklingly clean, the kids’ clothes are pressed and smell faintly of lavender and my inbox is not littered with “I’ll get to it later” messages.

Time to alter my mindset to fit my reality: Problem: The kids have energy, except when it comes to cleaning up after themselves.

I have no energy, and am constantly cleaning up after the aforementioned children, driving them to and fro and making sure they receive the basics - food, water, sleep, an education, etc.

Solution: I’m open to suggestions...

Problem: That sense of accomplishment when the tasks before me are completed is fleeting.

Solution: Enjoy the five minutes before the phone/computer lets me know that I am, again, behind.

Problem: Clean laundry, when not put in drawers promptly, mixes in with dirty laundry, and is then re-washed.

Solution: Make the kids put the laundry away. (I mean, come on! I washed the clothes, folded them and matched the socks!)

Problem: I enjoy cooking meals for my family, but they are more interested in loading up on snacks and leaving leftovers which will then be rejected when reheated.

Solution: Buy less snacky junk food, giving the kids fewer options for snacking. (The “sub-problem” to this is that I then have to hear the moaning and crying about how there is “nothing to eat.”)

Problem: When I am excited to do something as a family, it is usually met with eyerolls.

Solution: Make them do whatever activity I’ve lined up, knowing that they will enjoy it, but won’t admit it wasn’t horrible, or dumb, or embarassing.

I think that as I grow older and wiser I have begun to realize that it’s important to pat yourself on the back sometimes, especially when it feels like there’s no one there rooting you on as you clean the litter or scour the toilet bowl.

Now that I’ve thrown my pity party, to which you were unknowingly invited, I look to the future with a growing certainty that the karma I will recievie will be of the positive, not negative variety.

I guess that’s worth the hassle of cleaning out the fridge on a Saturday morning, right?

Jennifer Wing can be reached at jwing@eaglenewsonline.com

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SYRACUSE PARENT DECEMBER 2017

publisher

David B. Tyler 315-434-8889 ext. 302 dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com

editor

Jennifer Wing 315-434-8889 ext. 340 jwing@eaglenewsonline.com

ad sales

Linda Jabbour 315-434-8889 ext. 304 ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com

business manager

Luba Demkiv 315-434-8889 ext. 303 ldemkiv@eaglenewsonline.com

circulation manager

Lori Newcomb 315-434-8889 ext. 333 lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com

creative director

Sean Haney 315-434-8889 ext. 331 art@eaglenewsonline.com

We want your news! Contributions can be sent to Jen Wing, Editor, Syracuse Parent Magazine, 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, New York 13206. Original contributions become the property of Syracuse Parent Magazine. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned. To contact us please call 315.434.8889, or fax 315.434.8883

Syracuse Parent Magazine is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 10th day of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates available upon request. Syracuse Parent Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services, or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2008 by Syracuse Parent Magazine. No portion of Syracuse Parent Magazine may be reproduced without permission from the editor.

familyfyi SPOILER ALERT – read this column before sharing with your children (or deciding not to)

T

here comes a time in every parentchild relationship when they have to have The Talk. Not the birds and the bees talk. That one’s easy – it’s mostly Karen Bergamo-Moore science.

A mother’s perspective

The Talk that happens this time of year is fraught with emotion as it exposes years of deception and the destruction of a belief system.

Is Santa Claus real?

For years I prepared for The Question. I memorized “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.� I read articles on how best to answer and carefully crafted my response.

But when The Question was finally popped I was gobsmacked. Like an actor on stage who forgot her next line, all my preparation flew out the window on eight tiny reindeer.

We have an understanding in our house – If you are brave enough to ask a direct question, then I will be brave enough to give you an honest answer.

Even when the answer made me a sad that my boy was not so little anymore.

I expected the question to come some

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night close to Christmas, perhaps as he was being tucked into bed – as all deep and important questions were asked when he was younger. This time though, he turned to me while watching TV and said quite matter-of-factly, “Santa’s not real, is he, Mom?�

In my look of surprise and the seconds that it took me to process the question, he had the answer he already knew.

Even though my script flew out the window like the down on a thistle, I rallied to tell him Santa is the spirit of Christmas and that he is now part of Christmas magic to those who are younger.

And that to tell another child Santa isn’t what he seems is paramount to mortal sin.

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Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Dance, Karate, Women’s Self Defense, Yoga & all other activities. Indoor Full Size Gym (Liverpool), 1/2 Court Gym (East Syracuse). Available weekdays after 6pm & anytime on weekends.

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7

calendar Through Dec. 24

Dickens Christmas in Skaneateles Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Downtown Skaneateles; skaneateles.com.

Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, interactive street theatre, refrehsments, revels live, story time with Mother Goose and visits with Scrooge and Father Christmas. Note: Dec. 24 the event time is noon - 2:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Through Jan. 1 “The Polar Express” Every day except Dec.25, the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology, Syracuse; most.org.

A holiday class on the Bristol IMAX Omnitheater. screen. The “Polar Express” Pajama Party will be held Dec. 2,8,15 and 16. For more information, including showtimes, hours and prices, visit the website above or call 315-425-9068.

Through Jan. 7

Syracuse Stage and the Syracuse University Department of Drama team up with New York’s 2 Ring Circus to create a dazzlingly acrobatic take on “The Wizard of Oz.”

Friday, Dec. 1 Cazenovia Christmas Walk 6-8 p.m., downtown Cazenovia.

Featuring vendors on the street and i nternational Santas walking through village, Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck to help light the tree on the First Presbyterian Church lawn. Carolers and dancers will be featuring on a stage on Sullivan Street.

Winter Birds

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1-2

Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 2-17

Syracuse Crunch Hockey 7 p.m. Friday vs. Laval Rocket, Saturday vs. Belleville Senators, War Memorial Arena at 800 S. State St.; syracusecrunch.com, 315-473-4444.

Come see some hockey action in downtown Syracuse.

“The Wizard of Oz”

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 2-3

Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee St., Syracuse.

Showtimes and ticket prices vary; syracusestage.org.

1 and 6 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, The Oncenter

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SYRACUSE PARENT DECEMBER 2017

Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; syracusecityballet.com.

Filled with fun surprises, dazzling sets, colorful costumes, and imaginative choreography. Ticket prices vary. On Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. there will be a sensory friendly performance at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, with tickets costing $25.

“The Nutcracker”

2 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville; 315638-2519.

Join a naturalist for a guided walk featuring what the season has to offer. Free with nature center admission.

Breakfast with Santa 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse; rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Eat breakfast and meet SantaChildren can make a holiday craft and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus. Ticket includes post-breakfast zoo admission.

Advanced reservations required; this event will sell out so make your reservations early. Cost: $18; aged 2 and under free.

continued on page 9

Tuesday, Dec. 5 ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ 6:30 p.m. Landmark Theatre; rudolphthemusical.com.

Back by popular demand following three successful years of touring North America, the world’s most famous reindeer and a holly jolly cast of iconic characters including Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and the Abominable Snow Monster will help Santa save Christmas during two North American tours visiting more than 50 cities this holiday season.

characters, beautiful ballet and music, ample doses of humor and heart, and some high-flying holiday magic!

Perfect for younger audience members! Use code DASH17 for $1 off per ticket when you purchase four.

SU basketball vs. Colgate University 2 p.m., Carrier Dome. Ticket prices vary; cuse.com.

Breakfast with Santa

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-23

9 a.m.-noon, Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville; 315-638-2519.

Kick off the holiday season with breakfast at Beaver Lake and a special visitor (Santa!). Enjoy a tasty meal of pancakes, sausage, and a beverage. $3-$5 depending on appetite.

“The 1940s Radio Hour”

Holidays with the Animals

Central New York Playhouse, ShoppingTown Mall, DeWitt; cnyplayhouse.com.

Based on a live broadcast of “The Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade” from the Hotel Astor’s Algonquin Room on Dec. 21, 1942, with that bygone era when the world was at war and pop music meant “Strike Up the Band” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” is accurately captured. Ticket prices and showtimes vary.

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo,; 315-435-8511.

Help us celebrate the season with the animals as they will receive enrichment ”gifts” to engage and enhance their well-being. Zoo-goers can watch the animals open their presents and play with their new toys as they demonstrate natural behaviors. Free with zoo admission.

Saturday, Dec. 9 “Dasher’s Magical Gift” 11 a.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St,; dashersmagical gift.org, 315-299-5598.

Performed by students from Dance Centre North and locally written, directed and choreographed.

Presented by CNY Arts, it features a colorful cast of

FREE

Prenatal Consultation!

Winter Farmer’s Market 10 a.m.-1 p.m.Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcelllus; baltimorewoods.org.

Visitors to the market will enjoy a diverse mix of local farm and artisanal food products from top regional producers. Held on the second Saturday of each month through spring. Indoors with free parking.

continued on page 10

Guitar Lessons

Wrap yourself in Health & Wellness this

-All Styles-

All ages & levels welcome Available at my James St. Studio or I will come to your home

HOLIDAY SEASON

1st lesson 1/2 price

(315) 471-1359

Call 315-479-6217

www.prevention networkcny.org

Pediatric Associates, LLC URS A day!

Staff on call 24 HO CAMILLUS

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270 Township Blvd. 8086 Oswego Rd. Phone:315-487-1541 Phone: 315-652-1070

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DECEMBER 2017 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar Caroling in the Woods 7-8:30 p.m.,Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcelllus; baltimorewoods.org.

Pick up a lantern and song sheet and enjoy a beloved tradition. Bring holiday treats to share with fellow carolers. This event is free for all, and as always, donations are appreciated. Please bring cookies to share. Lanterns will be provided. Bring a flashlight if you prefer. Meet in the pavilion. RSVP on the website.

Syracuse Silver Nights vs. Florida Tropics 6:05 p.m., OnCenter War Memorial Arena, Syracuse; syracusesilvernknights.com.

Come watch some hometown soccer action.

Sensory Friendly Time 5:30–7:30 p.m., Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, Syracuse; most.org.

The MOST turns down the noise, turns off flashing lights and shuts off the air compressors so people with sensory processing challenges can enjoy the MOST. The Museum offers quiet areas where participants can relax and regroup. Sponsored by Arc of Onondaga, Laurie B. Taishoff, Price Chopper and The Rotary Club of DeWitt. For more information, including hours and prices, call 315-425-9068.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 9-10 Winter Birds 2 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville; 315638-2519.

Join a naturalist for a guided walk featuring what the season has to offer. Free with nature center admission.

Wednesday, Dec. 13 Star Party: Geminid Meteor Shower 7-10 p.m.,Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcelllus; baltimorewoods.org.

Back-up Date: Dec. 14. For all ages. $6 for members; $9 for nonmembers.

Thursdays, Dec. 14, 28 Trail Tales 1 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville; 315638-2519.

Perfect for pre-school aged children (3-5 years old), accompanied by an adult. A naturalist will first read two stories to the children and then lead the group out on a hike themed to match the stories. Free with nature center admission.

Friday, Dec. 15 Crunch vs. Providence Bruins 7 p.m., War Memorial Arena at 800 S. State St.;

10

SYRACUSE PARENT DECEMBER 2017

syracusecrunch.com, 315-473-4444.

Come see some hockey action in downtown Syracuse.

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16 Symphoria Pops Series: Holiday Wonder 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org.

This holiday spectacle is sure to thrill every member of the family! Dancers, chorus members and special guest vocalist Julia Goodwin all get into the holiday spirit with Symphoria. Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, Dec. 16 Last Chance Trail Run and Breakfast 8–11:30 a.m., Highland Forest, Fabius; 315-449-9615.

Nine-mile trail run with shortcuts available for various lengths and pancake breakfast. $10; $5 children 6-11; 5 and under free; family maximum $20.

Family Dance 6:30 p.m., United Church of Fayetteville, 310 East Genesee St., syracusecountrydancers.org/communitydance/.

Over 40 minutes of completely fun and simple dances. Small children, larger children, teens, adults and older adults — dancers of all levels of experience levels and ability — dance joyfully together. $1 kids and teens, $2 adults or free if you play in the open band.

Loops, Rolls and Breaking the Sound Barrier 9:30–11 a.m., Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, Syracuse; most.org.

As part of the Junior Café Scientifique Hon. Theodore H. Limpert, pilot and Syracuse City Court judge, will discuss how an airplane flies and how to become a pilot. Limpert, a fighter Pilot in the New York Air National Guard with seven tours overseas, in the Iraqi and Afghanistan theaters, has flown 106 combat missions in the F-16. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with valor for a combat mission in the Gulf War and flew an intercept mission on 9-11. He retired in 2012 as a colonel, with over 30 years of military service. A light breakfast is provided, and participants must be accompanied by an adult.

The event is free, but TACNY asks that you RSVP to jrcafe@ tacny.org. After the event, participants are welcome to explore the museum for free.

reindeer with Santa’s sleigh, choirs performing in Hanover Square; a Smart Santa experience for parents and children; Holiday Window Walk – A guided map to see the windows entered in the Downtown Committee’s Window Decorating Contest; street vendors selling hot soups and roasted chestnuts; Santa Claus skating at the Clinton Square ice rink; Gingerbread House exhibit at the Erie Canal Museum; and events and activities on every floor at the Onondaga County Public Library in the Galleries – storytelling, crafts, hot chocolate and more.

Night Tree 2 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville; 315638-2519.

Featuring a special story reading, attendees will then join a naturalist for a guided walk featuring what the season has to offer. Free with nature center admission.

Sunday, Dec. 17 MasterWorks Chorale Christmas Concert 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, 97 E. Genesee St.; masterworkscny.org.

The 60-voice MasterWorks Chorale presents sparkling arrangements of sacred and secular Christmas music. Adding to the fun, audience members will be invited to sing along on familiar carols. Admission: $15 adults; $10 seniors; free to age 18 and under.

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” The Oncenter Convention Center, 800 South State St., Syracuse; nutcracker.com.

Marking the 25th North American Anniversary Tour in 2017, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features over-the-top production values and world class Russian artists. Larger than life puppets and nesting dolls, and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life. Ticket prices vary.

“O!” Christmas 4 p.m., Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, 5299 Jamesville Road, Dewitt; scholasyracuse.com.

By Schola Cantorum of Syracuse, with texts for the season that start with the ecstatic exclamation “O” Adults $20, seniors $15, college $5, 18 and under free.

Tuesday, Dec. 19 SU basketball vs. Buffalo 7 p.m., Carrier Dome. Ticket prices vary; cuse.com.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec 16-17 Wednesday, Dec. 20­ Holidays in the City

Clinton Square, Syracuse; 315-314-1530, holidaysinsyr.com.

This free event will feature carolers and holiday characters performing at various street corners, live

‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ 7 p.m., Studio24, 433 Hawley Ave., Syracuse.

continued on page 11

A fully staged performance of the work by Dylan Thomas, directed by Gerard Moses, featuring memories of past Christmases in Wales from children’s points of view resonating in 2017. Admission is $10 per person and includes carols and finger food afterwards.

Thursday, Dec. 21 Solstice Hike 7-8:30 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, Marcelllus; baltimorewoods.org.

Go on a tranquil, lantern-lit hike through the woods to observe the longest night of the year. Learn about ancient solstice traditions and celebrate the return of the sun by exploring the sights and sounds of nature at night.

Snowshoes will be provided. Dress warmly! This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $6 for members; $9 for nonmembers.

Friday, Dec. 22 SU mens’ basketball vs.

St. Bonaventure 7 p.m., Carrier Dome. Ticket prices vary; cuse.com.

Saturday, Dec. 23 Crunch vs. Utica Comets 7 p.m., War Memorial Arena.; syracusecrunch.com, 315-473-4444.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 23-24

Syracuse; 315-435-8511.

Register your kids for an awesome one-day zoo camp! Campers will tour the zoo, see animals up close, play games, make crafts and enjoy a pizza party lunch. Cost: $65 per child, per day; advance registration required.

Friday, Dec. 29 Syracuse Silver Nights vs.

Harrisburg Heat 7:05 p.m., OnCenter War Memorial Arena, Syracuse; syracusesilvernknights.com.

Come watch some hometown soccer action.

Saturday, Dec. 30 Be the Doctor Noon-4 p.m., Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, Syracuse; most.org.

This new museum program enables you to learn, engage and explore the activities of a different type of “scientist” on the last Saturday of each month. You receive a “Passport” tracking your progress through the program’s three steps: Learn, Engage, Explore. Earn your passport stamp each month to win a prize, and enter your completed passport into a drawing for a chance to win the grand prize.

Syracuse Crunch vs.

Utica Comets 7 p.m., War Memorial Arena at 800 S. State St.; syracusecrunch.com, 315-4734444.

Meet the Pines

Sunday, Dec. 31

2 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville; 315-638-2519.

Join a naturalist for a guided walk featuring what the season has to offer.

Free with nature center admission.

Noon Year’s Eve

Wednesday, Dec. 27 Syracuse Crunch vs.

Toronto Marlies 7 p.m., War Memorial Arena at 800 S. State St.; syracusecrunch.com, 315-4734444.

SU men’s basketball vs.

Eastern Michigan 7 p.m., Carrier Dome. Ticket prices vary; cuse.com.

Wednesday– Friday, Dec. 27-29 Holiday Zoo Camp 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo,

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse315-435-8511.

Come ring in the “noon” year at the zoo with entertainment, a dance party and New Year’s Eve celebration that keeps bed time in mind - complete with countdown and a toast sparkling juice toast at noon. Free with zoo admission.

SU mens’ basketball vs.

Virginia Tech 6 p.m., Carrier Dome. Ticket prices vary; cuse.com.

New Year’s Eve Prime Rib Buffet 6 p.m., Highland Forest, Fabius; 315-6773303.

Enjoy the buffet at the picturesque Skyline Lodge and then head out for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Cost: $35.95 per person; reservations required.