Parent feb 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

It’s heart month Lead by example A helping heart Make Valentine’s Day fun

42424_5

42417_5

helping your community has never been easier

pay it forward

Sled for Red at Four Seasons ACR Health will hold its Fifth Annual Sled for Red Cardboard Sledding Derby Feb. 7 at Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center in Fayetteville.

Registration and food and drink sampling begin at 4 p.m. with the Syracuse men’s basketball game on the big screen in a heated tent. The cardboard sledding derby begins promptly at 5 p.m., followed by a tubing party.

The tubing party following the competition is $12 per person. The fee to attend the hot chocolate, food, beer and wine sampling is $10 per person; $5 for age 10 and younger.

Each sledding team can have a maximum of five

42411_5

Nurture your child’s inner musician ... and yours too!

members and is allowed to use only regular cardboard, tape and paint to construct the sled. The sledding team must fundraise a minimum $250 to enter Sled for Red. The cheer team for each sled can be an unlimited number (the bigger the better!) Awards are given for the loudest cheer team, the fastest sled, the slowest sled, the highest fundraiser, the best decorated sled and the best team costume.

All money raised will support ACR Health’s youth prevention programs and emergency client needs.

For more information or to register, call 800-475-2430 or go to ACRHealth.org.

Green Lakes Music Together Fun filled music and movement classes for infants through kindergartners, together with the adults who love them.

42413_5

Registration will be opening soon for our 10 week spring session!

Classes in Syracuse, Dewitt, Clay, Camillus, Fayetteville, Skaneateles & Auburn

Call 446-1017 for a free sample class!

Visit greenlakesmusictogether.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

3

meals in minutes

fast and easy meals to get your family to the table on time

Heart-healthy family fare Try these recipes from the National Institute of Health

Hawaiian huli huli chicken Ingredients: 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into oneinch cubes 1 cup pineapple, diced 8 six-inch wooden skewers Ingredients for saucse: 2 Tbsp ketchup 2 Tbsp lite soy sauce 2 Tbsp honey 2 tsp orange juice 1 tsp garlic, minced 1 tsp ginger, minced

Directions: Preheat a broiler or grill

on medium-high heat. Thread three chicken cubes and three pineapple chunks alternately on each skewer. Combine ingredients for sauce and mix well; separate into two bowls and set one aside for later. Grill skewers for three to five minutes on each side.

Brush or spoon sauce (from the bowl that wasn’t set aside) onto chicken and pineapple

Make-your-own snack mix Ingredients 1 cup toasted oat cereal 1/4 cup unsalted dry roasted peanuts (or other unsalted nut) ¼ cup raisins ¼ cup dried cranberries Directions Combine all ingredients, and toss well.

Serve immediately, or store for later snacking.

about every other minute.

Discard the sauce when done.

To prevent chicken from drying out, finish cooking skewers in a 350

degree oven immediately after grilling (to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees). Using a clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from the set-aside bowl before serving.

Watermelon and tomato salad

“Keep the Beat: Heart Healthy Recipes from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute,” can be found at hih.gov.

Ingredients: Two large tomatoes, rinsed and cut into six slices each 2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar (or substitute apple cider vinegar) 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp fresh basil, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp dried) 4 cups diced watermelon, with seeds removed

(about half a small melon, rinsed) 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp ground black pepper Directions: Arrange three tomato slices on each of four salad plates.

Combine vinegar, oil, and basil in a bowl, and mix well.

Add watermelon, and gently toss to coat evenly.

Spoon watermelon over the tomatoes.

Top with salt and pepper, and serve.

what’s inside

pay it forward 3 Sled for Red at Four Seasons 11 Helping heart - 10-year-old Maria DeCaro doesn’t let her heart condition keep her from helping others.

meals in minutes 4 Heart-healthy family fare.

from the editor 6

Embracing braces.

healthy family

7 Straight (teeth) talk - When is right for braces?

15 New recommendations made

calendar

contents

8 What’s happening around you

learning curve 9 An invitation to the pity party.

frame it 10

Make Valentine’s Day fun for the kids.

paws and effect 17

Black Tie and Tails

family FYI 19

Leading by example - Raising heart healthy children begins with you.

for pediatric oral care.

Win a children’s 10-pack to Billy Is winter a time for outdoor fun in your family? Do your kids look forward to bundling up to take a run down a ski slope or sledding hill? Maybe the fun is more of the home-made variety: snow forts, snowmen and, of course, snowball fights! Send your best photo of the kids having winter fun outside and enter to win a 10-pack of children’s admissions to Billy Beez, located at Destiny USA. Billy Beez features a Rainbow Wave Slide, Billy’s Rainforest Play Arena, with wildly twisting slides, a one-of-a-kind Ball Blaster Arena, bouncy trampolines, intricate obstacle courses and more and a Sports Court with soccer or basketball fun on the courst or astroturf. Visit us.billybeez.com for more information.

Entries should be sent to jwing@ eaglenewsonline. com by Feb. 27.

Beez

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

5

from the editor

Embracing braces Back when I was in school I remember having a friend with braces. She didn’t like them, didn’t want them and couldn’t wait to get them off.

I also recall having another friend with a different outlook. She “embraced” the braces – having wanted them for a while. She even had a T-shirt emblazoned with “Braces are beautiful” and wore it proudly.

“Wow,” I thought at the time, “I don’t think I could be as happy about having braces.”

Jennifer Wing I considered myself lucky that I didn’t need to Editor have my teeth straightened. They weren’t perfect but they nonetheless did not require any hardware to align them. Eventually, both friends had their braces removed, and their now-straight teeth did, indeed, look great.

Years later, with children of my own, I am amazed to see kids get braces as early as fifth or sixth grade. I was also surprised to hear, very early on, that my daughter would eventually need braces. I think it was first brought up when she was in second or third grade. To my mind, this was much too early to determine such a thing. I mean, she still had many baby teeth to lose; how could they possibly judge what her mouth would look like after her adult teeth emerged? I shoved the thought into the back of my mind, to be pulled out in the unlikely case that the dentist was correct.

Well, that time is coming shortly and I am no longer in denial. I wouldn’t say I am excited about my daughter getting braces, or the related cost, but I have come to a grudging acceptance that, perhaps, they were right.

You see, my daughter’s feeling about braces is somewhere between those of my two childhood friends. She isn’t thrilled with the idea of getting braces, but wants them nonetheless. She knows that, after a couple of years of sporting the hardware, she will be left with a lifetime of perfect teeth (or as near to perfect as any set of teeth can be. ) In other words, it’s not the journey, but the destination that will keep her going when it comes to orthodontia. I guess it’s just another example of how she is growing up, probably more gracefully than I would have done, in retrospect.

I’m still not sure that braces are beautiful, but my daughter’s attitude towards them certainly is, and there’s nothing wrong with being able to smile with confidence.

So, I guess I’m embracing braces ... on my daughter’s behalf.

Jennifer Wing can be reached at jwing@eaglenewsonline.com.

Looking for more?

Scan, Like, or Follow Us Today!

6

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

publisher

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

editor

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

associate editor

Alyssa LaFaro 434-8889 ext. 306

ad sales

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

business manager

Lisa Congdon

434-8889 ext. 303 lcongdon@eaglenewsonline.com

circulation manager

Lori Newcomb

434-8889 ext. 333 lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com

creative director

Sean Haney

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.

tips and ideas for keeping your family fast, fit, and feeling great

healthy family

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Straight (teeth) talk What is the right age for braces?

Dental braces have been used for decades to correct various alignment and spacing issues in the teeth. Braces can be crucial to the future of one’s oral health and prevent serious issues down the line.

Roughly 25 percent of the people in North America who get braces are adults. But braces still are geared toward young people and getting them on the road to straight and properly aligned teeth early on.

Braces correct a number of problems, including realigning the jaw and alleviating overcrowding of teeth. Crooked teeth can trap food and debris between them, making it harder to floss and brush. Wearing braces also corrects the bite. If teeth or jaws are not aligned correctly, it can lead to difficulty chewing food or create jaw muscle pain.

Braces also may boost self-confidence because they can remedy appearance issues that may prove embarrassing.

Parents eager to get their children on the road to straighter teeth may wonder when is the right time to get their kids braces. Many kids are getting braces earlier and earlier, but when to get braces typically depends on the child and the shape of his or her teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven.

The best time for braces will be when the orthodontist and parents collectively decide it’s time to correct the misalignment of a child’s teeth.

Some orthodontists prefer a two-stage approach to orthodontic treatment. They

may use a dental appliance or a preliminary amount of braces to begin moving the teeth while a child still has most of his primary teeth. The second stage begins when all the permanent teeth are in. The thought is to shorten the overall duration of treatment.

Other orthodontists follow the traditional approach of putting on braces once all the primary teeth have fallen out. This occurs between ages nine and 14. This is often a less expensive approach because braces need only be applied and removed once.

A number of studies have shown that, for common problems alleviated with orthodontic work, youngsters are better off waiting until all of their permanent teeth have come in. Antonio Secchi, a professor of orthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania, notes that if parents choose to treat crooked teeth too early, the child may need another phase of intervention a few years down the road.

Some problems, like crossbites, overbites or severe overcrowding, warrant early intervention. Scheduling an orthodontic visit early on means children can get the care they need when they need it. The orthodontist will be able to monitor how teeth are growing in and map out the best treatment plan for all.

Braces can help fix an imperfect smile and alleviate oral health concerns. Parents should speak to a dentist or make an appointment with an orthodontist to evaluate their children’s treatment needs.

Severity of overcrowding as well as bite issues will dictate when a child should get braces.

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

7

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Sundays, Feb. 1, 8,15, 22 Try snowshoeing

Gambling might seem like harmless fun at first but can become an obsession and can lead to other risky behaviors.

More than financial health is at risk.

12:30 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; onondagacountyparks.com. This snowshoe clinic will include instructions and a short snowshoe hike. Visitors with little or no snowshoe experience will especially enjoy this one-hour introduction. Registration is required beginning at 8 a.m. the day of the hike and space is limited. This program will be offered only when snow conditions are acceptable; call 638-2519 that day to register and check conditions.

Cost is $5 per person, includes snowshoe rentals.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Virginia Tech

9 p.m., Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; cuse.com. The Orange take on Virginia Tech at the Dome. Ticket prices vary.

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

7 – 9 p.m., Clark Reservation State Park, 6105 East Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville; nysparks.com.

Dress warmly and bring a flashlight, but keep it in your pocket to take advantage of the bright moonlight. Meet at the Nature Center. Registration is required to reserve snowshoes.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Hartford Wolf Pack

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. The Crunch take on the Hartford Wolf Pack at the War Memorial. Ticket prices vary.

Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 25

Weekday Snowshoe Jaunt

1:30 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; onondagacountyparks. com. Enjoy an hour-long outing through Beaver Lake’s winter woods. Free with center admission.

Thursday, Feb. 5 43053_5

Trail Tales

Kids that gamble are: t NPSF MJLFMZ UP ESJOL t NPSF MJLFMZ UP TNPLF t NPSF MJLFMZ UP CF JO USPVCMF XJUI UIF MBX

KE PARENTS CAN MA A DIFFERENCE IT’S TIME TO HAVE THE GAMBLING TALK… IT’S NOT JUST NICKELS AND DIMES For more information or to schedule a parent presentation contact:

1 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; onondagacountyparks.com. 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 center admission.

Friday, Feb. 6

Melt Away the Winter Blues

6 –10 p.m., Barbagallo’s Restaurant, 6344 E. Molloy Road, East Syracuse; braincny.org. A Fundraiser for CNY Brain Aneurysm Awareness Campaign. Dinner, dessert, wine/spirt tastings, entertainment, door prizes, raffles. All proceeds go to patients and research at Crouse Hospital relating to brain aneurysms. $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

Fourth Annual CAC Chicken Wing and Micro-Brew Fest

6 p.m., at the Lake Ontario Conference Center, 26 East First St., Oswego; 592-4453, oswegowinfest.com. Featured restaurants will offer samples of their signature chicken wings as they compete for the Child Advocacy Center’s Blue Ribbon Award. Admission TBD. Presented by the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County.

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. The Crunch take on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at the War Memorial. Ticket prices vary.

Friday and Sunday, Feb. 6 and 8

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Springfield Falcons

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. The Crunch take on the Springfield Falcons. Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Artful Tales: “Action Jackson”

1 p.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; everson.org. “Action Jackson” by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker; for children ages 3 and up and their caregivers. Younger siblings welcome for an afternoon of storytelling and gallery exploration making connections between the picture books and artwork in the museum. Meet in the Art Zone on the lower level of the museum. Space is limited, first come first served. To register, contact Kimberly Griffiths, kgriffiths@ everson.org, 474-6064 ext. 308.

calendar continued on page 12

8

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

oo

An invitation to the pity party

Sometimes you simply want to feel sorry for yourself.

A Not necessarily over the mo ve ther big horrible things in life, but ’s perspecti for the things that pile up and pile up until you can actually see the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

And then you feel badly for comparing yourself to a camel.

Wallowing in self-pity was so much easier before I became a parent.

Back then all I had to do was come home from work alone, pour myself a drink, put in an Indigo Girls disc or pop in a tearjerker movie (preferably “Steal Magnolias” - and yes, I’m dating myself on these things) and poof - instant water works that cleansed the soul for a fresh start the next day.

The first problem is the word “alone.” When you look forward to going to work so you can use the bathroom without anyone trying to talk to you, you know “alone” time is not something typically on your schedule and therefore not to be wasted in idle pursuits.

Secondly there’s guilt. Back in the day, I never felt guilty about feeling sorry for myself. It was all about me. Me. Me. Me. But something happens when parenthood strikes. You join this community of parents where, even if you don’t know them, you can’t help but feel a little bit of their pain. So when I’m all Eeyore about my son’s unexpected case of strep throat that threw off my schedule, my mind flashes to a friend whose child is battling cancer. That pretty much ends the wallowing.

This does not make me a saint. I still want the occasional pity party, but now since they are fewer and far- “betweener,” I feel the need to make them grand. Next time, I plan to send out glitter-embossed invitations that will read something like this: “You’re invited! I took two days off to catch up on all my projects that I’ve been dying to get to but ended up staying home with a sick child on the first day and had a flat tire on my car on the second! Now I’m sick but have no time left to take off. Please bring wine and cookies as I can’t get out of my house to get them myself.”

You’re all invited.

Karen Bergamo Moore lives in Camillus with her husband and son. She works in the communications office at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, is active in Boy Scouts and enjoys running 5Ks with her son. Follow her on twitter at @kmoore623.

For over 40 years, Pediatric Cardiology Associates, LLC has been providing cardiovascular services throughout the Central New York region, to children and young adults with congenital heart disease.

PCA performs noninvasive services, including fetal, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, EKG services, stress/exercise testing and MRI/MRA.

Accepting referrals from pediatricians and primary care physicians.

725 Irving Suite 804, Syracuse, NY 13210 Phone: (315)-214-7700 | Toll Free: (877) 404-5868 | Fax: (315) 214-7701

Marie S. Blackman, M.D., Director Emeritus Nader H. Atallah-Yunes, M.D., FACC Craig J. Byrum M.D., FACC Matthew Egan, M.D. Daniel A. Kveselis, M.D., FACC Frank C. Smith, M.D., FACC

42422_5

B er g a m o- M

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Faith & Values • Academic Excellence • Family & Community • Full Day Kindergarten • Hot Lunch Program • Pre-K - 6th grade • Art Appreciation • One of the top academic schools • Technology Classes integrated in a three-county area on NYS tests. throughout the school • Spanish taught beginning in • Transportation available • Tuition Scholarships available Kindergarten • Instrumental & Vocal Music Programs • After School Program

Applications Available

42414_5

en

re

r Ka

learning curve

400 Salt Springs Street • Fayetteville • 637-3961 www.icschool.org Applications now being accepted. Please call for an appointment and personal tour.

Prestigious Middle States Accreditation

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

9

frame

it

fun and low budget crafting projects for parents & kids

Make Valentine’s Day fun for the kids

Although Valentine’s Day may be geared toward adults, children are quite drawn to the celebration as well.

Perhaps it’s the promise of candy or chocolate that gets their attention, but Valentine’s Day annually appeals to the younger set. Some couples opt to leave children in the capable hands of a babysitter come Valentine’s Day and enjoy the evening solo. But for those who want to include youngsters in their fun, they can explore the many enjoyable and clever crafts and other activities available.

Dessert fun

Invite youngsters into the kitchen to try their hands at different recipes, making sure that they have a chance to sample their handiwork afterward.

Faux chocolate truffles made with chocolate sandwich cookies can be a tasty treat for little hands. Start by mashing up some Oreo cookies, then add them to a bowl with one eight-ounce package of cream cheese. Mix until everything is incorporated into a sticky batter. Truffles can be made into balls or heart shapes. For children celebrating Valentine’s Day and winter fun, turn the truffles into edible snowmen. Dip the truffles into melted chocolate or colored candy melts to coat. Place on a wax paper-covered cookie sheet and refrigerate for an hour, or until the truffles are firm.

Crafts

Children can have fun cutting out cupids, making coloring pages or doing just about any other Valentine-inspired craft, like making their own cards.

Children can get crafty by making gifts for the special people in their lives. Combine the concept of valentines with the ambiance of a candle. For an even safer alternative, opt for an LED-flame candle instead of traditional candles.

Kids can glue foam conversation hearts, sold at many craft stores, to the outside of the candle. Wrap the middle of the candle with ribbon, and they’ve just created an easy, heartfelt gift.

Kids’ dinner

Encourage the next generation of chefs to create culinary masterpieces, which they can then serve to family members or friends. Children can even prepare dinner as a token of appreciation to their parents.

Plan recipes with kids in advance, but look for ageappropriate menu ideas, particularly those that will not require much use of the stovetop or other dangerous kitchen appliances. Kids can always do the prep work and then ask an adult to put the food into the oven for cooking.

One easy idea is to create heart-shaped hamburger sliders and Valentine-colored mashed potatoes. Use red potatoes with the skin on to create the potato mash. The Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the holiday presents sliders can be shaped by hand or using a heart-shaped many opportunities for children to share in the fun and festivities. cookie cutter.

10

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

helping your community has never been easier

Helping Heart

pay it forward

10-year-old Maria DeCaro doesn’t let her heart condition keep her from helping others Ten years old might seem a bit young to worry about being “heart healthy,” but Maria DeCaro of Syracuse has a good reason: After participating in a health study, Maria’s family found out she had a rare heart problem.

Last year, Maria’s parents, Jen and Rocci DeCaro, enrolled their daughter in the Syracuse Lead Study through the Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition at Syracuse University’s Falk College. The study examines the effects of stress and exposure on a child’s heart.

“We realized it would be a good opportunity to get her excited for science outside of school,” said Jen. Maria was excited to earn money from the study, which also involved a long questionnaire about her stressors and support systems, as well as some computer games that measured her stress response.

“It was entertaining to volunteer,” Maria said. The study required a blood draw, hair and urine samples, and two echocardiograms.

“We thought, How cool — our daughter will be checked from head to toe. If anything’s wrong with her, we’ll know,” Jen said. “You don’t anticipate that.”

At one of the study appointments, a cardiologist informed the DeCaros that Maria is one in 300,000 people with an anomalous coronary artery, an often symptomless condition that leaves her with only one functioning coronary artery in her heart instead of the normal two.

This condition can lead to sudden cardiac death, which occurs when a person’s heart is deprived of its blood supply. The heart’s rhythm becomes irregular and the person could die within minutes of losing consciousness.

“Her heart has learned to compensate,” explained Jen. “Right now, she can lead the life of a healthy 10-yearold.” Being diagnosed with a heart problem has changed Maria’s life. She can’t play strenuous sports — luckily, she can still participate in her beloved dance classes — and she has to wear a medical identification bracelet in case of emergency. Her mom has to inform her friends’ parents of Maria’s condition at sleepovers or other events.

“Usually, you just drop your kid off at a birthday party and say, ‘Okay, bye!’” Maria said. Jen added: “You have to share your story with everybody.”

Maria’s condition hasn’t stopped her from helping others, which she loves doing. She participates in Girl Scouts and in Reynolds Elementary School’s Kids for Caring Club. Since last fall, Maria has been volunteering with the American Heart Association (AHA) and is poised to become a young spokesperson for the AHA’s Go Red for Women campaign.

In October 2014, Maria volunteered at the Syracuse Go Red for Women Luncheon and Expo, stuffing goody bags for guests and greeting guests with Go Red pins — she handed out more than 500 of them. Although she’s started small, Maria plans to continue volunteering for the AHA. She will help out at the upcoming Syracuse Heart Walk, which takes place March 28 at Onondaga Community College. In the future, she plans to speak out about her condition at AHA events.

“Building a more active role with the American Heart Association is a step for her in dealing with the fact that she has a heart condition herself,” Jen said. “Making a difference for others, whether helping them to be more heart healthy, encouraging them to be more active, and connecting to our younger community members makes Maria feel good with this purpose.”

“I want to tell girls to be heart healthy because you might have a problem and you don’t even know,” Maria said. “Who knew that I had a heart condition? You should always be careful, eat healthy and exercise.”

42408_5

by Ashley M. Casey

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

11

Staff on call 24 HOURS A day!

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Saturday, Feb. 7

Mad River Children’s Ice Fishing Derby

6 a.m.–3 p.m., 3201 County Route 15, Pulaski. 387-6310; sandyponsportsmans.com. See website for exact time the weigh station closes. Register at the Sandy Pond Sportsman’s Association one week before you fish. Rules will be provided. Breakfast and lunch available. Admission $4 for children; $6 for adults. Presented by Sandy Pond Sportsman’s Association.

Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 7-8 Sled Dog Weight Pull

10:30 a.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Boylston/Mannsville; 657-3480. winonaforest.com. Call for possible cancellations. Hosted by Winona Forest Recreation Association.

Oswego County Winter Carnival

Time TBD, 532-5919, halfshire.com. Family fun throughout the village includes an opening reception, polar bear plunge, snowshoe walk/run, skating, sled dogs, children’s activities, vendors, refreshments and more! Free admission. Small charge for some activities. Presented by Half-Shire Historical Society and Masonic Lodge 415.

Saturdays-Sundays, Feb. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28

Weekend Guided Walk – “ Tracking Wildlife on Snowshoes�

Prenatal Consultation!

CAMILLUS

601 North Way Phone: 487-1541

LIVERPOOL

8086 Oswego Rd. Phone: 652-1070

Wednesday, Feb. 11

Afternoon Tea at the Landmark Theatre

42409_5

FREE

2 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519, onondagacountyparks.com. Join a naturalist for an exploration of what the season has to offer. Free with nature center admission. Registration is required beginning at 8 a.m. the day of the hike and space is limited.

This program will be offered on snowshoes only when snow conditions are acceptable. Please call the Nature Center 638-2519.

1 p.m., Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse; landmarktheatre.org, 475-7979. An afternoon tea in the elegant and luxurious Gilded Mezzanine will be feature the best of exotic and traditional tea blends from around the world, paired with delicious food offerings of soups, sandwiches, scones, pastries and more. Tickets are $30.

www.pediatricassociatesny.com

Thursday, Feb. 12

t #*35)%": 1"35*&4 t 13*7"5& 1"35*&4 t #64*/&44 1"35*&4

Winter Adaptations Field Guide Series

1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; onondagacountyparks.com. Join a Beaver Lake naturalist to focus on a Natural History subject. Cost is $6 per person. Advance registration required; 638-2519.

Thursday - Sunday, Feb. 12 - 15 New Car Show

SPECIAL RATES FOR:

4-9 p.m. Thursday – Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, The Oncenter Convention Center, 800 South State St., Syracuse; syracuseautodealers.org. The 107th Annual new car show is sponsored by the Syracuse Automobile Dealers Association. Admission: Adults - $9; deniors - $7; children under 12 - $3 and children under 5 free.

t )PNF 4DIPPM (SPVQT t /BOOJFT %BZUJNF #BCZTJUUFST 43772_5

Serving Lunches Daily! Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 12 – 22

26th Annual Syracuse Winterfest 2015

Hours vary; syracusewinterfest.com. From the center of downtown Syracuse to surrounding areas throughout Onondaga County, everyone joins in the celebration. Kids will be kids, even when they’re middle-aged. And there are no age limits when it comes to enjoying the displays, entertainment, games and culinary delights created by hundreds of hands. With more than 100,000 people attending dozens of indoor and outdoor events, parties, cook-offs, various competitions plus an abundance of other activities, Syracuse Winterfest draws the second largest audience in all of Central New York.

OPEN ROCK & BOWLING

BOWL

Friday & Saturday Night 9pm

Mon-Thurs 11am-Midnight Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun noon-9pm

Friday-Sunday, Feb. 13-15

15th Annual Great Eastern Whiteout

6 – 10 p.m. Friday Whiteout Warmup Party at RFH’s Reaturant, Phoenix. 8 a.m. show registration Saturday; racing at 11 a.m.; Snowmobile-related vendors and food vendors at the War Memorial in Fulton.

8 a.m. signup Sunday for drag races and trail rides. Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show and Swap Meet and Racing sponsored by the Fulton Area snow Travelers. Raffle tickets will be swold for a 1970 Scorpion super Stinger will be for sale. Part of the proceeds benefit the Spike Nolan and Everet Regal Scholarship fund and other local charities. For more information visit thegreatesternwhiteout.com.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Saturday, Feb. 14

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Duke

$BMM r XXX DB[TQPSUTCPXM DPN 3PVUF 5PXO $PVOUSZ 1MB[B $B[FOPWJB /:

12

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

6 p.m., Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; cuse.com. The Orange take on Duke at the Dome.

Ticket prices vary.

calendar continued on page 14

FOSTER • ADOPT • DONATE • VOLUNTEER www.wanderersrest.org

43056_5

42425_5

Join us for our first ever Black Tie & Tails Fundraiser to benefit animal welfare in our Community.

Local Cars. Local Dealers.

Search for Cars in Your AREA. Buying a New or Used Car? 1,000’s to choose from!

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

13

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Saturday, Feb. 14

“SU vs Duke – Part 1”

Doors open at 5 p.m.; 6 p.m. game time, Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., Syracuse; palaceonjames.com. On Valentines day come watch this classic game between Syrause University and Duke on the big screen. It’s a free date with free giveaways! Craft beer, wine and food will be available.

Sponsored by The Shoppingtown Barber Shop.

Spark II: Sweet Encounters: Music and Art at Everson

7:30 – 9:30 p.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org. Guitarist Ken Meyer perfoms Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez . Faure: Pavane, Mahler: Symphony No.5, Adagietto and Tchaikovsky:Serenade round out the art-infused evening. Ticket prices vary. Children under 18 get in free.

Winter Farmer’s Market

10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Visitors to the market will enjoy a diverse mix of local farm and artisanal food products from top regional producers. Held indoors with free parking.

Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 14-15

39th Annual SPSA Ice Fishing Derby

Runs 6 a.m.–4 p.m. Cash prizes – 100 percent pay out. Breakfast and lunch available both days. Register one week before the derby at the club.

Admission $30 per team. Presented by the Sandy Pond Sportsman’s Association, 3201 Co. Rte. 15, Pulaski. 387-6310. sandypondsportsmans. com.

Tug Hill Challenge Sled Dog Race

Starts at 7:30 a.m. in Boylston/Mannsville. Dog mushers trek to the area for the Tug Hill Challenge annual sled dog racing event. Please call for possible cancellations. Admission TBD. Sponsored by Pennsylvania Sled Dog Club (PSDC) and International Weight Pull Association (IWPA). Presented by Winona Forest Recreation Association. /657-3480. winonaforest.com.

Monday– Wednesday, Feb. 16-18 “Flashdance The Musical”

7:30 – 9:30 p.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; broadwayinsyracuse.com. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the pop culture phenomenon of “Flashdance” is now live on stage. With electrifying dance at its core, “Flashdance - The Musical” features a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie. Ticket prices vary.

Monday – Friday, Feb. 16-20 Winter Wonders Week

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519, onondagacountyparks.com, 638-2519. During School vacation there will be guided snowshoe walks and critter talks daily for families and individuals. Walk down one of the Nature Center’s trails tracking winter wildlife. Learn about beaver, turtles, hawks or other wildlife in the visitor center. Free with center admission. Program is as follows: 10 a.m. – Try Snowshoeing – Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. – Ice harvest – Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – Build a Snow Cave – Friday 1:30 p.m. – Creature Feature – Monday-Friday 2 p.m. - Snowshoeing - Monday – Friday

Tuesday – Friday, Feb. 17-20 Winter Camp

9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519, onondagacountyparks.com, 638-2519.

Calling all third, fourth, and fifth graders: Come to Winter Camp, filled with nature-related activities, crafts and games. Beat the winter blues with fun-packed indoor and outdoor adventures. Cost is $35 per day and advance registration is required; Register for just one day or all four.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Louisville University

7 p.m., Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; cuse.com. The Orange take on Louisville University at the Dome, Ticket prices vary.

Thursday, Feb. 19

Syracuse Silver Knights vs. Chicago Mustangs

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusesilverknights.com. The Silver Knights soccer team takes on the Chicago Mustangs at the War Memorial, Ticket prices vary.

Friday, Feb. 20

NYS Baroque: On The Road

7:30 – 9:30 p.m., First Unitarian Universalist, 109 Waring Road, Syracuse; nysbaroque.com. A string band tour of 17th century Europe, with stops in Germany, Austria, Italy, France and England. We will include Biber’s sonata for two viola d’amores, a most special instrument! Tickets are $25, $20 for seniors, $10 for college students and free for students in grades 3-12.

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Albany Devils

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. The Crunch takes on the Albany Devils at the War Memorial. Ticket prices vary.

Star Party: Brilliant Winter Skies!

7 – 9 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. The planet Jupiter will be at its finest and we may get a glimpse of Venus low in the west. Dress warmly. Back up date Feb. 21. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers.

Saturday, Feb. 21

Winter Hibernation Festival

Canastota; 697-2950; greatswampconservancy@ gmail.com; Great Swamp Conservancy.org Experience the fun of winter adventures with sledding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing. Inside the barn see nature exhibits, play games, see live wildlife, power point or programs with birds or animals. Hot drinks and food available. Activities for folks of all ages.

Weather permitting - toast marshmallows over the bonfire. Donation: $3 adults, children 12 and under $2. Get out of hibernation, move, learn and have fun.

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Pittsburgh Noon, Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; cuse.com.

The Orange take on Pitt at the Dome. Ticket prices vary.

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Binghamton Senators

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. The Crunch take on The Binghamton Senators. Ticket prices vary.

“The Onondaga Lake Remediation”

9:30 – 11 a.m., the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; most.org.

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique talks are aimed at middle school students, accompanied by a parent or adult. After the event, tour the MOST’s exhibits for free. This month’s topic is the cleanup of Onondaga Lake and features David Smith, dredge and cap operations manager, and Tom Drachenberg, P.E., quality program manager of the Onondaga Lake Cleanup project. RSVP to jrcafe@tacny.org. Free.

Sunday, Feb. 22

Syracuse Model Railroad Club 31st AnnualOpen House and Train Show

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Eastwood American Legion Hall (Post 1276), James Street at Nichols Avenue. Admission is $4, $2 for children 12 and under, with a $12 family maximum. There will be two detailed HO-Scale layouts,

calendar continued on page 16

14

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

42412_5

healthy family

New recommendations for pediatric oral healthcare Dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.

More than 16 million children in the United States alone suffer from untreated tooth decay, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As more and more children develop cavities, new advice is being offered to those who care for young children’s emerging and established teeth.

The American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs has updated its dental care guidelines for caregivers.

While it was once recommended to use water only or a nonfluoride toothpaste to clean teeth of the very young, the CSA now recommends the use of fluoride toothpaste even for young children, saying parents and other caregivers should brush their kids’ teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in.

“Approximately 25 percent of children have or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it’s important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent their children from developing cavities,” said CSA chair Edmond L. Truelove, D.D.S. The CSA recommends that caregivers use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (or an amount about the size of a grain of rice) for children younger than three years old and a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste for children between the ages of three and six years old. The updated guidelines are intended to provide children with the full benefit of cavity protection while limiting their risk of developing fluorosis, which is a mild discoloration of teeth usually appearing as faint lines. The CSA found that using just a “smear” of toothpaste for children younger than three years old and a peasize amount for now children between is n tio cia so As ntal The American De used the ages of three ide toothpaste be or flu ng di en m ge. and six helps to recom er em ey h as soon as th on children’s teet prevent cavities and is less likely to cause fluorosis. Children should spit out toothpaste as soon as they are old enough to do so.

Caregivers also are urged to take their children to the dentist when the first tooth erupts or no later than a child’s first birthday.

Semiannual or annual visits thereafter should be the norm, or as directed by a dentist.

Oral healthcare is important for people of all ages, including very young children with cavities. Learn more about preventative oral care by visiting ada.org.

FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

15

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

a large Lego Railway layout and dealers selling trains, accessories and railroad-theme items. Once again, Thomas (in HO-Scale) has agreed to attend.

Syracuse Silver Knights vs. Rochester Lancers

4 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusesilverknights.com.

Friday, Feb. 27

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Albany Devils

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com.

Guided Moonlight Snowshoe Hike

7 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; onondagacountyparks.com. Registration is required beginning at 8 a.m. the day of the hike and space is limited. This program will be offered only when snow conditions are acceptable. Call 638-2519 that day to register and check conditions. Free with center admission.

Saturday, Feb. 28

Winona Forest Tour-a-thon, XC Ski Race

8 a.m. XC Ski Race – back again this year for another great race in Winona Forest! Go to skireg.com for details and registration. Presented by Winona Forest Recreation Association at CCC Camp, Co. Rt. 90, Winona Forest. 657-3480. winonaforest.com.

“SU vs Duke – Part 2”

Doors open at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. game time, Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., Syracuse; palaceonjames.com. On Valentines day come watch this classic game between Syrause University and Duke on the big screen. It’s a free date! Craft beer, wine and food will be available.

Winter Tracking for Kids

Sun Party

1 – 3 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. See the sun and all its amazing features – sunspots, flares, magnetic storms – with specially-equipped solar telescopes.

A great way to warm up on a winter afternoon! Back up date March 1. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers.

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Utica Comets

7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com.

CNY Regional VEX IQ Robotics Competition

8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; 425-9068, most.org. A new STEM program for elementary and middle school students, ages 8-14. This is the first year the MOST is hosting a VEX IQ event, where students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, will build a robot using the VEX IQ robotics platform to solve an engineering challenge that is presented in the form of a game. Teams can register for the competition at robotevents.com.

Sunday, March 1

Syracuse Silver Knights vs. Detroit Waza Flo

4 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusesilverknights.com.

Monday, March 2

Syracuse University Men’s Basketball vs. Virgina 7 p.m., Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; cuse.com.

42426_5

42410_5

10 – 11 a.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road,

Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Craft your own track to take home, but dress warm, as we head into the wintery woods for an outdoor adventure.

Spy through the woods to look for the many clues our woodland friends leave behind during the winter months. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers.

16

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

paws and effects

Black Tie and Tails

Advocate for animals this February by attending the first-ever Black Tie and Tails event, hosted by the Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association. This fundraiser for animal welfare will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Landmark Theatre.

Enjoy an open bar from 7 to 9 p.m., food from Karen’s Catering, dancing and music by Perfect Sounds DJ and the chance to win a variety of prizes from hotel stays to entertainment tickets at the event’s “casino night,” featuring roulette, black jack, Texas hold ‘em, a money wheel, craps and more. Tickets are $150 per person, or two for $250. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Landmark Theatre at 475-7979.

Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is an open-admission shelter in Canastota that serves more than 1,000 cats and dogs each year.

Wanderers’ Rest accepts unwanted or stray dogs and cats from Madison County, but is open to all Central New Yorkers who wish to adopt a dog or cat. Through its public education programs, the shelter promotes responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals everywhere.

Wanderers’ Rest is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that welcomes contributions and volunteers. For more information, visit wanderersrest. org/black-tie-tails/ or call 697-2796.

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL

Providing your child with academic excellence in a positive and personal environment!

42423_5

3 year olds through 6th grade Elementary School Accredited by the Middle States Commission Offering Faith, Knowledge, Discipline, Morals, and Dividends for Life since 1931.

Open House on 2/4/15 from 9:00am Tours available. Call for an appointment.

3219 James Street • Syracuse, NY 13206 315-463-1261 • www.blessedsacramentschool.org FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

17

18

SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2015

family

FYI

Leading by example Raising heart healthy children begins with you When it comes to lifestyle choices, children look to their parents and caregivers to get their cues. After a long day of work, it’s very easy to give in to the lure of the couch and primetime television, especially when it’s winter and darkness earlier in the day paired with cold temperatures can knock down many Central New Yorkers’ motivation to move. Hibernating inside is not good for the spirit or body, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health.

Staying active when the weather seems to be pitted against you can be challenging. However, Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Head outdoors

Instead of the regular workouts you do, consider something that makes the most of the weather outdoors. If it’s cold, bundle up and hit the slopes, or the rink, for some winter fun – many ski resorts have night skiing, so even if it’s later in the day, you can get a few good runs in.

Work out indoors

Encourage the kids to help you with regular household chores to get their blood flowing and heart pumping while lifting the spirits when they see what they’ve accomplished.

The workout need not be serious, however. Grab a jump rope and find an open area in your home for some good, old-fashioned fun. Some games (“Twister” comes to mind) involve stretching and balance, and are fun, too. There are many gyms that offer programs for families, or purchase some home exercise equipment and free weights to tailor your schedule in order to include exercise. Make sure to always consult a physician before you or your family start any new exercise regimen, however.

Eat right

It’s far too easy to indulge in comfort foods, but making sure to keep available fruits and vegetables as snacks over sweet and salty items offers a healthy way to snack after work or school. Be sure to include plenty of foods high in fiber. Not only will they help keep cholesterol levels in check, but it will also help your family to feel full faster and longer.

Dress appropriately

Weather is often unpredictable. Therefore, dress in layers so you can remove or add clothing as needed to remain comfortable. Children and older adults are more susceptible to the effects of cold weather. According to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, when temperatures are low your heart works harder to keep the body warm. Dressing warmly can help avoid taxing the heart. The same caution applies when the temperature is extremely warm. It’s easy for the elderly to overheat and become dehydrated. Dress in light clothing and remember to drink plenty of water.

42001_5