Parent feb 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

make some sweets for your

sweetheart(s) From the editor

The loves of my life

‘Hour of Code’ Event shares the importance of technology with parents, teachers

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Faith & Values • Academic Excellence • Family & Community OPEN HOUSE Sunday, Jan. 31st noon - 1:30 p.m.

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SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2016

the ins and outs of educational and stimulating activities for your children

learning curve

‘Hour of Code’ Event shares the importance of technology

By Hayleigh Gowans Staff Writer

In New York state there are now more than 39,100 open computing jobs.

This kind of demand spurred the East Syracuse Minoa School District to hold computer science activities through the worldwide Hour of Code event. About 100 students from all grade levels at ESM gathered to participate in this annual event that occurs in more than 180 countries to promote the education of computer science and related fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Each year, more than 20 activities that range in skill levels, from basic drag-and-drop coding to more advance skills like learning JavaScript programming language, are provided for free to educators and students to complete to gain a better understanding of computers and coding.

Rebecca Wenner, instructional technology integration specialist at the district and an organizer of the event, said by 2020 it is estimated there will be more than one million jobs open relating to computer science. But despite the growing need for these jobs there are not nearly as many people choosing to study those fields at a higher education level. In New York in 2013, only 3,166 people graduated with computer science degrees, according to the Hour of Code website, code.org.

Many parents who went with their kids to the ESM Hour of Code event saw this as an opportunity for their child to experiment working with technology. Dave Gerber said he signed his son Ronan, a sixth grader, up for the Hour of Code event at ESM because he has expressed interest in the subject, and someday hopes to go into a computer science related career himself.

“He’s been very interested in coding for about a year and a half now and he found

out about it through his teacher. Ronan started a coding club at his school,” said Gerber. “It’s the nature of our life now and he needs to know how to use computers and understand what to do. The earlier you get them started thinking about careers, the more they will know about what they may want to do later on.”

Community establishments that promote STEM activities, such as the Fayetteville Free Library (FFL) and Bricks4 Kidz were at the event to give a taste of what they have to offer, such as robotics and technology clubs at the FFL and Lego themed birthday parties at Bricks4Kids “I love technology and coding,” said Derek Wilson, a sixth grader, while using a tablet to program a robot provided by the FFl. “My dad signed me up [for Hour of Code] because he knew I would like it.”

Hour of Code activities are free to use to anyone at any time, and can be found at code.org/learn.

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FEBRUARY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

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meals in minutes

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

sweets for your sweetheart(s) Easy Valentine’s Day treats to make with (or for) the kids

Chocolate

Strawberry cookies Ingredients

Sweet AND salty

Potato chip clusters Ingredients

1 cup white baking chocolate, melted 2 cups coarsely crushed ridged potato chips

One package Yummy refrigerated chocolate chip and so easy! cookie dough This recipe calls for 1/2 cup strawalready-made cookie berry jam dough.

1/2 cup each Ingredients dark and white 1 box cake mix chocolate melting (cook as directed on wafers box for 13 X 9 cake) 1 can frosting Directions Wax paper Make cookies as directed on 1 pound candy melts package. Remove cookies and cool completely on waxed paper. Candy decorations Lollipop sticks Place one teaspoon strawberry jam on center of each cookie.

Directions Melt dark and white chocolate Bake cake according melts separately as directed on to directions and cool packages. Drizzle both over tops completely. Using hands of cookies, covering jam. Let or a fork, crumble cake drizzle harden before serving. into a large bowl. Add in

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Melt white chocolate in bowl in microwave. Stir in

potato chips and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until set.

Now trending: cake pops

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SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2016

frosting a little bit at a time and mix. Roll mixture into balls and place on wax paper. Insert sticks a little less than halfway into the cake balls. Place in the freezer to firm up. Using a microwave, melt the candy coating thoroughly.

Dip cake balls into the candy coating, rotating until the ball is covered.

Coat in sprinkles, sugar or other toppings. Place head down on wax paper.

what’s inside

learning curve

3

7

contents

Submitted image

‘Hour of Code:’ Event shares the importance of technology with parents, students.

Who were those kids?

meals in minutes 4

Sweets for your sweetheart(s) — Valentine’s Day treats you can make.

from the editor The loves of my life.

calendar 8

What’s happening around you.

family FYI 11

When did we as parents become so adverse to messes?

See the best of teen art The 2016 CNY Scholastic Art Awards recognize talented junior/senior high students throughout 13 Central New York counties. More than 1,000 winning artworks are on exhibit, free, daily from Feb. 1 through 26 at Onondaga Community College-Whitney Applied Technology Center, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse, The exhibit is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and until 6 p.m. weekends. To schedule a group visit contact s.l.germain@ sunyocc.edu or call 498-7212. Pictured is “Innocence of Youth,” a painting by Jadaya Henderson, Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School.

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FEBRUARY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

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from the editor

The loves of my life

publisher

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

editor

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

ad sales

Linda Jabbour 434-8889 ext. 304 ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com Valentine’s Day is coming up – a day when many people let others know how they feel about them. Obviously, this “romantic holiday” is recognized by lovers, spouses and significant others, and I will surely let my husband know that he is my “Valentine.”

There are many kinds of love, for sure, but I think the most potent love is that of a parent. Although I had heard many parents say the second they held their child they felt this overwhelming love they had never felt before, I didn’t really think I would feel that instant tug at my heart.

I did, though.

And as my children grew, so, too, has my love for them. It’s a different love in a way that is pretty corny. You no longer think of yourself first when making major decisions. When something bad happens to them, you wish you could shoulder that burden for them. It’s kind of like your heart is now outside of your body, running around and (most likely) making some mischief that will turn your hair gray and deepen the worry lines on your forehead.

Don’t get me wrong, I can still be pretty selfish when it comes to “me” time, but I think it’s necessary to be a bit selfish when raising children; if you aren’t happy, you can’t spread happiness to them.

When they were little, it was easier to show my love for them – by giving them hugs, snuggling on the couch or playing games with them.

Now that they are older, they (sadly) aren’t as receptive to snuggling, so I try to show them how I feel in other ways, such as making them their favorite meals, cheering them on in their endeavors and planning family outings.

I hope that I’ve given them a foundation for knowing what love is about – family, sharing good times and even, sometimes, bad, living dayJennifer Wing to-day with the confidence that they are loved Editor unconditionally and without reserve.

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

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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.

the ins and outs of educational and stimulating activities for your children

learning curve

Who were those kids?

by Maria Badami

B

Contributing writer

efore the holiday dust even settles, your college student will be returning for spring break.

Many of you are probably evaluating how your holidays went. If you are among those who felt it was great to have your son or daughter home and they were nothing but helpful and respectful, then count yourselves as very fortunate.

Most of us are asking ourselves who these people are that look and sound like our children.

Sadly, this is another one of those rites of passage.

Our children are growing up. They have experienced great freedom at college and have forgotten, or choose to disregard, home rules.

Over the years of working with college age students I have learned a few things about what not to do with returning college students: Don’t ask a lot of questions or give advice,

unless asked.

How are we supposed to learn about their lives, new interests and friends?

We’re not.

If they want us to know something, they will tell us.

Otherwise just be satisfied with observing and listening.

This one is difficult; do not negatively comment on their new friends, especially girl or boyfriends.

Try not to suggest that there is something about them which you don’t approve.

This will only draw your son or daughter closer to these acquaintances.

But take heart; by next break they probably won’t have the same group of friends. .About their appearance; we took such care teaching our children how to be presentable and bought them so much new clothing before school.

They may never be that clean cut kid you said goodbye to in September.

Try to get over it.

Do the same house rules apply?

College students have no curfew.

They do not eat on a regular schedule.

Colleges do not insist on clean dorm rooms.

A few months at college can reverse 18 years of parenting.

Review some general guidelines when your son/daughter comes home, but don’t expect them to follow the same rules as when they were in high school.

They will avoid coming home in the future.

This is a tough pill for many of us to swallow.

For better or worse, these changes are all part of parents letting go of their children and allowing them to grow up.

They won’t be coming home that often, so try to savor the good moments and ignore the others.

Maria Badami, MS is a college advisor with College Directions of CNY. 7030 East Genesee St., Fayetteville, NY. 243-6658. collegedirectionscny.com.

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calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Thurs - Sun, Feb. 4-7

Sunday, Feb. 7

Thurs - Sun, Feb. 11-21

Updates will be coming; check chamber website for full list of Festival events at cazenovia.com.

2-4 p.m., Montessori School of Syracuse; 449-9033. Come visit this preschool and elementary school for children ages 3 to 12.

Friday, Feb. 5

Tues - Thurs, Feb. 9-11

7 –9 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Back-up date Feb. 6.Recommended for all ages.Pre-register online or pay cash at the door.Cost: $6 for members, $9 for nonmembers.

The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; nacentertainment. com.

Famous Artist Broadway Theater Series presents Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.

Due to the nature of theatrical bookings all performances, dates, times and prices are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices vary.

Hanover Square and other areas; see syracusewinterfest.com for details on locations, times, etc.From the center of downtown Syracuse to senior centers throughout Onondaga County, everyone joins in the celebration. Kids will be kids, even when they’re middle-aged. And there are not age limits when it comes to enjoying the bursting blooms of the colorful Winterfest fireworks display or the culinary delights created by hundreds of hands.

With thousands of people attending dozens of indoor and outdoor events, parties, cookoffs plus an abundance of other activities, there is something for everyone.

Cazenovia Winter Festival

Star Party – Brilliant Winter Skies

Saturday, Feb. 6

Kids: Meet The Orchestra

10:30–11:30 a.m., Inspiration Hall, 709 James St.,Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org. Children meet the orchestra and the instrument families within.

Ticket prices vary, 18 and under free.

Syracuse Crunch vs. Springfield Falcons

Syracuse Winterfest 2016

“Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Thursday, Feb. 11

St. Rose of Lima Open House

5:30-7 p.m., 411 South Main St., North Syracuse; 458-6036, stroseny.org. Visit this accredited Middle States Association School that offers three- and four-year half-day Pre-K, a kindergarten prep program, kindergarten through sixth grade and before and after school care.

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7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. Ticket prices vary.

Montessori Open House

Friday, Feb. 12 Owl “Love” Calls

7–9 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville. Come to the Old Administration Building to see a presentation about owls of Green Lakes. Then take a walk with wildlife biologists to listen for owl “love” calls.

If the weather is bad reschedule date is Saturday, Feb. 13. Free.

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Something For Everyone!

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Store Hours:

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SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2016

41035*/( (00%4

625 Burnet Ave • 472-7874 SYRACUSE

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Mon-Thurs 9:30-6:00 Friday 9:30-7:00 Saturday 9:30-6:00 Sunday 11:00-4:00

Winter Breakout – Day Camp

Is Your Medicine Cabinet Safe?

Friday, Feb. 19

1 in 5 teen report abusing prescription drugs

here is what’s happening around you

Saturday, Feb. 13 Wicked Divas

7:30 p.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org. Symphoria presents an evening of showstoppers from the world of Broadway, opera and pop featuring Elphaba and Glinda from the Broadway production of “Wicked.” Ticket prices vary, 18 and under free.

A Taste of Chocolate

1–4 p.m., Columbian Presbyterian Church, LaFayette. Tempt your taste-buds with dozens of samples made with a variety of chocolate, or fill a box for your sweetheart. Admission is free, and samples are 50 cents each. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the LaFayette Outreach food pantry.

Sweet Treats

10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Watch the animals receive special Valentine treats and heart-shaped items throughout the day as part of the zoo’s enrichment program. Free with zoo admission.

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 far and artisanal food products from top regional producers. Held on the second Saturday of each month through spring the market will take place indoors. Parking is free.

calendar

Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519, onondagacountyparks.com, 638-2519. Third, fourth, and fifth graders will do nature-related activities, crafts and games and have fun-packed indoor and outdoor adventures. Cost is $30 per day and advance registration is required; Register for just one day or all four.

Wednesday, Feb. 17

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah; 3653588, ny.audubon.org/montezuma. Students ages 5-12 will enjoy a winter adventure program that includes snowshoeing, winter games, nature exploration and nature crafts. Come for the day (bring a lunch) or just the morning or afternoon sessions. Fee: $30/whole day, $18/half day.

Moonlight Snowshoe

7 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville.

Meet near the Boathouse or a moonlight snowshoe around the lake trails. If there is no snow there will be a moonlight hike instead.

Free. Registration is required only if you need to borrow snowshoes. Supplies are limited; 6376111.

calendar continued on page 10

The majority of teens are getting them from the medicine cabinets of family and friends

Talk with your kids about the safe use and risk of prescription drugs and OTC medicines.

FREE

Prenatal Consultation!

Sun - Sun, Feb. 14–21 Winter Break Activities

10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Beat the winter blues with a visit to the zoo! Enjoy animal demonstrations and meet the keeper sessions for a chance to learn what happens “behind the scenes.” Free with zoo admission.

Mon - Fri, Feb. 15-19

Winter Camp

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East

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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. – Snow Sculptures – Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. – Build a Snow Cave – Friday; 1:30 p.m. – Creature Feature – Monday-Friday; and 2 p.m. - Snowshoeing - Monday – Friday.

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Winter Wonders Week

Pediatric Associates, LLC Caring for Syracuse’s youth since 1968

Staff on call 24 HO

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270 Township Blvd.

Phone: 487-1541

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8086 Oswego Rd. Phone: 652-1070

www.pediatricassociatesny.com

For talking tips 471-1359

preventionnetworkcny.org FEBRUARY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Saturday, Feb. 20 Moonlight Ski

6–9 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville. Meet at the tent off the West Beach Parking lot any time between 6 and 9 p.m. for a cross country ski loop lit by tiki torches.Check in and out at the tent but take the trail at your own pace.

Skis are not supplied or available to rent.

Free.

Girl Scout Snowshoe Spectacular

2 p.m.– 4 p.m., Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah; 365-3588, ny.audubon.org/montezuma.

Girl Scouts can snowshoe and discover where reptiles and amphibians are hiding this winter season, then warm up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa in the center. Fee: $10/scout w/snowshoe rental, $7/Scout w/out rental. $5/rental for accompanying adults.

TACNY Junior Café Scientifique

9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at the MOST, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.

Dave Eichorn, a meteorologist at NewsChannel 9 and a PhD student at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry will speak on“The Big Lake Effect Storms: How the Great Lakes Feed Back into Themselves to Keep the Heavy Snow Going.” Talks are aimed at middle school students. A light breakfast is served before the event. RSVP to jrcafe@tacny. org so TACNY knows how many people will be attending. Free.

Feb. 24, March 2, 9

My Sky Tonight: Astronomy for Preschoolers and Their Parents

10 to 11 a.m., the MOST, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Three-week class offers astronomy exploration and inquiry with an emphasis on observing, formulating questions, designing experiments and testing to answer the children’s questions. Classes are for children ages 3 to 5 accompanied by a parent or adult. Members: $15 for a parent and child pair for a single class or $35 for all three. Nonmembers, $20 for a parent and child pair for a single class or $50 for all three. Deadline to register is Feb. 15; bjones@ most.org or (315) 425-9068 ext. 2143..

Friday, Feb. 26

Sun Party

1–3 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 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 Feb. 28. Recommended for all ages. Pre-register online or pay cash at the door. Cost: $6 for members, $9 for nonmembers.

Sunday, Feb. 28

Winter Stars

7:30–9:30 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville. Come to the Park Office to see the winter skies at their finest. If cloudy, rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 27.

Feb. 26-28, March 4-6 “Don Quixote”

2/26 at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 and March 4; 2 and 7:30 pm. Feb. 27 and March 5; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28; and 2 p.m. March 6; Open Hand Theater, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse; openhandtheater.org.The Man of La Mancha will return with his squire, Sancho Panza, to find adventure and woo the elusive Dulcinea.

Master puppeteer, Vladimir Vasyagin, and artistic coordinator, Peter Fekete, will perform this classic puppet show. Adults $20; Children $15.

Saturday, Feb. 27 Tails of the Tricksters

Center, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Come learn more about the unique ways coyotes have adapted to living in close proximity to humans and the legends that have linked these two for centuries. Recommended for all ages. Pre-register for this program on the website. Cost:$6 for members, $9 for nonmembers.

10:30 a.m.-noon, Baltimore Woods Nature

Train show, open house

10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Eastwood American Legion Hall, corner of Nichols Avenue and James Street, Syracuse; syracusemodelrr.org , 7067580.The Syracuse Model Railroad Club holds its 32nd Annual Open House and Train Show, with two HO layouts, LEGO layout and dealers selling train models and railroad items. Thomas and many of his friends will attend. Admission is $4 adult, $2 for those 12 and under, $12 family maximum.

Tues - Thurs, March 1- 3 “Annie”

7:30 p.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; nacentertainment.com.Famous Artist Broadway Theater Series presents a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Due to the nature of theatrical bookings all performances, dates, times and prices are subject to change. Ticket prices vary.

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BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL

Open House Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 9:00am 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.

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

Tours available. Call for an appointment.

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

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SYRACUSE PARENT FEBRUARY 2016

some helpful information for your family

family

When did we, as parents, become so adverse to messes?

FYI

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re

them through a layer of plastic. He gave me that look that The Boy was watching cartoons, as boys do, and a B er g a m o- M re n commercial for the latest washable markers came on. hints of the teen to come before saying, “No. The fun is oo a K the mess. Well, and I was little so I knew I wouldn’t have Your budding Picasso can create to his or her heart’s content without leaving a trace of ink anywhere but to clean it up.”

In my research for this article, and by “research” the paper. Same with the paints - thanks to spaceI mean a Pinterest search, I learned there is but one aged technology if the brush slips off the paper onto the carpet there’s no paint stain. place where messy is acceptable.

It’s OK to have messy hair, but not real messy hair.

A miracle, surely, but isn’t creativity messy? Isn’t it supposed to be messy?

Your messy hair has to be carefully coiffed as to give the devil-may-care appearance even though you will Do you think Michelangelo worried about paint A mo spend 30 minutes looking like you didn’t. Rolling out of dripping on the floor of the Sistine Chapel when he ve ther ’s perspecti was painting? Do you think Pope Julius II asked if he was bed and tackling the day with bedhead - hair flat on one side, sticking up on the other and doing heaven only knows using washable paints in case any dripped on the pews what in the back - is not acceptable “messy hair.” below.

But maybe if I give up the 30 minutes on trying for messy hair, and Here’s something adults don’t always to admit to ourselves let alone use that to help The Boy clean up the occasional mess - because he our children: the mess is half the fun.

I asked The Boy if he remembered the day I let him paint with his might as well learn that life itself is messy - there will be more giggles feet. Yes, we did it outside because a) summer and b) why would we and less stress about the mess. be inside in the summer? There was paint gushing between toes and Karen Bergamo Moore lives in Camillus with her husband and wiped on shirts. And giggles. Lots of giggles. Oh, and a mess. son. She works in the communications office at the SUNY College of I asked if it would’ve been as memorable if I had used “mess-free Environmental Science and Forestry, is active in Boy Scouts and enjoys sensory play” and contained the paints in a bag and let him squish running 5Ks with her son. Follow her on twitter at @kmoore623.

FEBRUARY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

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