Parent june 2018

JUNE 2018

From the editor:

travel TIPS Plan a great family vacation, regardless of how you roll.

Beach

bound? safety both in &out of the water:

Keep you and your little swimmers and explorers protected.

beach fare:

Easy, portable feasts to keep hunger at bay.

Visiting my happy place

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531 East Genesee St.

Fayetteville, NY 13066

Phone: 315-637-6071 Email: ceds1@verizon.net

Website: www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

3

meals in minutes picnic at the

Ideas for your portable feast

Caprese skewers Ingredients pint cherry tomatoes ounce fresh basil leaves 1/ 4 pound small mozzarella balls 2 Tbsp pesto 1 Tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Bamboo skewers Directions Wrap a basil leaf around the tomato, spear on skewer, then add a mozzarella, repeating until full. Combine pesto with oil and sprinkle over completed skewers, along with salt and pepper.

Put in resealable bag and store in refrigerator until placing in cooler before heading to the beach.

Pina colada fruit salad Ingredients 1/3 cup honey 1/4 cup pineapple juice 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 cups blueberries 1 cup blackberries 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes 2 cups pineapple tidbits 1 cup kiwi fruit, diced 1 banana, sliced

beach

Directions Mix honey, pineapple juice and lemon juice. Put in small container and refrigerate.

In a separate bowl, combine blueberries, blackberries, coconut flakes, pineapple tidbits, kiwi and banana; store in separate container.

Right before serving pour dressing over the top and stir well to combine.

Chicken salad mini sandwiches Ingredients 4 cups boneless chicken breast, cooked, cubed and cooled 1 cup mayonaise 4 medium dill pickles, chopped small 1 tsp sugar 1 baguette, sliced 2 tsp chopped parsley salt and pepper to taste Directions Combine all ingredients and sandwich mixture between slices of baguette. Line sandwiches up to re-form loaf and wrap tightly with cellophane.

Refrigerate until packing into cooler.

Cracker cookies Ingredients One sleeve saltine crackers 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 cup unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate M&M candies Directions Preheat the oven to 400. Cook brown sugar, butter and salt in a saucepan on medium heat, stirring frequently, 5 to 7 minutes, just until it

comes to a boil and starts to darken. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Line a cake pan with aluminum foil, making it covers the bottom and sides of the pan. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Place saltine crackers in a single layer.

Pour the hot brown sugar mixture over the saltine crackers. Spread to evenly coat the crackers. Bake for 5 minutes. The caramel will be hot and bubbly. While it’s baking, place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook it in the microwave in 30-second intervals at full power, stirring between each cook time, until melted. Once the crackers are done baking, remove from oven and allow to cool for 1 minute, until the caramel is no longer bubbling.

Then pour the melted chocolate over the crackers. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top. Sprinkle M&Ms on top, let the crackers cool to room temperature then move to the refrigerator and cool over night.

After completely cooled, remove from pan, peel the foil away, and cut the candy into snacksized pieces using a chefs knife.

contents meals in minutes 4 Picnic at the beach: Ideas for your portable feast.

from the editor 6 Visiting my happy place.

family fyi 7 Instant gratification found at the curb.

14 Travel Tips: By Land, sea or air.

17 Keep safe - both in and out of the water.

calendar 8

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

Pictured is a scene from a past Jamesville Balloonfest.

healthy family 9 Improving our presence with children.

13 Safe and sound: Safety tips for new parents.

learning curve 12 10 questions to jumpstart your child’s college search.

18 Summer Drummers: Program offered to kids in grades 7-12.

SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

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fromtheeditor

Visiting my happy place

L

ast month I took a long-overdue trip with my husband and children. I say overdue because I had planned a similar trip last fall, but had to cancel due to busy schedules and other conflicts.

It pained me to do so at the time, especially since I had not only mapped out the trip, but had secured a great deal, with many discounts.

But it was also disappointing because the trip was to my happy place - Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Oh sure, there are many other great places to visit but, for me, this destination is more than just a theme park.

Jennifer Wing It’s a place of familiarity and good times for my family.

Editor In fact, we are so familiar with the four parks of Disney that I felt quite comfortable, two years ago, when I allowed my kids to go to the park with friends while I hung back at the hotel. They are able to navigate Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios without using a map, and know the drill of catching the bus at the appropriate stop.

As my son and daughter have gotten older, I find that they still love to go to Disney, but their enjoyment has shifted. They appreciate exploring the culture of the different countries represented at Epcot, sampling new fare at the many great restaurants that are on property and just drinking in the sights and sounds they encounter while on their way to this or that attraction.

My enjoyment has changed also, from being witness to their initial wonder of meeting characters for the first time or being “big enough” to ride Expedition Everest to enjoying casual, “vacation” conversations with them as we embark on our tour of the parks and what they have to offer.

Simply put, I love to spend time in the moment - knowing that we have to return to our everyday lives when we go home. I love the scares on the rides, the laughter and fun and food and, yes, even arguments, that come along with a family vacation.

I’m living on borrowed time, and I know it. The kids are maturing by leaps and bounds, and the day they let go of the apron strings is a mere memory from years ago. Soon, this vacation too will be a hazy memory, brought back to life when paging through my photo album, or when a memory pops up on my Facebook feed.

I also know it’s true that I will find another happy place, as time moves on, and, as long as it involves my family, that too will be my “Happiest Place on Earth.”

Jennifer Wing can be reached at jwing@eaglenewsonline.com

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

familyfyi Instant gratification found at the curb

I

’ve had garage sales since becoming a parent. We had the “Semi-emotional No Longer a Baby” garage sale where my eyes teared up as I sold the crib.

We had the “No Longer a Little Boy” garage sale where I danced like Kevin Bacon in “Footloose” when the Little Tykes tool bench sold, thereby freeing up a corner of the living room. And we had the “How Long Do We Have To Keep Wedding Presents We Never Used” garage sale because it isn’t fair to expect your kids to do all the purging.

However, I’m done with garage sales both going and hosting.

One, I have enough stuff in my basement that I have no business buying other people’s stuff castoffs.

Two, I don’t possess anything of such value that someone would pay for it.

And three, there’s an underrated joy in putting out a pile of stuff at the curb marked “free” and listening to people discover unexpected treasures.

An overdue shed cleaning resulted in a pile of seasonal decorations, gardening paraphernalia and sports equipment

that were no longer needed, wanted or desired.

We could’ve had a garage sale if we were so motivated, but that would’ve delayed the instant purging gratification I was seeking.

I would have to place a value on the bag of chalk we bought for a street painting festival.

I would have to decide what The Boy’s first soccer ball was worth or how much someone would pay for a bike with two flat tires.

Finally, I would have to organize everything and store it until the sale.

Instead, we put boxes and baskets of stuff by the curb with a sign letting everyone know anything and everything was free.

To drive the point home, I even wrote “Free” on the street with the aforementioned sidewalk chalk.

And so began the fun as we watched kids and parents stumble across this pile of treasures on their way to the playground.

“Is it OK if I take this ball?” one boy asked.

“Help yourself,” I replied.

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 and enjoys running 5Ks with her son. Follow her on twitter at @ kmoore623.

“You don’t want anything for it?”

“Nope.”

And then he looked at me like I was crazy. He took the ball and thanked me despite thinking I might not be the smartest person in the neighborhood. What kind of maniac would give away a perfectly good Nerf ball?

The kind of maniac that now has a clean shed — that kind of maniac.

SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

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calendar Friday-Saturday, June 1-2 Taste of Syracuse 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Clinton Square. Try delicious items from local eateries for only $1. Smash Mouth will headline the festival on Saturday night on the Express Mart Main Stage. A total of 34 bands will play over the course of the weekend. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest will be held on the main stage on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. With a “Warrior Weekend” theme, the festival will pay honor to the various warriors from our community and collect donations for two charitable organizations, Vera House and Clear Path for Veterans. On Saturday, select restaurants and food vendors will offer two samples for $1 to those with a special wristband, available at The Summit Federal Credit Union tent for a minimum donation of $5. All wristband proceeds go directly to the charities.

Admission is free.

Saturday, June 2 Family Fishing Day 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge; advance registration required - 315-689-9367. Kids and adults interested in learning the basics of freshwater fishing will enjoy a session of instruction provided by DEC staff, Carpenter’s Brook staff and volunteers from the Friends of Carpenter’s Brook. The session will consist of five, 15-minute breakout stations with instruction. Participants will have the chance to practice casting and fish during the second half of the session. Bait, tackle, rod and reels and instructional materials will be provided.

Bring a rod if you have one. Free.

Paige’s Butterfly Run Hanley Federal Building, Syracuse; upstatefoundation.org. Runners and walkers from across Central New York participate in one of the region’s premier 5K races while raising the critical dollars necessary to fund pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Comprised of three events: USAT&F certified 5K race in downtown Syracuse; 3K fun fitness run/walk and 40-foot Caterpillar Crawl (free for children 5 and under.) Fee: $30 per person.

Pioneer Museum Open House 1–4 p.m., Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road, Fabius. Tour the museum and discover this little piece of Central New York

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

CNY Fiber Arts Festival set for June 9 - 10

Held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Butternut Hill Campground, Bouckville, this annual festival showcases the work of fiber farmers and artists.

Over 100 vendor booths, under cover, feature handmade products such as yarn, roving, clothing, felted items, woven items, other works of art, and fiber art supplies.

A children’s tent offers free crafts, games, and educational activities for our young visitors.

Friendly farm animals are on display throughout the festival. Always popular is the demonstration of sheep shearing. Food vendors sell delicious treats, and live music enhances the festival atmosphere. Guest artists will share information and techniques for dyeing various types of fiber. Visit cnyfiberarts.org.

history. View Native American artifacts and the tools used on early farms in the Fabius area. Study the old utensils used in kitchens.

Admire the parlor, sports room, lending library and so much more. The museum is hands-on and family friendly. Enjoy complimentary hot dogs, chips, cookies, ice tea and lemonade. Free.

and dinner will be held in the evening, which will feature Wish Kid Dale Hall, of Central Square. Dale received his wish for a new camper and a fun camping trip with his family in September 2016. Call 315-475-WISH to register.

CNY Rocket Team Challenge

6:25 p.m., Onondaga Lake Parkway, which will be closed from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on race day; 315-446-6285, jpmorganchasecc.com. Annual run/ walk featuring thousands of employees from hundreds of Central New York companies. Race fee: $25 per person. Must register as a team.

8 a.m.–3 p.m., Syracuse University’s Skytop Field; most.org. Middle and high school students build rockets from kits, paint them, and bring them to Syracuse University’s Skytop field for launching. Teams are judged on the quality of their construction, knowledge of the subject, how well they estimated their trajectory and whether or not their “eggstronaut” survived its ride into the sky. Awards are given in two categories: junior for grades 4 through 8 and senior for grades 9 through 12. The launches are fun to watch and the general public is invited to attend this free event.

Monday, June 4 31st Annual Make-A-Wish Open 10:30 a.m. registration; 11:45 a.m. shotgun start; Timber Banks Golf Course, 8184 River Road, Baldwinsville. This annual golf tournament sells out annually and raises more than $30,000 for wishes. Golfers have the option to play 18 holes of either Captain and Crew or Team Best Ball.

The fundraising event includes lunch, raffles, prizes and course contests. A cocktail reception

Wednesday, June 6 JP Morgan Corporate Challenge

Friday, June 15 Child Wish Fishing Tournament Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton; 914-805-2247.

Saturday, June 16 “Below the Surface: The Fisheries on Onondaga Lake” 9:30 a.m., the MOST, Syracuse; most.org/ tacny-jr-cafe-scientifique/. TACNY’s Junior Café Scientifique hosts this exploration of the aquatic life of Onondaga Lake and its amazing story of recovery. Join Biologist Anne Burnham of the Parsons Corporation to go beneath the surface of Onondaga Lake. The event is free, but RSVP to jrcafe@tacny.org. continued on page 10

healthy family

Improving our presence with children

M

y almost 2-year-old recently started spitting. Literally, just spitting. I was washing the dishes and I heard a sputtering sound.

I turned around, and the floor in front of him was covered in bubbly liquid.

My immediate thought?

“What the [heck]?!” And then I sternly said “The floor is not for spitting on.”

He looked at me, and spit again. I scooped him up, which was inconvenient because I was right in the middle of trying to get the dishes done, and tried to explain to him why he could not spit on the floor. He looked at me again, and laughed.

Sometimes our children want our attention at the worst times. Like right in the middle of an important phone conversation with customer service, after we have waited a half hour to get someone to pick up. Or when, after being home with them all day, you have to leave for an appointment and now they need to ask you something?

I am not saying there is a way to stop this.

Heck, in fact, maybe these instances serve as a way to help us be more present as a parent. Either way, there are things within our control that we can try, in an effort to make these situations less annoying. Things that when implemented, may even help decrease the times of interruption, regardless of your child’s age.

Put it into perspective. Can the dishes honestly wait? Is that Facebook/Instagram/ Snapchat photo not going to be there later, after they are in bed? Will the world end if you are 10 minutes late?

Manage your expectations and emotions. I know that I can’t possibly expect my toddler son to be on his best behavior while I complete my adult tasks. This doesn’t mean I allow him to monopolize all of my time. It also means I don’t allow myself to monopolize all of his.

It is possible to have a balance. And this is allowed to be a work in progress.

Commit to paying attention when you are spending time with them. It’s impossible to be in tune with our children 100 percent of the time. But I encourage you to take an honest look at what you are paying more attention to. Are you in the moment or are you thinking about work? Are you actually playing

the game, or secretly Snapchatting a pic, watching the TV above your child’s head, or scrolling Instagram? Just like you notice when someone is staring at their phone when you are trying to have a conversation with them, children know when you are not paying attention. We are constantly role modeling for our children. It’s important to teach them how to communicate respectfully, and paying attention to the person speaking to you is a vital communication skill to learn.

If the environment is too hectic, move with them to another room to eliminate distractions.

Get down to their level and look them in the eye, really take in their facial expressions and the way they say their words.

Engage with them, nod your head.

Don’t jump in or try to hurry them along.

Sometimes small children, and even older kids, need time to get their words out.

Rushing them only causes frustration and communicates to them that you don’t have the time. Which can increase the instance of them vying for your attention (think vicious cycle here).

As parents our time is limited. We are often pulled in multiple directions. Try committing to a special time with them when you can be fully present.

Take time for yourself. It’s easy to justify that we don’t have time to go to the gym, or out with friends, or whatever it may be that we used to do to take care of ourselves prechildren. There will always be something else to do, or something our children need us for.

But I argue that our children need us to find time for ourselves. You can’t give what you don’t have. By scheduling time for ourselves (self-care as this is popularly called) we end up increasing our ability to give to others.

Practice, try again, don’t give up. We rarely get it right the first time. Be forgiving of yourself.

There is no magic wand or silver bullet.

Your relationship with your child happens in the moment by moment interactions you have with them. Working on your ability to listen and be present will help strengthen this relationship.

The moral of the story: My son is still spitting.

And it still drives me crazy.

But, I am finding, the more I look at his behavior as communication, I see that

Jennie Mazza Jones, LCSW, CCPT has a private practice located in Clinton N.Y., and specializes in providing psychotherapy to children and their caregivers utilizing play therapy. She can be reached at 315-737-3094, jennie@ jenniemazzajones.com and jenniemazzjones.com.

it happens when he is trying to get my attention, when he’s hungry, when he’s tired, when he wants me to play. The more I nurture our relationship, the less its happening. And bonus, he’s even started spitting into the sink and into the garbage can!

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calendar Sunday, June 17

Ironman 70.3 Syracuse The race begins in the Jamesville Reservoir, where athletes will complete a 1.2 mile, single-loop swim. The 56 mile bike course winds through the Highland Forest recreational area, taking athletes through the picturesque, rolling countryside of Onondaga, Madison and Cortland counties.

Athletes will finish their race with a 13.1 mile run in and out of Jamesville Beach County Park, offering plenty of shade to accompany the challenging rolling hills.

Father’s Day at the MOST Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; most.org All fathers receive free admission on Father’s Day! Enjoy 35,000 square feet of exhibits, hands-on science demonstrations, a full IMAX

schedule, planetarium shows and so much more.

Friday-Sunday, June 22-24 Syracuse Polish Festival Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse; polishscholarship.org. This family-friendly celebration of Polish culture, heritage and traditions provides a variety of entertainment, including the sounds of Polka, Pop/ Jazz, Dance-Funk music along with beautiful folklore and contemporary dance performances by the group “Lechowia” from Canada. The event offers attendees a taste of Polish and American cuisine and Polish beer along with Polish and American arts and crafts. One of the main attractions is the annual “Pierogi Eating Contest” and “Miss Polonia” presentation. During the festival, kids can enjoy a variety of hands-on arts and crafts and interactive games

Jamesville Balloonfest is June 22-24

Hours are 4-11 p.m. Friday; 1-11 p.m. Saturday; 1-10 p.m. Sunday at Jamesville Beach Park, 3992 Apulia Road; syracuseballoonfest.com.

Syracuse’s kick off to summer event features non-stop musical entertainment with top local music groups. The event also features over two dozen special shape and hot air balloons, arts & crafts fair, amusement rides, food and beverages. Balloon Flight Times are 6-7:30 p.m. Friday and 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Schedule and admission subject to change. and inflatable activities for them.

The festival is also an opportunity to award the annual scholarships for

talented students as well as honoring the “Pole of the Year.” continued on page 16

St. Margaret’s Summer Camp 2018 Join us for a summer of Fun you are sure to never forget!

FUNWAY at Summer Camp Week #1 June 25 - June 29

Week #5 July 23 - July 27

Week #2 July 2 - July 6

Week #6 July 30 - Aug. 3

Week #3 July 9 - July 13

Week #7 Aug. 6 - Aug. 10

“Let The Fun Begin”

“House of Fun”

“Fun with Stars and Stripes” “Fun with Food” “Fun and Games”

“Fabulous Fun Fair”

Week #4 July 16 - July 20

“Friends Having Fun”

Call for details 315-455-5791 Summer Camp Director: Crystal Skrocki Site Coordinators: Rebecca Marino & Alesha Rosier 10

SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

Daily Activities include weekly themes, Sports, Arts-N-Crafts, Outdoor Games, Swimming and more!

Campers will go on field trips and have a baking day.

Summer Camp Hours 9am-3pm Free Extended Hours 7-9am - 3-5pm Breakfast - Lunch and Snack 4500 registration Fee Due with Registration Papers!

$

Local Cars.

Local Dealers.

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

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learningcurve

Deciding on the next chapter

Ten questions to jumpstart your child’s college search

By Collegewise

W

e’ve always thought it’s unfair to ask high school students what they’re looking for in a college. It feels like asking people to explain what they’re looking for in a car when they haven’t actually driven one yet. But while you may not know yet what you’re looking for in a college, you do know yourself better than anyone else.

So here are ten questions that can be a good starting point to get you thinking about what you might like from your college experience. Your responses can also help you focus your initial college search.

1. Why do you want to go to college?

It’s good to consider why you’re doing all this, and your answer to this question can impact your college search. If you answer, “Because I want to be a journalist,” it makes sense to look at schools that offer a journalism major. If it’s, “Because I’ve lived in the same gated community my entire life and want to experience something different,” you’ll want to pay attention to where the schools are located and the diversity of their student populations.

2. Do you think you’re ready to go to college?

There’s no shame in feeling nervous, academically unprepared or just unsure of yourself when it comes to college. But we’ve seen students who, instead of just being honest about their doubts, dragged their feet through the entire application process, leaving their parents to (resentfully) do all the work for them. If you have similar concerns, first, be honest about it with yourself and your parents. Second, apply to at least a few colleges anyway.

You apply in the fall of your senior year, but you don’t actually decide where—or

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

submittef photo

if—you’re going to go to college until the end of your senior year. If you’re still not ready to go then, you could consider other options; but a lot can change in those six to eight months. Refusing to even apply just takes options off the table that are hard to get back later.

3. How have you done your best learning?

We like this question better than, “Do you want small classes or big classes?”

The right colleges should give you lots of opportunities to love what you’re learning and how you’re learning it. So, think about the times in high school where you were at your intellectual best. Not just the times when you got the highest grades, but when you were excited about what you were learning.

Was it a particular subject? Was it because the teacher was great? Was it because it

involved projects, competition with other students or a lot of class discussions? Or maybe it was something that didn’t even happen in school, but you just took the time to learn it on your own? Your answers to this question can tell you a lot about what you might like to study, whether or not it’s important that you like the teacher, and how much academic freedom you’ll want to take classes you want to take.

4. What would you like to learn about?

“What do you want to major in?” is a big question a lot of students aren’t yet ready to answer. “What would you like to learn more about?” is less committal. It lets you consider how much you like math without necessarily deciding that you’ll major in math yet. College is school, after all. It’s important to consider the learning part of your future four years.

learning curve

5. How hard do you want to work academically?

Some schools are a lot more demanding than others. We’ve met students who say they want to go to Cornell but don’t want to take four APs their senior year of high school because of the workload.

Those students shouldn’t apply to the school with a reputation as the hardest Ivy to get out of. We don’t think you’re a bad kid if you admit you don’t want to overdo the academic intensity in college, but it’s worth considering before you pick your schools. When researching schools, pay attention to what the students say about their experiences. Students at MIT, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago and Middlebury will bring up how much they study. It’s like a badge of honor. Swarthmore College even prints T-shirts that read, “Anywhere else it would have been an A...really.” That’s a clue.

6. Do you have any idea what you want to do with your life?

We haven’t met many successful adults who discovered their career paths when they were 17, so don’t think it’s a problem if you can’t yet answer this question. But if you already have a future career in mind, it should probably be a key criterion to consider when picking colleges. Do a little career research and find out where people successful in the field went to college and what they studied. You might be surprised by what you find. For example, Google and Apple employ more graduates from San Jose State than they do from Berkeley, UCLA or MIT.

7. What would you like to do on a typical night in college?

8. Do you want to go to a place similar to where you live now?

This one hits on everything from your city and state, to the size of your town, to the type of people in your community. College can be a four-year opportunity to live in a place very different from where you live now. But that’s not the right opportunity for everyone.

It’s good to consider just how much change you want to take on when you go to college. One of our former Collegewise students said he wanted to be someplace very different because, “I’ve lived in the same gated community my entire life and gone to school with the same group of kids since I was five.” When he later applied to college, he mentioned that need for change in a lot of his “Why do you want to attend this college?” essays. One of those essays began, “I have never met anyone from Arkansas, and I think it’s about time that I do.”

9. Do you want to be with students like you or different from you?

Differences can come in lots of forms, like ethnicity, sexual orientation, where people are from, their religious beliefs (or lack of them), their politics, whether or not they drink or use drugs, etc.

Some colleges are a lot more diverse than others, and it’s a good idea to consider whether or not you want to be with people who may be very different from you. A popular college application essay question asks you to describe how you’ll contribute to the diversity of the campus community. Schools that ask that question tend to be proud of their diverse student population and look for students who want to become a part of it.

10. What is your family’s college budget?

We think this is a fun question because it’s not necessarily the same as “What activities do you want to do in college?” The answers to this one draw out everything from the types of students First, talk to your parents and get a sense for how much they can you want to be around to where the campus is located to what afford to help send you to college. you want to major in. When we ask our Collegewise students, It’s normal for some parents to be reluctant to discuss finances with we get answers like, “Playing video games with my new friends their kids, but you can’t do a responsible college search without in the dorms,” “Talking politics in the knowing your family’s financial limits. coffee shop,” “Heading into the city to do If your parents are uncomfortable something fun,” “Building a working robot discussing it, ask them to share the with the other engineers,” and “Going to budget in “round numbers.” That Since Kevin McMullin founded Collegewise the big football game.” This question also feels a little less financially invasive. in 1999, Collegewise has become the nation’s gets at just how comfortable you are with Second, don’t automatically eliminate largest college admissions counseling company. the idea of students drinking and doing any college that’s over your family’s What began as a one-man operation in Irvine, other things they may not tell their parents budget.

California soon grew exponentially. Collegewise about. With some notable exceptions, like You won’t know the amount of any now employs more than 50 college admissions the military academies and strict religious potential financial aid package until experts and offers 23 office locations throughout affiliated colleges, a certain percentage you are actually admitted. You can the United States. Collegewise counselors are of kids at every school are going to find estimate it, but the package could experts in the field of admissions, many of them a way to have their good ol’ college fun. later be in influenced by other factors, having held positions as admissions officers and Just how prevalent do you want that kind of like your strength as an applicant. It high school counselors before joining the company fun to be? You’re only in class for a couple would never be a good idea to apply as college counselors. In addition to a wide range hours a day at most in college. The rest of to a long list of schools your family of admissions counseling service offerings for the time, you’re living your life on (or off) couldn’t possibly afford. middle and high school students, Collegewise campus with your fellow students. Think But don’t cross every school off also provides free resources on founder Kevin about what you’d like to be doing in your your list that exceeds your family’s McMullin’s blog and on the Collegewise website. free time and look for where that will be budget, either. possible.

SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018 1 3

About Collegewise

family fyi

travel tips

by land sea or air

A successful Cruising tips driving vacation and tricks

Driving vacations can be budget-friendly ways to get away from home for a few days. Such excursions can be customized according to families’ particular schedules and interests. To make the most of driving vacations, travelers can employ these tips.

3 Map the destination. Figure out the duration of the trip ahead of time, jotting down approximate times of travel. This will help you break up the ride so you can include stops for food, bathroom breaks and fill-ups.

3 Plan food and accommodations. Some people like to plan road trips as they go.

Those who prefer to have greater control can decide where to stop in advance, researching hotels, attractions and dining establishments.

3 Be firm with departure times. Make a plan to leave at a particular hour and stick to it. This will help to keep the trip on schedule.

3 Share the driving. Know your driving limits and share driving duties with someone else who can take over if or when fatigue sets in.

Cruising can be an ideal vacation for people of any age, but particularly for families with small children. Cruises combine all-inclusive meal packages with accommodations, breathtaking ports of call and pre-arranged activities, so vacationers do not have to lift a finger for days on end.

Cruising also can be a social activity, with clubs offered for children of varying ages.

Cruise Lines International Association, a global organization advocating for the cruising community, found that 25.8 million passengers expected to take a cruise in 2017, and various cruise companies invested more than $6.8 billion in new ocean vessels.

Whether a person is new to cruising or is a seasoned ocean or river traveler, there are always techniques to try to score great deals or enjoy the experience even further.

Consider these tips and tricks, courtesy of Royal Caribbean, The Cruise Critic, the Travel Channel, and other vacationing experts.

3 Research the ships, and not just the cruise lines. Cruise lines each offer their

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continued on page 15

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Air travel with kids in tow

The magic of flying has enamored adventurers since Daedalus took to the skies with handmade wings and the Wright brothers tested their preliminary aircraft in the fields of North Carolina.

Still, many parents have reservations about flying with children. Parents may worry about kids being restless or causing a commotion in-flight. Some may even be concerned about youngsters getting sick when far from home.

While these are possibilities, oftentimes parents’ concerns are unfounded. In fact, with some planning, flying with kids can be simple.

3 Build anticipation. Get young ones excited about the trip, and not just the destination. Explain the new sights at the airport and the technology involved in takeoff. For older kids, the promise of a meal out while waiting for the flight or a new app to ease travel boredom may do the trick.

3 Bring along plenty of snacks. Many airlines have tightened up meal policies and may only offer a small snack and beverage during short flights. Kids may not be excited continued on page 15

land

sea

own amenities and are known for certain features. One cruise line may be a better match for young singles, while others may cater to families. In addition, certain ships may have their own special features such as water slides, athletic events, casinos and more. Choose a ship that meets your needs.

3 Arrive the night before. There’s no need to rush to the port to board the ship. Extend the vacation a little further by arriving a night or two before and checking into a nearby hotel. Some hotels may offer free parking or shuttle service to the ship.

3 Choose a close port. Select a port within driving distance to avoid airline costs and the extra hassles of coordinating

air

about that dry biscuit or a few pretzel sticks, so pack some of their favorite snacks.

3Take advantage of boarding perks.

Membership in travel clubs or travel credit card plans enable members to sit in more comfortable lounges or board early. Certain airlines give families with young children the chance to board first as well. This helps get kids settled before the plane takes off.

3 Download beloved movies or apps.

Kids can while away the hours with some entertainment, such as familiar movies or

3 Pack stuff for kids to do. Prevent or delay the “are we there yets” with movies, puzzles, books, and music for children.

Pack headphones so their devices will not disturb others.

3 Schedule a tuneup beforehand. Before departing, ensure your vehicle is in good working order to reduce the likelihood of a breakdown. Make sure you have a spare tire and tire-changing tools, just in case.

3 Don’t pack too much. Leave some room in the vehicle for souvenirs picked up along the way. Take advantage of hotel laundry facilities to keep clothes fresh and to avoid having to pack too many outfits.

3 Adjust as you go. Even the best plans need to be modified on occasion. Keep an open mind and be flexible so you can enjoy any unexpected wonders that may pop up.

Flexibility also can help you adapt to traffic or detours.

luggage and travel to the port.

3 Book dining ahead of time. Cruise ships often have a main dining room and then specialty restaurants. If you want a particular meal, make reservations before leaving port. Certain restaurants may offer discounts or perks, such as a free bottle of wine or premiere seating.

3 Understand what’s included. Cruise ships have many foods and drinks that are included in the packaged price. Certain branded items, such as specialty coffees or ice creams, may be available at an additional charge, as are premium drinks.

But chances are you can find a free, similar version elsewhere on the ship.

3 Explore special discounts. When

shopping for a cruise, see if there are discounts available for seniors, teachers, people in the military or those who belong to certain clubs. Cruises often love to incentivize, so it pays to ask about discount pricing.

3 Make a list of activities. It can be easy to get overwhelmed by all of the offerings on a cruise ship, so much so that there’s some stress over trying to fit it all in.

Recognize that you can’t see or hear it all, and prioritize what’s important to you and your family. Make sure you have plenty of time to relax.

A cruise can be an ideal vacation for families to spend quality time together.

favorite games on their laptops, tablets or smartphones.

3 Ask for help. Sometimes flight attendants can pitch in with suggestions if kids need a little time out. Airlines may issue complementary ÒwingsÓ pins or enable kids to meet the flight staff. Simply stretching their legs for a walk to another area of the plane may ease kidsÕ boredom.

3 Time flights right. Children who are excellent sleepers may benefit from flights during naptime or bedtime, allowing

parents to get a few hours of peace and quiet. Those who do not sleep well may do better on daytime flights when they can remain more active.

3 Keep emergency supplies on hand.

Kids have accidents or spill things. Keep a change of clothes in a carry-on bag so everyone can tidy up promptly.

Families need not avoid air travel with kids. The sooner they climb aboard, the more adept kids will become at being frequent fliers.

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calendar Thursday, June 21 LEON Festival 5–10 p.m., Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool; leonfestival.com.We’re halfway to Christmas! Come celebrate this unique holiday at this free family friendly festival featuring live entertainment with music, games, activities, fireworks and more.

Saturday, June 23 Ride and Run for the Rescue Long Branch Park, Liverpool; rideandrun. org. Registration begins at 6am (Bike Rides) and 7:30am (5K Run); the bike rides begin at 7 a.m. (62-mile), 8am (40-mile), 9 a.m.

(20-mile) and 10 a.m. (10-mile); the 5K begins at 9:30am and the 2-mile Family Fun Ride starts at 10:30 a.m. Join hundreds of runners, walkers and cyclists and hit the road to end hunger in Central New York.

Breakfast and lunch are provided to all registrants. Also featured will be a raffle, vendor fair and children’s activities in a

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festive atmosphere. All proceeds from the event benefit the Rescue Mission Alliance.

Cashion Rods Tournament Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton; 315-224-8919. The CRT Opens are team bass fishing tournaments organized as a way to give back to the fishermen that make the sport great. Anglers are welcome to fish the events alone if desired. All CRT events are Open to any teams that want to win some big money.

Saturday-Sunday, June 23-24 14th Annual Cherry Festival Varick Winery & Vineyard, 5102 State Route 89, Romulus; 315-549-8797 or visit www.varickwinery.com. Enjoy sweet and sour cherry picking, food, wine, sweet treats, music by Lisa Lee Trio on Saturday and by Just Joe on Sunday and arts and crafts vendors. Held rain or shine. Free admission.

Sunday, June 24 Iron Girl Women’s Triathlon Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton.Embracing seasoned athletes and novices alike, this event features a (600 meter Swim - 30K Bike - 5K Run. Amenities include: a post-race café, professional timing, personalized race bibs, new custom finishers medals specific to the event, age group awards, performance shirts sized just for women, post-race giveaways and more. Participant registration open; irongirlsyracuse.com. Free for spectators.

Saturday, June 30 Be the Astronomer Noon–4 p.m., Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; most.org. “Be the Scientist” enables kids to learn, engage and explore the activities of a different type of “scientist.” Kids receive an Explorer Card to track your progress through the program’s three steps: Learn, Engage, Explore.

family fyi

You spent hours helping them look great for the prom...

Keep safe both in and out of the water

S

wimming is a popular warm-weather activity, but it can quickly turn deadly if swimmers are not careful in the water.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that, between the years of 2005 and 2014, an average of 10 deaths per day in the United States were attributed to unintentional drownings unrelated to boating.

About one in five people who die from drowning are children age 14 and younger. The World Health Organizations says drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide.

It’s essential that swimmers exercise caution around any body of water. Because water can be unpredictable, it’s always best to swim with a friend and stick to areas protected by lifeguards. The Red Cross suggests preventing unsupervised access to water structures and maintain constant supervision whenever kids are around the water - even if lifeguards are present. Adults should avoid distractions and alcohol when supervising kids.

Drowning is a certainly a concern when in the water, but it’s not the only potential hazard.

The warmth of spring and summer is a welcome break from winter weather for many people, who then will spend time exercising and relaxing outdoors. But statistics have shown that heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities, resulting in hundreds of deaths each year in the United States alone.

Ensuring summer recreation plans remain enjoyable means keeping an eye out for heat-related illnesses and other dangers.

The body needs extra water on hot days, especially when spending ample time outdoors. It that time is spent doing rigorous activities such as playing sports, cycling or even simply taking a stroll in the sunshine, it becomes even more crucial to have extra fluids on hand.

Dehydration can cause dizziness and dry mouth and may make you feel faint.

Always drink plenty of water when at the beach and avoid alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, which can contribute to dehydration when consumed in excess.

You should also bring a beach umbrella, spread your blanket under some trees that cast shade or even bring along a sun tent to help keep cool and protect both your skin and the skin of your little ones. Many companies sell small, pop-up tents that are easily portable. for families with small children.

Apply sunscreen often. Just because you’ve coated yourself and your family prior to hitting the beach doesn’t mean you are protected throughout the day, especially if time is spent in the water. Be sure to re-apply every few hours or any time its needed. And remember, even if the sky is cloudy, the sun’s harmful rays can still come through, causing a sunburn.

now spend a moment to discuss how alcohol can ruin it all.

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learning curve

Summer Drummers Program offered for kids in grades 7-12

S

ummer Drummers, a program started by professional drummer Kevin Dean, helps youth evolve by providing creative environments and performance opportunities for young drummers. With the help of sponsorships and grant money for kids, this program for intermediate to advanced drummers entering seventh-12th grades in Syracuse is based out of Dean’s drum studio at The Gear Factory, 200 S. Geddes St. Teenagers collaborate, learn, explore rhythms, record, perform in public spaces and live venues all the while preparing for concert band, marching band, music college, auditions, NYSSMA, All-county, All-State and Drum Corps. Participants strive to become a versatile drum set player that performs rock, jazz, latin, reggae, metal, punk, blues, world music and more.

A number of youth have embarked on this journey and will be featured at special events around Syracuse over the summer such as the Creek Float held May 20, a floating art parade held on Onondaga Creek through the heart of downtown Syracuse that raises awareness and appreciation for the conservation of Onondaga Creek and the newly-renovated Onondaga Creekwalk.

On June 21 Summer Drummers will put their sticks in motion on Make Music Day 2018.

On the first day of summer, musicians in over 120 countries turn public spaces into musical stages. Tens of thousands of amateur songwriters, professional mariachis, jazz combos, glee clubs, and MCs come out to perform on streets and parks. In the United States over 70 cities participate.

Locally, Wildflowers Armory, 225 W. Jefferson St. will be the location to catch Summer Drummers in action.

NYS Blues Fest, held in and around Clinton Square, will be the next opportunity to watch and hear these kids pound the skins, from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 28 Also scheduled are three public showcase sessions – Session 1 is Saturday, July 21, at Wildflowers Armory, 225 W. Jefferson St. Session 2 will be from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Funk ‘n Waffles, 307 S Clinton St. Session 3 is yet to be annnounced.

Weekly during the summer showcases will be held at Kevin Dean’s Drum Studio, 200 S. Geddes St. Each student will receive free drumsticks and a free Summer Drummers shirt and hat along with lunch. Staff includes Kevin Dean, Ashley Lioto and Jack Goodfellow.

Information can be found at summerdrummers.com.

SUMMER PONY CAMP • 1/2 hr. Daily Private Lesson

with Professional Canterbury Trainer • Learn about Horse Care • Fun Arts and Crafts • Class is limited to Six Students

Pony Camp

9 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday–Friday, Weeks of July & August Develop your child’s horse riding skills through daily riding and instruction. We provide week-long camps from July through August for children ages 6 and older. Weekly horse topics and fun crafts in our separate classroom built in 2012.

Over 12 years of Pony Camp in July and August For More Information Call

315.440.2244

English & Dressage Lessons, Boarding

www.canterburystablesny.com

CALL FOR A TOUR

Register now for After School Enrichment Program for September 2018 18

SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2018

Speaking Orange Fluency Camp for Kids Monday, June 25th Wednesday, June 27th 9:00 am - 12:00pm Gebbie Speech-LanguageHearing Clinic 621 Skytop Road Suite 1200 Syracuse, NY 13244-2280 Speaking Orange... is designed for elementary school-aged children who stutter. Ideally children attending the program should be at least seven years of age. An early-bird rate is available to participants enrolled by June 11, 2018.

Call: 315-443-9637 or email Dr. Victoria Tumanova vtumanov@syr.edu

Registration after 6/1: $140.00 Early Bird rate - $120.00 More information at gebbie.syr.edu

Anita Lightburn, M.S., CCC-SLP alightbu@syr.edu

Discover the power of family music making Offering early childhood music and movement classes to children, and the adults who love them. Classes located all over CNY. To find the one nearest you, call or visit our website

www.bluebirdmusictogether.com (315) 427-6985