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November 2012

November is National Adoption Month

Finding your

family

One couple shares their journey through the adoption process.

3

Get healthy this fall

Smoke out Tips to help keep your child’s environment smoke-free

Rethink your drink Local nutritionist shares her recipe for ‘sassy water’

5

5

Openers

2 • Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012

I recently went to parent visitation day at my daughter’s middle school, and realized that I forgot what it takes to be a good student. I had to be at work early in the morning, and was feeling a bit under the weather. Therefore, the enthusiasm I felt for the first class I attended with her – art – diminished a bit by the time I was in her science classroom and was barely there when we walked into her social studies class. It was there that I got my comeuppance. Turns out, the kids are learning about the Constitution. You know, the document upon which our country’s laws are based. I gamely listened as the children raised their hands to help describe the Constitution and its importance, then settled back as the teacher got ready to start up a “Brain Pop” about the Constitution – a short video narrated by a young man named Tim with the help of Moby the robot. Before she started the video, she handed

Editor - Jennifer Wing 434-8889 ext. 340; jwing@eaglenewsonline.com Associate Editor - Farah F. Jadran calendar@syracuseparent.net

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Syracuse Parent and CNY Family is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 15th day of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates available upon request. Syracuse Parent 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 and CNY Family. No portion of Syracuse Parent may be reproduced without permission from the editor.

out a worksheet for us to fill out at the end of the presentation. Yikes! A test! I could feel my palms get a bit sweaty as I tried to focus on what was being said on the screen. But Momsense my lack of sleep and feelings of illness made it difficult for me to concentrate. “What did he say?” I asked my daughter after I missed what I am sure was an important point, only to be shushed with a stern look. When the showing was over, I tried to make sure to keep my eyes on my own (okay, it was my daughter’s) paper as we dug in and started answering the questions. Thankfully, they seemed to be somewhat basic in nature, and we got through without too much fuss. I found that I really did learn something after going through that process – that I’m not as smart as I think I am… maybe not even as smart as a fifth grader. Or fourth grader, it turns out. Case in point: My son brought home math homework for which he needed help, something which is always pretty stressful for me and is many times handled by my

Jennifer

Wing

mother or mother-in-law after they get him off the bus and before I get home from work. This time, however, I didn’t have the luxury of their help when Jacob came to me with an issue. It went something like this (and I paraphrase): “Mark decided to go to the gym on July 3, and every third day after that. How many times during the month of July did Mark go to the gym?” Simple enough, right? There are 31 days in the month of July, so he would go on July 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30, for a total of 10 visits, right? Except that 10 wasn’t one of the choices. The closest choices were nine and 12 visits. So I told Jacob to write in 10 as his answer and hand in his homework. I waited with baited breath to find out what his teacher would say on his paper, but it was not returned the next day. I like to think that was the correct answer, but having had my day with the Constitution, I’m not all that sure. I have a parent/teacher conference with his teacher later this month, so if I don’t see the homework returned by then, I will ask the question during our meeting. Hopefully I won’t get my comeuppance, yet again.

Parent photo album Albert Witt, almost 8 months old, smiles for the camera. His parents are Kristy Lee & Marcus Witt of North Syracuse. To get your little one’s photo on the pages of Syracuse Parent email jwing@ eaglenewsonline.com.

Intentionality

Hello from Theressa Santa Barbara, California! I am beginning a two-year Baretraining program for Spirifooting it tual Formation through the Renovare Institute. Each day we have a word for the day -a principle- that guides our discussion. The word for one day was intentionality. Big word for California! For me this word seems to beg a question, “How intentional am I about my life?” I, like you, am very busy. I often feel like my calendar, voice mail, texts and watch run my life. During our retreat, there was a guest speaker from South Africa by name of Trevor Hudson. He is a wonderful, gentle soul, who speaks with a nonhurried, nonanxious cadence that was very un-American. He has been through the dark and dreary days as well as the new days of South Africa. He spoke of the frontline view of Apartheid and the jail time he shared with Desmond TuTu. In his wonderful accent and slow pace of South Africa, he reminded us that, “You Americans have your clocks but we in South Africa have the time.” A pace of life that allows for thought, experience and relationship. I took the opportunity to speak with and was keenly aware of his intentional generosity of self to share in a relationship with me. It was a beautiful gift that changed me. To quote Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast.” The truth is that life will happen to us or we will happen to life. So, the idea of intentionality can stay in the philosophical sphere or we can take a breath, take the time and ponder what might be so valuable about this life that we might intentionally pursue. What do I want to be true about my life? What would that look like? I will leave you with this. Trevor Hudson, a gentle kind man shared himself with me and I am changed because of him. I am glad that he was intentional about being present with me.

McMorris

Theressa McMorris, MS, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Syracuse and Rome. Her experience includes church conflict management, guest speaker and retreat leader. You can connect with her at Theressa@ harvesthousecounseling.com.

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Turns out I’m not smarter than a fifth (or fourth) grader

Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012 • 3

Adoption helps make a ‘dream come true’ One CNY family shares their experience, encourages other families By Farah F. Jadran Whether or not you know a lot about adoption, you probably have an opinion about it. For many it can be a light of hope when having children is not an option. For others, the whole process may appear so daunting that they may never move forward to learn more. However, when a person or a couple finally makes a definitive decision, the process and the journey need not be intimidating, as there is a lot of help out there. What could seem a scary process, instead, can be a hopeful journey. The journey begins “My view on adoption has not changed since I’ve always been open to it,” said Jennifer Bulmahn, a Central New York resident. “But my view of the depth of the bond that adoptive parents and children share has changed.” Jennifer and her husband Jeff recently adopted their son Conner as a baby. Conner was born in Syracuse and was matched with the Bulmahns with the help of Hillside Children’s Center. “Our son is ours, not only in name but in our hearts and thoughts,” Jennifer said. “We have a deep bond that will always be strong.” The Bulmahns said they have always wanted to adopt. Many of Jennifer’s childhood friends were adopted when they were small children. “I loved watching them bond with their families,” she said. Jeff was already trying to adopt a child out of foster care when he was single but had not been matched yet when he met Jennifer. So when the Bulmahns found out they couldn’t have children, they were both “eager and excited” to start the adoption process. “We wanted to be parents more than anything and began planning and talking about our baby long be-

“I have dreamed of being a mom my entire life so holidays and the birthdays and milestones of others’ children were hard for me.”

-Jennifer Bulmahn

fore we even met him,” Jeff said. The Bulmahns started working on the adoption process by going to the Hillside Children’s Center. “I am incredibly grateful for the supportive, nonjudgmental staff at Hillside,” Jennifer said. “They let me share my feelings and helped me through the waiting period. They encouraged me and kept me updated and encouraged me to do things that I enjoy to keep my spirits up. Jennifer also said the Hillside staff answered her phone calls and her husband’s emails promptly. When any of the Bulmahns’ friends ask about adoption, they always suggest looking into the services at Hillside. “They kept assuring us that we would be matched with a healthy baby even when we were feeling anxious,” Jeff said. Being a mom “I am much more relaxed and much happier now that I am a mom,” Jennifer said. “I have dreamed of being a mom my entire life so holidays and the birthdays and milestones of others’ children were hard for me.” While she was thrilled for her siblings and friends, she still “felt empty and incomplete inside.” So when the Bulmahns were matched with their son Conner, they felt “a wholeness and a sense of completion.” “I am in love with our son and with being a mom,” Jennifer said. The Bulmahns’ everyday life has changed in “sweet ways,” Jennifer said. “We have a house full of toys and as soon as I get home I can hear our son throw his toy on the floor and start crawling across the floor to greet me,” Jennifer said. “He says

Considering adoption? Join Hillside Children’s Center for an Adoption Information Open House. Learn more about their full service program: • International Homestudy and • Domestic Infant Adoption • Homestudy Process • Open Adoption and Birth parents • Legal Aspects of Adoption • Adoption Tax Law

• Post Adoption Support Services—ASAP • Waiting Child Adoption Saturday, Nov. 17 9 a.m. to Noon First Presbyterian Church 603 Tulip St., Liverpool For more information, contact Barbara Monahan at 703-8738 or bmonahan@hillside.com.

‘mama’ and ‘dada’ now and hugs us back. There’s nothing sweeter than leaving work behind and cuddling up with your baby.” Conner’s impressionable mind has made errands and housework fun, Jennifer said. “He sees everything as new and interesting so he makes even mundane tasks fun,” Jennifer said. “As a couple we enjoy watching him grow and learn, and I appreciate my husband even more.” While watching Conner grow, the Bulmahns are able to see each other grow as individual parents. “I always knew [Jeff] would be a great dad, but it still touches me to see him hold our son and play with him,” Jennifer said. “I’m amazed at his selflessness and incredible patience and love for our baby.” How will Conner learn about adoption” “We have bought three children’s books to help us,” Jennifer said. She said two of the books are written from the perspective of the adoptive mother and one is written from the perspective of the birth mother. The Bulmahns also plan to share Conner’s birth family’s story and pictures. They also are open to a family reunion one day, if everyone is interested. “Basically we will tell him that he is lucky to have two mommies, the one who gave him life and the one who raised him,” Jennifer said, “He is lucky to have so much love in his life and two mommies who pray for him and love him. And we will tell him that he is our dream come true.” Misconceptions about the adoption process For 25 years, Lisa Maynard has been working in the adoption field, and for seven years she has been the director of Family Finding and Adoption Services at Hillside Children’s Center. Maynard says Hillside has revamped many of its services and programs over the last two to three years to further help families in the area. “I’m very confident in the way we have re-energized it [Hillside],” Maynard said. “We have seen a lot of growth in it.”

submitted photos

When Jennifer and Jeff Bulmahn were matched with their adopted son Conner, pictured above, they felt “a wholeness and a sense of completion.” The Bulmahns (right). As Hillside celebrates its 175th anniversary, Maynard says the center is looking to help people learn more about adoption and diminish any misconceptions they might have about the process. “There used to be a lot of fear in the adoption process, especially because families want a baby so badly,” she said. However, the fear of having an adoption fall through has become a thing of the past, according to Maynard. There’s a better sense of openness throughout the whole process, she said. For instance, Maynard is most excited about Family Chronicles (adoptionchronicles.com); a website designed to further adoption outreach across the country. “It’s a nice tool we’ve been using to do outreach across the country to pregnant women interested in adoption,” Maynard said. “It’s a way for families who wouldn’t have met one another, to actually do so.” At the same time, Maynard said the website takes a lot of pressure off everyone involved. “It’s a very emotional process for

everybody,” Maynard said. Maynard also wants people to understand that many children put up for adoption are not from teen pregnancies. She said many women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, realize that adoption is the right choice for their baby. “They just want the best for their baby,” Maynard said. Both Jennifer and Jeff Bulmahn understand this part of the process as well. “Birth mothers love their children and want the best for them,” Jennifer said. “They choose adoption plans and they never give them up in their hearts. And then they do what all mothers do: they worry, they pray, they look at pictures and videos, and they love their children even though they can’t parent them.”

4 • Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012

Fun in learning

Your child’s technology education should be hands-on

Preschooler Silas Crawford of Syracuse looks at slides using a microscope.

is supported by current research. As David Elkind, professor of child development at Tufts University in Medford, Mass., and author of the classic book, “The Hurried Child,” writes: “While some exposure of children over three to well-designed and age-appropriate (computer) programs may do no harm, it is unlikely that such exposure will have important benefits. There is no evidence that this experience gives children an edge in computer literacy, self-confidence, or self-esteem.” At the Montessori School of Syracuse, students aged 3 to 6 years old are exposed to a rich array of hands-on, concrete materials, so that they are able to develop hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills and spatial awareness. Whereas traditional programs for young children may include television shows or computer games, at the Montessori School, the computer is introduced as a practical life tool in fourth grade. Even then, the rule of thumb at Montessori is to, first, look it up; then, ask a friend; and, finally, check the Internet. Parents of young

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Montessori School of Syracuse in Dewitt will hold an Admissions Open House from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18. The school provides over 150 children, ages 3 through 12, from 20 different school districts, with a quality preschool and elementary education based on Montessori philosophy and methods. The school strives to help students reach their full potential as independent, life-long learners and caring global citizens. Information about the school is available at mssyr.org or by calling 449-9033.

WCNY to feature new children’s programming

WCNY will provide three additional hours of children’s programming late weekday afternoons and evenings on WCNY channel 24.2 beginning Nov. 1. The lineup ranges from programming for pre-school aged viewers to children in primary grades. At the same time, WCNY will extend popular how-to programming from its Create channel to primetime. Starting Nov. 1, channel 24.2 will broadcast cooking, crafts and other how-to shows from 8 to 11 p.m. The additional children’s programming will allow parents and children to watch the latest episodes together at a convenient time. Program schedule: 5 p.m. “Sesame Street” 6 p.m. “Curious George” 6:30 p.m. “Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That” 7 p.m. “Arthur” 7:30 p.m. “The Electric Company” Children and parents can extend learning by utilizing PBS’s Ready-to-Learn initiatives, including educational games, video content and activities for parents and children. All of these activities are available for free online in addition to a growing number of mobile apps. Extensive research shows children who use these resources are learning and retaining what they learn. Each PBS KIDS show has a companion website that can be found at pbskids.org. To learn more about WCNY’s children’s programming, visit wcny.org.

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children need to consider carefully how they introduce technology at home and limit television, computers, cell phones and electronic games. What are the most important things you can do at home? Read with your children every night, spend time with them, and share meals together every day as a family. Turn off your iPhone and television and model reading, sports and exercise; play games with them; and share meal preparation with your children.

The award-winning Belgian manufacturer, SMART, has taken the United States toy market by storm by launching Smart Toys and Games, Inc., which brought the world’s top-selling line of single-player brain games and award-winning SmartMax magnetic construction toys to the U.S. Smart Toys and Games’ products stimulate the development of critical thinking skills through play for all ages. The company’s single-player games offer multiple levels of difficulty to help build confidence, logical reasoning, spatial perception, and mental agility in players. SmartMax offers a variety of magnetic construction kits that let children as young as three discover magnetism and the fascinating world of construction in a safe way. The large-scale magnetic construction sets use the strongest rare Earth magnets available in magnetic construction toys today, and its large warm and cool color-coded bar pieces attract their opposite colors and repel like colors. Smart’s recent acquisition of the best-selling and awardwinning Tangoes line based on ancient Chinese Tangram puzzles that combine artistic and mathematical elements for a unique thinking experience positions Smart Toys and Games as a leader in family entertainment. Begin your learning adventure today by visiting SmartTangoes.com. Adventurous players ages 7 and up must work their way through a cursed labyrinth to solve this 3-D sliding single player IQ-building game. The game’s 48 challenges are sure to entertain. MSRP $14.99 smarttangoes.com/buy/sg440us/temple-trap/

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Recent research indicates that a cautious approach is wise when introducing your child to technology, and the younger the child, the more cautious one should be. Young children should be working with concrete, hands-on materials to learn basic concepts and handeye coordination. Contemporary neurological research suggests that preschool-aged children should be focusing on sensory and motor skills. Introduction of computers and related products (televisions, cell phones and electronic games) at such a critical time for other areas of the brain deprives children of the “food” their brains need for optimal growth. When Dr. Maria Montessori first developed her educational methodology, The Montessori Method, in the early 1900s, technology was obviously not a concern, but her understanding of children’s developmental needs

Health & nutrition

Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012 • 5

Rethink your drink By Pam Blackmer MA, RD, CDE

With obesity rates high, nutrition experts, TV shows and even politicians are trying to find ways to combat it. In September the New York City Board of Health voted to limit the size of sugary beverages to 16 ounces. Of course there are some loopholes, but the intention is to lessen the amount of calories consumed in beverages that lack nutritional value. Whether you agree with this type of strategy or not, studies have shown evidence linking sugar-sweetened beverages with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In general, these beverages do not satisfy hunger as compared to similar calories in solid food and they also do not give you the feeling that you’ve “eaten”. A 20-ounce. soda has about 240 calories. This is the same amount in a regular McDonalds hamburger. It makes sense that food is more effective than drinks in satisfying your Sassy Water physical as well as your emotional hunger. It is estimated that the average American confrom Cynthia Sass RD sumes 350-440 calories in sugar everyday. The av2 quarts water erage daily intake is 2,000 calories and this amount 1 tsp grated ginger of sugar provides one-fifth of the calories with 1 sliced cucumber very little if any nutrients that contribute to good 1 sliced lemon health. Consuming the average quantity of sugar 12 spearmint leaves each day isn’t hard to do. Drinking one 16 ounce Mix ingredients, refrigersweetened coffee in the morning and a 12 ounce ate overnight and strain before can of soda in the afternoon can add up to about drinking. 400 calories. They do provide calories for energy, but if you aren’t using those calories, they are stored as fat in the body. To find out how many calories you require go to myplate. gov and click on “daily food plans.” Guidelines for daily sugar intake according to the American Heart Association are 100 calories for women and 150 calories for men. Suggestions for children vary due to caloric requirement and range from about 50-250 calories per day. Reading food labels and nutritional information can provide this information, but keep in mind that these guidelines are referring to “added” sugar, not natural sugars such as those found in fruit and milk. The list of ingredients can help to determine the source of sugar. Added sugar can be identified on food labels as fructose, corn syrup, dextrose, cane juice, honey, juice concentrates and sucrose. There are 4 calories in a gram of sugar, so an item with 10 grams of sugar equals 40 calories. One tablespoon of sugar supplies 50 calories (12 grams of sugar). Some suggestions to reduce the sugar intake from beverages are to decrease portion sizes, request less sugar and use artificial sweetener. Try water or tea with lemon, selzer water with a splash of juice, black coffee or coffee with sugar free flavored creamers and diet beverages to decrease sugar consumption. It is recommended that fruit juice be limited to one-half cup per day. Search the nutritional information for your favorite drink and use the suggestions above to lower the sugar content.

Keeping the smoke away from the kids By Mary Carney, MPH, CHES, Public Health Educator, Tobacco Free Onondaga County As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your kids safe. You childproof your home, use car seats and buy safe toys. The list goes on and on. But sometimes keeping you child from being exposed to other people’s smoke is much harder than it should be. If you struggle with friends or family members who smoke, here are a few things you can do: Share the Facts Spread the word: secondhand smoke is unsafe at any level. Tobacco smoke is full of toxic chemicals. When someone smokes indoors or inside a car, these chemicals will stick to the surfaces – even with the windows open. If your children spend time in those places where someone smoked, they can still breathe in those chemicals. If they are around someone who is smoking with them there, they breathe in the smoke directly, and that exposure is even worse. Babies and young children are especially at risk of getting sick from secondhand smoke. Children exposed to smoke are more likely to suffer from ear infections, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia and other lung diseases. Lifelong health problems are a high price for a child to pay for someone else’s addiction.

Create Smoke-Free Zones Make sure you have a firm smoke-free rule for your home and any vehicles that children ride in. Teach your kids the rule. Explain to your kids – and any visitors who smoke – that the smoke-free rule protects everyone’s health. Make No Exceptions Sometimes we change the rules depending on the situation. If a grandparent or caregiver smokes in their home or car, it can be tough to impose a “no smoking near the kids” rule. But if you are serious about limiting your child’s exposure, you need to have that conversation and stand your ground. You have the right to ask others not to smoke in the car with your child. As adults, we have a responsibility to keep children safe from toxic chemicals. If we want kids to learn how dangerous smoking is and how important it is for them to avoid secondhand smoke when they grow up, we need to set good examples. Start good habits when kids are young. Protect your child’s health by making sure that all places where your child goes are smoke-free. To learn more or to get free help quitting smoking, call 1-866NY-QUITS or visit nysmokefree.com. to receive a free “This is a Smokefree Home” or “This is a Smokefree Vehicle” window cling, call Tobacco Free Onondaga County at 435-3280.

6 • Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012

Things 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Montezuma Migrants Field Trip. 8 AM to Noon.Peak waterfowl migration at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge brings over 200,000 ducks and geese to Central New York. Baltimore Woods staff will be on hand to point out rare migrants before they move on to warmer waters. Meet at The Woods at 8:00am to carpool, otherwise meet at Montezuma at 8:45. Please register; donations appreciated. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visit .baltimorewoods.org for more information. Nature Merit Badge Program. 9 AM to Noon. All Boy Scouts are welcome to attend this program to earn the Nature Merit Badge. Plants, animals, soils and habitats will be explored during this interactive indoor/outdoor program. Pre-requisites are required. Fee: $7/Scout. For more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Sun Nov 4 “Coping With Control Issues In Marriagel: It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way.” 7 to 9 PM. Come learn how. Sponsored by THE THIRD OPTION, a program to build better marriages, and the Family Life Education office. Holy Cross Church, 4112 East Genesee St, DeWitt. Walk-ins welcome. A Hope Appeal program. For more information call 472-6728. A Look Inside Alzheimer’s by Marjorie N. Allen, Susan Dublin, Patricia J. Kimmerly. 1 PM. This is a captivating read for friends, families and loved ones affected by this mind-robbing disease. Join us for a signing with Susan Dublin and Patricia J. Kimmerly from 1 to 2:30 PM. Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm.

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Tue Nov 6 NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color. 7 PM. Bring your NOOK Tablet or Color and learn about the many features of these dynamic interactive devices at this 1-hour tutorial. Please RSVP at the NOOK counter or call the store at 449-2948. Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Wed Nov 7 Attention Separated/Divorced: Branch Out And Grow. 7 to 8:30 PM. A support group for separated and divorced, meets at the Bishop Ludden High School, 815 Fay Road, Syracuse, New York. Besides support, we will also be showing a meditative video: “What Does The Owners Manual Say” by DivorceCare and discussing it. All are welcome. Sponsored by Family Life Education (A Hope Appeal Agency). For information call 472-6754, ext. 5. familylifeeducationsyracuse.org Thu Nov 8 NOOK, The Simple Touch Reader. 7 PM. Bring your NOOK and explore the many features of our fabulous, easy to use eBook Reader.Please RSVP at the NOOK counter or call the store at 449-2948. Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Storytime with Miss Colleen. 10 AM. Barnes & Noble story times are always fun, filled with great books, silly songs and cool activities. Great for toddlers and preschoolers! 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Events may change. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Fri Nov 9 Local Author Showcase. 6 to 8 PM. Stop by for a meet & greet event, as multiple local and area authors will be here to discuss their books and sign copies from 6 to 8 PM. Barnes & Noble Dewitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 4492948 to confirm.

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Thu Nov 1 Montezuma Birding Van Tour. 8 to 11 AM. Just like us, birds are gearing up for winter. Some will continue south on their migration and some will stick around and brave the coming snows. Hop in our van to tour Montezuma’s birding hotspots in search of dozens of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds. Participants are encouraged to bring their camera and binoculars. Expect to walk short distances. Fee: $7.50/child; $12.50/ adult. For more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@ audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Lake Effect: Tales of Large Lakes, Arctic Winds and Recurrent Snows by Mark Monmonier. 7 PM.Mark Monmonier has delighted readers for years with book after book showing how geography and weather have shaped human history. Talk and Signing. Barnes & Noble Dewitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Events may change. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Storytime with Miss Colleen. 10 AM. Barnes & Noble DeWitt story times are always fun, filled with great books, silly songs and cool activities. Great for toddlers and preschoolers! 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Events may change. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Sat Nov 3 The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of, “Cinderella” every Saturday at 12:30 PM through Dec. 29 at Spaghetti Warehouse. Tickets are $5. Reservations: 4493823. In this interactive version, the children in the audience are invited to the Ball, get to try on the slipper, and help Cinderella and the Prince find true love. Success by 6 Bookfair. A percentage of each purchase made with a special voucher will be donated to Success by 6. Barnes & Noble Dewitt.

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Sally’s Story Time. 10:30 AM. For preschoolers ages 3 to 5. Maxwell Memorial Library is located at 14 Genesee St. in the village of Camillus. For more information, call 672-3661. Sat Nov 10 The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of, “Cinderella” every Saturday at 12:30 PM through Dec. 29 at Spaghetti Warehouse. Tickets are $5. Reservations: 4493823. In this interactive version, the children in the audience are invited to the Ball, get to try on the slipper, and help Cinderella and the Prince find true love. Storytime with Spot! 11 AM. Join us for a special Storytime featuring Where’s Spot and other dog gone fun classics by Eric Hill, with a guest appearance by Spot! Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Simple Soap Making. 11 AM to Noon. Baltimore Woods is home to a wonderful Pioneer Herb Garden, which is perfect for making fun and fragrant soap! A Naturalist will teach you how to mix herbs to create your very own delightful soaps, drawing upon the knowledge of the first Europeans to settle Central New York. Good, clean, fun! $7 for members, $20/family; $10 for nonmembers, $30/family. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visitbaltimorewoods.org for more information. Art Gallery Reception. 2 to 4 PM. Join us for an afternoon of good fellowship and food as Baltimore Woods Nature Center’s member artists share their work. Bring your family and friends to enjoy artworks in a variety of media. Shop for unique holiday gifts. This event is free and open to the public.4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visitbaltimorewoods.org for more information. A Big Year Presentation: In Search of Birds and the Meaning of Life. 2 to 3:20 PM. In 2011, Matt Stenger left on a journey that sent him crisscrossing the continent in search of birds and a fresh understanding of the world around him. During his Big Year, he slogged through marshes, climbed mountains and traversed valleys, seeking a sense of inner peace and balance, and of course, BIRDS! Join us as Matt tells the story of how searching for birds helped him rediscover himself. An optional hike with Matt will follow. Fee: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family. For more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon. org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Sun Nov 11 Preemie: Lessons in Love, Life, and Motherhood by Kasey Mathews. 7 PM. In this riveting, honest, and often humorous memoir, Preemie chronicles the journey of one tiny baby’s tenacious struggle to hold on to life and the mother who ultimately grew with her. Talk and Signing. Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. 449-2947. Mon Nov 12 Nature Adventure Day Camp Pioneer Adventures! 9 AM to 4 PM. Get back to basics this Veteran’s Day at Baltimore Woods! Come to camp for a fun filled day when we’ll use games and activities to rediscover pioneer living. The adventure happens on November 12th. Camp runs from 9am to 4pm, with early and late care available. Registration forms are available on our website, pre-registration is required. Cost is $40 per camper, family membership required. Space is limited. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visitbaltimorewoods.org for more information. Tue Nov 13 “Great Minds Lectures Series: Nelson Mandela”. 6 PM Registration; 7 to 9 PM Lecture. Presented by Jeffrey Herbst, Colgate University’s 16th president. Palace Theater, 19 Utica

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birds throughout North America. The data collected is used by scientists to look at long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance. Take part in this valuable program and enjoy your bird feeders a little more! Fee*: $3/child; $5/adult; $15/family. For more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Star Party: Leonid Meteor Shower. 7 to 9 PM. The Leonid meteor shower is one of the year’s finest, so come and have a look! Also visible will be the planets Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, plus many bright star clusters and nebulae of the early winter skies. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to lie back and watch for meteors when you’re not looking through a telescope, and be sure to dress warm if the night is cold. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. Back-up date: Nov 18. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visit baltimorewoods.org for more information. Sun Nov 18 “Marriage Means Listening Beyond The Words: Be Sure You Are Hearing Your Spouse Correctly.” 7 to 9 PM. Sponsored by THE THIRD OPTION, a program to build better marriages, and the Family Life Education office. A Hope Appeal program. Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St, DeWitt. Walk-ins welcome. For more information call 472-6728. Life Is A Train Station. 2 PM. A colorful, exciting dance production presenting an international dance duo performs world class flamenco dancing and guitar playing. This is an Art Zimmer Production. Tickets are $15 advance and $20 at the door. The Palace Theater, 19 Utica Street, Hamilton NY,315.824.1420 or palacetheater.org. Mon Nov 19 The New School Bookfair. A percentage of each purchase made with a special voucher will be donated to The New School. Barnes & Noble Dewitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Sun Nov 21 Attention Separated/Divorced: Branch Out And Grow. 7 to 8:30 PM. Support group for separated and divorced, meets at the Bishop Ludden High School, 815 Fay Road, Syracuse, New York. Besides support, we will also be showing a meditative video: “New Relationships” by DivorceCare and discussing it. All are 18651

St., Hamilton. All welcome. Free admission. No reservations necessary. Contact the Office of Special Events for Institutional Advancement at 228-7782. Thu Nov 15 Sally’s Story Time. 10:30 AM. For preschoolers ages 3 to 5. Maxwell Memorial Library is located at 14 Genesee St. in the village of Camillus. For more information, call 672-3661. If These Trees Could Talk. 10:30 AM to Noon. Join Baltimore Woods Naturalist Tom Meier on a journey through time. The shape of the forests at Baltimore Woods is intimately tied to the lifestyles of all the people who came before. This hike will take an inspiring look at the history of the preserve and the ever changing relationships between people and the land, as told through the eyes of the colorful autumn trees. $5 for members, $15/family; $8 for nonmembers, $25/family. 673-1350. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Storytime with Miss Colleen. 10 AM. Barnes & Noble story times are always fun, filled with great books, silly songs and cool activities. Great for toddlers and preschoolers! 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Events may change. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Sat Nov 17 The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of, “Cinderella” every Saturday at 12:30 PM through Dec. 29 at Spaghetti Warehouse. Tickets are $5. Reservations: 4493823. In this interactive version, the children in the audience are invited to the Ball, get to try on the slipper, and help Cinderella and the Prince find true love. Phoenix Project Dance! 9 PM. Am Amber and Mikey Perkins Production featuring local and world class dancers! Tickets are $15 for youth and $20 for adults (17 and older). The Palace Theater, 19 Utica St., Hamilton. 824-1420 or palacetheater.org. Curiosities of Central New York by Melanie Zimmer.1 PM. Across this vast and often wild region, history and lore are remarkably and markedly unusual. Signing with Melanie Zimmer from 1 to 3 PM. Barnes & Noble Dewitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Project FeederWatch. 2 to 3:30 PM. Do you enjoy watching birds flock to your feeders in winter? Come learn about an important project that turns this pastime into valuable data. Project FeederWatch is a winter-long survey of common feeder

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welcome. Sponsored by Family Life Education (A Hope Appeal Agency). For information call 472-6754, ext. 5. www.familylifeeducationsyracuse.org Fri Nov 23 “Green Friday & Saturday” Gift Shop Sale. 9 AM to 4 PM. Special two day shopping event here at The Woods with discounts and added savings for members. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visit baltimorewoods.org for more information. Sat Nov 24 The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an interactive adaptation of, “Cinderella” every Saturday at 12:30 PM through Dec. 29 at Spaghetti Warehouse. Tickets are $5. Reservations: 4493823. In this interactive version, the children in the audience are invited to the Ball, get to try on the slipper, and help Cinderella and the Prince find true love. “Green Friday & Saturday” Gift Shop Sale. 10 AM to 4 PM. Special two day shopping event here at The Woods with discounts and added savings for members. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Visit baltimorewoods.org for more information. Tue Nov 27 Judy’s Book Club. 7 PM. Judy and the group discuss the National Book Award Finalist and New York Times Bestseller, “The Tigers Wife,” by Tia Obreht. In a Balkan country mending from war, Natalia, a young doctor, is compelled to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding her beloved grandfather’s recent death. Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Group. 7 PM. Welcome, Central New York children’s writers and illustrators! Come for a discussion at our children’s stage. A great way to get information and connect with local authors and illustrators. Barnes & Noble Dewitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 4492948 to confirm. Wed Nov 28 Holy Cross Bookfair. A percentage of each purchase made with a special voucher will be donated to Holy Cross. Barnes & Noble DeWitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Thu Nov 29 Birds of Prey & Field TripParticipants will be able to identify rap-

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Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012 • 7

8 • Syracuse Parent and CNY Family • November 2012

• Partnership with LeMoyne College & Syracuse University • Transportation available • Tuition Scholarships available • After School Program

PEDIATRIC

ASSOCIATES

Immaculate Conception School

What every child needs

CAMILLUS

400 Salt Springs Street • Fayetteville • 637-3961

www.icschool.org

601 North Way Phone: 487-1541

LIVERPOOL

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“Academic excellence in a Catholic Tradition.” Prestigious Middle States Accreditation

tors by their unique characteristics, list different types of raptors, and understand the feeding habits of raptors and their role in the ecosystem. Fee: $7/child/session; $25/child/entire series; $20/entire series for each additional child. Space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@ audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Home School Nature Series: Birds of Prey & Field Trip. 10 AM to Noon. Designed for homeschooled children ages 5-12, LIVE BIRDS will be used to help children identify raptors by their unique characteristics, list different types of raptors, and understand the feeding habits of raptors and their role in the ecosystem. Then, we’ll take a trip to explore another birding hotspot in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Fee: $7/

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• Full Day Kindergarten • Pre-K - 6th grade • One of the top academic schools in a three-county area on NYS tests. • Spanish taught beginning in kindergarten • Instrumental & Vocal Music Programs • Hot Lunch Program • Art appreciation • Technology Classes integrated throughout the school

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child. For more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@ audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Fri Nov 30 Home School Nature Series: Birds of Prey & Field Trip. 10 to Noon and 1 to 3 PM. Designed for home-schooled children ages 5-12, LIVE BIRDS will be used to help children identify raptors by their unique characteristics, list different types of raptors, and understand the feeding habits of raptors and their role in the ecosystem. Then, we’ll take a trip to explore another birding hotspot in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Fee: $7/child. For more information about the Center, please call 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Mott Road Elementary School Bookfair. A percentage of each purchase made with a special voucher will be donated to Mott Road Elementary School. Barnes & Noble Dewitt. 3454 Erie Boulevard East. Please call 449-2948 to confirm. Gian Carlo Menotti’s Christmas operetta “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”8 PM. Performances at: First English Lutheran Church at James and Townsend streets. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Group rates available. 476-0466. openhandtheater.org. Birds of Prey & Field TripParticipants will be able to identify raptors by their unique characteristics, list different types of raptors, and understand the feeding habits of raptors and their role in the ecosystem. Fee: $7/child/ session; $25/child/entire series; $20/entire series for each additional child. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org. Montezuma Audubon Center. 2295 State Route 89, Savannah.

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Immaculate Conception creates a faith-filled future, one student at a time.