Syracuse parent april

APRIL 2015

Be a backyard hero Essay contest prize: Update to schools’ green space

Spring break

blues?

Cook up some tropical fun in your kitchen

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

It’s become second nature to turn to the Internet for information on any topic, including our children’s health. The problem is, while “Dr. Google” always provides a diagnosis, accuracy isn’t his forte.

When it’s 3 a.m. and your child wakes up with a stuffy nose, fever and a rash that looks like he was dipped in strawberry jelly, it’s only natural to “google” the symptoms while waiting for the pediatrician’s office to call back.

And what does Google tell you? It could be a viral rash, an allergic reaction or a little-known but devastating illness that wiped out half the population of Medieval Europe.

Of course, as a sleep-deprived parent you skip over viral rash and head straight to “plague.” Now, armed with your Internet diagnosis, you search for more information. This leads to horror stories of epic proportions from faceless strangers about rashes that resulted in children growing extra limbs and third eyes.

About the time you are convinced you will have to adapt to a life that includes a child who literally has an eye in the back of his head along with an extra leg, your doctor calls back and convinces you to step back from the ledge of “Dr. Google”-induced panic.

I feel sorry for doctors today. Once, they were the pinnacle of medical knowledge. Now they must jockey for position with an Internet search engine. “I know you say it’s only a viral rash, but when I ‘googled,’ it said

en

B er g a m o- M

oo

this could also be the plague. Can we get an antibiotic for that?”

There’s also the crowd-sourced diagnosis. How many times have A you seen a post on social media mo ve that includes a list of symptoms ther ’s perspecti accompanied by a photo asking, “Has anyone seen this before? What do you think it is? Should I take Franz to the doctor?”

Sure “been there, done that” input is comforting, but sometimes you should go to your doctor before asking your non-medical degreed friends to decide if a 104 temperature and lethargy merits a trip to the doctor’s office. For the record, it does.

The Internet is breeding ground for hypochondriac tendencies. Anytime I’m on Facebook and read that someone’s family has been wiped out by a stomach bug, I become convinced that my family is next. They don’t call it a computer virus for nothing.

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

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

r Ka

re

The trouble with ‘Dr. Google’ is he makes house calls

learning curve

Green Lakes Music Together Fun filled music and movement classes for infants through age 7, together with the adults who love them.

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Registration is now open for our 10 week Spring session (April 6-June 13). Coming soon, info on our 6 week summer session (July 13-August 21) Classes in Syracuse, Dewitt, Clay, Camillus, Fayetteville, Skaneateles & Auburn

Call 446-1017 for a free sample class!

Visit greenlakesmusictogether.com for more information.

APRIL 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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meals in minutes

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

Got the spr i ng br e a k You and the kids can enjoy a tropical ‘staycation’ right in your kitchen!

blues?

Grill it! Head outside for some fresh

Pineapple chicken

air and the fresh taste of spring - and let the kids help by threading vegetable chunks onto a skewer for a great side dish.

Ingredients: 1 cup pineapple juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 pounds chicken breast, cut in half widthwise.

Directions: In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar and soy sauce.

Remove from heat just before the mixture comes to a boil.

Place chicken in a medium bowl. Cover with the pineapple marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Why not try...

A tropical twist to a classic treat

SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

cup coconut milk cup pineapple chunks cup pineapple juice 2 medium bananas Pulse in a blender until desired smoothness. Garnish with whipped cream and toasted coconut, if desired.

Or, why not...

Make a smoothie bar Line up all the ingredients for smoothies - even unusual ones such as avacado and help the kids experiment with different flavors.

Preheat grill for medium heat. Have them Grill chicken for five to seven make small batches and minutes per side, or until put them in juices run clear. shot glasses for tasting.

2 cups popcorn, popped 1/4 cup dried mango, chopped 1/4 cup dried pineapple, diced 4

Coconut banana pineapple smoothie

1/4 cup banana chips, chopped 2 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut Toss popcorn, mango and pineapple in a bowl. Spread coconut

on a baking sheet; bake at 350 degrees stirring every minute, until light gold in color. Sprinkle on popcorn mixture.

what’s inside

contents

learning curve

3 The trouble with “Dr. Google” is he makes house calls.

meals in minutes IS YOUR

4 Got the spring break blues? You and the kids can enjoy

MEDICINE from the editor 6 CABINET healthy family SAFE? 7 a tropical “staycation” right in the kitchen!

Trying to keep spring fever in check.

Going green!

16 When to call it quits.

17 What to do about a picky eater.

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calendar

8 What’s happening around you

Is Your Medicine Cabinet Safe?

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

1 in 5 teen report abusing prescription drugs Talk with your kids about the safe use and risk of prescription drugs and OTC medicines.

in 5 teen report abusing prescription drugs

The majority of teens are getting 9 Be a Backyard Herothem Essay from medicine cabinets of Contest open. family and friends! family FYI

contest

15 BASCOL cuts ribbon for

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

new training room.

Win Crunch tickets!

For talking tips

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Submit a photo of your little ones enjoying the fruits of spring, whether it be working in the garden, look471-1359 ing through their Easter loot or spending time with the Easter Bunny himself! One entry will win a family preventionnetworkcny.org six-pack of tickets to see the Syracuse Crunch hockey For talking tips team face off in the Oncenter War Memorial!

Simply email your entry to 471-1359 jwing@eaglenewsonline.com. preventionnetworkcny.org

from the editor

Trying to keep spring fever in check Well, it’s certainly been a long winter – colder than ever, with crazy wind chills and many late starts to the school day as a result. But (hopefully) that is behind us now, and we can look forward to some warm temperatures and sunshine.

The flu was particularly bothersome for many Central New Yorkers this past season and, although my family was spared the flu, there was, nonetheless, illness in my household, complete with flu-like symptoms. One thing I’ve learned as a parent is that there’s nothing like watching your child soldier through a fever, sore throat and/or, God forbid, the stomach bug. It’s tough to watch them suffer, especially if there’s not much you can do to help other than try to make them as comfortable as possible and, of course, keep them hydrated and Jennifer Wing well-rested.

Editor Now that it’s warmer out, my son and daughter will no doubt be sporting shorts (way too early) and not the jacket I would prefer them to wear. It does drive me a bit crazy, as I typically am pretty thin-blooded and will wear a sweater in my air-conditioned office, which can be downright chilly, even during the summer months.

It is a different time, though. Decades ago, it was thought that you could “catch a cold” if not dressed appropriately for the weather.

That notion has since been debunked, but I still don’t understand why you would want to be uncomfortably cold, regardless of what fashion dictates. I guess I am getting older – at least that’s what the look of irritation on my daughter’s face as I try to get her to wear her jacket to the bus stop seems to indicate. It says, clearly, that I’m now of that generation of nagging moms and grandmothers who worry about them “catching their death of cold,” an antiquated notion nowadays.

So, I’ll just shrug my shoulders in acceptance that they won’t die without that extra layer of warmth, and accept that this is just a symptom of another illness – spring fever. There’s certainly worse illnesses out there to catch.

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

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SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

publisher

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

editor

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

associate editor

Alyssa LaFaro 434-8889 ext. 306

ad sales

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

business manager

Lisa Congdon

434-8889 ext. 303 lcongdon@eaglenewsonline.com

circulation manager

Lori Newcomb

434-8889 ext. 333 lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com

creative director

Sean Haney

434-8889 ext. 331 art@eaglenewsonline.com

We want your news! Contributions can be sent to Jen Wing, Editor, Syracuse Parent Magazine, 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, New York 13206. Original contributions become the property of Syracuse Parent Magazine. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned. To contact us please call 315.434.8889, or fax 315.434.8883 Syracuse Parent Magazine is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 10th day of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates available upon request. Syracuse Parent Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services, or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2008 by Syracuse Parent Magazine. No portion of Syracuse Parent Magazine may be reproduced without permission from the editor.

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

Going green!

By Julie Mellen RDN, CDE Morrison Healthcare at Upstate Medical University April 22 is Earth Day! Earth Day Network’s year-round mission is to broaden, diversify and activate the environmental movement worldwide, through a combination of education, public policy and consumer campaigns.

This month I thought it would be appropriate to write about “going green.� There’s no specific definition of “going green,� but the term generally refers to practices that protect the environment by reducing waste, pollution and the use of synthetic materials and harmful chemicals. Read on for a few “green� ideas that you and your family can do to help the environment just a little bit. Some of these ideas may save you a little bit of money too which will add a little “green� to your wallet too!

- When shopping, use reusable shopping bags. If you must choose plastic bags, bring them home and reuse them in your bathroom trash receptacle.

- Limit buying pre-packaged foods. More packaging = more waste.

- Buy in bulk and make snack packs with small containers.

- Buy organic when you can, as organic farmers don’t use chemical pesticides, which supports “green� farming and “green� eating.

- Pack a bagged lunch in a reusable bag. You can even find cloth

healthy family

washable and reusable sandwich bags!

- Drink tap water in a reusable water bottle.

- Choose fresh whole foods (fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains) - Eat Local (shop at farmers markets, join a community supported agriculture group or purchase locally grown produce at the store) - Plant a garden!

- Eat more vegetarian protein sources; try substituting a vegetarian meal for meal containing meat twice a week.

- When buying seafood, look for sustainable species that are naturally abundant and maintained through regulated practices, harvested and caught in environmentally friendly ways that do not harm the natural habitats, other species or the environment.

- Produce less waste and save money by practicing the three “Rs� of the environment: REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE. REDUCE: reduce the amount of waste you produce!

REUSE: reuse bags, packaging, containers and leftovers RECYCLE: recycle cans, bags, newspapers, etc.

As You Grow n r a Le Camp Directory Camp Exploration

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Discover, Explore, Experience School Age Summer Camp at Learn As You Grow

/ 4ZSBDVTF t ALSO OFFERING $JDFSP t INFANT, TODDLER, 4PMWBZ t AND PRE-K SUMMER PROGRAMS TOO! $BNJMMVT t 4ZSBDVTF t Employment Opportunities - Come join our team!

www.learnasyougrowccc.com APRIL 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar

Wednesday, April 1 Syracuse Crunch vs. Binghamton Senators

SPECIAL RATES FOR:

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Serving Lunches Daily!

OPEN ROCK & BOWLING Mon-Thurs BOWL 11am-Midnight

Friday & Saturday Night 9pm

here is what’s happening around you

Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun noon-9pm

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

Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday–Saturday, April 1-4 NanoDays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S Franklin St., Syracuse; most. org. Learn about nanotechnology with hands-on activities, demonstrations and the permanent exhibit, “Nano: Imagine and Discover a World You Can’t See.� Free with exhibit admition.

Thursday, April 2 Woodpeckers 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519 onondagacountyparks.com. Join a Beaver Lake naturalist for this program discussing a woodpeckers. Advance registration required. Cost is $5.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Prime Rib Buffet 6 p.m., Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius; 677-3303. Reservations recommended. Cost: $17.95; $8.95 ages 5-11; under 5 free.

Friday, April 3

e At $BMM r XXX DB[TQPSUTCPXM DPN I3PVUF 5PXO $PVOUSZ 1MB[B $B[FOPWJB /: t’s Apple Picking Tim

Syracuse Crunch Ice Hockey vs. Binghamton Senators 7 p.m., Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St.; syracusecrunch.com. Ticket prices vary.

Baby & Me Tour 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; everson.org.

Free with exhibition admission, drop-ins welcome. Parents and caregivers can enjoy a tour while babies enjoy the stimulating colors and shapes of the artwork in “Prendergast to Pollock: American Modernism�Stay to eat your brown bag lunch (or feed baby) in the Everson Lounge.

Super-natural Egg-stravaganza

e aldwinsvill 3275 Cold Springs Road • B rms.com fa 315-638-7783 • abbott

Friday – Saturday, April 3 - 4 82nd Annual Tigris Shrine Circus

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Now booking birthday parties and special events!

10 a.m. – noon, Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 6382519. Children up to 10 years old will discover the challenge of searching for hidden eggs that are sporting their natural spots and camouflage colors, then explore the amazing science of eggs. Sign up today, this program fills up fast! Advance registration required. Cost is $4.

Daily performances at 10 a.m., 2:30 and 7 p.m., Empire Expo Center-NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse. Acrobats, clowns, motorcycle thrill act, elephants and other animals. This local main fundraiser helps support The Shriners worldwide. Tickets: $13.

Friday-Saturday, April 3-12 Spring Break Activities

Visit Our Barnyard Animals!

10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse; rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Free with paid admission or zoo membership. Throughout the week, see animals up close, meet zookeepers and learn what happens “behind the scenes.�

Saturday, April 4 Animal Egg-Stravaganza

Gifford Ice Cream 8

SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse; rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Free with paid admission or zoo membership. Watch the zoo’s animals as they receive eggs and egg-shaped enrichment items throughout the day.

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contest

Children in grades K-5 have the power to improve the outdoor green spaces at their schools by participating in the “Be a Backyard Superhero” essay contest with Scholastic.

They can enter the contest by writing and illustrating a story.

Entry deadline is April 13.

The contest is part of the TurfMutt environmental stewardship and education program – where children learn they can be backyard superheroes by taking care of green spaces, inspired by TurfMutt and his friends, the Outdoor Powers. The program is funded and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Research and Education Foundation.

Teachers and parents may submit their students’ or children’s essays and illustrations online. In 150– 200 words, students in grades K-5 will describe how they are “Backyard Superheroes” and, along with TurfMutt and the Outdoor Powers, combat the environmental villains (Carbon Creep, Dust Demon, Dr. Runoff and Heat Freak). Students will draw pictures of their missions and attach the character cutouts to their drawings.

Two Grand Prize-winning schools will win $5,000 to improve outdoor green spaces.

Learn more about the contest at scholastic. com/turfmutt/contest/. See the free digital storybook, lesson plans and more at scholastic.com/turfmutt/.

About the TurfMutt Program In 2015, the expanded TurfMutt program, created in conjunction with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, includes lesson plans for teachers, take home sheets and learning activities for families, a website and blog, interactive games and a digital storybook. The program’s materials, available at TurfMutt.com, are free and are aligned to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) standards for grades K to 5. The TurfMutt environmental education program has reached 38 million students, teachers and families since 2009. TurfMutt is sponsored and managed by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Research and Education Foundation.

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Be a Backyard Superhero Essay Contest open

APRIL 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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Open your heartOpen your home with Berkshire Farm Center and Services for Youth!

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Fifth Annual Easter Egg Hunt 8 – 11 a.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville. Includes all-youcan-eat breakfast with the Easter Bunny, face painting and crafts at the clubhouse; egg hunt is at 10 a.m. Bring your own baskets. Reservations required $10.99 adults, $5.99 children (10 and younger) – Register at the park office, 637-6111; honesty.rohrer@ parks.ny.gov.

BERKSHIRE

FARM CENTER AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH

Become a Foster parent with Berkshire Farm

Pancake breakfast 9 a.m. – noon; Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 6382519. Cost ranges from $3 to $5. First-come, first-serve basis.

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Saturday-Sunday, April 4-5 It’s Maple Syrup Time 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519.

Programming centered around the year’s “first harvest” including a demonstration sugarbush with stations to introduce visitors to the heritage of maple sugaring and have samples.

Sunday, April 5 Easter Buffet Seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Forest Road, Fabius; 677-3303. Cost: $20.95; children 5-11: $10.95; under 5: free. Reservations required.

Mondays, April 6,13,20,27

454-4700 berkshirefarm.org

Monday Morning Bird Walks

1065 James St., Syracuse 13203

Staff on call 24 HOURS A day!

8 a.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519.

Join a naturalist in search of spring migrants and summer residents. Open to both experienced birders and first-timers. You can sign up for Beaver Lake’s “100 Birds” program. Cost is $5.

Monday– Friday, April 6 - 10 Spring Adventure Week Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519.

Free with admission. At 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. will be a Featured Creature Talk; at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. will be Exploring with a Naturalist; from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. will be children’s crafts; and Beetle Spotting, a scavenger hunt in search of beetle creations, will be held.

Day Camp - Dr. Suess Style

CAMILLUS

LIVERPOOL

8086 Oswego Rd. Phone: 652-1070

www.pediatricassociatesny.com

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Tuesday-Saturday, April 7-11

601 North Way Phone: 487-1541

SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

School Break Week at Hazard 43670_5

FREE

Prenatal Consultation!

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center Inc., 4007 Bishop Hill Rd, Marcellus. Spend a day or five exploring the wonders of Baltimore Woods. Find salamanders and snails and other forest goods, with a Dr. Seuss bent, and fun is the name of the game! $45/child/day.

Registration forms and daily descriptions are at baltimorewoods.org and pre-registration is required. Before and after care are available.

Monday - Pat in the Hat – Camp counselor Pat will be causing all kinds of mischief and fun.

Tuesday – Horton Hears a Who! – Look closely and discover worlds within worlds.

Wednesday – Green Eggs & Ham – It’s an egg hunt! Learn who lays eggs and go on a campwide egg hunt.

Thursday – The Foot Book – We spend so much time looking above, let’s look below…It’s the Great Log Roll-off!

Friday – Bartholomew and the Oobleck – Save the Baltimore Woods Kingdom on an adventurous day full of puzzles and challenges.

2:30 – 4:15 p.m., Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse; 435-5326; Free.

Tuesday: Tin Cans, Man! Use recyclable items to make decorative bird feeders and flower vases. Then see how far you can walk on the fun Coffee Can Stilts..

here is what’s happening around you Wednesday: Create a mobile out of old compact discs to hang in your window, where it can sparkle and shine. Will it be a bird, a turtle, a fish or your own unique design?

Thursday: Hear stories about foods around the world and make your own bento box of candy sushi.

Friday: Turn yourself into a Minecraft character by creating your own block mask or follow the block pattern to make a Creeper or Steve magnet. Enjoy snacks found in the game, like carrots, melon and cookies!

Saturday: D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) Day - have fun with a read-aloud of a favorite children’s book and decorate a D.E.A.R. T-shirt to take home.

Tuesday, April 7 3DS/2DS/DS Meet Up 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Gizmo’s Videogames and Wrestling 102 S. Main St. Suite 5, North Syracuse; GizmosNY.com.

Play a variety of in-store multiplayer games, or bring your own to share in a relaxed play setting. All ages are welcome.

Wednesday, April 8

calendar

blends from around the world, paired with food offerings. $30.

Friday, April 10 Syracuse Crunch vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers 7 p.m., The Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse; syracusecrunch.com. Ticket prices vary.

Friday – Sunday, April 10 - 12 Sesame Street Live: “Make A New Friend” 7 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse; landmarktheatre.org. An interactive learning experience, including up-close and furry interactions on the audience floor, timeless tunes and lessons. Ticket prices vary.

Saturday, April 11 Winter Farmer’s Market 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Visitors to the market will enjoy a diverse mix of local farm and artisanal food products from top regional producers. Held indoors with free parking.

Good Samaritan 5K Run/Walk.

Afternoon Tea at the Landmark Theatre

10 a.m., Long Branch Park in Liverpool; goodsamaritanrun.org.

Event includes a 9:30 a.m. Kid’s Sprint for ages 5 to 12 and a “Buddy Racers” option for people with disabilities to participate with

1 p.m., Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse; landmarktheatre.org.

Held in the elegant and luxurious Gilded Mezzanine. Featuring tea

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Terra Science and Education offers summer programs for students of all ages!

Art and Science: Students entering grades 3-8 develop a love of learning Leadership: A diverse group of high school students engage in a summer of service

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Contact us: info@terraed.org or 315-400-1763 www.terraed.org

APRIL 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar an assistant. Awards ceremony, concession stands, family-oriented activities, live music and vendors are included with the event. All proceeds benefit Christian Health Service of Syracuse. Registration information can be obtained at goodsamaritanrun.org.

April Sensory Friendly Time 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; most.org. Staff turns down the noise, turns off flashing lights and shuts off the air compressors so people with sensory processing challenges can enjoy the museum, along with quiet areas where participants can sit, relax and regroup.

Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. Contact: bjones@ most.org.

Paws and Books 11 a.m. – noon, Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse; 435-5326. Enjoy reading a story to a live, trained, lovable dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen. For ages 6 to 12. Free.

Syracuse Crunch vs. Springfield Falcons

For Children 18 months - 13 years Weekly Sessions from July 6 - August 28, 2015

Daily nutritious lunches & healthy snacks in our outdoor pavilion • Horses • Full Acre Sports Field • Music led by our own “Mr. Songflower” • Red Cross Swim Lessons taught by certified WSI/Red Cross Instructors • Sports • Nature Study • Lakefront Swim Lessons for Older Campers • Swimming in our own on-site heated in-ground pool • State of the art playground • All groups are led by certified teachers • Recreational outdoor activities • Weekly special events • Extended hours & breakfast available • Four supervised, exciting optional overnights throughout the summer for grades one through seven • And much more

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

Artful Tales: “The Pot that Juan Built” by Nancy Andrews-Goebel 1 p.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse.

For children ages 3 and up and their caregivers. Younger siblings welcome! Look, listen and explore during this afternoon of storytelling and gallery exploration with a museum docent. To register, contact Kimberly Griffiths, kgriffiths@everson.org, 474-6064 ext. 308.

Sunday, April 12 Collectorsfest Sports Memorabilia Show 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Empire Expo Center-NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse. The largest show in the state featuring sports and race memorabilia, sports and non-sports cards, autographs, Beanie Babies, comics, toys and more. Adults: $4, Children 10 and under: free.

Monday, April 13 Miss Maggie’s Toddler Storytime 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse. Toddlers play musical instruments, learn shapes and colors and sing. For birth – 4 and their parents and caregivers.

Thursday, April 16 Waterfowl

531 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, New York 13066 Email: ceds1@verizon.net

www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com C.E.D.S. is accredited by the NYS Education Department and licensed by NYSOCFS Our Summer Day Camp Program is licensed by Onondaga County.

School year program runs September - June for 18 mo. - Kindergarten, Before and After School Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade

For more information/tour call

637-6071

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SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

Teen Literature Day 43692_5

Sheila C. Brittain, Director

1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville; 638-2519 onondagacountyparks.com. Join a Beaver Lake naturalist to focus on this topic. Registration required. $5.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse. Tweens, teens will participate in a trivia contest to win prizes.

Friday, April 17 Star Party: Saturn on the Rise 8 – 10 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Get a look at spring skies, and the planets Jupiter, Venus, and our first look at Saturn! Back up date April 18. $5 for members, $8 for nonmembers.

here is what’s happening around you

calendar

Bone Appetit

Friday, April 17

6:30 - 9:30 p.m., The Whitetail at Woodcrest, 6200 Old Cheese Factory Rd., Manlius; wanderersrest.org. Join the Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association for an elegant evening of silent and live auctions, raffles, wine and food to benefit the animals rescued by the shelter.

NYS Baroque: Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 310 Montgomery St., Syracuse; nysbaroque.com. Cost: $25, seniors - $20, college students - $10 and grades 3-12 - free.

Syracuse Crunch vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Syracuse Crunch vs. Adirondack Flames

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

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

Young People’s Concert III : The Animated Orchestra 10:30 a.m. – noon, Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org. The fun of a cartoon story brought to life by Symphoria. Cost: $8- $15, college students with ID $5, under 18 free.

Saturday, April 18 Cryptography: Keeping Secrets Secret 9:30 – 11 a.m., the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; most.org. TACNY Junior Café Scientifique’s informal discussion aimed at middle school students. After the event tour the MOST’s exhibits for free. This month’s topic is cryptography and features Sarah Muccio, PhD, a mathematician with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, director of the Advanced Course in Engineering (ACE) Cyber Security Boot Camp and adjunct faculty at Syracuse University.

A light breakfast is served before the event. RSVP to jrcafe@tacny.org.

Earth Day Celebration

1 – 4 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Come for information booths on home energy, recycling, crafts, guided nature walks, live animal shows and a live performance of Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax.” Free.

Faith & Values • Academic Excellence • Family & Community

Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19 Nancy Kelly

2 p.m., Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday,CNY Jazz Central, 441 E. Washington St., Syracuse; cnyjazz.org. Aspiring jazz singers get a chance to perform songs with a live band, receive professional coaching, and tune up their performance credentials and resume. Professional jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly will work with vocalists along with piano accompaniment by Rick Montalbano, associate music director of the CNY Jazz Orchestra.

Let’s face it. Parenting can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be.

Raising most kids is like learning how to drive; really awkward at first, but after a few miles, you feel like you have been driving forever! Some kids are like 18wheelers. You can’t just hop in and drive. You need a unique approach & special skills.

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3 year old program beginning in September

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse; rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Celebrating the earth and learn about the zoo’s efforts to protect the environment, enjoy endangered animal demonstrations, keeper talks and more. Free with admission.

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

Party for the Planet

Enrichment Pre-K program

Tanya Gesek, PhD, specializes in children, adolescents, and their families. She addresses a variety of issues that children may have including: Anger Management

Anxiety

Depressive Symptoms

Dr Gesek is also trained and experienced to help families with the delicate transitions of Divorce & Separation.

Applications Available

Don’t travel the road alone, help is available.

Tanya Gesek, PhD.

Applications now being accepted. Please call for an appointment and personal tour.

Prestigious Middle States Accreditation

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400 Salt Springs Street • Fayetteville • 637-3961 www.icschool.org

(315) 430-8040

2100 East Genesee Street Syracuse, NY drtanyagesek.com

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calendar

Open Hand Theater Presents,

THEATER ARTS

Circus Camp

An active creative program for children ages 8-14

at Blessed Sacrament School

3129 James Street in Eastwood

Tuesday, April 21 Mary Roach 7:30 – 9 p.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; foclsyracuse.org. This humorous science writer’s books include writings about elephant wart surgery and other animal predicaments while working for the San Francisco Zoological Society.

Admission varies, with $10 student tickets available.

Saturday, April 25

July 6th – 17th July 20th –July 31st August 3rd – August 14th

Weekend Wildflower Walk

with a Saturday performance after each session

• Make Great Friends!

• Learn to dance, act and juggle.

• Perform with giant puppets • Be part of an active, creative team in a fantastic Circus

2 – 3 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org.

Join caretaker Audrey Loewer for a pleasant walk through one of the wonders of spring. The garden is handicap accessible; call ahead for assistance. Donations appreciated.

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Reading ‘Round the Campfire

Register online at: www.openhandtheater.org or Call (315) 476-0466

4 – 5:30 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org.

Join Environmental Educator Patrick Burke and local authors around a pavilion campfire as they share tales and history of the local landscape. $8, or $5 for members.

Earh Day Celebration

10:30 – 11 a.m., Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse, 435-5326. Join Miss Maggie to help clean up the lawns around the library, then enjoy pizza and juice! For ages 6 to 12 and parents and caregivers. Free.

Artsy Voice & Color, Too!

10 a.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; everson.org.

Syracuse Opera performs “Dreaming Blue” is an opera about color and the emotions of music, just for families. Before the performance, use color and your imagination to create a work of art and be part of the performance. Cost: $8 per person.

Sunday, April 26 Bowling -4- Paws 5 – 8 p.m., AMF Strike N’ Spare Lanes, 1777 Brewerton Road, Syracuse. Enjoy an evening of bowling to benefit the CNYSPCA. Entry fee: $25/individual - $100/four-person team. Prizes awarded.

For more information call Terri Para 454-8787, Email: development@ cnyspca.org or visit cnyspca.org

Monday, April 27

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Miss Maggie’s Toddler Storytime 10:30 – 11:15 a.m., Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse.

Toddlers will enjoy this sensory storytime as they play musical instruments, learn shapes and colors and sing. For birth – 4 and their parents and caregivers. Free.

An Orchestral Odyssey

7:30 – 9 p.m., Le Moyne College Performing Arts Center, 200 Springfield Road, Syracuse; lemoyne.edu.

The Le Moyne College Chamber Orchestra will perform celestial favorites, synchronized with big-screen projections of high-resolution images provided by NASA! Tickets are $5-$15.

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SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

some helpful information for your family

family

FYI

BASCOL cuts ribbon for new training room

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BASCOL’s program focuses on core programming areas including art, dramatic play, fine motor skills, literacy, physical education, health and nutrition, social and emotional development and special events.

Learning takes place at BASCOL with a mix of fun and recreation, and field trips are always exciting.

BASCOL’s professional staff provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and play. BASCOL staff help children grow to their fullest potential by offering choices of a variety of activities.

For more information about Submitted photo the BASCOL program call the BASCOL Administrative Office Pictured at the ribbon cutting are Tim Bates, BASCOL board member, at 622-4815 or visit bascol.org.

Candace Edwards, BASCOL executive director, Joe Palumbo, president, BASCOL’s mission is to provide Palumbo Project Company, Nicole Vazquez, BASCOL senior program every child in grades K through manager, Angela St. Laurent, BASCOL program manager, Krystle Dunn, BASCOL program manager, Terry Liberty, BASCOL operations manager 6 with the best possible before and Laura Ranger, BASCOL CFO. and after school program.

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BASCOL, Before and After School Child Care on Location Inc. has designed and renovated a new training area. BASCOL provides Central New York with the premier before and after school child care program for children in grades K-6 for over 23 years. BASCOL serves children and families at 17 locations in several school districts, in Onondaga and Oswego counties.

School districts include: Central Square, Jamesville-Dewitt, Liverpool, Onondaga Central, Solvay, West Genesee and Westhill. The expansion of the staff training area was necessary to accommodate the expanding needs of the business.

“We are so excited to bring such a needed service to our community,” said Candace Edwards, BASCOL’s executive director. “Staff training and communication are the cornerstone of BASCOL’s quality programming.”

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15 COMPLIMENTA HORS D’OEUVR

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healthy family

When to call it quits

By Tanya Gesek, PhD

We talk at length about being careful not to overbook our children.

An important discussion, then, is to know when to let your child quit an activity and when to insist that they finish the season.

In general, I recommend that you insist that they finish the season. We are a generation of parents that are petrified of seeing our kids upset.

However, a huge part of problem solving is solving problems. There is a huge benefit from learning how to deal with struggle. How often are we as adults faced to deal with a bad choice or impulsive move?

The real life consequences of quitting can be rough and it is never too early to learn this important lesson. By helping our kids see it through, we are getting them ready for life. Not to mention, you spent money, and your child may have other people relying on them. Taking one for the team has its merits!

Of course, there are exceptions and toughing it out at all costs may not be the best idea. I know it sounds cliche but we are often guilty of living out our dreams through our children. You have to be able to recognize this and realize that your children may not have the same dreams you do. Excuse cliche number 2, but not all kids will go on to be top of their game. It will become perfectly clear if your child does not have the skill or will necessary to participate in a certain activity. It can be a safety issue and a huge crush to self­esteem to force a situation that promotes weekly or daily failure. Let it go.

The bottom line is my favorite response to psychology questions.

It depends. You really have to know your child. But don’t think for a second that letting them struggle is a bad thing.

Tanya Gesek, PhD, has an office located at 2100 East Genesee St. She specializes in children, adolescents and their families. She addresses a variety of issues that children may have including anger management, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Dr Gesek is also experienced and trained to help families with the delicate transitions of divorce and separation. She can be reached at 430-8040 or drtanyagesek.com.

SewSyracuse 43685_5

Sewing Lessons Seamstress

Kids & Adults, Private or small group sewing lessons 315-427-1994 www.sewsyracuse.com

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SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

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

healthy family

What to do about a picky eater

By Rosanne Jones Your baby is a good eater. When he was born, he took breast milk or formula without problems. He grew and progressed through all the baby foods and textures eating like a champ. Now, he is eating all types of table foods.

Until one day you plop a piece of lasagna (lasagna is just a fictional dislike, it could be any food) in front of him. The lasagna is a no-go; the nose squinches up, the eyebrows furrow and there is an expression of pure disbelief on his face that you have given him this food to eat. He gazes into your eyes as if to say “”help me!””

What do you do? Do you get up from the table to make him a grilled cheese sandwich or open a can of spaghettios?

What happens the next time you make lasagna? Will you never make lasagna again? Do you make a second meal right from the start so that your child doesn’t have to eat that delicious nutritious lasagna? The answer is a resounding no, no and no!

Babies grow very fast in the first year, tripling their birth weight, and then the rate of growth slows down from age 2 to the years before puberty. Quite naturally their appetite decreases during the periods of slower growth and increases during growth spurts. The valley between growth spurts can look like picky eating because the food they used to like, they no longer will eat, they pick at their food or they don’t want to try new foods anymore. The truth is they may just be growing more slowly and don’t need as many calories so they eat less.

The real advice is to consistently serve the meals made for the family to everyone in the family. In the wise words of Ellyn Satter, who

devised the idea of The Division of Responsibility, ‘‘……trust in your child’s ability to eat what he needs and in his ability to grow in the way nature intended. Once you have done your feeding job of providing nutritious food, it is up to your child to eat what and how much he needs……’’

Other tips for health eating habits: Pay attention to portion size.

Kids 5 years old and under require portion sizes about half the size of an adult portion size.

Beware of short order cooking.

This is food your child will usually eat but is not as nutritious as the meal you have prepared. If your child gets to eat this alternate meal each time, he may not grow as nature intended.

Avoid the idea of kid food.

You want them to grow up on the same diet as yours.

Be a good role model.

Try new foods in front of your child.

Make dinner conversation about anything other than the meal itself.

So when you do serve that lasagna, put a small portion on your child’s plate along with a favorite veggie. Put something else with the meal like a piece of bread and a glass of milk.

Your child will not go hungry if they have all that to choose from. Then button your lip about what he or she is eating or not eating. Relax, serve yourself some and talk about the weather.

Check out Ellyn Satter’s website for other recommended stratigies to work with feeding your child: ellynsatterinstitute. org.

Books to help you with a picky eater recommended

by Mary Laverty Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital: “Everyone Eats!” by Julia Kuo 2012. A colorful board book using familiar but hury animals to introduce young children to foods like apples, honey and carrots.

“More Peas Please” by Kate Di Prima and Dr. Julie Cichero 2009.A must-read guide to finding nutritious solutions for fussy eaters from first foods that won’t be spat out to lunch box fixes the envy of the playground. “More Pea Please” is an across-the-board guide to helping children learn to happily eat a variety of healthy foods. It examines the importance of feeding kids a balanced diet, helping them overcome negative responses to certain foods, and the significance of early feeding experiences on speech development. It also contains loads of easy, fuss-free recipes for delicious, family-friendly meals.

Rosanne Jones, MS RD CDN, is a pediactric outpatient dietitian for Upstate Golidsano Children’s Hospital Center for Development, Behavior and Genetics.

Blogs such as the one above can be found at upstate.edu/pedstoparents.

Summer Camp Time!

Kidz 3-7yrs - Camps June 30-Aug. 22

at

Home of award winning, carefree parties and imaginative play time!

Drop off camps designed to give parents some free time while providing a fun yet educational experience their children can only get at KidzClub!

Space is limited so register now!

For more info & to register visit our website.

This years camps all include live character visits!

Visit our website for Open Play Hours!

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315-695-2211

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Themes include Frozen, Pirate, Princess, Animal & Superhero.

Animal camp also includes a visit from out of the cage pet mobile & princess camp has a princess visit EVERY Day!

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Three Rivers Plaza • Co. Rt. 57 • Phoenix, NY

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SYRACUSE PARENT APRIL 2015

Please Join WANDERERS’ REST HUMANE ASSOCIATION for our t Day Tripper

2015

Bone Appétit

35

April 18th

t Theatre

at The Whitetail at WoodCrest 6200 Cheese Factory Road, Manlius, NY

$50 – Donor Tickets 7:00-9:30 PM $75 – Patron Tickets 6:30-9:30 PM

June 29 - August 21

Purchase tickets online at www.wanderersrest.org or by contacting Linda DeMuro (607)316-3748, directorwanderersrest@gmail.com Bone Appetit is a Silent Auction and Wine Tasting Event which last year raised over $20,000 for WRHA.

(315) 697-2796 www.WanderersRest.org

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