Syracuse parent june

JUNE 2015

2015 TRAVEL GUIDE MOMS NEED

MOM FRIENDS VOLUNTEER

your Opportunities for Protect pets from high school students ticks

A new generation takes the helm

What to look for in a

teen’s first car

CNY Fiber Artists FIBER FESTIVAL

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our earliest learners!

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Art and Dance

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For more information contact our Admissions Office at 315-446-2452 (ext 131) or visit us online at www.mph.net/Admissions.

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• Full-day Pre-K and KG plus extended day options • Academic instruction includes Singapore Math, World Language and Wilson Fundations • “Whole-child” approach promotes critical thinking, character Spaces going development and self-confidence quickly.

• Creative development through Call Today!

Suzuki Strings, Music,

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some helpful information for your family

The family car, a.k.a. second pantry

en

FYI

B er g a m o- M

oo I’m not talking about the Cheerios that littered the floor when The Boy was a baby learning how to get food in his mouth. I’m talking fullywrapped, pristine snack food. My car has become a mini-pantry to snacks that A mo ve were grabbed but didn’t get ther ’s perspecti eaten on the way betwixt and between the activity du jour. You want a granola bar, almonds, fruit gummies?

I’ve got you covered. Add to that the no less than four water bottles rolling around the backseat on any given day and we’ve got ourselves a picnic.

Not only could we eat and drink, we could also be rather merry. I could field a number of sports teams when help arrived. Soccer, lacrosse, basketball, baseball … Name your sport. Odds are I have the equipment in the trunk along with the obligatory “bag o’ chairs” for game watching.

Even though there’s a glut of survival shows on TV, I think there may be room for one more – “I Survived in My Car.” I think it has potential. re

After cleaning out my car after our long winter I came to the conclusion I could survive for a week living solely off the things I found therein.

I have the “must haves” — the first aid kit, an umbrella, a couple of maps, sunglasses, a blanket, jumper cables, enough reusable grocery bags to carry supplies for the 10th Mountain Division and enough hand sanitizer to prep for emergency surgery. And then there are the “not-so-must-haves” that somehow took up residency in the car — hairspray, sunblock, insect repellant, a Frisbee and a Mercer Mayer book that’s been in the pocket behind the driver’s seat for the last six years.

And food. Did I mention the food? And the water bottles?

I’m amazed at stories about people who get stranded in their cars and when rescued say they had nothing to eat or drink.

This winter I saw an interview with a woman in such a situation. She had three children with her and all I could think was, “You might not have packed snacks since you were only going a short way, but you didn’t have anything just lying around?” Clearly, she cleans her car more often than I do.

My family could survive with no problem simply on the food tucked away in the corners, pockets and glove compartment.

r Ka

family

Inactivity, high calorie diets, physical education cutbacks and lack of time are a growing part of our world’s culture. Traditional Okinawan karate gives children a positive way to burn calories, and to socialize with quality friends in a safe and supportive environment. It also keeps them away from video screens!

CNY Karate is offering two great summer programs for kids this year.

Get them involved with traditional karate, and help them develop self discipline and respect for themselves and others.

8 weeks only $129 Includes a free uniform

July 13 - 17 and July 27 - 31 Bring this ad in for $25 off registration- exp. June 30th

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Or let them enjoy Karate Kamp, a week-long day program designed to keep them active, entertained and mentally stimulated. We have two separate Kamp weeks this year-

Our programs fill up quickly each year, and this year’s spots are going fast - contact us now! Provide the child in your life with a quality summer they won’t forget!

CNY Karate & Kobudo 720 W. Manlius St, E. Syracuse NY 13057

315-437-9417 JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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meals in minutes

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

Road trip recipes Classic party mix 3 tbsp. butter 1/2 tsp. each, garlic powder, salt, paprika 1 tbsp. Worcestershire 1 cup mini pretzels 1 cup each rice, wheat and corn cereal 1 cup mixed nuts Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Melt butter on baking sheet in oven while preheating.

Take pan out of oven, stir seasonings into melted butter and add the rest of the ingredients, coating well. Bake 20 minutes. Stir, bake 10 more minutes.

Avoid unnecessary stops with these snacks

caution:

Don’t forget the

sweets!

Although you might not want your kids to be bouncing off the walls, you also are on vacation, so pack some fresh fruit, granola bars or boxes of raisins to keep the kids satisfied and excited about where the road is taking you.

Ham & cheese pinwheel 1 pound sliced ham 1/2 pound cheese Lettuce leaves 6 flour buritto shells Mayo or mustard Lay burrito shell flat on plate. spread condiment on shell, then layer lettuce, ham and cheese.

Roll lengthwise tightly. Poke toothpicks through side about an inch apart. slice between each toothpick evenly. Without separating, wrap each burrito tightly with plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator until ready to pack, then put in resealable bag and place in a travel cooler.

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

July 6th – 17th July 20th –July 31st August 3rd – August 14th • Make Great Friends!

• Learn to dance, act and juggle.

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

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

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

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with a Saturday performance after each session

what’s inside

learning curve

family FYI 3 5

The family car, a.k.a. second pantry Meet Olaf and Elsa at Seneca River Day

meals in minutes 4 Road trip recipes

from the editor 6

contents

9 Chess club spreads word of game’s benefit for kids

11 Moms need mom friends 18 A new generation takes the helm

paws and effect 15

Protect your pets from ticks

www dots

My family trip

calendar

19 Volunteer opportunities for high school students

8 What’s happening around you

safety zone

7 What to look for in a teen’s first car

16 family

FYI

Meet Olaf and Elsa at Seneca River Day On Saturday, June 13, Mercer Park opens at 10 a.m. with a full lineup of events until 8 p.m., and Paper Mill Island events begin at 2 p.m., with fireworks at dusk during Baldwinsville Rotary’s 21st annual Seneca River Day. Enjoy classic cars, music, food, entertainment, contests and the grand finale fireworks display over the river. Kids will love the Home Depot building project, teddy bear picnic, magic show and balloon animals and will have the chance to meet Olaf and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.”

The Great Seneca River Duck Race will begin at 7 p.m. at Mercer Park, with more than $2,500 in cash and prizes, including amazing gift baskets filled with items and gift cards from area businesses and the grand prize of $1,000 cash.

Ducks can be purchased online at BaldwinsvilleRotary.org, from any club member and at Seneca River Day until about an hour before race time.

Admission is free and Mercer Park is located on North Street in Baldwinsville. For more information visit baldwinsvillerotary.org.

SewSyracuse Sewing Lessons Seamstress

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Annual event to feature duck race, fireworks

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

gift certificates JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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from the editor

My family trip I know, this sounds like the title of a term paper – homework assigned to a student during spring break.

But no, this is more of a journal entry, a “Dear Diary...” acknowledging what, for me, was an important time, one I will cherish and look back to with that weird feeling you get in your chest, the sensation you get when you hear a song from your youth, or pass by your old house.

You see, this past April, I went on a trip to Florida. Nothing new – my family goes to Walt Disney World every year. What was different about this trip, however, is that along for the ride were my parents and mother-in-law. A lot of planning was involved on my part – where to stay and eat, what parks to visit on which day, etc. Added to the mix was the fact that we were going to Universal as well as Disney this year, with its own set of plans and decisions to be made.

As anyone who knows my mania about planning these trips can tell you, I am somewhat of a machine when in “Disney” mode. This year, though, I was even more focused, as I wanted everyone to have a good time without having to Jennifer Wing figure out the dayEditor to-day mundane decisions. This is not an easy feat since the age range of our party was from 11 to 70-something.

So, I researched, planned and spent a lot of time on the Internet and talking to agents on the phone. When all was said and done, it worked out nearly perfectly, with only a few, minor glitches. I know I sound a bit prideful, but the fact is, I think every one of us had a great time.

What I am now left with is an album full of photos and precious memories from our trip, such as: - Going into the Haunted Mansion with my son sandwiched between me and my mother-in-law, each of us holding one of his hands in ours.

- My husband and father toasting each other with their liter-sized beers in Epcot’s Biergarten.

- The excitement when my son was chosen for the “wand chooses a wizard” show at Olivander’s Wand Shop in Daigon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

- Waiting to see what weird pose my daughter struck for the camera while on Expedition Everest.

- Laughing with my mom at Margaritaville when her nacho appetizer was large enough to feed a small village.

During this trip, we all found each other again, in a time when school, work, chores and other interests pull us away in so many different directions.

Though the trip was not cheap, in many ways, it was priceless.

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

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 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

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

the best ways to play while keeping danger away

safety zone

What to look for in a teen's first car Many parents contribute money toward the purchase of their teenagers' first car. But even those who don't help kids finance the purchase of their first vehicle may still want to offer some advice as their teens start to look for the car they will, no doubt, remember for the rest of their lives.

Different drivers need different things out of their vehicles, so a car that might be perfect for adults will not necessarily be the best fit for teen drivers without much experience traversing the nation's roadways. The following are a few factors to consider when helping teens find their first car.

Size

Teenagers have little to no experience behind the wheel, so it's best that they not drive cars that are especially small or large right away. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are significantly overrepresented in fatal crashes. The NHTSA suggests such drivers' immaturity and inexperience plays a significant role in that overrepresentation. So parents likely do not want their children in the smallest car possible, as such vehicles may not protect teens as adequately as slightly larger vehicles in the case of an accident.

In addition, very large cars, such as pickup trucks or SUVs, can be difficult to control and are best suited to older

drivers who already have years of driving experience under their belts. A mid-size sedan is big enough to protect teens and their passengers in the case of an accident, and such vehicles are small enough to handle easily.

Passenger capacity

Another factor to consider when shopping for cars for teenagers is passenger capacity. The more seats there are in a car, the more friends teens can pack into their vehicles. Numerous teenagers in a car at once can prove distracting to the driver, and that distraction can pave the way for an auto accident.

Steer clear of minivans, SUVs or other vehicles that feature a third row of seats, as teens may be unable to stay focused on the road with so many passengers in tow.

Under the hood

Few teens would not light up at the sight of a muscle car awaiting them in the driveway. But cars that accelerate quickly and those with substantial horsepower and high-performance engines may tempt teens to speed or spark the development of poor

driving habits. Look for a vehicle with modest acceleration instead of an imported sports car that teens may be too immature and inexperienced to handle.

Wear and tear

Teens' first cars are often preowned vehicles, and such cars may have significant wear and tear on some important safety features. Wear and tear may not be a reason to avoid purchasing a preowned vehicle, but parents may want to replace the brake pads and tires on recently purchased preowned vehicles.

Brake pads in strong condition may prove the difference between avoiding an accident or getting into one. In addition, poorly inflated or worn down tires pose a safety risk to teens and their passengers. If such features seem to be worn down, replace them before letting teens hit the open road on their own.

Teens will remember their first cars for the rest of their lives. Parents can ensure those memories are positive by finding a car that teens can handle comfortably and operate safely.

JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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At It’s Apple Picking Time calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Miss Maggie’s Toddler Storytime

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

Now booking parties, special events & tours Call 530-3246

10:30 –11 a.m., Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse; 435-5326.

Toddlers up to 4 years old will dance, sing, jingle, and more while listening to stories about colorful crawly bugs, safari animals and fireworks in July. Free.

Monday – Wednesday, June 1-3 Syracuse Chiefs Baseball vs Louisville

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7:05 Monday (Social Media Monday, with special promotions) and Tuesday, 10:35 a.m.

Wednesday, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com. Ticket prices vary.

Thursday – Friday, June 4-5

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball vs Scranton/Wilkes Barre 7:05 each night, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com. Ticket prices vary. Thursday is Catholic Schools Night – show your Catholic school pride by wearing your school colors.

Friday, June 5

U-Pick

Night Disc Golf

Strawberries

8–11 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; 637-6111.

Play the Green Lakes State Park Reserve Ball Field/Disc Golf Course lit by glow lights and tiki torches. Bring your own Frisbee - it takes about 45 minutes to play through the course.

Free.

Gifford’s Ice Cream

Friday – Saturday, June 5-6 Taste of Syracuse 2015

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11 a.m. – 11 p.m., West Genesee and South Clinton streets, Syracuse; tasteofsyracuse. com. Enjoy amazing food, incredible music and so much more. Visit tasteofsyracuse.com for schedules, times, performers, vendors, etc. Free.

Fridays and Saturdays, June 5, 6, 12, 13 Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!”

7 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, Le Moyne College Performing Arts Center, 200 Springfield Road, Syracuse; 445-4200, giffordfamilytheatre.org. The new smash hit children’s musical is based on several books in the popular and award-winning Elephant & Piggie children’s book series written by Mo Willems. This rollicking musical adventure featuring beloved characters and lively songs and is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

Admission: $15 adults, $10 children.

Saturday, June 6 Peony Fest 2015

Sandra J. Fitzpatrick D.V.M. Eve F. Ryan D.V.M. Ewa A. Dragan M.V.B.

(315) 635-6241 Dedicated to preservation of the Human-Animal Bond

1528 W. Genesee Rd. Baldwinsville, NY 13027 www.beaverlakeanimalhospital.org

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Museum at Shacksboro Schoolhouse, 46 Canton St., Baldwinsville; shacksboromuseum.com. Visitors will find artists and artisans, a community flower show, plant sales, demonstrations, garden talks, music and more. The peonies are part of the museum’s Heritage Peony Collection which collects and documents peonies hybridized and produced

by Indian Spring Farms Inc., a nationally acclaimed peony farm located in Baldwinsville during the 1920s. Free admission.

Paws and Books

11 a.m. –noon, Hazard Branch Library, 1620 West Genesee St., Syracuse; 435-5326.

Children ages 6 to 12 can enjoy reading a story to a live, trained, lovable dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen. Free.

Artful Tales

1 p.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; everson.org. Children ages 3 and up and their caregivers can enjoy an afternoon of storytelling and gallery exploration with a museum docent. To register, contact Kimberly Griffiths, 474-6064 x308. Cost: $5 suggested donation.

calendar continued on page 10

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

learning curve

Chess club spreads word of game’s benefit for kids

Photo courtesy of Syracuse Chess Inc.

can be an exciting PTO fundraiser and community building event. Ninno, a member of Syracuse Chess, is the chess club advisor at

Southside Charter Academy, a tuition-free public charter school on the southside of Syracuse which serves students in grades K-8.

Contact Ninno at 350-1157 or antonninno@ yahoo.com.

Learn more at syracusechess. com or find Syracuse NY Chess on Facebook.

Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:30-6:00 Friday 9:30-7:00 Saturday 9:30-6:00

SPORTING GOODS

25% OFF

All Boker Knives Starting at:

Binoculars $36 Starting at:

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Sabre Red 3/4 Pink Runner/ Jogger Pepper Spray

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(315) 472-7874

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Does your school have a chess club? Parents of chess kids in Central New York have formed Syracuse Chess Inc. to encourage chess activities in schools.

The group does presentations at PTO, faculty or school board meetings, explaining why playing chess is good for children and how inexpensive it is to offer a chess club.

“We believe that playing chess gives children the opportunity to build mental discipline, practice planning and analysis, develop emotional stamina and make new friends,” states the group’s website, syracusechesss.com.

According to Anton Ninno, hosting a chess tournament

625 BURNET AVENUE, SYRACUSE, NY 13203 JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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Staff on call 24 HOURS A day!

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

World Oceans Day 10 a.m. –4:30 p.m., Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse; rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Enjoy feeding demonstrations and keeper talks featuring the zoo’s aquatic residents, and learn how to help make a difference in protecting the ocean. Free with paid admission or zoo membership

Origami FUNday

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

Miss Maggie will give one-on-one instruction in the ancient art of origami (paperfolding) with this fun, hands-on project. For ages 5–12. Free.

Outdoor Movie Night – “Tangled”

8 –11 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; 637-6111. At 8 p.m. there will be a campfire and s’mores and popcorn will be served, followed by the movie at 9 p.m. on an inflatable screen. Bring chairs, bug spray and blankets. If rainy, contact the park office to see if the movie has been moved to and indoor location. Free with paid park admission fee.

Central New York Rocket Team Challenge

8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Syracuse University’s Skytop field, Syracuse; most.org.

Students in grades four through 12 learn about rocket science by launching rockets as part of the Central New York Rocket Team Challenge. It’s a sight to see as the rockets zoom into the sky, separate and fall back to earth, sometimes in the open and other times in a tree. Free.

Prenatal Consultation!

Saturday – Sunday, June 6-7

CAMILLUS

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball vs. Pawtucket Red Sox

601 North Way Phone: 487-1541

LIVERPOOL

8086 Oswego Rd. Phone: 652-1070

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FREE

7:05 p.m. Saturday and 1:05 p.m. Sunday, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com. On Saturday, the first 1,000 fans 12 and under will be given a replica Chiefs batting helmet. On Sunday, kids 12 and under are free to run the bases after the game.

Sunday, June 7 Campfire Cooking

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www.pediatricassociatesny.com

Choose the 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. session, Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; Registration is required at Honesty.Rohrer@parks.ny.gov or 637-6111.Supplies are limited.

Learn how to make some tasty treats over the campfire. Free with park entrance fee.

Thursday – Sunday, June 11-14

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival

Computer Coding Camp August 17-21, 2015 LeMoyne College Ages 8-13 Learn computer coding skills through the creation of games and animations.

For more information or to register, visit us at www.tech4kidz.net

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, Syracuse.

One of the largest Greek fests in the state, with fun, food, dancing, music and so much more. Visit syracusegreekfest.com for more detailed information.

Free admission.

Friday, June 12

Star Party: Planets, Again!

8 –10:30 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. See Venus, Jupiter and Saturn in all their glory. Back up date is June 13.

Preregistration is available online. Admission: $6 members; $9 nonmembers.

Baby and Me Tours

11:30 a.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; everson.org. Parents and caregivers can enjoy a tour while babies enjoy the stimulating colors and shapes of the artwork.

Afterwards, stay to eat lunch (or feed baby) in the Everson Lounge. Bring your own lunch, or purchase one from the Everson Lunch Cart. Free.

calendar continued on page 12

learning curve

by Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC

When you were in college, you may have gone through a season of your life where you had as many guy friends as girlfriends. It may have been easier, less drama and better parties. But every woman needs a good girlfriend, especially after she has kids. Not only do you need a girlfriend after kids, but you need a mom friend. Moms give other moms what no one else can: emotional support for those days you’re sure you’re losing it; physical support when you need an extra pair of arms, legs or a spare car seat; and spiritual support when you need to hear, “Keep the faith; this too shall pass.”

Mom friends understand when the house smells like dirty diapers, or will talk over a colicky baby without batting an eye.

Mom friends understand you crying in the middle of the afternoon because you can’t button your favorite dress, and they listen while you vent about your partner coming home late or being on a business trip leaving you alone with the kids. Mom friends are the backbone of every mom at some time or another.

Throughout every mother’s life - from the birth of her first child to her 80th birthday she will have friends who have walked the journey with her. Those friends remember her children when they were babies. They become like a tapestry interwoven within the children’s lives. I recall every one of my mother’s dearest mom friends, and although several of them died before my mother, they were as much a part of my family as my brothers and sisters.

With life’s fast pace, it’s easy to get busy and not take time to develop friendships with other moms like our moms did.

However, this is a big mistake, because a daycare or babysitter can never fulfill the role our mom friends can.

Here are some simple ways to foster

friendships with other moms. You don’t need a group, but you do need a mom friend.

1. Get yourself out there and take your baby for a stroll or go to the park. Having toys other children can play with will help draw kids and moms to you. Begin the conversation.

2. After you meet a mom you’re comfortable with, share contacts on Facebook or phone.

3. Organize play dates at your home.

4. Turn naptimes into coffee times with other moms.

5. Find kid friendly restaurants to meet or other kid activities and invite another mom and her children.

6. Join an exercise class at the local gym. Many have babysitting where you’re sure to meet other moms.

7. Sign up for a baby-and-me class and reach out to other moms.

8. Be willing to help another mom when you see a need.

9. Find a church that has activities or baby classes.

10. Send encouraging emails or notes to other moms. This will make you feel better, and they will be more receptive to reaching out and contacting you.

My children are grown, and my mom friends have become their surrogate moms. My best mom friend hosted my daughter’s baby shower and so we began again ...

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of “Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever.” Read more about the book at StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at maryjorapini.com.

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

More than financial health is at risk.

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Moms need mom friends

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

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

JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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calendar

Saturday, June 13 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. The museum also offers quiet areas where participants can sit, relax, and regroup. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. Contact: bjones@ most.org.

Community Day

Noon-3 p.m., Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse; everson.org. An afternoon of art making, gallery exploration, live music and more. Meet artist Susan Roth and create a colorful print.

Glaze a piece of pottery and watch it fire outside the museum in a traditional brick raku kiln (fee for firing $15), in partnership with the Syracuse Ceramic Guild. Meet artists Hillerbrand and Magsamen and create sun prints and rocket ships using recycled materials. Learn all about the Everson in a family friendly tour with a museum docent.

Musical entertainment provided by Signature Music. Free.

Seneca River Day

10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Mercer Park, 2 p.m. until fireworks at dusk at Paper Mill Island. Enjoy the duck race, classic cars, music, food, entertainment, contests and the grand finale fireworks display over the river. Kids will love the Home Depot building project, teddy bear picnic, magic show and balloon animals and will have the chance to meet Olaf and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.” Admission is free and Mercer Park is located on North Street in Baldwinsville. For more information visit baldwinsvillerotary.org.

Outdoor Movie Night- ”The Croods”

8 –11 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; 637-6111. At 8 p.m. there will be a campfire and s’mores and popcorn will be served, followed by the movie at 9 p.m. on an inflatable screen. Bring chairs, bug spray and blankets. If rainy, contact the park office to see if the movie has been moved to and indoor location. Free with paid park admission fee.

Monday – Wednesday, June 15-17 Syracuse Chiefs Baseball VS. Toledo Mud Hens

NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse: 7:05 p.m. Social Media Monday and Two-for-Tuesday (buy select food items get the second free), 1:05 p.m. Winning Wednesday, where if the Chiefs win, fans win a ticket to any regular season game. Milb.com.

Friday – Sunday, June 19-21 Polish Festival 2015

See polishscholarship.org for schedule details, Clinton Square, West Genesee and South Clinton streets, Syracuse. Come enjoy this great annual celebration of Polish culture! Great food, vendors, music, dancing and much more. Free admission.

calendar continued on next page

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

here is what’s happening around you Syracuse Chiefs Baseball vs. Buffalo Bison

Outdoor Movie Night-Planes

7:05 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 1:05 p.m. Sunday, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com; ticket prices vary.

Friday – Sunday, June 19-28

Syracuse Shakespeare Festival – “Henry V�

Thornden Park, 201 Ostrom Ave., Syracuse; for dates and showtimes visit syrsf.org. Free performances; bring a picnic; food and craft vendors also available.

Saturday, June 20 11 a.m.-noon, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; baltimorewoods.org. Learn about the majestic Monarch, its incredible journey from here to Mexico and how to help it along the way. Then, grab nets and run through the fields to see how many different butterflies you can catch. For all ages. Cost: $6 members, $9 nonmembers.

The Science of Scuba Diving

Sunday, June 21

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball vs. Charlotte Knights

7:05 each night, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com; ticket prices vary.

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Each week in June several new adorable adoptable cats will be listed for a fee waived adoption.

Check out our Weeks 1-4 for JUNE Adopt-A-Cat program!

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Aj Drake Lazerith Billy Gary Dita Nelly Elsa Angel Dandelion Francheska Colorful

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June is Adopt-A-Cat month!

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MYSTICAL ACRES

Noon, Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville. Learn the basics of compass reading. Participants will use their new skills on a scavenger hunt to earn a prize and also are invited to a pizza party after the scavenger hunt. Register at Honesty.Rohrer@parks.ny.gov or by calling 637-6111.Supplies are limited. Free with paid park admission fee.

Monday – Thursday, June 22-25

9:30 – 11 a.m., the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse; most.org. Talks are aimed at middle school students, who must be accompanied by a parent or adult. After the event, students and their parents are invited to tour the MOST’s exhibits for free. This month’s topic is the science of scuba diving and features Timothy M. Corcoran, PADI master scuba diver trainer. A light breakfast is served before the event. Please RSVP to krcafe@ tacny.org.

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8 –11 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; 637-6111. At 8 p.m. there will be a campfire and s’mores and popcorn will be served, followed by the movie at 9 p.m. on an inflatable screen. Bring chairs, bug spray and blankets. If rainy, contact the park office to see if the movie has been moved to and indoor location. Free with paid park admission fee.

Father’s Day Compass Reading

Butterfly Chase

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calendar

Please call Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association at 315-697-2796 or email us at wrhareception@gmail.com for more information on our adorable cats for adoption!!

7138 Sutherland Dr. PO Box 535 Canastota, NY 13032 Mystical Acres, 2709 Brennan Road, Pompey, NY 13138 +VMZ BOE "VHVTU t 'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO DBMM %S .FUUFMNBO

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calendar

Wednesday, June 24 Friday, June 26

Great Deals On The Brands You Love!

Moonlight Hike

8:30 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; 637-6111. Join the park naturalist for a moonlight walk around the lakes; meet at the Boathouse - walk will be about three miles. Free with paid park admission fee.

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Jamesville BalloonFest 2015

4-11 p.m. Friday: 1-11 p.m. Saturday, 1-10 p.m. Sunday, Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor, Jamesville; syracuseballoonfest. com. Featuring hot air balloons, non-stop musical entertainment, arts, crafts, food, beverages, rides and more, Admission is free.

Saturday, June 27

Large Selection of

Frog Catching Party

Infant • Toddler • Childrens 14 East Genesee Street • Skaneateles, NY

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Open 7 Days A Week, 315-685-7389

10:30 a.m.-noon, Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; 673-1350. Space is limited to 30 people, registration is required. Family event with registration for ages 3 and up. Cost: $6 members; $9 nonmembers.

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.

Frogs & Fireflies

8–9:30 p.m., Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus; 673-1350. This evening hike will take you down the Valley Trail to learn more about the enchanting sparkle of the firefly and mesmerizing song of the frogs. Ages 7 and up. Cost: $6 members; $9 nonmembers.

Outdoor Movie Night- “Cars”

GOTOCNYARTS.ORG World Oceans Day

June 6 Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Community Day

June 13 Everson Museum of Art

Butterfly Chase

June 20 Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!”

June 5 - 13 Coyne Center for the Performing Arts at Le Moyne College For more events from around CNY gotocnyarts.org

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

8 –11 p.m., Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville; 637-6111. At 8 p.m. there will be a campfire and s’mores and popcorn will be served, followed by the movie at 9 p.m. on an inflatable screen. Bring chairs, bug spray and blankets. If rainy, contact the park office to see if the movie has been moved to and indoor location. Free with paid park admission fee.

Sunday, June 28

US Rowing Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Masters Regional Championship Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool; usrowing.org.

This second annual event will provide a full slate of racing opportunities for competitors from New England, New Jersey and New York in all boat classes on a new, seven-lane, 2,000-meter course.

Competitors will have an opportunity to race in 50 Masters events in all boat classes, including lightweight.

Third Annual Little Moe 5K Walk/Run

8:30–11 a.m., CNYSPCA, 5878 East Molloy Road, Syracuse; 8155056, skandaequine.com. All proceeds will support horse rescue at the CNY SPCA. Families, pets, and strollers welcome. Held in partnership with the CNY SPCA’s Ride for a Cause. Professional race timing provided by Auyer Race Timing. Little Moe one of the 14 Onondaga Rescue Ponies saved from starvation by the CNY SPCA and brought to Skanda Equine to recover, but survived only one week after the rescue. Registration: $25 before June 15; $30 after June 15 includes T-shirt.

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Protect your pets from ticks

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pets and humans. To find ticks on your cat or dog, you will have to feel them all over with your fingers. It’s a lot harder to find ticks on long-haired animals than short-haired animals.

Often people won’t find them until they’ve taken a blood meal, which makes them larger and more conspicuous.�

Kornreich said iIf the tick is engorged with blood, it’s more likely that your pet could contract a tickborne illness. He said to preserve the tick by taping it – with clear tape – to a piece of paper and keeping it in the freezer or keep it in a small container of rubbing alcohol.

If your pet becomes sick, your vet may be able to identify the tick, and that may provide information about any possible disease.

He said that Lyme disease is never seen in cats “except in a laboratory setting when they’ve been deliberately infected. But in dogs, Lyme disease is one of the most common tickborne illnesses. Lameness is often the first sign of Lyme infection. Other signs of infection include lethargy and fever.

He said there are a variety of products that can protect your pet from tick infestation. “Speak to your veterinarian about the pros and cons of each of these choices.�

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Open House for Summer and Fall Registration Thursday June 11th 5-7 Summer dance starts July 13th Preschool/kinder “Beach Party� summer dance session Tumble Clinic-Starts June 16th *Selected as 18th best studio in the US by the BDancewear.com blog!

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Bruce Kornreich, associate director for education and outreach at the Cornell Feline Health Center, warns pet owners that tick season is here your pets are at risk of contracting tickborne diseases like Lyme disease, Hemobartonellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis and others. He offers advice to pet owners looking to protect their pets. “To remove a tick, use a fine-tipped tweezer, hold it near the animal’s skin, grasp the tick and pull upwards without twisting,� Kornreich said. “You should never directly handle or crush a tick with your hands. To dispose of ticks after removal, place them in a sealed bag, flush them down the toilet, wrap them tightly in tape, or immerse them in alcohol.

Washing your hands well after removing a tick is a good idea. “Don’t believe the old tales about using burned matches, nail polish or Vaseline to kill ticks embedded in the skin,� he said. “Removal is a much better idea, and do it as soon as possible because there’s evidence that suggests the longer you wait the more likely it is your pet will contract a tickborne illness. “Regular tick checks are really important for

Dancer: Sofia, age 4. Photo by Mark V. Thorne Photography

JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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n o i t a c a V r ies o m e M Phil B Editor a lackwell, Sports t Eagle N ewspape “There were on rs ly a fe Mom

, Dad, m w times yself, th where a - took a ree bro ll o proper th e rs and o f us fa kids. It m il y ne road trip always when w sister happen meant p ed in th e were acking e summ w green s er, and tation w ay too much s it tuff into agon an to visit a a d then, relative off we g red or of some o, alwa kin ys “There w grandp d, an uncle or aunt or arent. ere land on the r m a rks alon oa g the wa trip of a d - a flat tire, at y, a fe least on ll, for m e of them w mishaps e, came my uncle . when I a was 9 a But the best “The da nd aunt in the nd we v ys inclu Boston isit area,” B de Old Nor lackwell ed th Churc d one followin said g h, one at P th lymouth the USS Constitu e Freedom Tra . il to and ano tion and Concord the Bu . It America was there, like r going to Lex nker Hill, in ly n histor y began , that my lifelo gton and good gr n , g love fo a nd likely ades on r that sub e ject late xplained the r on.”

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

Press a Jason Gabak re calls

“A particular favorite [trip north throug ]o h the mounta in. As kid Workshop at North Pole, N .Y.,” Gabak in the mounta ins, with its li ttle train yo made a few trips there, b u t one in parti I remember b eing overwh el med by the the road that wound its wa y to the top Although Ga bak said he d idn’t rec trip, “even, a t the time, th ere w and brother all together i made it spec ia

Star Review nger esse and BaldwinsvilleleM sey. y Reporter Ash Ca eak. ever y summer br

om o I would ask my m tion. There are to er go anywhere?” rm families don’t often go on vacabefore the last spring ev e w t n’ do hy “W ons fa ons out would list the reas ve the snapdrag ld off before the Sometimes, Mom ry about: whether it’s safe to lea ws and whether the rain will ho ty co to wor for a herd of thirs many variables the Thousand eek is full enough cr e th er th time we went to he w at th r be freeze, em m re is ready.

“Don’t you y next batch of hay answer with another question: nd Islands. But m d e’ sh , trip to the Thousa lly y da r ou But usua of on llecti d n was. ly have any reco Islands?” ars old, and bare forget how miserable that excursio as famously carsick as a child, an ye 3 as w I , rd co w I e m e. m let d r For the re ve de in ne m sister, Kelly, re older sisters will parents and two g your puking period,” my oldest not help my reputation. y Ashley hated d di rin for once. But tin sweltering er du p rd tri bo ily an m di “That was fa na ce Ca ni g to have a ive. I hated the ur drive to the a twisty three-ho lly, Mom insisted we were goin tears and tantrums. I hated the dr 0s hat with attached ‘9 Ke h ry to ug ve ro g e in th own Accord hated th ade that hatred kn let me “steer”!). I ever ything, and m boat (even though they offered to for me. heat. I hated the Kelly said. on my mom bought neon sunglasses st like, ‘Why are we doing this?’” e number of times we’ve gone th ju t e un e th co ll of sti le “You wer n ta ca e s later, I putting th Twenty-one year family on one hand. Hopefully, in print will p tri ds an Isl vacation as a Thousand Caseys’ ill-fated it down. finally let me live

Skaneateles and Eagle Obse rver Editor s a family trip t o Whiteface

Star Review and Baldwinsville Messenger Editor Sarah Hall remembers one trip in particular.

Moun

tain. of my brother and I was wh en the car wo s this only m uld head eant one thin g - we were said. “There h ea ded to Santa was a fascin ’s ating quality ou could ride to this place, nes around the p a tled rk and elves wo icular stands rking away. out, the time W w e e went to Wh e enormity o iteface Moun f it, this tower tain. ing mass off p and the tun in the distance nel that ultim and ately took yo snow covered u to the summit .” , all call anything particularly ex citing happen was somethin eng on that g special abo ut it, me, my in that fleetin parents g moment. I guess that I w al, it was fam hat ily, all togeth er.”

“When my sister was maybe 3, we went to Hershey Park,” Hall said. “She spent the last 20 minutes of the trip there chanting, “Hershey Park, Hershey Park, Hershey Park Park Park.” When you get there, one of the first things you can do is a ride that basically shows you how they make the chocolate. As part of that, you go under a heater like almonds being roasted. My sister thought we were actually going to be roasted and was terrified. She screamed and cried and refused to go on any more rides the rest of the trip.”

JUNE 2015 SYRACUSE PARENT

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learning curve

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

A new generation takes the helm Open Hand Theater’s Circus Camp

dinosaurs and occasional octopi are part of the menagerie.

These circus performances have been showcased locally and featured in venues such as the Lucile Ball Comedy Festival.

Open Hand Theater, founded in 1980, is an unique Syracuse institution that has performed around the world and is recognized with awards and accommodations locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The theater has four program areas: Performance, Education, Museum and Community.

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Peter Fekete has been named the new artistic coordinator at the helm of Open Hand Theater. Fekete, who grew up on Syracuse’s North Side, attended Open Hand Theater’s Theater Arts Circus Camp as a child. Working with a number of local theaters he continued studying and training with Open Hand Theater until leaving to attend Nazareth College. He graduated with a degree in history and theater arts with a focus on directing. He continued on in Rochester as the director of the Basement Players Company and was recently named an artist in residence at the Multi-use Community Cultural Center.

Fekete’s directing debut at Open Hand Theater will be with the popular Theater Arts Circus Cam, hosted this year by Blessed Sacrament School in Eastwood.

Fekete will create a new Circus around a theme appropos to his new endeavor:

“Dreams” Along with a veteran crew of Open Hand Theater teachers, Fekete will be joined in this the 28th Circus Camp season by a group of talented young adults who are coming back to teach, carrying on the Open Hand Theater tradition, sharing with the next generation of children this experience that was so important to them growing up.

Teaching dance, Rachel Prikazsky now goes to college at SUNY Fredonia where she has a double major in dance and social work with a minor in dance administration. She is a champion level Irish dancer and has been with open hand theater since she was 8.

The Circus Camp, geared for children 8 – 14, runs July 6 – Aug. 15 in two-week sessions.

Each two-week session culminates in a Puppet Circus Performance.

Along with elephants, lions, and zebras, life-size dragons,

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SYRACUSE PARENT JUNE 2015

it’s always best to share! here are some of our favorite links

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Volunteer opportunities for high school students

by Maria Badami The importance of volunteer commitment for students has never been greater. In an informal survey I have conducted over the past few years, few topics have been more important in college interviews and applications, than students’ community service work.

Many families inform me that smaller communities are limited in programs that encourage 14 to 16-year-old students to volunteer. Many look to summer volunteer programs where families pay hefty fees for their children to participate.

While refurbishing schools in Africa is great, a student does not need, nor is it even desirable, to travel abroad or cross country for meaningful volunteer opportunities. On the contrary. Colleges are aware that many of these service programs are often organized travel opportunities combined with some service work. Colleges prefer to see students contributing to their own communities.

The following is a list of websites I suggest students research for local volunteer opportunities: • Foodbankcny.org/support-us/volunteer-opportunities • teenlife.org • groupmissiontrips.com/workcamps • volunteermatch.org • unitedway.org

• dosomething.org.

Contact local groups like Kiwanis and rotary club for projects. Finally, if the student can’t find a program that supports a cause they are truly interested in then they should go ahead and organize something to help that cause. Open Maria Badami, MS is a college advisor with College Directions of CNY, 7030 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville NY 13066,collegedirectionscny@ gmail.com; 243-6658.

OPEN ENROLLMENT

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL Pre-K through 6th grade:

Tours by appointment

(315) 446-4890 44488_5

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