Syracuse parent may 2016

MAY 2016

I made it with my own two hands

May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month Know the symptoms Yummy gluten-free recipes to try

A day just for Mom

School braves the shave in memory of Luke Ungerer

50071_5

family

FYI

A Day Just For Mom

1216 Morgan Road Liverpool, NY 13090 t www.tawnmaries.com

OPEN HOUSE FOR SUMMER AND FALL REGISTRATION: Monday June 6th 5:00-7:00pm

50070_5

Every year as the second Sunday in May approaches, millions of people across the country turn their thoughts to Mom and find ways to let her know how much she means to them. Although it wasn't always celebrated on the second Sunday in May, Mother's Day has been around in some form since ancient times.

The ancient Greeks and Romans held a festival each spring honoring maternal goddesses like Rhea and Cybele. During these celebrations, participants would put on parades, play games and participate in masquerades.

Early Christians held their own festival in honor of the Virgin Mary. When the English took up the celebration, they expanded it to include all mothers and renamed it Mothering Sunday. On this day, individuals attended services for the Virgin Mary and then visited their own mothers, bringing them flowers, gifts and treats.

The popularity of Mothering Sunday had faded considerably by the start of the 19th century but remerged in the 1870s due to the efforts of activist and writer Julia Ward Howe. Howe thought there should be a day in honor of mothers in the United States.

She introduced her idea in 1872, calling for the celebration to take place on June 2 and all mothers to take a stand against war.

Howe had seen the devastation the loss of life in the Civil War had had on mothers everywhere. Although many embraced her idea of a day for peace, the celebration of Mother's Day as we know it today did not come about until the early 20th century when Anna Jarvis introduced it.

As a child, Anna Jarvis had heard her mother pray for a day dedicated solely to mothers, living and deceased, and honoring their contributions. When her mother died in 1905, Jarvis recalled her mother's wish and started campaigning for a national holiday for mothers everywhere. She wrote letters to many leaders in her community and across the country and spoke about the matter at many functions.

By 1911, Jarvis' efforts had paid off, with nearly every state in the country celebrating the day. Just three years later on May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill into law, establishing the second Sunday of every May Mother's Day. Today, Mother's Day is celebrated in various nations around the world. Spouses and children all over take time out to honor the mothers in their lives, and for that, Anna Jarvis and her mother would be thankful.

49864_5

By Tresa Erickson

DISNEY THEMED SUMMER PRESCHOOL AND KINDERDANCE PROGRAM! “Rated one of the Top Dance Studios in the U.S by BDancewear.com!

June Tumble Clinic: Open to all! Starts June 21st preschool/kinder dance, ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical/contemporary Our 20th annual recital will be held on Saturday June 4th at Liverpool High School!

MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

3

meals in minutes

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

Great-tasting food,

gluten-free may is celiac awareness month

These basics will ensure you don’t miss wheat a whit!

Rice bread Ingredients 2 1 2 2 2

cups rice flour cup millet flour teaspoons dry yeast cups warm water teaspoons salt

Directions

In a large bowl mix flour and salt, then add yeast and

Gluten-free pizza dough

This recipe water. Mix thoroughly only has four and cover. ingredients! Ingredients Allow to 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, rise for at least an 1 package active dry yeast hour. Punch down 1 teaspoon salt and knead dough, adding more 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup flour, if necessary. Let dough rise 1½ tablespoons butter, melted for one hour more. Preheat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil oven to 400 degrees. Transfer 1 cup warm water the dough in a loaf tin and bake for half an hour or until golden brown.

Directions

Mix flour, yeast and salt; add maple syrup, melted butter, olive oil and warm water. Form dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place ball of dough on lined with parchment paper; spread Think you won’t ever tray the dough out until it is in the shape of a pizza - thinner works better. Bake for 10 need this utensil? minutes, then add desired toppings and place back in the oven, checking often until toppings are heated through.

Think again!

Fudgy brownies with cream cheese frosting Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 large eggs

butter and chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until melted and smooth, about two minutes, then stir in sugar, vanilla and eggs.Add cornstarch mixture and stir vigorously until smooth.

Pour batter into pan and bake 35 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Let cool, then frost and cut.

Frosting:

1/4 cup soft unsalted butter 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Preheat oven to 350 2 tablespoons milk degrees. Lightly butter Cherry on top 1/2 teaspoon vanilla an eight-inch square Beat butter until whipped and baking pan. Whisk If you want to add a light, add sugar gradually until together cornstarch, maraschino cherry, go fluffy, beat in cream cheese cocoa, cinnamon for it! (But make sure until smooth, then add milk and and salt. In a large it’s gluten-free - always vanilla. Beat until creamy. bowl microwave read the label!)

4 SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

Directions

Don’t forget dessert!

47022_5

what’s inside

contents

family FYI 3 16

A day just for Mom New York adopts paid family leave

meals in minutes 4

Great-tasting food, gluten-free

from the editor 6

Know the symptoms of celiac disease

feature story 7

Making strides: Preeclampsia awareness

calendar 8

What’s happening around you

healthy family 11 11

Parents start group to fight opioid abuse Drinking, drug use: Talk early, talk often

pay it forward 12

School braves the shave in memory of Luke Ungerer

learning curve 18

There are no trophies for parental success

frame it 15

I made it with my own two hands

MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

5

from the editor

May is celiac awareness month; know the symptoms As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed I’ve developed sensitivity to certain kinds of food – in other words, I can’t eat spicy or acidic foods for fear of a massive, chest-tightening and burp-inducing bout with acid reflux and indigestion. This reaction can range from mild discomfort to the kind of pain that makes you question – is this something else? Or, as Fred Sanford used to say on ‘Sanford and Son-’ “is this ‘the big one?’”

So I can’t even imagine what those who suffer from celiac disease must feel when they’ve mistakenly eaten something with gluten in it. I have a family member with the disease Jennifer Wing and know, from what that relative has shared with me, that Editor the repercussions can be extremely traumatic.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, “Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect one in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications.”

That’s a lot of people who don’t even realize they are experiencing symptoms of celiac disease. The foundation’s website said it can be “difficult to diagnose because it affects people differently” with around 300 symptoms that can occur in the digestive system or other areas of the body.”

The foundation states that children and infants are more likely to show symptoms, and the most common symptoms of celiac disease found in children include abdominal bloating and pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, pale, foulsmelling or fatty stool, weight loss, fatigue, irritability, defects in the enamel of permanent teeth, delayed growth and puberty and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The foundation’s website states that adults are less likely to have digestive symptoms and are more likely to experience symptoms including unexplained irondeficiency anemia, fatigue, bone or joint pain, arthritis, bone loss or osteoporosis, depression or anxiety, tingling numbness in the hands and feet, seizures or migraines, missed menstrual periods, infertility or recurrent miscarriage, canker sores inside the mouth and an itchy skin rash.

Obviously, these symptoms could mean a number of other things are going on that are not necessarily related to the consumption of gluten, but if you or your child is experiencing many of these symptoms, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to get checked by your physician.

According to the foundation, diagnosis consists of a blood test, followed by a biopsy of the small intestine to confirm the findings if the test seems to indicate celiac disease. If you are diagnosed, the treatment for both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. The treatment for both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

But this doesn’t have to mean that you no longer can eat your favorite foods.

Fortunately, the community of those affected by this disease has many ideas for recipes that are gluten-free and many restaurants offer gluten-free alternatives on their menus.

In fact, we’ve included some gluten-free recipes in our “Meals in Minutes” section on page 4. For more information on celiac disease, visit celiac.org.

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

Looking for more?

Scan, Like, or Follow Us Today!

6

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

publisher

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

editor

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

ad sales

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

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.

feature story

Syracuse family making strides to raise preeclampsia awareness Syracuse Promise Walk for Preeclampsia to be held May 21 at Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park

“The Preeclampsia Foundation helped once I was diagnosed. I use the website to learn more about what I was going through and what I should expect,” said Katie Plis, a young mom at only 25 years old and former LeMoyne College basketball star who was working out five days a week during the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy.

The Preeclampsia Foundation recently announced that Katie Plis and her family are the Syracuse Promise Walk for Preeclampsia Mission Family. As this year’s face of preeclampsia, the Plis family will lead the Promise Walk campaign by sharing their compelling childbirth story, and encouraging teams around the city to meet or exceed their fundraising goals.

“I had to have an emergency C-section at 32 weeks due to my liver enzymes. The experience was traumatizing and my family and I were not prepared for the situation. I had to recover and our baby girl spent five long weeks in the NICU. It wasn’t what we expected of our first pregnancy.”

The Syracuse Promise Walk for Preeclampsia will be held May 21 at Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park. For more information visit promisewalk.org/syracuse.

The Plis photo: bmitted

Su

family

Seeking more information about their family’s traumatic

making strides continued on page 13

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Faith & Values • Academic Excellence • Family & Community

Applications Available Applications now being accepted.

Please call for an appointment and personal tour.

Prestigious Middle States Accreditation

50098_5

• Full and Half day Pre-K • Pre-K - 6th grade • One of the top academic schools in a three-county area on NYS tests.

• Spanish taught beginning in Pre-K • After School Program • Hot Lunch Program • Art Appreciation • Technology Classes integrated throughout the school • Transportation available • Tuition Scholarships available • Instrumental & Vocal Music Programs

400 Salt Springs Street • Fayetteville • 637-3961 www.icschool.org MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

7

calendar

here is what’s happening around you

Sunday, May 1 Casual: Birth of the Concerto

2:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 310 Montgomery St., Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org.

Symphoria musicians are featured, with works ranging from Bach to Mendelssohn. Ticket prices vary.

Mountain Goat Run 2016

8:50 a.m. - Kids’ Run, 9:15 a.m. - 3k, 10:15 a.m. - 10 Mile; Clinton Square, Syracuse; mountaingoatrun.com.

One of Syracuse’s premier races, the Mountain Goat Run meanders through the streets of the city of Syracuse.

Tuesday, May 3

p.m. Saturday; 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday; The Oncenter War Memorial Arena,515 Montgomery St., Syracuse; oncenter.org.

Cirque du Soleil returns to Syracuse in “OVO,” its newest touring show in arenas.

“OVO,” meaning “egg” in Portuguese, is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The cast of “OVO” is comprised of 50 performing artists from 12 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts.

Ticket prices vary.

Wednesday-Sunday, May 4-8

SVE Extra:Vocal Jazz

7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 4 and 7:30

1 p.m., Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse; cuse.com.

Sunday, May 8

Crawfish Fest

7:30 p.m., LeMoyne College, 1419 Salt Springs Road; masterworkscny.org, 702-7325.

Cirque de Soleil

SU Men’s lacrosse vs. Colgate

Saturday, May 7 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Clinton Square, Syracuse.

Operation Northern Comfort’s Ninth Annual Crawfish Fest will feature great Cajun and American food, music, fun and games. Admission is free.

MasterWorks Chorale at LeMoyne College Choir Festival

A concert showing the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble’s versatility with jazz arrangements conducted by Jeff Welcher. Ticket prices vary.

7:30 p.m., May Memorial Universalist Society, 3800 East Genesee St., Syracuse; syracusevocalensemble.org.

Mother’s Day Buffet

Seatings at noon and 3 p.m.; Highland Forest, Fabius; reservations required, 683-5550.

Take mom for brunch and a spectacular view of southern Onondaga County from the Skyline Lodge.

8

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

51031_5

50091_5

calendar continued on page 9

calendar 10 a.m.–3 p.m., SKY Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse; 473-0826.

Bring mom and enjoy food, drinks and live music. Tulip arrangements by a floral specialist will be available for purchase. Reservations required.

Mother’s Day Brunch

11 a.m.–3 p.m., Inns of Aurora, 391 Main St., Aurora; 364-8888.

Brunch in honor of Mom. Reservations strongly suggested.

Monday-Thursday, May 9-12 Syracuse Chiefs vs.

Indianapolis Indians

6:35 p.m., NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; ticket prices vary; milb.com.

Saturday, May 14 Kite Fest

11 a.m.–4 p.m., Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, Cazenovia; sqhap.org.

A day of kite flying, crafts and family fun.

Also features a make-your-own-kite booth and kite flying demonstrations by New York Kite Enthusiasts. Admission is $5 per adult, children 16 and under are free. Additional featured presentations include Knot Tying Demonstrations

by L. L. Bean and a Hands-On Clay workshop with Dani Mosko. Food will be available for purchase.

MasterWorks Chorale “Calling All Kids!”

10 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles; masterworkscny.org.

Concert with MasterWorks Chorale Broadway for kids. Adults $5, kids get in free.

Tuesday-Thursdsay, May 17-19 “42nd Street”

7:30 p.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; nacentertainment.com.

Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42ndStreet tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical “Pretty Lady.” Presented as part of Famous Artists Broadway Series.

Thursday-Sunday, May 19-22 Syracuse Chiefs Baseball vs. Norfolk Tides

6:35 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 1:05 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday, NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex

Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com.

Saturday, May 21 Broadway for Kids

1 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, 97 East Genesee St., Skaneateles; masterworkscny.org, 702-7325.

Presented by MasterWorks Chorale. Cost: Adults $5, 18 and under free.

May TACNY Junior Café Scientifique 9:30 to 11 a.m., the MOST, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse.

John Mangicaro, instructional technology analyst, manager and lead facilitator of Syracuse University’s MakerSpace, will speak on “Put Your Phones Down, We Are Going To Make Something: Welcome to 3D Printing.” 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, Free, but RSVP to jrcafe@tacny.org with number of people attending.

Star Wars and A Galaxy Far, Far Away

7:30 p.m., The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse; experiencesymphoria.org.

Sean O’Loughlin, conductor, featuring the music of “Star Wars” and other intergalactic adventures. Presented by Symphoria.

Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Walk

8 a.m., Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville; cff.org.

A fun, family-oriented event with a healthy 5k walk, children’s activities, food and festivities that raises awareness.

Tuesday-Thursday, May 24-26 Syracuse Chiefs Baseball VS. Charlotte Knights

6:35 p.m., NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse; milb.com.

Friday, June 3 Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band 7:30 p.m., Lakeview Amphitheater, 490 Restoration Way, Syracuse; lakeviewamphitheatre.com.

The former Beatles drummer will perform with his All-Starr Band, which includes Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather and Richard Page.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster, Solvay Bank and the Oncenter’s box office.

48996_5

Mother’s Day Brunch

calendar continued on page 10 MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

9

Mother’s Day Ala Carte Menu 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Reservations Recommended

calendar Friday–Saturday, June 3- 4 Taste of Syracuse

11 a.m.–11 p.m., Clinton Square, Syracuse; tasteofsyracuse.com.

The biggest food and music festival in Central New York, featuring two days of fabulous food and outstanding music, with Cheap Trick headlining. All food vendors will have $1 sample items as well as regular delights. Free admission.

Saturday, June 4 Family Fishing Day

Perfect For Baby Showers

900 E. Genesee St. Syracuse, NY 315-475-5154 phoebessyracuse.com

50916_5

50368_5

Two private rooms to choose from 15-48 people Custom Buffet Packages

9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Carpenters Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge; onondagacountyparks.com/carpenter-s-brookfish-hatchery/.

Kids and adults interested in learning the basics of freshwater fishing will enjoy a session of instruction provided by DEC staff, Carpenter’s Brook staff and volunteers from the Friends of Carpenter’s Brook. The session will consist of five 15-minute breakout stations with instruction. Bait, tackle, rod and reels and instructional materials will be provided. Bring a rod if you have one. Advance registration required. Free.

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

Green Lakes Music Together

Offering Babies classes, Mixed-Age classes, and Big Kids classes!

50099_5

50096_5

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

Locations in Syracuse, Dewitt, Clay, Camillus, Fayetteville, Skaneateles & Auburn

Call 446-1017 for a free sample class!

Visit greenlakesmusictogether.com for more information.

10

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

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

healthy family

‘It’s happening everywhere’

Parents start group to fight growing epidemic of opioid abuse

O

By sara sirota contributing writer

n March 23, 2015, 20-year-old Holland Townsend arrived to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Her two-year struggle with heroin addiction culminated in an overdose that nearly killed her.

She now resides at the Northeast Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Center in Lake Katrine, where she receives 24-hour care.

“It is a miracle that she survived,” said her stepfather, Dennis Gregg.

But she will never be the same person again.

Townsend grew up in Cooperstown and Cazenovia, enjoyed athletics and had many friends and family. During her mid-teens, the allure of experimentation tightened its grip. She first went to a rehabilitation center four months following her mother’s death, when she was 18 years old. While receiving treatment, she met a boy who introduced her to a new drug.

The woes of heroin addiction began.

“We need to pull our heads out of the sand and realize it’s happening in beautiful, idyllic Cazenovia. It’s happening everywhere,” said Gregg, a Cazenovia resident and co-founder of a new substance abuse education organization that serves Madison County.

He and two mothers, Laurie Hunt and Diane Solomon of Cazenovia, became inspired to begin a grassroots organization after attending a forum on substance abuse at West Genesee High School.

Gregg contacted Assemblyman Gary Finch after the New York State Assembly Minority Task Force on Heroin Addiction and Community Response released their heroin epidemic report.

Following the example of a similar group in Auburn and believing that unity will improve outreach efforts, Gregg, Hunt, Solomon and the Cazenovia group has titled itself HEAL–Madison County (Heroin Epidemic Action League). They hope other counties will join.

HEAL–Madison County has four priorities: education, prevention, treatment and law enforcement. Thus far, they hosted a forum on March 21 at Chittenango Schools, began a Narcotics Anonymous Chapter, started a family and friends support group at Cazenovia Public Library, met with Senator Dave Valesky and spoke with Governor Andrew Cuomo. “He was very receptive to listening to us,” Hunt said of their conversation with the governor.

Near future plans include holding assemblies at Cazenovia High School. “We need to educate the youth and show them that there are other enjoyments in life besides alcohol, weed and pills,” Gregg said.

Hunt hopes to educate parents too. “You don’t know if your child has a predisposition to addiction,” she said.

HEAL–Madison County further champions increased prescription regulation and decreased supply and demand. Gregg placed an emphasis on treatment, citing the major dilemma of time gaps between when people decide they need help and when facilities have availability to admit them. HEAL–Madison County hopes to resolve this problem by opening more treatment centers and temporary “holding centers.” The group further advocates more complete treatment, including affordable sober living facilities for post-treatment care.

Moreover, the group hopes to “raise awareness and take away the stigma of this heroin and opioid epidemic,” Gregg said. He insists that addiction is not a choice but a disease.

“If I can save a life, that means a lot,” Hunt added.

What Caused This Epidemic?

Several organizations, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, have attributed the heroin and opioid epidemic in part to the over prescription and availability of pain medications.

The National Institute of Drug and Alcohol says that nearly half of young people who inject heroin report abusing prescription pain killers prior to starting heroin.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., with

continued on page 14

Talk early, talk often Parents can make a difference

By Cheryl Thomas Parent Educator, Prevention Network As kids get older and alcohol and other drugs enter the picture, parents are faced with a unique set of challenges.

It can be daunting to talk with your children about drinking

continued on page 19 MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

11

pay it forward

Sarah Hall

School braves the shave in memory of Luke Ungerer Morgan Road Elementary School raises money for St. Baldrick’s

By Sarah Hall Editor

Morgan Road Elementary School Principal Brett Woodcock was not thrilled about the idea of shaving his head.

“I really don’t want to,” Woodcock admitted.

But Woodcock hadn’t pledged to go under the clippers on a dare or on a whim, but for a good cause: to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants.

So, on Friday, March 18, along with MRE fourth grade teacher Todd Francey and sixth-grader Nathan Graser, Woodcock had his head shaved — much to the delight of the school’s more than 400 students.

MRE second grade teacher Mark Herron organized the event in honor of Luke Ungerer. Luke’s father, Scott, is Herron’s childhood friend.

“I’ve been friends with Scott since we were in first grade,” Herron said. Scott Ungerer, a top athlete while at Westhill High School, went on to play basketball for the University of Richmond, as well as professional basketball in Europe.

In June of 2015, when he was just 3, Luke was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a kind of brain tumor that’s relatively common in adults but extremely rare in children. He endured surgery, followed by extensive radiation and chemotherapy, but he passed away on Jan. 14, 2016.

12

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

Luke left behind his mother, Sheila, father, Scott, and brother, Will, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many more family members and friends.

“We just wanted to do whatever Luke’s family wanted to do,” Herron said. “They had started a St. Baldrick’s page for him when he was diagnosed, and after he passed away, we decided to start a Syracuse chapter to support what they were doing.”

Luke’s Syracuse Army — which also includes former Colgate basketball star Pat Campolieta, former Le Moyne pitcher Joe Gehm and University of Pennsylvania football offensive coordinator John Reagan — has raised close to $40,000 so far. Of that, $1,880 came from Morgan Road.

The team’s goal is $50,000. The group shaved April 10 at Kitty Hoynes, where the Syracuse St. Baldrick’s event — one of the largest in the country — is held every year.

“Organizations like St. Baldrick’s are really great, because they give as much as possible to research and to the kids that need it,” Herron said. “Very little goes into the overhead. Most of it goes to helping kids and into raising awareness.”

Originally, Herron said he approached Woodcock in hopes that he would join Luke’s Syracuse Army as a team member, raising money through St. Baldrick’s online platform and ultimately shaving his head on April 10.

But Woodcock had other ideas: he wanted to do an event at Morgan Road.

The school has been working on a character education initiative called The Positivity Project all year; the program highlights 24 character traits that will prepare them for college and the workforce. In

Morgan Road Elementary Principal Brett Woodcock prepares to have his head shaved by Amy Assante of Church Salon as part of a fundraiser for Luke’s Syracuse Army. The event raised close to $1,900 for St. Baldrick’s.

addition to raising more money for St. Baldrick’s, having an event for Luke’s Syracuse Army at MRE would highlight a number of those traits.

“As part of the Positivity Project, we talk a lot about kindness and helping others,” Woodcock said.

“We talk about how money doesn’t make

St. Baldrick ’s

Above: Luke Ungerer, who lo his battle with st glioblastoma.

people happy unless you’re raising it for someone else.

I’ve tried to drive that home. I don’t know how many of them get that as much as they’re excited to see me

continued on page 17

feature story making strides continued from page 7 pregnancy experience, Plis turned to the Preeclampsia Foundation website and the Promise Walk for Preeclampsia as a source of information and to receive support.

Through the foundation’s educational programs Katie and her family were able to learn about preeclampsia, and network with a community of preeclampsia survivors.

“I think the education and support is extremely important for all pregnant women for many reasons. The symptoms of preeclampsia need to be taken seriously and women need to be aware of what could happen. It isn’t just the trauma of having preeclampsia, you can never prepare for how emotionally draining having a child in the NICU can be.”

“This family is the face of the mission for the Promise Walk and represent the reason that our Foundation continues working to help save the lives of mothers and their babies,” said Preeclampsia Foundation Executive Director Eleni Tsigas.

About Preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a disorder that occurs during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period, and affects both the mother and the fetus. It is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by elevated blood pressure and protein in the urine. Other symptoms may include swelling in the hands and face, headaches, and visual disturbances. Preeclampsia affects the mother’s kidneys, liver and other vital organs and, if undetected or untreated, can lead to seizures (eclampsia), cerebral hemorrhage, failure in vital organs and death. The cause of preeclampsia is still not fully understood, and the only cure for the condition begins with delivery. Approximately five to eight percent of pregnancies are affected by preeclampsia, which, in the United States, translates to approximately 300,000 pregnancies. It is a leading cause of preterm birth, and is responsible for approximately 76,000 maternal deaths and half a million infant deaths worldwide annually. There are several types of preeclampsia, including HELLP syndrome, a particularly dangerous variant.

For more information about the Preeclampsia Foundation visit preeclampsia.org.

For Children 18 months - 13 years Weekly Sessions from July 5 - August 26, 2016

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

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

www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com

Sheila C. Brittain, Director

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

50076_5

The Preeclampsia Foundation is the only national nonprofit patient advocacy organization for the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Through their national fundraising event The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia, the Preeclampsia Foundation works to achieve its mission to provide patient support and education, raise public awareness, catalyze research and improve health care practices.

For more information/tour call

637-6071

MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

13

Parents start group continued from page 11

FREE

Prenatal Consultation!

47,055 lethal drug overdoses in 2014.

Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic, with 18,893 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers, and 10,574 overdose deaths related to heroin in 2014.�

It is estimated that approximately 500,000 Americans are addicted to heroin today.

50079_5

New York state epidemic and legislative response

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

Staff on call 24 HO

URS A day!

CAMILLUS

270 Township Blvd.

Phone: 487-1541

LIVERPOOL

8086 Oswego Rd. Phone: 652-1070

www.pediatricassociatesny.com

BOOK YOUR

HOLIDAY PARTIES NOW! t #*35)%": 1"35*&4 t 13*7"5& 1"35*&4

50422_5

t #64*/&44 1"35*&4

ROCK N’ BOWL Fri & Sat Night 9pm OPEN BOWLING Mon-Thurs 11am-Midnight SPECIAL Fri & Sat 11am-1am RATES FOR: Sun noon-9pm t )PNF 4DIPPM (SPVQT SERVING LUNCHES t /BOOJFT %BZUJNF #BCZTJUUFST 11-3 Mon-Sat

$BMM r XXX DB[TQPSUTCPXM DPN 3PVUF 5PXO $PVOUSZ 1MB[B $B[FOPWJB /:

14

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

New York state serves as a major heroin hub and distribution center, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the state accounts for approximately 20 percent of the heroin seized nationwide since 2010.

Beyond distribution, addiction pervades New York’s population. Between 2004 and 2013, admissions for heroin and prescription opioid abuse treatment rose from 63,793 to 89,269. In September 2014, Governor Andrew Cuomo launched Combat Heroin, a campaign designed to tackle this epidemic.

It includes information about warning signs, access to treatment and guidance to help parents educate their children. “Heroin and opioid addiction has impacted families in every corner of our state and stolen the lives of too many New Yorkers,� the governor said.

Central New York has witnessed an increase in heroin use and heroin-related deaths in the past few years, according to a 2014 Upstate Medical University podcast that featured Michele Caliva, RN, administrative director of Upstate New York Poison Center and Nicholas Nacca, MD, a medical toxicology fellow.

Onondaga County accounts for the most exposure to heroin phone calls that the Upstate New York Poison Center received between January and June 11, 2015. During this period, the center received 45 calls from Onondaga County, eight from Oswego County, six from Oswego County and four from Madison County.

U.S. Representatives Richard Hanna (NY22) has worked on multiple proposals that increase funding to fight addiction. Along with Rep. Brian Higgins (NY-26), he introduced the TREAT Act, which would raise the number of patients that can be treated by a certified medical provider with buprenorphine, a medicine that helps patients overcome their heroin addictions.

Hanna also partnered with Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) to introduce the Keeping Communities Safe Through Treatment Act, which would create a grant for local law enforcement agencies to create pre-

booking division programs. Such programs permit police officers to direct certain lowlevel offenders away from jail and toward treatment. “It is clear to me that what we are doing now to fight the heroin epidemic that has struck communities in upstate New York is not working,� Hanna said. “We must change how we address these problems both in terms of treatment and empowering communities to break the cycle of addiction and look at different ways to not only address these issues but overcome them.�

On March 31, Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders announced an agreement on New York’s $154 billion budget, which provides $141 million to address the heroin and opioid epidemic. This amount increased by $6 million from the previous year.

Treatment / law enforcement efforts in Madison County While the heroin epidemic in New York state may not be as prevalent in Cazenovia and Madison County as in other parts of the state, its presence is still a major issue. “There really are not enough treatment facilities for people with opioid addiction,� said Susan Jenkins, Executive Director of The Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, also known as BRiDGES. She cited the difficulty of finding suitable funding and qualified staff as one of the primary problems.

However, Jenkins said the media’s increasing discussion of the opioid problem offers hope for more initiatives, as people are coming to realize that addiction affects everybody. Still, the heroin epidemic may not be as prevalent in Cazenovia as in the rest of Madison County.

HEAL–Madison County proposes that law enforcement initiatives should focus on midlevel and major dealers, whereas addicts should receive treatment. “It’s a brain disease but we’re treating them as criminals,� Gregg said. According to Jenkins, incarceration can be very costly and does not provide the necessary treatment.

She did say, though, “Sometimes getting arrested is a great interventionâ€? since it can compel people to receive the treatment that they need. “I think HEAL is doing a great job ‌ People coming from the community can have bigger impact,â€? Jenkins said.

For more information on HEAL–Madison County visit healmadco.weebly.com and facebook.com/HealMadCo.

fun and low budget crafting projects for parents & kids

frame

it

I made it with my own two hands

By Ronda Addy

Has the budget crunch hit your piggybank?

This year, why not save money and make Mom a Mother's Day gift she will cherish for years to come? Don't have any ideas? Here are a few to choose from.

it at the end. 9. Use the glue gun to apply a drop of glue to the back of the juice can lid above the edge of the photo. Press the knot of the ribbon into the hot glue and hold in place until secure. 10.

Squeeze a thin line of glue around the edge of the doily and completely cover it with red glitter. Let dry and shake off the excess.

Mom Medallion

Bookmark

• Light-colored cardstock • Scissors • Scrap paper • Nontoxic red stamp pad • Colored markers • Hole punch • Ribbon 1. Cut two 8-inch rectangles from cardstock. 2.

Practice pressing your thumb on the stamp pad and creating two overlapping prints in the form of a V on scrap paper. 3. When ready, make the same berry mark on the cardstock and let dry. 4.

Use the colored markers to draw stems and seeds on the berry, create a border and write a message to Mom. 5. Punch a hole in the bookmark and tie a ribbon through it.

Door Hanger

• Purple foam door hanger • Foam hearts in Mom's favorite color • Tacky glue • Scissors • Teal and black craft foam • Paint marker 1. Arrange the foam hearts into the shape of a

Parry’s

Potholder

• White potholder • Permanent markers 1. Select a design and trace it onto a potholder. 2. Color the design with markers. 3.

Personalize the potholder with a special message to Mom. These are just a few inexpensive crafts you can make that will be special to Mom. You might want to have some tissues handy since moms are known to get weepy when presented with homemade gifts.

On Friday, June 10th

51637_5

• Newspaper • Pen • Juice can lid • Scissors • 5-inch white doily • White craft glue • Yogurt container • Paintbrush • Photo of yourself • Red marker • 1/4-inch wide red satin ribbon • Glue gun • Red glitter 1. Cover work surface with newspaper. 2.

Using the pen and juice lid, cut out the center of the doily. 3. Pour a small amount of glue into the yogurt container. Take the paintbrush and spread the glue evenly on top of the juice can lid. 4. Press the doily into the center of the lid. Let dry. 5. Trace the lid around the part of the photo you want to have on the opposite side of the medallion and cut it out. 6. Spread more glue on the bottom of the juice can lid, press the photo into place and let dry. 7. Using the red marker, write # 1 Mom on the doily side of the medallion. 8. Cut a piece of ribbon that will fit around Mom's neck and knot

flower and glue into place on the door hanger. 2.

Cut out a small circle of black foam and glue it into the center of the flower. 3. Cut out leaves from the teal foam and glue them to the flower. 4. Let the hanger dry. 5. Write "Time Out for Mom" or "Mom's Quiet Time" on the hanger.

Heart Brooch 1 c. flour 1 c. warm water 1/4 c. salt 2 t. cream of tartar 1 t. oil Food coloring of your choice Pin clasp 1. Combine flour, water, salt, cream of tartar, oil and food coloring, and stir until smooth over medium heat. 2. Remove dough from pan, knead until smooth and let cool. 3. Shape moist dough into a heart. 4. Press clasp onto back of heart and let dry. 5. Decorate heart as desired.

Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association will host “Raisin’ The Barn Woof”.

GYMNASTICS

• Boys/Girls Ages 3 & UP • CheerTumbling • USAIGC Team

START ANYTIME! We do Birthday Parties!!

We need your help!

s!

SuperCamp

Convenient Locations CLAY/BALDWINSVILLE HAMILTON 8512 Route 57

Event Highlights:

• BBQ buffet catered by Nina’s Kitchen • Dancing to the sounds of the Beadle Brothers, the house band for theTin Rooster at the Turning Stone Resort.

For more information or to buy tickets please visit: • Open bar from 6-8pm sponsored https://www.eventbrite.com/e/

by Tony’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar of raisin-the-barn-woof-ticketsWashington Mills with a cash bar 24260543940?ref=ecount from 8-11pm.

• My Perfect Photo Booth will provide one complimentary high-resolution photo • Superb silent auction items sure to interest everyone and a 50/50 to boot.

2498 Route 12B

Par r ysGymnastics.com

458-5365

7138 Sutherland Dr. PO Box 535 Canastota, NY 13032

CORPORATE PARTNER

48995_5

SUMMER

The event will be held from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Jesse’s Place an elegant country barn in Deansboro NY.

(315) 697-2796 www.WanderersRest.org

humane association

MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

15

family

FYI

some helpful information for your family

New York adopts paid family leave

By Sarah Hall

Editor When Nicole Gibson’s mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, there was no question in her mind that she and her two brothers would make whatever sacrifice necessary to take care of her.

“If I have to put my life on hold to take care of the woman who took care of me for all of my 30-some years, that’s okay,” Gibson said. “We’re a very close-knit family, and it was not an option to put her in a home. It was a family decision we all made together.”

“We made the decision that it was best for my family for me to leave my job,” Gibson said. “There were only two circumstances under which I was coming back to work — if some miracle happened and my mom got better, or she would see her last days and we would lay her to rest. And that’s what happened. I ended up being out of work for six months.”

Gibson, a single mother to an 8-yearold son, had to give up her apartment and move in with her mother. She relied on family members to help pay her bills.

While she has no regrets — “Making the choice to walk away from my job, to do what was best for my mom, was not hard. This is my mother,” she said.

“She passed away in her home, and that’s what she wanted”— the situation certainly presented a financial hardship.

In the end, because she worked for a caring company that was able and willing to hold her job for her, Gibson returned to work at ACR Health after her mother’s passing. But millions of others statewide have not been nearly as lucky.

But that’s all about to change. New York finally passed its paid family leave policy as part of the 2016-17 budget; the state has been trying to enact such a policy since 2009.

New York’s policy

New York’s bill will provide workers with up to 12 weeks of leave in order to bond with a new child (including adopted and foster children); care for a seriously ill child, parent, parent-in-law, spouse, domestic partner, grandchild, or

16

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

grandparent; or address certain military family needs. The policy applies to both men and women. It will be phased in gradually; in 2018, workers will be eligible for up to eight weeks of leave; up to 10 in 2019 and 2020; and up to 12 in 2021 and thereafter. The program applies to all businesses, no matter the size, and includes job protection. Both full- and part-time employees are eligible after working for a company for six months.

The program will be funded through a small employee payroll deduction (roughly a dollar a week). In 2018, a worker will receive 50 percent of his or her average weekly wages up to a cap equal to 50 percent of the statewide average weekly wage, which was $1,266.44 in 2014.

The payout will increase over the next three years to 67 percent (approximately 2/3) of the worker’s average weekly wages, up to a cap of 67 percent of the statewide average weekly wage.

New York is the fourth state in the nation to enact a paid family leave policy, though New York’s legislation is the most extensive in the nation, something its proponents are quite proud of.

Mixed reaction from businesses

However, not all New Yorkers are on board with the program. In particular, business groups are concerned about the potential impact on their bottom line.

“We have several reasons for our opposition to these proposals, not the least of which is that we don’t believe it will be strictly employee-funded,” said Zach Hutchins of the Business Council of New York State, the state’s largest business advocacy group. He pointed to the administrative costs of covering leave. “This is a cost that will be borne by businesses. It’s actually right in the governor’s proposal. We have no idea what those will be.”

Hutchins also noted that many New York businesses may already be providing their employees with substantial paid leave time.

“They might not call it paid family leave; maybe they call it sick leave or

personal leave. Some offer extended maternity leave or paternity leave,” he said. “They’re doing this because they believe it’s what is necessary to keep their employees happy and to compete for employees in this competitive environment. They’re doing it because they believe it’s the right thing to do.”

On the other hand, both the Small Business Majority, an advocacy group for small businesses, and the New York State Sustainable Business Council have spoken in favor of the legislation.

“The state’s legislative leaders have made a smart move for New York’s small businesses by passing this legislation,” said Eric Rettig, outreach manager for the Small Business Majority.

“Business owners understand that treating employees well is good for the financial bottom line,” said Laura Ornstein, coordinator of the New York State Sustainable Business Council.

Research has certainly suggested that paid leave is good for business.

A paper by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that “flexible workplace initiatives [including a paid leave policy] have resulted in greater worker productivity and reduced turnover.” In 2012, Forbes Magazine advised businesses to embrace paid family leave as a good business practice: “The truth is that we are all potential caregivers. We may not end up having children, but all of us have parents and aging relatives who will very likely at some point require care,” contributor Cali Williams Yost wrote. “I think every cardcarrying, profit-oriented capitalist should support paid family leave policy.”

Gibson is certainly a supporter of the policy, although it comes too late to help her.

“I’m glad people are starting to recognize that there are a lot of people working day to day who are providing 24-hour care for a loved one,” she said.

“People are making sacrifices for their loved ones, but they still have another life to worry about. It’s great to have a little bit of a cushion and security.”

have my head shaved.”

Herron said The Positivity Project has proven to be a great vehicle through which to discuss a heavy topic with his young students.

“We’ve really focused on hope and optimism through the Positivity Project. Really, our hashtag is ‘other people matter,’ and we’re really demonstrating that here,” he said. “It’s really resonating with our students. They’re making posters. They’re talking about it in the halls.”

That idea that “other people matter” proved to be an inspiration to at least one student. Sixth-grader Nathan Graser was moved to participate in the shave by hearing Herron speak about his friend’s son.

“I obviously felt really bad for Luke and his family, but when I realized Luke was so important to Mr. Herron, I really wanted to do it for him,” Graser said. “It feels good. I would definitely do it again.”

Clearly, the event and the month-long lead-up to it has had the impact Woodcock had hoped it would—which is exactly the legacy Luke’s parents hope their little boy would leave behind.

“Be inspired by Luke’s life,” Sheila and Scott Ungerer wrote on their St. Baldrick’s fundraising page. “Be kind to one another and appreciate each and every day. Let the positive ripples that you can acquire from any of this spread far and wide. Honor Luke by brightening someone else’s day like he always did ours.”

Local Cars.

Local Dealers.

Buying a Safe and Reliable Car? Search 1,000’s today!

50078_5

Brave the shave continued from page 12

MAY 2016 SYRACUSE PARENT

17

learning curve

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

There are no trophies for parental success re

Mom A saw her scouts and dance and raised it with “It’s not a competition.� religious ed and a side of a spouse that worked I have lost track of the number of times I’ve r ga mo e B -M nights. Not to be outdone, Mom B parried with said these words to The Boy. re n oo a K Whether it was about the number of pages a travel hockey team and a teenager going on college visits. read during Parents as Reading Partners The parental competition starts early. I week or who got to summer day camp lost track of the times I was asked if I was earlier, which is better, concert band or breastfeeding. I don’t think they were as orchestra, or who has the most homework — everything seems to be a competitive concerned with The Boy’s well being or even with my breasts as much as they wanted to sport in and out of school. feel good – if not superior - about their own I’ve become so accustomed to saying, choices if I gave the “wrong� answer. “It’s not a competition,� that I’ve had to A Breastfeeding lead to other not-so-veiled stop myself when he’s talking about an mo competitions.

Did you go organic and thereby actual sport. “It’s not a compet ‌ Well, it is a e v ther ’s perspecti beat those who offered up chicken nuggets that competition, but it’s supposed to be fun.â€? they in no way could guarantee were free range?

I try to remember if I was super competitive as a Who talked earlier, walked earlier, rode a bike, learned child and don’t recollect anything this extreme. I asked my husband, who, being a sporty guy, I thought would be more their ABCs, wrote their name, lost a tooth ... ? In every crowd there always seems to be someone who can one-up your tale competitive growing up. Nope, not in that childhood, either.

I was perplexed. Where did this overly-competitive environment of parental success. But why? There are no trophies. The only prize is knowing if you do it right, you’ll have produced an originate? Then it hit me: in the grocery checkout line.

I overheard two moms lamenting the lack of free time due independent, free-thinking, self-sufficient, compassionate adult.

So next time any of us are tempted to humble brag, perhaps to children’s schedules. Mom A mentioned a soccer practice and baseball, Mom B countered with Girl Scouts and ballet. our kids should say to us “it’s not a competition.�

13th Annual Shearing Festival .BZ UI UI t ". UP 1. 3BJO PS 4IJOF Thanks to Country Propane, DeRuyter Farm & Garden, and Woodford Brothers

Eric’s Honey, Spinners, Crafters, Fleece and Yarns, & Chainsaw Carver!

Live Music! Sat. “Slippery Rock�/ Sun. “Pigeon Post String Band�

"ENJTTJPO 1FS "EVMU t 1FS $IJME $20 Family Maximum Handicap & Stroller Accessible

ALSO SPONSORED BY: Cazenovia Equipment, Lou Rathburn CPA

49854_5

'SPN 3PVUF 5BLF 3PVUF 4PVUI NJMFT UP +FSPNF 3PBE

www.springsidefarm.net 18

SYRACUSE PARENT MAY 2016

Saturday May 21, 2016

Onondaga Lake Park - Liverpool, NY 8:30 am Registration is Free

50101_5

+FSPNF 3PBE t 'BCJVT +VTU NJMFT 4PVUI PG 4ZSBDVTF

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

healthy family

Talk early, talk often continued from page 11 and drug use, but well worth the effort. In fact, research has shown that kids who have conversations with their parents to learn about the dangers of alcohol and other drug use are 50 percent less likely to use these substances than those who don’t have such conversations.

It’s not so much about “the big talk,” but about being there for them when the issues come up - on TV, at the movies, on the radio, about celebrities or sports figures or about their friends. Don’t miss an opportunity to teach your kids. You have more influence over your kids’ attitudes and decisions about substance use than you think. Children go through many different stages as they grow up and what’s appropriate to tell an 18year-old and a 9-year-old can vary quite a bit. Yet, it’s never too early to begin the conversation.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence provides some basic guidelines to assist you: Listen before you talk. As parents

Safe re & Secu ent m n o Envir

we are sometimes so anxious to share our wisdom – or our opinion – that we don’t take the time to listen. For kids, knowing that we are really listening is the most important thing we can do to help.

Ask open-ended questions. Talk to your child regularly – about their feelings, their friends, their activities.

As much as you can, and sometimes it’s not easy, try to avoid questions that have a simple “yes” or “no” answer.

Be involved. Get to know your child’s friends and educate your child about the importance of maintaining good health – psychological, emotional and physical.

Set expectations, limits and consequences. Make it clear that you do not want your child drinking or using drugs and that you trust them not to. Talk about possible consequences, both legal and medical, and be clear about what you will do if the rules are broken.

Call 635-397 to sche 7 du a tour le

49 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville, NY

• Pre-K through 6 • Full Day Kindergarten • Pre-K 3 Program Tues & Thurs • Full Pre-K 4 Program Offering After School: • Dance Classes • Code Club • Art Club EARLY MORNING CARE FROM 7:00AM AFTER SCHOOL CARE FROM 2:00 - 5:30PM NEW FOR SEPTEMBER...

FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM SPANISH CURRICULUM FOR GRADES KINDERGARTEN - GRADE 6

FIND US AT: SMABVILLE.ORG

50364_5

Large enough to offer your children a world of opportunity… small enough to do it right.

Be honest and open. Care about what your child is going through as they face and make decisions that will affect their lives now and for the future.

Be positive. Many parents have discovered that talking about these issues with their children has built bridges rather than walls between them and have proudly watched those children learn to make healthy, mature decisions on their own.

Family history. Both research and personal experience have clearly documented that addiction is a chronic, progressive disease that can be linked to family history and genetics. So, if you have a family history of problems with alcohol or other drugs, be matter of fact about it, as you would any other chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

For more information visit ncadd.org or contact Prevention Network at 471-1359 or preventionnetworkcny.org.