Syracuse parent oct 2013

October 2013

Leaps and bounds Twins thrive in special setting

Halloween safety Tips and ideas for keeping your family safe

E V I T A CRE UME C O S TT E S T CON

2013 Edition “A” isPets for Apple, “A” is for Autumn

LOOK INSIDE

Creative Halloween Costume Contest Use your imagination this Halloween and enter to win a Family Four Pack to the MOST! Submit a photo of your child's most creative Halloween costume to fjadran@eaglenewsonline. com by Oct. 11 to be eligible. We'll pick the costume that takes the cake with creativity and innovation and name the winner in our next edition, photo and all. Good luck, ghouls and ghosts!

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what’s inside

healthy family 12 Getting on a healthy track with the help of ‘best friend’

15 Kids and Halloween candy: A recipe for disaster

meals in minutes 5 Fast & easy meals and snacks

to get your family to the table

from the editor 6 October is the month of the piñata

calendar 7 Here is what’s happening around you this month

family FYI 4 Safety first, trick or treat second 9 Halloween treats: Equal parts spooky and delicious 10 Serving special families 18 A mother’s perspective: Fall is the time for home... parties

contents

frame it 20 Pumpkins: A plethora of possibilites 25 Create your own Halloween piñata

learning curve 8 We’re in this together: A Halloween Q & A 22 Leaps and bounds

pay it forward 26 Helping the hungry

feature story 13 From Mario’s Bakery to a cake decorating dream

paws & effects 10 What’s on the family pet’s menu 17 A tale of two pups: Brooklyn & Bronx

your chance to win

2 Creative Halloween costume contest

19 Don’t go batty on Oct. 31 23 One dog at a time 24 Addressing common aquarium problems 27 What to do with left over loot

safety zone 14 Protecting your pets from harm this Halloween

Cover Photo

Pictured are Mila Parkhurst from Mexico, NY 2 years old and 6 week old Honey Grove Texas. Photographed by Raine C. Dufrane, owner of Raineydayz Photography. 430.3229 or visit raineydayz.com.

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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family

FYI

some helpful information for your family

Safety first, trick or treat second Take the kids door-to-door with these precautions: For youngsters, so much of the fun of Halloween involves scouring the neighborhood with friends in search of candy. While children may have their eyes on the sweet prize, parents may be concerned about their little ones' safety.

The United States Census Bureau says that an average of 41 million trick-or-treaters venture out every year across the country, and roughly 106 million homes are solicited for candy and other treats on this holiday. Such a high number of people out on the streets increases the risk of injury, and it can be easy for kids to get lost as well.

According to Kate Carr,

president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide, a network of organizations geared toward preventing childhood injury, "Halloween is an important night for parents to be extra vigilant." But Halloween seems to lessen one's inhibitions, and wearing a costume and being hidden from others can encourage some revelers to engage in atypical and unsafe behaviors. To ensure everyone has a safe and fun Halloween, here are some safety tips to follow.

Go in groups.

Children can be accompanied by their parents while older children should be encouraged to trick-or-treat in groups. Should an emergency occur, having a group

October 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 at Maxwell Park Badgley Road, East Syracuse

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Consume only factorywrapped treats.

Trick-or-treaters should not be wearing earbuds or talking on a phone while trick-ortreating. They should be paying attention to their surroundings and using caution.

Well-meaning people may hand out cupcakes or marshmallow cereal treats. The ingredients such people used and the safety of these treats cannot be confirmed, so it is best to stick with store-bought items instead.

Do not enter homes.

Wear well-fitting shoes.

Avoid distractions.

7:00pm-9:00pm

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When trick-ortreating at night, take steps to improve visibility. This includes using reflective tape on costumes and carrying a flashlight or glow sticks so that other pedestrians as well as drivers will be able to see children.

Wherever possible, trick-or-treaters should use sidewalks and crosswalks. Avoid walking in the street, where the risk of being hit by a car is considerable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says twice as many kids are hit by a car while walking on Halloween than any other day of the year.

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Use a flashlight.

Walk on sidewalks.

Town Of Dewitt Parks & Recreation

Advance sale tickets available for $6.50 at the DeWitt Recreation Office until October 18th.

of friends around enables someone to call for help or alert an adult.

If an adult or even a youngster whom a child does not know offers entry to the home, the trick-or-treater should not enter. Let kids know they should only enter the homes of known friends, and even then they should only do so after getting permission from a parent.

Shoes that are uncomfortable or loose can cause children to fall and risk injury.

Adults should drive carefully.

All drivers should slow down and anticipate children darting out into the roadways on Halloween. Drive slowly and pay attention to the roads.

fast & easy meals/snacks to get your family to the table

Pumpkin Pancakes Yield: 16 pancakes Prep 15 mins Bake: 2 mins to 4 mins 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 3/4 cups milk 3 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup canned pumpkin 1/4 cup cooking oil

Directions

1.In a large bowl combine flour and other dry ingredients. In a second bowl combine eggs and remaining ingredients. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture until slightly lumpy.

2.Heat a lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat.

For each pancake pour 1/4 cup batter onto griddle. Cook until golden; turn when tops are bubbly and edges are slightly dry (one to two minutes per side).

Penne-Wise Pumpkin Pasta

1 pound whole-wheat penne 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 shallots, finely chopped 3 to 4 cloves garlic, grated 2 cups chicken stock 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree 1/2 cup cream 1 teaspoon hot sauce, to taste Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste 2 pinches ground cinnamon salt and black pepper 7 to 8 leaves fresh sage, thinly sliced plus more for garnish Grated parmigiano reggiano

Roasted Pumpkin Guacamole Yield: 8 servings Prep: 15 mins Cook: 5 mins Ingredients

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings Prep: 20 mins Cook: 10 mins Ingredients

meals in minutes

in chicken stock and combine with pumpkin, stir in cream then season sauce with hot sauce, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer five to six minutes more to thicken. Stir in sage, toss with pasta and grated cheese, to taste.

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup pie pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 avocados 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion 3 tablespoons lime juice 1 red jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantro 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1/4 teaspoon cumin seed, toasted and ground 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees . In a medium ovenproof skillet heat half the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cubed pumpkin, season with a pinch of the salt, and cook about five minutes, until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Transfer skillet to oven. Roast pumpkin five minutes, just until tender. Remove from oven. Cool to room temperature.

2.Halve avocados; remove pits, leaving skin intact. Cup on half at a time in palm, score avacado with paring knife in a grid. Spoon avocado flesh into medium-size bowl. Add onion, lime juice, jalapeno, cilantro, pumpkin seeds, cumin seed, remaining olive oil, remaining salt, pepper, and roasted pumpkin. Stir together; if desired, mash guacamole with fork, Serve immediately.

Directions

Heat water for pasta, salt it and cook penne to al dente.

Heat the oil over medium heat.

Add shallots and garlic to the pan, saute three minutes. Stir

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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from the editor

October is the month of the piñata at my house

October is a great month – school is back in session, the weather is cool, but not so cold that you need to wear a parka and shovel the driveway, and, of course, my son is an October baby, so we always have a huge celebration to mark his turning another year older.

The birthday celebration has changed over the years, from being just a family party, with grandparents, his aunt and uncles, cousins, great-aunts and uncles, etc., to a party overrun by kids – friends of both Jacob and my daughter, Cassidy.

Oh, there are adults there as well, but now the party is filled with that wonderful mayhem that only a large gang of teens and pre-teens can bring. There is no need for games, as they tend to make up their own fun, whether running around outside, bouncing on the trampoline or utilizing technology in the form of video games or making their own movies via cell phones.

This year marks a milestone for Jacob – he turns a decade old, the big “one – oh,” where his age leaves the single digits forever. This will also be the last time he gets a piñata – something we have done every year since just after he could walk. He’s had a piñata in many shapes, from a football to SpongeBob Squarepants, filled with candy and toys as has become a tradition at many birthdays in the U.S. While beginning plans for this year’s festivities, I found myself wondering about the origin of the piñata and, in this digital age, the answer was but a mouse click away. After some research, I found this information from mexconnect.com: “Piñatas may have originated in China. Marco Polo discovered the Chinese fashioning figures of cows, oxen or buffaloes, covered with colored paper and adorned with harnesses and trappings. Special colors traditionally greeted the New Year. When the mandarins knocked the figure hard with sticks of various colors, seeds spilled forth. After burning the remains, people gathered the ashes for good luck throughout the year.”

China, huh? Surprising, as I always associated the piñata with Mexico. I guess it just goes to show that you learn something new every day.

Maybe this year we will fill the piñata with seeds instead of candy, as the Chinese did. I don’t think the kids will mind, do you?

Stay up-to-date with us on Twitter, @SRYparent, and at facebook.com/SyracuseParentMagazine.

Jennifer Wing editor

Jennifer Wing can be reached at jwing@eaglenewsonline.com

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

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Jennifer Wing 434-8889 ext. 340 editor@syracuseparent.net

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Farah F. Jadran 434-8889 ext. 306 calendar@syracuseparent.net

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Sean Haney 434-8889 ext. 331 art@eaglenewsonline.com We want your news! Contributions can be sent to Farah Jadran, Associate 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.

here is what’s happening around you

Tue Oct 1 CREATION CLUB. 3:30 to 5 PM. Do you want to learn to use the green screen and make movies? Create and edit videos, podcasts, images, make 3D models and more using the software and hardware available at the FFL! For grades 6-9.

Please register. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. 637-6374. fflib.org.

SALLY’S STORY TIME. 10:30 to 11 AM. Story time for preschoolers ages 3 to 5; free; no registration required. Every Tuesday this month and every Monday except Oct. 14. Maxwell Memorial Library.

672-3661. rbrower@onlib.org.

Thu Oct 3 STORYTIME WITH MISS COLLEEN. 10 AM. Barnes and Noble story times provide activities and learning opportunities. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.

Storytime takes place every Thursday of September. 449-2948. 3454 Erie Blvd.

East, DeWitt.

Sat Oct 5 NEW MOVIES. “Amazon” and “Island of the Sharks,” times vary, check most.org for details. In “Amazon,” Indian shaman Julio Mamani and ethnobotanist Dr. Mark Plotkin seek medicinal plants in the basin of the Amazon River. In “Island of the Sharks,” moviegoers come face-to-face with sharks in the nutrient-rich waters near Cocos Islands. MOST, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Cost: $9.50 adults, $7.50 children and age 65 and up. 425-9068.

STORY TIME WITH MS. ROSE. 10:30 to 11 AM. For ages 1 to 4 and a participating adult; free; no registration required.

Held every Saturday in October. Maxwell Memorial Library. 672-3661. rbrower@ onlib.org.

THE FIREBIRD WONDERFUL MARIONETTES. 11 AM. The Mythical Firebird comes to life with the magic of Stravinski’s ballet, as Ivan and Princess Yelena team up to break the enchantment placed over the kingdom. Tickets $8. openhandtheater. org. 315 476-0466. 518 Prospect Ave., Ash Street door.

STORYTIME WITH MISS COLLEEN. 10 AM. Barnes and Noble story times provides activities and learning opportunities. Ideal for

toddlers and preschoolers. Storytime takes place every Thursday of September. 4492948. 3454 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt.

Fri Oct 11 DANCE-O-RAMA. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Family-friendly dance party featuring a DJ, bubble machine, and access to the museum’s exhibits. Food and drinks are available for purchase. MOST, 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Cost: $5 non-members, $4 members, free for ages 2 and under. 4259068, ext. 2141.

Sat Oct 12 SMART PLAY. 10:30 AM to 12 PM. Drop in and shop at the FFL Grocery Mart or put on your own puppet show! Play with games, puzzles, storyboards and more! Smartplay encourages discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Appropriate for young children ages 5 and below. Registration Required. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

637-6374. fflib.org.

FALL EXHIBIT OPENS. The MOST’s fall exhibit, a locally grown collaboration between augmented reality company Glyphr and artist Lorne Covington, opens with “Out There: Exploring Space Through Augmented Reality.” 425-9068, ext.

2126.

Sat Oct 19 CNY READING COUNCIL BOOKS & BRUNCH. 8:30 AM registration; 9 AM presentation. Teachers, librarians, and teacher assistants are invited to a presentation brunch on the topic: “Using Children’s Books in Elementary Math.”

calendar

Please RSVP to Tess Dussling: tmdussli@ syr.edu or contact her for more information. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.

Sat Oct 26 HARVEST BOOK AND BAKE SALE. 10 AM to 3 PM. The Friends of NOPL Cicero will be selling used books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and videocassettes.

There will be a $2 bag sale (bags provided) from 1:30 to 3 PM. NOPL Cicero Library, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero.

699-2032. nopl.org.

CARNIFFALL ANNUAL FUNDRAISER. 10 AM to 5PM. The FFL hosts Carniffall, the library’s annual fall fundraiser which features a haunted house, cookout, carnival games, crafts, prizes, bake sale, book sale, photo booth, costume contest and more! Cookout sponsored by Tops Friendly Markets. All proceeds benefit the Fayetteville Free Library. 637-6374. fflib. org.

HALLOWEEN STORYTIME. 11 AM. Presented by the Friends of DeWitt Community Library. Dress in your favorite costume and stop by for a spooky story or two featuring “Go Away, Big Green Monster” by Ed Emberley, an ingenious story about children who know how to make scary monsters disappear. Activities and treats will follow the story. 449-2948.

3454 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt.

Tue Oct 29 SOCIETY OF CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS GROUP. 7 PM. Central New York children’s writers and illustrators are invited to a discussion at the children’s stage.

This is a great way to get information and connect with local authors and illustrators. 449-2948. 3454 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt.

Wed Oct 30 CREATION CLUB JUNIOR. 3:30 to 5 PM. Do you want to learn to use the green screen and make movies?

Create and edit videos, podcasts, images, make 3D models and more using the software and hardware available at the FFL! they love with the community. For grades 3-5. Please register. 637-6374. fflib.org.

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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learning curve

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

A Halloween Q&A It’s amazing what you can learn in five minutes, so we did just that with our local evening anchorwoman, CNY Central’s Megan Coleman! Read on and learn about how her family enjoys Halloween: What was each of your kids’ first Halloween costumes?

Olivia was a sheep and Henry was Otto the Orange. I let my husband Richard take the lead on the costumes because it’s his favorite holiday and he plans everything. He thinks about their costumes for months. Richard’s mom is incredibly creative and she made Henry’s Otto costume.

(To accompany the Syracuse University mascot was then 2-year-old Olivia dressed as an SU cheerleader.)

How do you help select the costume?

Richard thinks about things that he never got to be as a child and the ideas start there. There have been ideas about some “Oompa Loompa” costumes for the kids, but nothing has been decided yet. Olivia is going to

be 4 years old next year so she is getting into it more and she loves princesses…I don’t know if that will play a part in her costume this year.

What’s the plan for trick-ortreating?

This year we have two walking kids. A lot of people in our neighborhood put the kids in wagons for the trick-or-treating trip, so we might try that in case they get tired. I usually try to break out of work as quickly as I can and we try to go to some of our neighbors first. Olivia can stay up a little bit later this year, so I know she will enjoy greeting more kids who come to the door.

Last year she got to help a little bit and she was so excited every time she heard the doorbell ring!

As for Henry, I am wondering if he will be able to say, “trick or treat,” this year. Just the other day, he said, “brush teeth,” so I think he may be on to something.

How do you enforce Halloween safety?

Olivia is becoming more aware of the people around her

so we have had the “stranger danger” talk and she understands she should not speak to strangers and that staying with us and holding either my hand or daddy’s hand is important when we’re out and about.

Also, in terms of Halloween, we try to be sure and wear clothing that is brighter so we don’t lose sight of one another at any time.

When it comes to candy, I feel like you don’t necessarily think about the importance of sorting through it until you have your own kids. We make sure we go through everything to be sure that it’s wrapped and because the kids are still so young, we make sure that there is no gum or hard candies because they can be choking hazards.

Some fun final thoughts on the Halloween festivities…

The first time I met Richard was at a costume party for Halloween several years ago.

Richard was dressed in a Navy whites uniform and he looked really cute. Because I knew I would

M ega

W e’r ei

n Cole m

an

n t h i s to g e t h e

r

be meeting him for the first time, I did not dress up. I came in regular clothes because I did not want to be in a costume! (Megan and Richard just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in September – congratulations to you two!)

– Megan Coleman is the content managing editor for CNY Central and an evening news anchor for NBC 3.

Follow her on Twitter at @MegsNewsFlash and start a conversation with her about this month’s column!

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

some helpful information for your family

family

FYI

It’s Apple Picking Time

At

Halloween treats: Equal parts spooky and delicious

Using bananas and clementines or small oranges, you can create the appearance of ghosts haunting a field of pumpkins. Peel both the oranges and the bananas and place small chocolate chips into the rounded "head" of the banana to create a ghost face. Use a piece of green gummy candy or something that will hold its shape to create "stems" for the orange pumpkins. Place the ghosts and pumpkins on a platter or in a bowl for a healthy and festive snack.

Witches' Brew Create a punch recipe that bubbles and

Ghoulish Graveyard Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter and sugar to create a cookie crust. Press into the bottom of a baking pan. Prepare some chocolate pudding to pour on top of the crust and allow it to grow firm. Then sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies on top to create the appearance of soil. Push some rounded-edge, oblong creamfilled cookies into the pudding to serve as tombstones. Decorate with candy worms, gummy skeletons and any other candy items that can add to the look.

Black licorice sticks poked with black licorice strings can look like dead trees.

Scary Grin Turn a whole watermelon into a jack-o'-lantern and fill with fruit salad. This makes for a refreshing treat and provides an alternative to candy. Cut the watermelon as you would a pumpkin and hollow out the insides to use for the salad.

Add sliced berries, grapes, apples, pears, and any other fruits you desire.

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Ghosts in the Pumpkin Patch

looks like a witch's evil concoction. Put two quarts of lime sherbet for a green punch (or orange sherbet if you prefer an orange punch) in a punch bowl.

Add a two-liter bottle of ginger ale and one can of pineapple juice.

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With a little ingenuity, otherwise mundane foods can be transformed into something worthy of a second look.

Therefore, Halloween party hosts will need to get creative with the type of foods they serve to ensure a "spooktacular" time. Here are some creative ways to turn ordinary food items into Halloween-inspired fare for your next get-together.

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family For Kids Too

FYI

some helpful information for your family

Serving special families

Kids Circuit Training $5

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

(Hydraulic machines for kids)

Class $5

By Sarah Hall

(Kids Zumba Fridays at 6:15)

When Shari Bottego moved to the Syracuse area more than 20 years ago, she had a 2-month-old son with Down syndrome and very little knowledge about the condition.

“We knew nothing about Syracuse or Down syndrome,” said Bottego. “When I was finally settled in and ready to meet other families who have a child with Down syndrome I called the woman whose phone number I was given. She was literally packing up her house and moving out of the area.”

The existing group

Birthday Parties

(See web site for details)

“Tween” Blacklight Dance Parties (Starting at $8 per child)

Kids Hula Hoops $12

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folded, and a year went by. Bottego and her son, David, were out shopping one day when they were approached by a woman who was part of the original group who was eager to start it up again.

“I said I would be interested, but we would do it the proper way and become a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization so what happened before would not happen again,” Bottego said. “That was 21 and a half years ago, and I have been the president ever since.”

The board of the Down Syndrome Association of Central New York (DSA of CNY) is made up of volunteers who have a loved one with Down syndrome; there is no paid staff. DSA of CNY hosts free social events for families, as well Photo courtesy of the National Down Syndrome Society

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DSA of CNY recently held its 15th annual Buddy Walk .

Classes are for kids 4yrs - 12yrs

paws and effects

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What’s on the family pet’s menu?

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

Cats sometime get a reputation for being finicky eaters, and ensuring that your dog receives the correct nutrition is a key part of being a good owner.

Many pet owners may not know that providing your cat or dog with ealthy, nutritious food has many long-term benefits, including fewer trips to the vet. Here are some handy tips to keep your feline friendly and your canine cuddly: 1. Shop in a specialty pet store that sells premium quality food. Many commercially available/economy brands of food are made from inexpensive ingredients, which might not be easily digested due to possible degradation of protein sources or oxidization of fat sources. While the ingredients may technically meet the legal specifications for percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc., these foods have lower energy values and lower-grade proteins.

2. Look at the ingredient panel: Look for a species-specific meat or meal as the first ingredient (e.g. "chicken" or "chicken meal,” not "poultry meal".) Ensure that the product is

naturally preserved with vitamin E. You don't want any chemical preservatives listed in the ingredient panel. Look for the "extras" (e.g., pre- and probiotics, digestive enzymes and antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables).

3. Make sure your cat has wet food and plenty of water as a regular part of their diet.

Running water is best as it mimics their instinct to find moving water in the wild. At a young age, be sure to offer different types of wet food to your cat to ensure they don't get addicted to a specific style of wet food. Some cats also don't like wet food after it's been refrigerated, so try letting the portion you're going to feed warm up to room temperature.

Consider your dog’s activity level, weight and any specific health needs. Many “all life stage” products exist. However, some manufacturers also include life-stage-specific foods that have unique features and benefits tailored to a puppy or a senior dog. Also, there are many breed-size specific diets and diets that are specifically tailored to unique health needs, such as allergies, mobility issues or weight management.

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as regular meetings, and publishes a quarterly newsletter with the latest literature, updates on medical advances and research studies and information on local and national conferences and workshops. Membership is $25 a year per family, but it can be waived in cases of financial hardship. A membership directory is also provided to families to encourage friendships and mentorships among families.

But the most important service the organization provides, Bottego said, is to help families of newborns just diagnosed with Down syndrome.

All in all, the group aims to do what every parent does — to help raise happy, healthy children.

“We want what all parents want. We want our children and adults to have a fulfilling life,” Bottego said. “We do not want people have preconceived notions on what a person with Down syndrome is like.”

With the help of the DSA of CNY, as well as a number of other support organizations, David Bottego, now 24, has developed into an independent, well-rounded young man.

“He has a self-determination program in which he is decides what he does every day,” his mother said. “Through the agency that helped us set up this plan, we have hired two individuals who take my son to where he needs to be. He volunteers in his community, takes classes, exercises daily, works on life skills and socializes with his friends.”

For more information visit dsaofcny.org, email dsaofcny@aol. com or call 682-4289.

More fun than raiding your parent’s closet!

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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healthy family

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

Getting on the healthy track with the help of ‘best friend’ gies into your diet. For pets, this means ensuring that their pet food uses ingredients such as fresh turkey, salmon and duck, fresh omega-3 and omega-6 oils (from coconuts and canola), wholesome berries and fruits and vegetables like peas, spinach and carrots.

Get more exercise. Did you know pets can decrease our blood pressure and cholesterol levels and increase our opportunities for exercise, outdoor activities and socialization? Exercising together will not only help optimize your health but also allow you to spend more time together.

Schedule activity time with your pet.

Most of us schedule time for other appointments and meetings, so why not set aside some priority time for pets, too? Just like you would a more typical fitness routine, schedule daily activity time with your pet. Your pet will appreciate the extra attention, and both of you will benefit from daily physical activity.

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Adopting a healthier lifestyle is not always so easy. Men and women who want to get healthier often find it's easier said than done.

But one of the ways in which many people reach their fitness goals is to employ the buddy system, which enlists the help of a friend or family member with similar fitness goals to keep you motivated as you work toward a healthier you. But you don't necessarily need to lean on a brother, sister, spouse or neighbor to help you make your fitness goals a reality. Man's best friend, who might benefit from a healthier lifestyle as well, can make just as good a partner on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. The following are a handful of ways you and your four-legged friend can start living a healthier, more active life.

Eat more fresh food. This may seem like an easy resolution. However, it takes time and preparation. For humans, this means incorporating more fruits and veg-

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

feature story

From Mario’s Bakery to a cake decorating dream Liverpool graduate takes scholarship to the next level

By Farah F. Jadran Ever since she was eight years old, she has been baking.

“I used to spend the entire day in the kitchen with my grandma baking quick breads, pies, and cookies,” said Alexa Mentel, a 2013 Liverpool High School graduate. “As I grew older, it developed into a hobby and eventually I realized I wanted to bake for a living.”

Since Mentel was 16 years old, she has been working at Mario’s Bakery in North Syracuse as a cake decorator.

Mentel was named the recipient of the ninth annual Bill and Sandra Pomeroy Scholarship, which is based on academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community involvement and personal goals. She will be attending Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island this fall to continue her education.

She took her baking skills a step further and competed in the SkillsUSA state competition for commercial baking this past April and took first place.

In June, she made the trip to Kansas City to represent the state of New York in the national competition and finished in the top 10.

“My passion for baking is how I got this far,” she said. “I love what I do and will always want to learn something new, and continuing an education at Johnson and Wales will challenge my skills and allow me to develop new techniques that can help me for the future.”

Working at Mario's Bakery gave her the opportunity to work hands on with baked goods, including cake decorating.

She also learned how to interact with customers and handle difficult situations.

“Working in a bakery for two years allowed me to see what my future holds.”Mentel said. “When I graduate from Johnson and Wales, I hope to be working in an upscale casino in Las Vegas as an executive pastry chef, creating unique desserts and cakes

for customers from all over the world.”

Mentel says she was lucky enough to know what she wanted to do for a living at a young age. She hopes that students who are passionate about something follow their dreams.

“Parents should be supportive and

encourage their children to go after their dreams,” Mentel said. “If it wasn't for my parents’ support, I would not have been able to chase my dream.”

Now that Mentel has embarked on her college career and on the path to her “pastry dreams,” she is still reflecting on what has helped her realize her

dream and she encourages future high school graduates to do the same.

Farah F. Jadran is the associate editor of Syracuse Parent Magazine. She can be reached at fjadran@eaglenewsonline.com.

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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safety zone

the best ways to play while keeping danger away

Protect your pets from harm this Halloween cause for agitation. Spooky decorations hung throughout the house and outdoors present new sights and smells.

The doorbell ringing every few minutes could put skittish pets even more on edge – especially when they come face-to-face with hordes of costumed trick-or-treaters.

Candy, and chocolate in particular, poses a large risk as well. Even relatively small amounts of chocolate can be harmful to cats and dogs.

That's because chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine (a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant,) two different types of stimulants that can wreak havoc on an animal's central nervous system.

Hard candies may be swal-

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While Halloween can be fun for adults and children alike, the family pet might not look forward to Oct. 31 each year as much as the rest of the family. When trick-ortreating time arrives and the doorbell gets its annual workout, pet parents should take steps to ensure their dogs, cats and other companion animals stay calm and don't get too frightened or excited.

Halloween is full of decorations, costumes and, of course, trick-or-treaters.

While the excitement can be thrilling for children, pets can easily grow scared. Animals generally become creatures of routine, and anything that takes them out of their comfort zones can be a

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

lowed and become lodged in the throat or digestive tract.

Artificial sweeteners also are harmful to animals.

To help keep pets safe, it is best to consider the following tips for Halloween: Keep pets indoors for the day. Animals that are frightened may run away or grow disoriented and get lost. Also, you never want your pet to be the victim of a Halloween prank. Sometimes black cats are stolen on Halloween. Dogs left outside also may be at risk for teasing and taunting.

Don't take dogs trick-ortreating. Although you may have a calm, well-mannered dog, the crowds in the neighborhood may excite man's best friend, whose behavior might be difficult to predict.

Also, other animals that get loose from homes when the doors are opened may provoke your dog. It's enough to keep your eyes on your children, never mind also being mindful of your dog.

Skip costumes for pets.

You may think it's a great idea to dress your pets in costumes, but there's a good chance your pet does not share your enthusiasm. It may stress out the animal, so avoid pet costumes.

Be mindful of holiday decorations. Strings of lights, fake spider webs and other deco-

rative items can be tripping hazards for pets, while electronic devices could pose a safety risk. Avoid lit candles in the home because cats or dogs may knock them over.

Keep pets secured in a bedroom or another quiet space. Your dog or cat may try to bolt outside every time you open the door to trick-or-treaters. Instead, keep the animals in a bedroom or laundry area. Not only will they appreciate the quiet, but they also won't have a chance to escape and get lost.

Store collected candy out of reach. Pets are inquisitive, and they may be drawn to the sweet smell of candy and treats. Candy wrappers and the candy itself can be hazardous to pets. Therefore, store candy where pets cannot access it and be sure children discard candy wrappers.

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

healthy family

Kids and Halloween Candy: A Recipe for Disaster? children would stick out their brightly colored blue or yellow tongues after eating artificially dyed candies, but now we know that the effects of these chemicals on their behavior are not so funny,” said Hersey.

In fact, Hersey and others believe that the increasing prevalence of synthetic food dyes and other additives in foods marketed to children has contributed to the dramatic rise in childhood hyperactivity in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently found that one in five high school age boys and 11 percent of children overall have been diagnosed with ADHD, which represents a 41 percent increase over the past decade.

Recognition of synthetic food dyes’ harmful effects resulted in the British Food Standards Agency advising parents to consider eliminating these additives from their children’s diet. The European Union also issued rules requiring labels on foods containing these dyes to state that the colorings “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.”

In the United States, a 2011 Food and Drug Administration advisory panel narrowly rejected requiring warning labels on artificially dyed foods, but the recent accumulation of research highlighting these dyes’ effects on children’s behavior might lead the FDA to reconsider this decision.

Until the FDA takes such action, how can you protect your children from these ghoulish chemicals at Halloween? “Parents can plan for a healthier, more peaceful holiday by helping their kids avoid the worst of the candy and organizing activities that take the emphasis off sweets,” said Hersey.

She offers the following tips: Feed kids before trick or treating. Feed your children before they go out to collect their candy.

A full stomach is good insurance against their snacking on sweets as they go from door to door.

Choose healthier candy. Offer to trade healthier treats for the candies they collect. Parents can find a wide selection of natural candies and low-additive brand-

name foods in the Feingold Association’s Foodlist and Shopping Guide.

Throw a pizza party. Plan a Halloween-themed pizza party for your children and their friends.

Kids could wear their costumes to the party, which could be in your home or at their favorite pizza place.

Camp out. Camp out with your children on Halloween night.

Pitch a tent in the back yard, grill some hot dogs and tell ghost stories.

Rent a scary movie. Make Halloween a movie night. Let your kids pick a scary film to rent and treat them to all the popcorn they want.

Give them toys. Toys are a great alternative to candy.

Check your local dollar store for Halloween-themed items like vampire teeth, squishy eyeballs, glow-in-the-dark insects and jumping spiders.

“Halloween does not have to be a stressful time for parents,” said Hersey. “With some planning, your children won’t act like little goblins after they have taken off their Halloween costumes!”

Individual dietary needs vary and no one diet will meet everyone’s daily requirements. Before starting any new diet, check with your doctor or nutritionist.

The nonprofit Feingold Association (feingold.org / 800-321-3287) helps families use a low-additive diet developed by the late Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a pediatrician who was chief of allergy at San Francisco’s Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. The charity conducts in-depth research with food companies and provides information about which foods are free of harmful additives. Its advisory board and board of directors include medical professionals from Johns Hopkins University, the University of Rochester, Stony Brook University, Baltimore’s Sinai Hospital and other institutions.

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Does the thought of how your children may behave this Halloween send a chill up your spine? If you answered yes, you are not alone, because millions of other parents share this concern.

“If there is any holiday that parents have mixed feelings about, it is Halloween,” said Jane Hersey, national director of the nonprofit Feingold Association (feingold.org), a charity that helps children with learning and behavior problems. “Parents love to help their kids dress up in Halloween costumes, but many dread they will become little monsters after eating all of that additivefilled candy.”

Sugar has often been portrayed as the villain behind the hyperactivity, temper tantrums and other bad behavior that many children display after eating Halloween candy, but recent studies have shown that the real culprits are petroleum-based food dyes, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, which are found in many of these candies.

One such study is a 2011 Australian trial conducted at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, which was sponsored by the Feingold Association. This study of children ages 4 through 12 found that a diet eliminating synthetic food dyes and other additives, as well as certain foods, led to significant improvements in behavioral problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional behavior.

More evidence of synthetic food dyes’ harmful nature was provided in a major reevaluation of previous studies on diet and ADHD, which was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The authors of this 2013 meta-analysis concluded that a diet eliminating these dyes appeared to have “beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms.”

According to a 2013 study on the food dye Blue 1, the negative effects of dyes in lollipops and other hard candies are exacerbated by the fact that these chemicals are not only ingested normally, but are also absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tongue.

“We all used to laugh when

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

paws and effects ROCK N’ BOWL Fri & Sat Night 9pm OPEN BOWLING Mon-Thurs 11am-Midnight Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun noon-9pm t #*35)%": 1"35*&4 t 13*7"5& 1"35*&4 t #64*/&44 1"35*&4

A tale of two pups: Brooklyn & Bronx stomachs, especially if your dog or cat licks its paws after being outside.

Protect our paws with a wax product designed for this purpose by forming a dense, breathable bond, which helps prevent snow buildup during outdoor exercise. After walks, wipe away any snow or ice from our feet, legs and belly.

Poor weather and decreased daylight may cause limited visibility for drivers at night, so take extra precautions, including using a leash, when walking us after dusk!

We very much look forward to rolling around in leaves and finding new smells in the air, and when you follow these tips, we know that we will have an even

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There are a few tips for parents & kids from two resident pooches.

Our names are Brooklyn, 3, and Bronx,1, and we are brindle pit bulls that reside in Syracuse with our loving owner. We were both rescued from unfortunate situations and for that we are grateful!

With the fall season ahead of us, we know it’s about to get much colder.

It tends to be a fall ritual to get your homes, cars and even yourselves ready for the colder weather.

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Now, let’s go for a walk and enjoy the cool weather!

Account Executive Chelsea Dorado is the proud owner of Brooklyn and Bronx.

Each month the pet of one of our staff members will host a column with an issue that relates to keeping pets happy and healthy.

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How many of you, though, consider the impact the changing season has on your pets? We know that you are very busy, so we compiled a few helpful tips for you: Cooler weather usually brings dry air, so using a humidifier will help to keep our noses and throats from drying out.

It's the same for our coat and skin. A dog or cat food with omega oils will help support a healthy coat and skin, too.

Choose pet-friendly ice and snow melt products that won't irritate paws or

www.pediatricassociatesny.com OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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family

FYI

Fall is the time for… home parties Autumn has arrived full of its pumpkin-appley goodness. Leaves are crunching beneath our feet when we walk through the neighborhood, the air has a brisk chill and the mailbox is filling up with party invitations.

Not birthday parties for the kids, but home parties for mom. Make-up, jewelry, scrapbooking, essential oils, easy-to-prepare foods and wrap parties. And when I say “wrap parties,” I don’t mean swanky Hollywood parties, but rather, “wrap your belly and look thinner” parties. Guess we knew we’d have to pay for all those food parties sometime.

Home parties provide an excuse to get together with 10 to 20 of your closest friends - or at least every friend in your address book who might have a checkbook with a positive balance.

For years I rarely turned these invitations down, knowing that it would be the only time I would see some friends. As schedules filled with family-focused activities, home parties provided the reason to get together and because an invitation came in the mail it, of course, was worthy of space on the calendar.

Heaven forbid we should get together without a reason! The world may stop turning if there’s not a sales pitch before we settle down and share the latest news.

Not that there’s anything

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

e n B e rg a m o - M o K ar or

A

e

mo e the r’s perspectiv

wrong with a home party.

I’ve hosted a couple in my day. Sometimes to help a friend starting a business, sometimes as an excuse to see friends because there was a part of me that thought people might not come over simply to get together.

It makes me wonder, why don’t we get together more without the live infomercial as the evening’s centerpiece? Is there a reason moms feel compelled to have an excuse to warrant getting together?

Men don’t have home parties. When they want to get together they golf or go to a ball game. Simple as that.

“Hey Pete, I’m hosting a Power Tool Party. Frank will be showing us the latest in drill bits and then we’ll have some finger foods,” said no man ever.

This fall, I vow to have a party - at my home - where you are invited to come over to eat, drink and make merry and leave your checkbook at home.

some helpful information for your family

family

FYI

Don’t go batty Oct. 31 Halloween symbols revealed

People familiar with Halloween know that certain animals, symbols and imagery are commonly used as decorations, with a goal of setting a mysterious and frightful scene. But some of these same items are far more innocuous when examined after Halloween has come and gone.

The following are some of the more frequently used Halloween images and the truth behind these oft-misinterpreted decorations.

Bats Dracula can transform into a vampire bat and sneak inside of a home unseen, correct? Many people fear bats unnecessarily, and not just for their connection to horror folklore. Bats are small mammals, and the only mammals capable of sustained flight. Roughly 70 percent of bats are insectivores, and they can be quite helpful to have around. Bats begin to take flight at dusk and eat millions of insects, including pesky mosquitoes.

But many bats eat fruit. A few species, like vampire bats, do feed on blood, but largely prefer blood from other animals and occasionally birds. While

vampire bats can feed on the blood of humans, such instances are rare, and a person would have to be sleeping where the bats live.

Wolves Wolves communicate through a soulful howl, and such howls are often heard in horror films, which has helped paint a scary picture of wolves. But wolves often have more to fear from humans than vice versa. According to “National Geographic,� gray wolves that once populated large portions of North America, Europe and Asia were hunted to near extinction.

Red wolves, which live in the southeastern United States, are endangered and actually became extinct in the wild in 1980. Many wolves are highly gregarious animals that prefer to interact with other members of their pack and are not actually dangerous to humans, despite how they are portrayed in movies.

Spiders Large webs waiting at the ready to ensnare prey is imagery common to horror movies. Many people fear spiders and other insects, and while all spiders have venom that they inject when biting their prey, few spiders have bites that are considered serious and potentially fatal to humans. The Black Widow, Brown Widow, Brown Recluse, Funnel Web and Brazilian Wandering spiders are considered some of the more

deadly. In many instances, spiders are beneficial insects to have around the yard and even in the home because they can eat other unsavory pests.

Ravens These large, black birds are often associated with bad omens, and some see them as harbingers of death.

But such associations are simply fiction. Ravens are the largest birds in the crow family and feed on a wide array of foods, including carrion. These birds are considered the most intelligent birds,

capable of learning and logic.

Their keen intelligence and ability to learn behavior may be another reason why people are suspicious of them.

Zombies Zombies do not exist in the real world, but they have frequently appeared in pop culture and are often more visible come Halloween. Zombies are supposedly resurrected dead that roam the earth and then turn others into zombies by biting them and passing infected saliva. In the real world, dead bodies cannot move and roam the earth, but air and gases in the body may be released and cause slight movement after death. Rigor mortis, or the stiffening of the body upon death, may also cause twitches or slight movement. This is natural and should not be mistaken for an impending zombie apocalypse.

OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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Pumpkins: A plethora of possibilities Fall is the season when pumpkins are ripe for the picking, and thousands of people flock to Central New York farms and roadside vendors to select perfect pumpkins. Many pumpkins are turned into decorative jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween, only to be tossed in the trash come November 1. That could be because many people are unaware of the various ways they can put pumpkins to good use.

Pumpkins are gourds and members of the squash family and have been grown and used for thousands of years. Today they are widely used for decorating around Halloween, but there are many other things that can be done with pumpkins.

Create a food vessel.

Pumpkins can be transformed into bowls to hold soup, punch, fruit, or even dips. Make sure the pumpkin has been cleaned well of its pulp and seeds, as well as the stringy flesh that is inside.

Rub the inside walls of the pumpkin with oil to keep them from drying out and caving in, then fill with your food of choice.

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Puree from a pumpkin can be used in all types of recipes, from soups to baked goods. The puree also can replace the oil in cake recipes. Cut the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and stringy membranes. Then place it cut-side-down in a pan with a little water in the bottom. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 90 minutes. The flesh will become tender and easily removable.

Blend the resulting puree in a food processor and reserve flesh for recipes. Some pumpkins are sweeter or better to use as part of recipes. Check the variety you're purchasing.

Whip up a facial.

Use some pumpkin puree with a little brown sugar and a dash of milk to create a vitamin-rich facial mask.

Get illuminated.

Turn hollowed-out mini pumpkins into candles. Melt soy wax, beeswax or the gel type of candle wax that can be found at most craft stores. Add your favorite scent and place a wick into the bottom of the pumpkin. Then pour the wax into a hollowed-out space and allow it to harden. Try the same thing with bumpy and multi-colored gourds for added decorating appeal.

Turn the pumpkin into a flower pot.

Fill a hollow pumpkin with soil. You may not have to worry about scraping the pumpkin completely clean because the pulp can be used to help fertilize the potting soil. Plant your favorite fall flowers into the festive and earth-friendly flower pot. When the pumpkin shows signs of rotting, simply put the whole thing into a traditional flower pot or bury it directly in the ground.

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Make pumpkin stock.

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

While vegetable or meat-based stocks may be the standard, pumpkin can be used to make stock as well. Clean out the seeds from the stringy guts of the pumpkin and put the guts into a pot filled with water. Add celery, carrots or any other aromatic vegetables for extra flavor. Allow to boil for at least 30 minutes. The stock is ready when it begins to change color. Strain and reserve the stock for use in a variety of recipes.

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learning curve

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

Leaps and bounds Little Lukes preschool twins with special needs thrive in special classroom setting

By Megan Morris When you look at JoAnn Salemi, Robert Murphy and their four-year-old twin girls, Riley and Reese, you see a typical American family.

Their family is big and blended, with both Joann and Robert having children from previous marriages.

When asked about Robert, JoAnn said she was “so lucky to meet such a kind gentleman who makes her laugh and is a great team player.”

She said they are best friends and true soul mates in life. Robert and JoAnn said their biggest goal is to teach their kids that each day is a present to open, and to always see the positive side of things.

The couple was happy to welcome their identical twins girls back in 2009, although they had to be delivered via emergency C-section 11 weeks early due to complications. Both Reese and Riley are children with special needs, but through working with family and the preschool program at Little Lukes, both have progressed exceptionally well in their first four years of life. Reese and Riley are like many kids their age. They love music, crafting,

22

art and animals. Playing outside, running, swinging and being active are another few things they both enjoy.

“It’s thrilling to see their faces light up when they see or learn something new,” JoAnn said. “We cherish it.”

Since their daughters began preschool at Little Lukes in Radisson, Robert and JoAnn have seen incredible progress in many areas the girls were previously struggling.

Reese had previously been diagnosed with selective mutism and was unable to speak in certain situations due to a social anxiety. Since beginning preschool, she makes eye contact and has become a “social butterfly.”

“She has a lot more potential and it was hidden deep inside,” her mom said. “She

SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

needed the professionalism of the Little Lukes staff to help bring it out in a way where Reese wouldn’t feel scared or lonely for home and it was so successful.”

Their other daughter Riley has come a long way as well.

When asked to comment on Riley’s progress, JoAnn said, “Wow. That’s all I can say is wow.” Before preschool, Riley was anxiety-ridden, still

drinking from a bottle, and wasn’t able to speak. Riley has autism and apraxia, making communication difficult. Now she goes to school without a bottle, will try different foods with her class and will hold hands and stay with teachers or aides.

Her greatest accomplishment so far though is beginning to speak and communicate with the help of

the PECS system, an iPad and the Proloquo2Go. Going from being completely nonverbal to stringing small groups of words together, Riley has come leaps and bounds since beginning preschool.

Both girls have received physical, occupational and speech therapies since beginning preschool at Little Lukes, which their mother calls “invaluable.”

One of JoAnn’s older daughters has decided to further her education to pursue a career as an occupational therapist after seeing the impact the therapists made on her younger sisters. Because the therapy team was open and willing to work with the family in whatever ways they needed, the girls have made great strides in their development.

Riley, who once was completely nonverbal, will now try her hardest to mouth the word for what she is looking for, or grab a family members hand to bring them and show them what she wants.

Reese’s biggest accomplishment relates to her socialization. The little girl who was once anxious in social situations now loves to go to school, and asks to go to school from “the minute she goes to bed” to “the minute

family

some helpful information for your family

Little Lukes Preschool and Childcare Center offers a holistic model for Childcare and Preschool, with integrated classrooms combining both special needs and typically developing children.

Little Lukes has an in-house team of certified teachers, certified special education teachers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech language pathologists. Little Lukes stresses a push-in model, in which therapy services are “pushed into” the classroom when possible, allowing the child to participate in the preschool day. The therapy services combined with award-winning curriculum and caring atmosphere makes Little Lukes a top choice for families of children with special needs.

FYI

One dog at a time Cuse Pit Crew changes perceptions about pit bulls The Cuse Pit Crew, a project of the Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse, was created by animal advocates (and sisters) Nicole Heath and Stefanie Heath Higgins to encourage the human treatment of all animals with a focus on the pit bull breed.

Though unfair, the general perception of pit bulls as pets is less than stellar.

Through no fault of their own, pit bulls are widely considered fighting dogs that are not fit for many households. However, such a reputation is largely unwarranted.

The term "pit bull" is used to classify multiple breeds of dogs with similar genetic makeups. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as well as any crosses between the three. The American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred by interbreeding Old English Terriers and English Bulldogs. The dog was popular in England and came to the Americas when the British established colonies.

In 2006, the Humane Society of the United States began the End Dogfighting program. After hearing about the creative ways that they were utilizing community resources to strengthen the bond between at-risk individuals and dogs that were known to be victims of abuse, the members of the Cuse Pit Crew reached out to the founders of this program in the fall of 2011 to learn more.

The Cuse Pit Crew’s humane education program was designed to improve the way people understand the human-animal relationship. Their programs are applied within schools and community centers to encourage a positive feeling toward the breed. In turn, this will help create a sense

of ease around pit bulls and an appreciation for the breed as a family pet.

Although pit bulls continue to play important roles as police dogs and search and rescue animals, they are more widely considered fighting dogs rather than loyal family pets. Ambassadors of the breed such as the Cuse Pit Crew have initiated many campaigns to change the public perception of pit bulls as mindless aggressors.

Pit bulls get a bad rap, but the perception of these dogs is slowly changing. Here are some other facts to chew on.

1. According to the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls score at or below average for aggression when compared to other dogs.

2. Dogs, including pit bulls, are not naturally aggressive. They learn behaviors from their handlers.

2. Stubby Dog, a nonprofit organization focused on changing the public perception of pit bulls, says more than 80 percent of pit bulls in shelters will die before their second birthdays.

For more information on the Cuse Pit Crew or to bring their education programs to your school or community program, visit www.cusepitcrew.com or email the organizers at cusepitcrew@gmail.com.

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she wakes up.” She laughs and interacts with other students and teachers and is “so changed,” her JoAnn said.

Even their special education teacher, Mary Kubacki, has been inspired since working with these incredible little girls.

“As a teacher or therapist we expect children to make progress within the school year,” Kubacki said.

“However, the progress that these two girls have made is unprecedented for many of us caring for these girls. They are the reason I will continue to teach for many more years with the hope that there will be other cases like this … I cannot put into words how proud I am to be a part of both of their lives.”

In four short years, these two preschoolers have taught many people how, with a little help, if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish anything.

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OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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family

FYI

some helpful information for your family

Addressing common aquarium problems by a sunny window or door. Otherwise, you may need to reduce the amount of time you leave the aquarium light on. This combined with introducing a few algae-eating species of fish to the tank could correct the problem.

Cloudy water: Another thing many aquarium owners may encounter is cloudy water conditions. Cloudy water can be a byproduct of many things. However, one of the more frequent offenders is overfeeding fish. New fish tank owners may not be able to determine just how much food to give their fish and may have a heavy hand when shaking the container. Uneaten food breaks down and may begin to decompose and foul the water, particularly if it is not being thoroughly cleaned by the filter. Reduce the food given to the fish and change 25 percent of the water volume to alleviate the cloudy water. If cloudiness persists, have your water tested at the pet store. is more than just games: Toxic water: Fish need a careful water environment to thrive. It takes time for the right balance of helpful bacteria to form in the water and time for the water quality to equalize.

Water straight out of the tap may be toxic to fish

Although fish don't require visits to the vet or walks around the neighborhood, that doesn't mean that having a home aquarium is a hands-off approach to pet ownership. In fact, even the most devoted home aquarium owners may find they are plagued by one or more issues with water quality or fish health.

Much like a swimming pool, aquariums need proper water chemistry and some other conditions to thrive. If there is a slight sway in one direction or another, you can be left with sick fish or an unsightly tank.

Algae: Algae is a form of plant life that is often a sign of a healthy underwater environment. Many types of marine life feed on algae, and small amounts of it in a fish tank are nothing to worry about. Large amounts of algae may be more unsightly than troublesome. Algae needs a light source to grow, so a good deal of algae in a tank may be indicative of too much light in the aquarium. Relocate the fish tank if it is

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because of cleansing agents. It is important to add water conditioner to tap water and allow it to distill before adding it to the tank.

Also, allow time for a new tank to filter before gradually adding fish.

Too many fish: It's easy to fall in love with all of the interesting fish in a pet store and want them all for your tank. Too often aquariums are crowded with fish, which creates an unhealthy environment.

Small fish may each need two gallons of water, where larger ones may need 5 to 10 gallons. Err on the side of more space for your fish, and you'll give them the best chance to blossom.

Mixing incompatible fish: It is unlikely that all types of fish will cohabitate peacefully in a home aquarium. Some fish are prey to other breeds, and there are some fish that are naturally aggressive and territorial. To ensure you do not end up with a tank with one, very large, well-fed fish, it is important to research different species of fish and know which ones can live together and even complement others.

fun and low budget crafting projects for parents & kids

frame

it

Create your own Halloween piñata Piñatas make fun additions to many gatherings, including Halloween parties. Halloween-themed piñatas filled with trick-or-treat candies can provide a safer alternative to trickor-treating around busy neighborhoods, and kids won’t mind because they can still get their candy fix when the piñata is inevitably broken open.

Many people prefer to purchase a ready-made piñata from a party store. But with a few ingredients they may already have on hand, parents can customize their own Halloweenthemed piñatas.

3. Use strips of newspaper and dip into the mixture, then

Start by gathering your materials: - A large balloon, roughly 14 inches in diameter - Two large bowls - Flour and water - Newspaper and comics, torn into strips of various widths - String - Scissors - Pin - Colored tissue paper, crepe paper or cupcake liners - Paints, crayons and other decorating materials, as desired

6. Repeat the process again with a third layer, alternating

1. Blow up the balloon and knot the end. Rest the balloon in

9. Hang the piñata, and give everyone an opportunity to

wipe off the excess. Place the newspaper strips in an overlapping pattern to cover the entire balloon. Wrap yarn or another type of string around the balloon to help hang the piñata later on. Let the balloon dry for 24 hours.

4. Hold the balloon knot, and use a pin to pop the balloon and remove it.

5. Repeat the process with comics so that you can tell the first layer from the previous layer. Allow to dry.

with newspaper again. Allow the layer to dry completely.

7. Use your decorating supplies to decorate the piñata with vivid colors.

8. Cut a small hatch into the top of the piñata. Ensure that the

inside of the piñata is completely dry before filling it with candy.

break it open and reveal the treasure inside.

As an alternative to traditional papier-mâché, you can try dipping the newspaper strips into liquid starch. This will help prolong the life of the piñata, making it less susceptible to mold.

a bowl so it won’t roll away.

2. Mix up a batch of papier-mâché. Mix two cups of flour

with 2 cups of water and add a tablespoon of salt to create the mixture. With a spoon, blend to a batter-like texture.

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OCTOBER 2013 SYRACUSE PARENT

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pay it forward

helping your community has never been easier

Helping the hungry High school runners organize zombie 5K to benefit Food Bank

BY SARAH HALL PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ WESTFALL If you’ve ever wanted to be chased by zombies, now’s your chance.

On Oct. 20, you can be part of the Hallowrun for Hunger at Oneida Shores, which kicks off at 11 a.m. at the McKinley Shelter. The 5K course will feature student zombies from Cicero-North Syracuse High School, who will chase runners as they make their way along the course.

But it’s not the zombies’ hunger race organizers Liz Westfall and Megan Cuculich care about. Liz and Megan, both rising sophomores at C-NS, are much more concerned with the real hunger they see in the community every day.

“We started doing this event with the kids for Feed My Starving Children on Halloween. We loaded up my huge truck with donations and brought it over, and we were all dressed up, and they were really inspired by how many people are hungry,” said Veronica Westfall,

Liz’s mom. “In 2011, we found a website for Halloween for Hunger [which encourages kids to collect canned goods for the hungry instead of trick-or-treating on Halloween], and it got bigger from there.”

Liz and Megan’s efforts began in seventh grade, and every Halloween, their food drives have grown. So far, the girls have collected more than 1,500 pounds of food for the Food Bank of CNY. Last year alone, they collected more than 1,000 pounds.

This year, the two, both of whom are on C-NS’s cross country team, decided they wanted to marry their two loves: running and helping the hungry.

“We always do pasta parties before a big race, and we bring pasta in for the Food Bank. We do a lot of runs that help charities,” Megan said. “It seemed like a natural thing to do.”

So the girls, with Veronica Westfall’s help and that of several fellow C-NS students, started working to get the 5K off the ground. They sought a venue, corporate sponsors and vendors, set up a website, mapped out a route, did photo shoots, put together promotional materials and more, putting in hundreds of hours to pull together the race.

In keeping with the Halloween tradi-

tion, they decided to add zombies to the course, a popular element at many recent races. The spooks will be played

by C-NS students, and their makeup will be done by a student makeup team led by student makeup artist Josh DiFabio.

Without the support from the students and staff at C-NS, Liz said the race would never have gotten off the ground.

“Nearly everyone I talked to at the beginning said we would never be able to do this because it was just too big of a project for a bunch of kids,” Liz said.

“Ellie Peavey at the C-NS Optimist Club was the first person who really encouraged me to just go for it.”

Both Liz and Megan recognize how fortunate they are, not only to have the support of their peers and teachers, but to have enough food on the table when so many people have to go without. “It’s sad to know some people go to bed starving,” Megan said.

“When we go into the Food Bank, we realize we’re really fortunate,” Liz said.

“Sometimes it’s really hard to believe we’re so fortunate.”

If you’d like to donate to the Food Bank but you’re not a runner, you can do so at the website, as well. For more information, visit hallowrun.com or email hallowrunforhunger@gmail.com.

Hallowrun for Hunger When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 20.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., followed by a free kids’ run.

Where: Oneida Shores Park, Brewerton Why: To benefit the Food Bank of Central New York Register: Sign up directly through active.com or click through the link on at hallowrun.com. Registration is $25; active.com takes a $2.25 fee, but the rest goes directly to the Food Bank of CNY, the main food supplier to 268 emergency food programs in 11 counties in the state.

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SYRACUSE PARENT OCTOBER 2013

some helpful information for your family

family

FYI

What to do with leftover loot?

Many uses for remaining Halloween is certainly known for the spooky decorations that adorn homes and for the creative costumes children put on to canvas the neighborhood. But for many youngsters, Halloween is all about the candy.

In just a few hours, trick-or-treaters can accumulate a substantial amount of assorted chocolates, confections and other sweet treats. Once everyone has had their fill of their favorite items, candy often gets relegated to a giant bowl on the kitchen table, where it beckons each resident who passes by.

Rather than submitting to the call of the candy and sacrificing your dental health as a result, enterprising individuals can repurpose that leftover Halloween candy.

Incentives Parents can store extra candy to use as rewards for good behavior. Many parents use sweet treats as rewards for children learning

out at birthday parties. Keep the candy wellsealed to store away until it is needed to fill goodie bags. Add a few trinkets that tie in with the theme of your party, and you’re all set.

On a similar note, leftover candy can be used to stuff a pinata for a party. Pinatas are available in many different themes and styles, making any occasion ripe for a pinata.

Baking Cookies, brownies and cake bars taste even better with peanut butter cups, chips and chocolate candies baked inside. Some candy can be frozen for later use in baked goods. Baked goods can be enjoyed by the family or used for bake sales for schools and other organizations.

Donations Hospitals, doctors’ offices and nursing homes may appreciate donations of candy for staff and visitors. You can visit different places to see if they would appreciate a candy donation.

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Halloween candy

to potty train. Rewarding older children for a job well done cleaning up their rooms or as a special treat for scoring a good grade on a test also can be a way to put the candy to good use.

Gingerbread houses Christmas is just two months after Halloween. Put candy into sealable baggies and use it come the holiday season when building gingerbread houses. You will have a variety of different candies from which to choose and won’t have to purchase anything new in order to decorate your creations.

Advent calendars Halloween candy can be saved to make an Advent calendar. This calendar traditionally counts down to Christmas, revealing a date and a sweet treat behind each door.

Instead of purchasing a ready made Advent calendar, families can get together and make one for a family craft as a way to recycle Halloween candy.

Goody bags Candy is a crowd-pleaser, and leftover candy can be used in goody bags doled

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