Family Times October 2018 by Family Times

OCTOBER 2018

Batty For Halloween Easy decorations to make

A teen behind the wheelâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; oh my! The right fuel for a student athlete Falling for Niagara Falls Share dinner duty with your kids

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

BECAUSE I SAID SO

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

CREATE

TOGETHER TIMES

TRAVEL

My teen daughter is taking the wheel.

How to help student athletes fuel their bodies.

Celebrate Halloween with a batty craft.

A plan for teaching kids to make dinner.

For a weekend family trip, head to Niagara Falls, Canada.

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2018

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

LEARN

PARTY

PRACTICE

FAMILY FUN CALENDAR FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

FROM THE

THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

EDITOR Are you batty for Halloween—or does Halloween just make you batty? There’s a fine line between getting into the spirit of the holiday and taking on more than you can handle. If you’re looking for a way to ease into Halloween, check out our simple bat craft on page 12.

How can you make your life easier? Teaching kids to make dinner can pay off—eventually. As Laura Livingston Snyder describes on page 14, meal making for kids is a multi-month project that requires a lot of adult involvement. At the end of it, though, you’ve got kids who can get dinner on the table while you read a magazine! At this time of year, a lot of young people are involved in sports. Molly Morgan writes about student athletes and what they should be eating to fuel their high-energy activities (page 10). Fall is a great season for taking a weekend trip. In this issue, Eileen Gilligan writes about sights worth seeing in Niagara Falls, Canada (page 18). And for some laughs—and insights—read Neil Davis’ musings on teaching his daughter to drive (page 6). Happy fall!

OCTOBER 2018 | ISSUE NO. 198

GENIUSES AT WORK PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (ext. 134) CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Barnes GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Greg Minix Rachel Barry STAFF WRITER Kira Maddox CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh, Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Linda Lowen, Molly Morgan, Tami Scott, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 114) ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Anna Brown (ext. 146) AnnaB@syracusenewtimes.com

REID SULLIVAN

Anne DeSantis (ext. 111) adesantis@syracusenewtimes.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Megan McCarthy (ext. 115) MMcarthy@syracusenewtimes.com

Create simple bat decorations with the instructions and photos on page 12.

Advertising deadline for April is March 16. Calendar deadline for April is March 3. Advertising deadline for November is Oct. 11. Calendar deadline for November is Oct. 5. Design by Rachel Barry Photos by iStock

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) ADDRESS

1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 www.familytimes.biz

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

When your teen’s behind the wheel BY NEIL DAVIS JR.

The last time Sadie had taken the wheel of anything was her Power Wheels Barbie Jeep Wrangler at age 4. It was pink, plastic, and on a full charge topped out at 5 miles per hour. Her leisurely joy rides up and down the driveway were far scarier for our dogs than for me. My true concern likely related to the memories of my own youth, with all those evenings cruising aimlessly with my friends until my father’s gas tank was empty. Back then, driving was the ultimate 3-D experience, and our ticket to freedom. Of course, by our definition, freedom usually meant Burger King. Still, we somehow managed to lose a few hubcaps, sustain some unexplained dents, and collect an occasional speeding ticket. I even once hit a deer (entirely the deer’s fault). Given all that, I hardly seemed qualified to teach my daughter how to drive. But that’s how it works. Parents are expected to understand right-of-way, the three-second rule, and when to check your blind spot. There’s an assumption that over time we naturally develop the knowledge and expertise required to train a beginner, although one afternoon spent in rush hour traffic on I-81 is enough to cast doubt on this entire system. Parents are, after all, human—and driving has a way of highlighting how fallible we all are.

uckle up. Start your engines. Your teen just passed the driver’s learner permit test and is ready to hit the open road. For years, you have joked about parenting being a wild ride, but that notion is about to become an unnerving reality. If you’re like me, handing over the keys will come with some apprehension. Driving, perhaps more than any other rite of passage, symbolizes a giant leap into adulthood. Your world will flip as you ease into the passenger seat and stare over at the young man or woman who, it seems, only months earlier learned how to operate the microwave. “How does someone burn a Hot Pocket?” you recall thinking to yourself. 6

Now suddenly, at 16, that same child has reached the age that the government considers legally mature enough to pilot a two-ton machine at breakneck speeds through unsuspecting city streets. Have they ever met a 16-year-old? Statistically, I have less to worry about than some parents. My daughter, Sadie, being a girl, falls into the shallower risk pool, the group of adolescents less concerned with impressing their friends with fearless risk-taking. Instead of testosterone, Sadie’s brain is fueled largely by Netflix and Lululemon. She is neither fast nor furious, and knows nothing of torque, turbo or transmissions. You may argue that boys can be just as prudent as girls, but your insurance premiums and Vin Diesel will continue to suggest otherwise.

BECAUSE I SAID SO

Except me, of course. After college, I spent eight years honing my driving skills on the mean streets of Boston, the city where commutes are measured in gallons of coffee, and every baby’s first word is “traffic.” I just needed to recall all of that white-knuckled terror and translate it into teachable moments with Sadie behind the wheel. The important stuff came easy, like where to find a good oil change coupon or directions to Brooklyn Pickle. But I also brushed up on the NYS Driver’s Manual found on the DMV website, preparing myself for any technical question that my daughter might throw at me. How many feet should you park from a fire hydrant? Fifteen. What does a double yellow line mean? No passing. Can I borrow the car on Friday to go to a concert? You must be joking. continued on page 8

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Driving With Miss Sadie

I still worry, of course. Sure, my daughter is adept, cautious, and gives every impression that she understands the dangers of the road. But she was also as inexperienced as they come, even lacking the mock digital training that most teens get on their Nintendo.

Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. So we cherish the moments when little giggles fill the room, imaginations take us on great adventures, and when it seems our hearts could burst with pride and love. Here and now, we’d stop time if we could. Because when kids are being kids, we all feel better.

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

Still, if you’re teaching your teen to drive, my advice is to start slow. Schedule some practice time rather than just saying, “Hey, why don’t you drive to the mall?” Find an empty parking lot to circle around. Try to refrain from shouting unless catastrophe is imminent. It’s supposed to be a positive experience, for both of you.

I was ready for anything, expecting my daughter to challenge me on the complex rules of the road. Then, settling nervously into the driver’s seat that first time, she asked, “Which one is the gas pedal?” Oh dear. What had I gotten myself into? I thought maybe she had picked up a few things just by riding shotgun, but everything was apparently new to her: each button, switch, light and sound. That was the moment I realized my role as passenger would be an active one. I was going to have to actually instruct her, to pay attention, to occasionally slam my foot on an imaginary brake pedal while clutching the dashboard. I’m happy to report that it has been going well. Today’s teens have grown up with technology, so they easily adapt to the electronic gadgets in modern vehicles. The Chevy station wagon that I learned to drive on was the length of a tennis court and barely had FM radio; parallel parking felt like docking a yacht. But now cars are effortlessly maneuverable, aided by things like backup cameras, forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Drivers just make suggestions, and the car decides whether or not to follow them.

Most importantly, lead by example when you are driving: Never text, always (actually) stop at stop signs, etc. This will drive the point home (as it were) that you expect the same of your child.

“ My true concern likely related to the memories of my own youth, with all those evenings cruising aimlessly with my friends until my father’s gas tank was empty. ”

As with every new stage of my daughter’s life, I’ve tried to strike that balance between scaring her and encouraging her to enjoy her freedom. There are few other options. You can let them Uber, which I call “organized hitchhiking.” You can keep playing chauffeur. Or you can realize that your children are going to grow up and have new, wonderful adventures. And sometimes, you are just along for the ride. Neil Davis works at Bristol-Myers Squibb and lives in Liverpool with his daughter, Sadie, age 16.

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

Fueling Performance

Learn about nutrition for a teen athlete | BY MOLLY MORGAN

ocus on food as fuel for the body. I’m a sports dietitian who has worked with hundreds of elite and pro athletes, and that’s my best advice for teen athletes.

Food delivers calories—literally energy—to the body. Without enough energy to fuel the body and training over time, the energy shortage can disrupt the body’s systems, including metabolism and hormone levels. Food delivers calories from three nutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fats. As a parent, you should help your teenage athlete understand how these different nutrients work in the body. If they have the understanding, they can more easily choose quality foods.

The Three Nutrients Carbohydrates provide four calories of fuel per gram. These nutrients are broken down in the body and deliver glucose, which supports activity and is the number one source of energy for the brain. Of course, gummy bears, apples, sweet potatoes, whole grain bread, and soda all provide carbohydrates, but some of these sources are more valuable for the body than others. As you would guess, apples, sweet potatoes and whole grain bread are better sources. These types of carbohydrates also deliver vitamins, minerals and fiber, which provide longer lasting energy. When athletes consume too many sweets and beverages, they will get a quick burst of energy, but the energy is quickly used up, leaving their body feeling sluggish. This doesn’t mean that gummy bears or soda can’t be a “sometime” food or drink, but such foods definitely shouldn’t be part of the daily routine. Most carbohydrates on a routine basis should come from quality sources like whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Protein provides four calories per gram and is more of a construction material in the body, used to build muscle and hormones. Many athletes eat so much protein they crowd out carbohydrates and fat from their eating plan. This is a mistake. Each day an athlete needs only about half of her body weight in grams of protein. For example, a 100-pound athlete needs about 50 grams of protein per day. Foods and beverages provide ample protein. Teens do not need specialized protein products or powders, and protein supplements are generally not recommended until athletes are out of high school because their intake needs are not high enough to warrant added large amounts of protein. Not to mention the safety concerns due to lack of regulation of supplements. Fats are unique in that they deliver more than double the energy per gram, compared to carbohydrates and protein. Fats provide nine calories per gram and are an important source of energy for the body. Fats we take in from food are broken down and used to fuel exercise and training at lower intensities. Fats also play many other important roles in the body, such as protecting the cells. Teens should focus on healthy sources of fat, which can help sustain energy over the long haul. Healthier sources of fat include: cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, almond butter, tuna, salmon, chia seeds, hemp seeds, olive oil, and avocadoes. To get enough calories and a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fats, teens should be having at least three meals and two to three snacks per day. This will provide fuel to the body throughout the day. Skipping meals and snacks will make it difficult to meet daily energy needs and over time could result in health issues. 10

Here are tips for fueling your student athlete. Offer quality sources of carbohydrates, protein and fats at meals and snacks. Examples include: • Whole grain English muffin with egg plus a piece of fruit • Taco bowl with brown rice, grilled chicken, veggies, and salsa, plus guacamole • Chocolate milk to refuel after workouts or games • Piece of fruit plus a handful of sunflower seeds or nuts for a snack • Whole grain wrap filled with pulled chicken and veggies for lunch or an on-the-go dinner • Yogurt topped with fruit and granola Work with your teen to create a food “game plan” (aka meal plan) each week. Having a plan in place will help your teens get the energy their bodies need every day. • Consider the schedule for the week and realistically determine nights when meals can be cooked or nights when leftovers will need to be the solution. • Ask for input on what fruit and vegetables they would like to include with meals. • When possible, involve your teen in food preparation. Start simple with easy items like scrambling eggs for breakfast or preparing a salad to go with dinner. • Stock up on the foods to make the plan happen! Create an environment where the healthier choice is the easier choice. • In the cupboard: Have the first thing your teen sees be healthier choices like sunflower seeds, nuts, fruit, whole grain bars, etc.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

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• In the refrigerator: Keep fruit and veggies washed and ready to go and, when possible, in easy-to-view places. • Container trick: Store sweets like candies and cookies in opaque containers that are out of sight or in cupboards that aren’t frequently visited. This can help curb consumption of sugary foods. • On the counter: Have a fruit bowl that is filled with easy-to-grab fruit like bananas, apples, pears or peaches. Fueling your body with the right mix of nutrients will yield benefits over time, from enhancing your performance to maintaining your overall health. Healthy eating is a journey, not a destination. Molly Morgan is a registered dietitian and author of three books. She lives in the Southern Tier area with her two children and husband. Visit her website at fuel2win.com.

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PB Chip Energy Bites Makes about 24 bites

1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 1 cup creamy peanut butter 3 cups rolled oats 3 tablespoons chia seeds 1 cup dark chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl combine the honey, coconut oil and peanut butter. Mix until well combined. Then add in the rolled oats and chia seeds. Stir to mix together. Finish with chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for at LEARN ABOUT least 30 minutes. Remove from the refrigerator and form into bites, about 1 inch each. Place in a storage container or freeze. Each energy bite has: 180 calories, 11 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 50 milligrams sodium, 18 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 9 grams sugar, and 4 grams protein.

Maple Sea Salt Energy Bites Makes 12-16 bites

1 cup old fashioned oats 1/2 cup almond butter 1/2 cup flax seed meal 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon maple syrup 2 tablespoons chia seeds Sea salt to taste

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Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until combined. Form into 1-inch blocks and transfer to parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt. Place in a freezer bag or container and store in freezer or refrigerator. Each bite has: 130 calories, 9 grams fat, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 35 milligrams sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams sugar, 3 grams protein.

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Batty! Scratch art bats are fun and easy to make BY NATALIE DAVIS

This is a great craft for little hands. Parents can help with cutting and gluing. 12

CREATE

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

Going

Materials s Scratch Art Kit: Can be

found at Michaels or on Amazon

s Felt: 1 piece each of green,

purple, orange and white. I found a Halloween-themed set of felt at AC Moore.

s Google Eyes: These can be

found in any craft store or in the craft section at Walmart.

s Glue: Elmer’s school glue or tacky glue works best.

s Scissors s Toothpicks: These help

with applying glue to small parts such as the eyes and fangs.

Steps

Using the provided scratch sticks, create a design or pattern on your scratch art paper.

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ind and print out F some outlines of bats that you like—making sure they will fit on your scratch paper. Trace and cut out your bat shapes. Cut out body shape and glue to your wings.

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Cut out fangs on white felt and glue to your bat. ang your bats on winH dows or walls, or attach a string and hang them from the ceiling.

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

Will Work for Food

How I got my kids to help make dinner | BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

ot long ago, I gathered our children around for a family meeting. These meetings don’t happen very often and are usually about something of a serious nature. The kids all sat down, somber and apprehensive; I had a smirk on my face. “Snyder family, if you will all turn to the chores schedule you will see there is a new task. Everyone will now be responsible for making one dinner each week.” My hands, in true Vanna White fashion, indicated the sheet of paper taped to the refrigerator. I’d like to say the announcement was met with smiles and excitement. In reality, said children were slouched with their arms crossed, rolling their eyes. We are a family of six—two parents and four children: Danielle, 21; Allie, 18; Evan, 13; and Brody, 11. And we can’t forget our two cats, Max and Keesh. My husband and 14

I work full-time jobs. I also do a bit of writing from time to time. Everything food usually falls to me: writing grocery lists, buying and making meals. In the summertime, I even grow organic veggies in our three gardens. I have also gone back to school, so I’m trying to wean my family from depending on me when they can pitch in and help. (Danielle works too late for weekly chef duty.) We aren’t just a large family, we also have a lot of dietary restrictions: tree nuts, fish, coconut, blueberries, undercooked egg, and milk allergies. Our oldest is vegan, our youngest has braces, and one in the middle is diabetic. All this doesn’t even touch on preferences or the “favorite food of the week.” Life here is complicated. We’ve had a rotating chores list—including vacuuming, sweeping, and cleaning the cat box—for years now. It’s similar to the

TOGETHER TIMES

ones my husband and I followed at their age. We feel it’s important to learn life skills to be independent and marketable. Plus, I’ve lovingly advised the offspring there will come a time when their key won’t fit in our door. Each child has to check the chores sheet in the morning to see what they have to do. The girls do all their laundry. The boys wash their sheets weekly, but I still do their clothing because it can’t sit there for six days. I take the basket to the hallway and call, “Bring out your dead,” reminiscent of the line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. (Think: gym socks.) Our household is loosely based on running a business, so everyone understands how much we all depend on one another. Saturday is their payday. Learning how to manage their own money is a bonus. Each child has to research the meal he

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Each is at a different place with ability, so we roll with it. Most times I’m asked to look over an idea before they pull the trigger, and this kind of interaction with the kids is great. Surprisingly, Brody, who is my baking helper, has made some of the more difficult dinners, such as char-grilled chicken wings (the hubby helped with the grill) and sloppy joes. Evan really isn’t much of a foodie but even he branched out from hot dogs to meatloaf and ratatouille. Allison has surprised us with chicken and dumplings and a tasty tofu dish. There are a few good things about their choices, too. They become invested in their dish and typically make what they like, so it’s less of a hassle getting them to eat. Most meals are not in my go-to repertoire, which gives us something new and exciting to try. They also learn there’s more to planning than meets the eye. (“No, we are not making pot pies when it’s 95 outside.”) Most of the kids initially struggled with not just the tricks to cracking eggs but basic moves like how to use a can opener. It was sobering to realize we parents spend more time discussing social media than teaching skills to make healthy food. I certainly don’t want my family relying exclusively on fast food or frozen products in their adulthood. It’s an incredibly freeing feeling now—almost four months in— not having to worry about making dinner those three days in the week, but it started out a bit rocky. There’s a learning curve, and trial and error is the best teacher. I was about the boys’ age when I discovered garlic does not work with French toast. My husband and I have had to dedicate time to walking each continued on page 16

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

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continued from page 15 child through preparing their meal. This delays dinner, but it’s the only way to teach good habits. It’s easier to learn hands-on how to measure things like brown sugar or how to add milk without it curdling in high heat than reading about it. Some of their ideas weren’t a hit, but then again, not all mine are winners, either. Initially, the kids concentrated on making the entree. This wasn’t something I had put much thought into until there was one food item on my plate. To be fair, it is difficult to juggle preparing all the dishes for an entire meal, let alone from scratch. For the first two months, the kids could only focus on the main course and not on side dishes like rice or vegetables. Or even complementary sides. “I’m making chicken parm,” one child proudly announced, strategically placing shredded cheese atop five precooked, breaded pieces of chicken artfully covered with jarred sauce. “What else?” I asked. “Huh?” “No spaghetti or salad? I don’t think we’re just going to eat a piece of chicken.” “Oh. How about peas?” “Sure, OK.” As a pleasant side effect, I will admit I lost a pound or two not eating a starch several times a week. The kids aren’t the only ones learning on this adventure. It’s hard to teach how one needs to follow the ingredient measurements but also think outside the box (no pun intended) to substitute if it doesn’t feel right. Or to try to use a vegan-friendly option. I frequently cut back on the amount of butter in dishes because honestly, the amount of fat doesn’t justify the food tasting only a little bit better. Plus, one of my boys hates butter and was trying to avoid all dishes that included it. These are skills each child will have to develop by experimenting, and that will come with experience. We are currently at the point where the kids have to coordinate prep for a main, a side and a vegetable to be sure everything is done at roughly the same time. There’s patience in practicing, which is a great learning tool for the instant-gratification generation. Our kids don’t have extracurricular activities, either, so I don’t feel bad having them manage homework, fun time and dinner. We all need to learn, whether it’s school or a job, so why not now? And a meal doesn’t have to be gourmet, just something filling and (mostly) healthy. Using precooked meats or a slow cooker helps. It might be a while before we get to proficiency, but at least the bulk of the workload is lifted and distributed at this point. Maybe we’ve even inspired a few minds along the way. This past weekend the youngest decided (by himself!) to make me homemade pancakes on his own time just because. He whizzed through the kitchen with the whisk and measuring spoons—and my breakfast was delish. They say the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach. If that’s the case, I’d say my crew has a head start to a lifetime of happiness. Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at freshapple snyder.com.

Keep in Mind • Working side by side in the kitchen is a great way to bond and learn. • Invite your child to help out on weekends when there’s no time crunch. • Pick meals or treats that pique their interest. • Make peace with mistakes and messes. Both will happen. • Explain what each ingredient does and then quiz them when they use the item again. • Encourage them to think of ways to modify recipes for a personal touch (for example, add strawberries to banana muffins). • Have fun!

TOGETHER TIMES

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Horseshoe Falls (aka Canadian Falls)

Seeing the Falls in Fall

Head just over the border for the most sights | BY EILEEN GILLIGAN

erhaps one of the best things about Niagara Falls is that there’s so much to do there that a second visit starts planning itself. My daughter, Annie, and I could pick among activities during a visit this summer knowing we’d like to come back for more in the fall. October is a great month to visit Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, because the crowds have thinned from summer and the heat should have diminished as well. Attractions are still open on weekends, although the last 10 p.m. fireworks over the falls concludes Oct. 8 (Thanksgiving in Canada). That’s also Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend in the United States, so it may still be a bit busy. But there’s plenty of room for everyone. If possible, drive to the Falls on Friday evening. It takes about two and a half hours from Syracuse, including time to cross the border, depending on traffic. When 18

TRAVEL

traveling by vehicle, those over age 16 must have a passport or enhanced driver’s license; kids age 15 or under may use a birth certificate, although a passport is preferred. (Check out niagarafallstourism.com/plan/ border-crossing/ for additional details.) My 12-year-old nephew, Conner, of Manlius, said, “Niagara Falls was one of the most memorable places I’ve ever been!” And he used to live in Seattle, so we knew we were going to the right place. We’d stopped at the Falls and seen them once during a family trip back from Canada. But this time we wanted “to do” the Falls. It’s exciting for kids to visit another country, especially one close to home. Getting some Canadian dollars from one’s bank ahead of time (usually with a fee) can build interest for children and emphasize that they’re really going to a foreign place. The exchange rate hovers around 77 cents U.S. for every Canadian dollar, which

benefits U.S. visitors. Credit cards do the exchange automatically, sometimes with a charge for a foreign currency transaction. After crossing the Rainbow Bridge, we waited in line at the border. We noticed the signs in English and French and could hear the falls and taste the water in the air. After presenting passports, driver’s licenses or birth certificates to border patrol, turn left and head down Niagara Parkway past the U.S. falls to see the illuminated Horseshoe Falls. More than 20 lights placed behind the falls light up the water in rotating colors 365 nights a year. It’s a great way to start the visit. The U.S. falls are lit up, too. We stayed in the heart of the falls viewing area on Murray Street, across from the Fallsview Casino Resort and mall. From there we could walk down the street the next morning to view the falls and walk about five minutes more to our main destination, Journey Behind the Falls. My

sister’s family had ridden the Maid of the Mist, one of the boats that head into the mist generated by the 3,160 tons of water going over the falls each second. These boats run through most of November, but my daughter wanted to try something else. Open year-round, Journey Behind the Falls takes one 125 feet down literally behind the falls.

NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM PHOTOS

We bought our tickets and were given a time to venture in about 20 minutes later. The main viewing areas are next to Horseshoe Falls, with water pouring over about 50 feet away. Everyone is given and wears the souvenir yellow rain poncho because the mist and water fly. After the 15-second elevator ride down, participants walk to the first viewing area, which is covered by rock. If you want to stay dry, that’s the place to do it. But a short staircase leads to the outdoor viewing area, where the mist and water from the falls drift over as one takes in the view. Amazing. If there were chairs, I could’ve stayed an hour. We returned inside and walked along a tunnel to two other viewing portals located right behind the falls. It was interesting to see the water fall consistently with intermittent bursts of more. No one rushed us out of any spot; the whole activity took about an hour, including time in the gift shop. Next up was a buffet lunch near the top of the Skylon Tower. Our plan was to see the falls from high above, eat a big lunch and then head back outdoors. An elevator on the outside of the tower climbs 775 feet to the buffet level. Buffet tickets include a trip to the observation decks as well. We thought the buffet would be faster than the a la carte dining level, which rotates 360 degrees once every hour and is located one floor up. Both fill up quickly for lunch and dinner, so make reservations. Adult lunch buffet tickets are $32.95 Canadian and $14.95 Canadian for children 12 and under. A ticket to visit the observation decks continued on page 20 Skylon Tower (right) and Journey Behind the Falls (below)

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

Around noon on Sunday I recommend heading home. . . but with a stop at the Buffalo Zoo to put off the disappointment of leaving for a while. It’s open until 5 p.m. every day with the last admission at 4 p.m. It’s a short drive from Niagara Falls to the zoo, about 20 minutes. Traffic caused a 40-minute delay when we visited, so we saved the zoo for the next trip as well. But there’s always the Waterloo mall outlets: They close at 6 p.m. on Sundays, 9 p.m. the rest of the week. Eileen Gilligan, an award-winning writer and mother of two, lives in Baldwinsville.

NIAGARA FALLS DETAILS Sights Butterfly Conservatory continued from page 19 alone is $14.50 Canadian; children 4 to 12 are $8.50 Canadian, and under 4 are free. Other visitors prefer to picnic on grassy spots in viewing distance of the falls. Two Tim Hortons doughnut and snack shops are available in this area as are street hot dog vendors and a few fast food restaurants in the Table Rock Welcome Centre complex. Arvind Diddi and his family from Oswego visit the falls at least once a year when outof-town company comes. It’s about a twoand-a-quarter-hour drive from Oswego, and he says his 5-year-old daughter, Anika, loves seeing the falls. She’s almost old enough to try one of the boat rides. They picnic, take in the sights, and drive home in one day. One can take the easily accessible WEGO buses that run to all the major sites in Niagara Falls. But we drove our car north along Niagara Parkway about 12 minutes to the Butterfly Conservatory, which we heard was a must-visit. Lovely old homes, some bed and breakfasts, and a few motels line one side of the parkway while the river runs along the other side. A $15 Canadian admission fee allows one to walk the trails through a rainforest atmosphere where up to 2,000 butterflies live and dance. After the butterflies, we drove a few more minutes north to see the giant Floral Clock. After all that sightseeing, some time in the hotel pool is well-deserved. Or take in Clifton Hill, if you dare. Bowling, race cars, haunted houses, ice cream, souvenir shops: It’s a child’s dream and a parent’s possible nightmare. With the right attitude, 20

TRAVEL

it can be fun and offers the Rainforest Café, Hard Rock Café, and more for interesting meal options. If rains keep you inside, try the nearby IMAX theater. The weekend reminded me of visiting a beach or shore town with an active boardwalk and so much to do. On Sunday you have other options for your weekend. You might visit the Bird Kingdom—a sight we didn’t have time to see. Next time I’d like to try another view of the water, perhaps by AeroCar. Started in 1916, the cable car glides over the whirlpool that forms where the rapids end and the river turns sharply. The car holds up to 35 people and costs $15 Canadian for a ride. One can zipline near the falls, which costs $59 Canadian per person. A thunderstorm blew up one day and we headed into the Fallsview mall for shelter and a cool treat. The Il Gelato di Carlotta was fantastic. Coffees, snacks and indoor and outdoor seating are available, too. Visit the mall’s fudge shop, maple products and clothing stores for a break. Another day would’ve given us time to take in the historic attractions, known as the Heritage Sites in the area. They include: Old Fort Erie from the War of 1812, where children are known to run and climb; St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, where everyone can watch ships navigate Lock 3; and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum, also at the museum and which includes a lacrosse shooting gallery. The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center just opened in May on the New York side of the falls and is open every day except Monday.

Passes may be purchased to group several activities under one discounted price: niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions. WEGO BUS PASSES. Hop on and off as you travel from one sight to another. A 24-hour pass is $8* for ages 13 and up; $5 for ages 6 to 12; and free for children 5 and under. Wait times go from 20 to 40 minutes after Oct. 8 for most routes. Available for sale at many hotels and other retailers. (905) 356-1179. wegoniagarafalls.com/. JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS. Table Rock building, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls. (905) 354-1551. niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/ journey-behind-the-falls/. $19.95 fee for ages 13 and up; $13 for ages 6 to 12; children 5 and under are free. HORNBLOWER NIAGARA CRUISES. 5920 River Road, Niagara Falls. (855) 264-2427. info@niagaracruises.com. $25.95 for ages 12 and up; $15.95 for ages 5 to 12; and children under 5 are free. MAID OF THE MIST BOAT TOUR (leaves from the New York side). 1 Prospect St., Niagara Falls, New York. (716) 284-8897. maidofthemist.com/. Admission $19.25 for ages 13 and up; $11.20 for children 6 to 12; and free for children 5 and under. Closes for the season Nov. 4. SKYLON TOWER. 5200 Robinson St., Niagara Falls. (888) SKYLON. skylon. com/. $14.50 for ages 13 and up; $8.50 for children 4 to 12; and free for children under 4. Combination tickets are available for multiple visits and a 3D/4D movie. Trips to the observation decks are free with a meal. (See below.) BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY. 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-

NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM PHOTOS

Floral Clock Lake. (877) 642-7275. niagaraparks.com/ visit/attractions/butterfly-conservatory/. $15 fee for ages 13 and up; $9.75 for ages 6 to 12; children 5 and under are free. Parking fee is $5. Located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens. FLORAL CLOCK. 14004 Niagara Parkway, Queenston. (877) 642-7275. niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/ floral-clock/. Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Free. WHIRLPOOL AERO CAR. 3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls. (877) 6427275. niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/ whirlpool-aero-car/. $15 for ages 13 and up; $9.75 for ages 6 to 12; and under 6 are free. Open through October. BIRD KINGDOM. 5951 River Road, Niagara Falls. (905) 356-8888. birdkingdom.ca. Open year-round. $17.95 for ages 16 and up; $13.95 for ages 3 to 15; and free for children 2 and under. Discounts available if purchasing tickets online. OLD FORT ERIE. 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, Canada. (905) 871-0540. niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/old-forterie/. Ages 13 and up are $12.50; ages 6-12

are $8.15; and children 5 and under are free. Last day of season is Oct. 27. ST. CATHARINES MUSEUM AND WELLAND CANALS CENTRE. 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, Canada. (800) 305-5134. stcatharines.ca/ en/St-Catharines-Museum.asp# . ONTARIO LACROSSE HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM. 1932 Welland Canals Parkway (at Lock 3), St. Catharines, Canada. stcatharines.ca/en/experiencein/ OntarioLacrosseHallofFame. UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HERITAGE CENTER. 825 Depot Ave. W, Niagara Falls, New York. (716) 3008477. niagarafallsundergroundrailroad. org/. Fee is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors over age 60; $6 for children 6 to 12 years; $8 for students 13 and over; children under 6 are free.

Food

TIM HORTONS at Table Rock Welcome Centre. 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, Ontario. (905) 356-0236. locations.timhortons.com/ca/on/niagarafalls/6650-niagara-parkway.html.

RAINFOREST CAFÉ, Ontario, Canada. 4915 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls. (905)374-2233. niagarafallsrainforestcafe. com/. RAINFOREST CAFÉ, Niagara Falls, New York. 300 Third St., Niagara Falls. (716) 285-3361. sheratonatthefalls.com/ rainforestcafe/. HARD ROCK CAFÉ, Ontario, Canada. 5705 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls. (905) 356-7625. hardrock.com/cafes/niagarafalls-canada/. HARD ROCK CAFÉ, Niagara Falls, New York. 333 Prospect St., Niagara Falls. (716) 282-0007. hardrock.com/cafes/ niagara-falls-usa/. SKYLON TOWER SUMMIT SUITE BUFFET or REVOLVING DINING ROOM. 5200 Robinson St., Niagara Falls. (888) SKYLON, skylon.com/. Meals include free access to the observation decks. IL GELATO DI CARLOTTA. Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls. www.gelatodicarlot ta.com. * All prices for Canada locations are in Canadian dollars. FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

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OCTOBER iSTOCK ILLUSTRATION

2018

Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28 Kids Minecraft. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Kids in grades 3-5 can hang out and play on the library’s server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org. Moth March. 6 p.m. Learn

about the habits of moths; then spread some fruit-and-molasses mash on tree trunks, and see what insects come to feed on it. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $2/person. Admission: $4/ vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 Paws and Books. 10:30 a.m.; also Oct. 13. Kids

ages 5-12 can read a story to Cooper, a trained Canine Good Citizen. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. In the Magic

Circle Children’s Theatre presentation, children in the audience can help the Little Mermaid get her voice back and win the Prince’s heart. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 30 National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. 10:30 a.m. (registration at 9:30 a.m.). In

CALENDAR

the 20th anniversary event, individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families promote acceptance and advocacy with a two-mile walk; picnic lunch and festivities follow. Music by Skip Clark Entertainment. T-shirts available for purchase. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. Early preregistration recommended: (315) 682-4289. dsaofcny.org.

MONDAY, OCT. 1 Gaming for Adults with Special Needs.

1:30-3 p.m. Adults with special needs can play Wii games and board games; caregivers must remain in the room. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 2 First Steps. 9:30-10 a.m.; also Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30. Children who are good walkers, up to age 3, can with a caregiver take part in a program with music, movement, crafts and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Baby Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Oct. 9, 16,

23 & 30. Babies and caregivers can share rhymes, songs, stories and signs in this language-building program. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3 Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also

Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31. Share the love of books with children of all ages. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Early Learners Storytime. 11 a.m.-noon; also Oct. 10, 17, 24 & 31. Children ages 2-4, with an accompanying adult, can enjoy stories, interactive rhymes, songs and a craft. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org. Nature on Wheels Tour. 1:30-3 p.m.; also Oct. 10. Visitors with mobility limitations can ride an electric tram while a naturalist describes areas of interest. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $3/person; $4/parking. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.

Open Mic Night. 6-7 p.m. Participants age 16

and up can share music, videos, poetry, dance or another talent, or just watch others perform. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Words and Music Songwriter Woodshed.

6:30-9 p.m. Songwriters of all ages and skill levels can bring work, and get and give constructive opinions and suggestions. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 4 Math Tutoring. 3-4 p.m. Teens and adults can ask a volunteer questions, bringing in examples of the math problems with which they need help. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900. Teen Writer’s Guild. 4-5 p.m.; also Oct. 11,

18 & 25. Students in grades 6-12 can take part in a creative workshop, writing in a variety of genres. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Register: ffl.org. (315) 637-6374.

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

FRIDAY, OCT. 5 Play to Learn. 10 a.m.; also Oct. 12, 19 & 26. Children ages 1-4, accompanied by an adult, can hear stories, sing and play. Siblings are welcome. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326. Home School Nature Series. 10 a.m.-noon.

Homeschool students ages 5-10 can learn about camouflage through fun activities while searching for wildlife outdoors. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. $8/class. Preregistration & payment required: (315) 365-3588. http://ny. audubon.org/montezuma.

Free to Be. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Children ages 3-6

(though younger siblings are welcome) can sing along to a live guitar and explore early acting techniques. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6 LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; also Oct. 7. Watch cider being made; buy apples and apple treats; and enjoy entertainment, the midway rides and games, a scarecrow contest, and more. 5330 Rowland Road, LaFayette. $5/person; free/age 12 and under. lafayetteapplefest.org. Art and the Cosmic Connection. 10 a.m.noon. Preschoolers and older kids can create art based on planetary images. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org. Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Oct. 13,

20 & 27. Kids can read to a friendly dog from Paws Inc. of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Rice Creek Story Hour. 11 a.m. Elementa-

ry-aged children, especially, will enjoy tales of animals’ wild ways and how humans relate to the natural world; all ages are welcome. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. (315) 3126677. oswego.edu/rice-creek/.

Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. In the Magic Circle

Children’s Theatre presentation, children in the audience can help the very nearsighted Prince figure out why Sleeping Beauty falls asleep every time she hears her name. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.

Ukulele for Beginners. 1-2:30 p.m. Pat Doherty

teaches a class for newcomers to the ukulele. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays.

Weekly interactive experience has a different theme each week; this month topics include: a science mystery to solve; the natural world; chemistry; and more. Sciencenter. 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/general admission, ages 2-64; $7/ seniors; free/under 2. (607) 272-0600. sciencenter. org.

DIY Day. 2:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can make potions from everyday ingredients. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

SUNDAY, OCT. 7

about edible and poisonous mushrooms, see a cooking demonstration, discover how to grow mushrooms, and take part in other activities with members of the CNY Mycological Society. Guided hikes at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. (315) 638-2519.

for galaxies and clusters, and views of Mars , Jupiter and Saturn. (Backup date: Oct. 13.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimore woods.org.

MONDAY, OCT. 8

Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschool-aged children, accompanied by an adult, can take part in this music and movement class. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524.

COLUMBUS DAY Drop-In Crafts. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Children of all

ages can make seasonal crafts. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 9 Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-3 p.m.

Homeschoolers ages 5-10 can learn with hands-on activities. Parents and siblings welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Teen MOPS. 5-7 p.m.; also Oct. 23. Young mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 569-2542.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10 Star Wars Reads Day. 3:30 p.m. Young people of all ages can dress in a Star Wars costume and make crafts, play games and eat snacks. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org. Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also Oct. 17. Teens can

play board games in the first session of the month and video games in the second. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 11 Smartplay. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children age 6 and

under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib. org.

Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Oct. 25. Children ages

3-5, accompanied by a caregiver, can hear some stories and go on a trail walk. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. (315) 638-2519.

Trading Card Games. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Young

people ages 12-18 can join TCG Player for games and prizes. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Fishing Class. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids of all ages can learn how to fish. Live bait and lures will be used; bait and tackle are provided. Those over age 16 must have a valid New York state fishing license. Bullhead Point, Lake Neatahwanta, Route 3, Fulton. Free. srybaak@yahoo.com. Rice Creek Rambles. 11 a.m.; also Oct. 20 & 27.

Explore trails, woods and wetlands with a naturalist on a family-friendly hike. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. Call day of to check trail conditions: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek/.

Autumnal Fairy Festival.

Noon-4 p.m. Meet the fairy queen, explore the enchanted trails, stroll through the labyrinth, and make fairy houses in the gardens. Costumes are encouraged. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $15. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimore woods.org.

Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Oct. 6 listing. Pumpkins and Spider Plants. 2-3 p.m. Teens and adults can decorate mini pumpkins and learn to grow spider plants from cuttings. Supplies provided. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: onlib.org/events/calendar. (315) 435-1900. Syracuse Crunch Hockey. 7 p.m. The city’s

AHL team takes on the Charlotte Checkers in the first home game of the season. War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. $16-$20. (315) 473-4444. syracusecrunch.com.

SUNDAY, OCT. 14 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. 8:30 a.m., registration; 10 a.m., walk. Walk

raises money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. SRC Arena, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Donations. (315) 433-5635. cancer.org/stridesonline.

FRIDAY, OCT. 12

Teen Minecraft. 3-4:30 p.m. Kids in grades 6-12

Preschool Books and Cooks. Noon-2 p.m.

Oct. 6 listing.

LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See Wild Mushrooms Festival. 1-4 p.m. Learn

Star Party. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Using a telescope, look

CALENDAR

Physics Bus. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants of all ages can do experiments in the Physics Bus, a mobile exhibition of upcycled appliances. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

Open Late Til 8. 4-8 p.m. Half-price admission and hands-on science activities 6-8 p.m., featuring Lawrence Tanner of Le Moyne College. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Half-price admission: $6/adults; $5/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.

Children ages 3-5 and their families can discover books and tasty recipes. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

SATURDAY, OCT. 13

MONDAY, OCT. 15 can hang out and play on the library’s server. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m. Parents can hear from a representative of Loving Education at Home, who will review how to complete quarterly reports. Liverpool Public Library,

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Giant Jump Pad & Human Foosball U-Pick Pumpkins • Corn Maze Jungle Maze • Barrel Train Tree Mazes • Slides & Tunnels Pedal Cars • Farm Petting Area Rope Swings • Wagon Rides Gift Shop • Food Available

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Calendar listings are FREE

Email information about your family-friendly event to: editorial@familytimes.biz. Listings are due by Oct. 5 for the November issue.

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl. org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 16 See Ongoing Events

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 17 See Ongoing Events

THURSDAY, OCT. 18 Black Lagoon Stories. 6 p.m. Children ages 4-10 can take part in a fun event based on the series by Mike Thaler. Refreshments provided. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibray.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 19 Create a Haunted Library. 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Bring spooky ideas to the library to help create a haunted house. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

Haunted Library. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit a twisted maze of spookiness; appropriate for all ages, but younger children must be accompanied by adults. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: lpl.org. (315) 457-0310. Pokemon Open Play. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Children

ages 8-12, of all interest and experience levels, can play with other kids and learn from the experts of TCGPlayer. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

ed. There’ll also be cider and doughnuts. Children under 8 must to accompanied by an adult. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the ac-

Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Oct. 6 listing.

tivities of a computer scientist with hands-on activities. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.

Happy Owl-ween. 6-8 p.m. See a presentation

Family Day. Noon-3 p.m. Take part in art making;

with live owls, then go on a hike through the forest and grassland with staff. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89, Savannah. $10/adult; $5/ child; $25/family. (315) 365-3588. http://ny.audubon. org/montezuma.

SUNDAY, OCT. 21 See Ongoing Events

watch a ceramics wheel throwing demo; watch dance performances; and more. Everson Museum of Art. 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 474-6064.

Sleeping Beauty. 12:30 p.m. See Oct. 6 listing.

SUNDAY, OCT. 28

See Ongoing Events

Spooky Science. Noon-4 p.m. Visit the Sciencenter in costume for tricked-out exhibits, spooky activities and eerie demonstrations. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Free admission. (607) 2720600. sciencenter.org.

Kids ages 4-12 can make crafts, from treat bags to decorations. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibray.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 23

MONDAY, OCT. 29

Teen Movie Night. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Teens can

Children can make a seasonal craft. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

Halloween Drop-In Crafts. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 22

Halloween Craft Drop-In. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

watch Ghostbusters and enjoy pizza and popcorn. Costumes are encouraged. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24

Eerie Halloween. 5:30-9 p.m. This family-friendly

See Ongoing Events

event will feature: a Halloween movie; a scavenger hunt; a haunted house; blacksmith demonstrations; a costume contest; and more. Dress for the conditions. Chittenango Landing, 717 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Free. (315) 687-3801. chittenango landing.com.

Family Dance. 6:30 p.m. People of all ages can

take part in fun and simple dances to live music. United Church of Fayetteville, 310 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. $2/adults; $1/teens & kids. syracuse countrydancers.org/community-dance/.

SATURDAY, OCT. 20 Lyncourt PTO Craft Fair & Sale. 10 a.m.-3

p.m. Shop for handmade goods and other unique gift items. St. Daniel’s Church, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. https://lyncourtpto.weebly.com/20182019-craft-fair.html.

Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; also

Oct. 21, 27 & 28. The zoo becomes a kid-friendly haunt with themed treats, creepy-crawly animal encounters, keeper talks, games and more. Costumes are encouraged! Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Zoo Boo participation (for children only): $12/age 3 and up (includes zoo admission); $8/age 2 and under (includes zoo admission). (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Family Halloween Party. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids and parents can enjoy a party with themed stories, crafts, indoor trick-or-treat stations, and a chance to take photos with costumed characters including Cinderella and Beauty. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org. 26

CALENDAR

THURSDAY, OCT. 25 Teen Book Club. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Young people

ages 12-18 will discuss Brandy Colbert’s Little and Lion. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Mystery Adventure. 5 p.m. People of all ages can gather information about who should run a family candy store in a fun Halloween game. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

FRIDAY, OCT. 26 Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist. org/Tots.

SATURDAY, OCT. 27 Sorcerers, Wizards and Witches. 10:30 a.m.

Kids and parents can enjoy a Symphoria performance with music on a Halloween-appropriate theme, including a piece by John Williams composed for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The orchestra’s Instrument Discovery Zone opens at 10 a.m., before all Kids’ series performances. Costumes are encouraged for this concert. Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse. $15/adults; $10/senior citizens; free/age 17 and under. (315) 299-5598. ExperienceSymphoria.org.

Pumpkin Carving. 11 a.m.-noon; 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Kids of all ages can drop in to carve and decorate a pumpkin. Pumpkins, decorations and tools provid-

Halloween Party. 4 p.m. Children age 2 and up

can come in costume, hear spooky stories, make crafts, eat snacks, and go trick-or-treating through the library. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ. org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 30 Monster Madness. 2:30 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can

make monster slime and book marks, among other activities. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31 HALLOWEEN Trick or Treat at the Library. 5-8:30 p.m. Take a break at the library for giveaways and a cup of cider. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310. All Hallows’ Eve Teen Trivia. 6-8 p.m. Teens

can test their knowledge of horror, and make fake and edible blood. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

ONGOING EVENTS Horseback Riding. Through Oct. 28: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Highland Forest on an hour-long guided horseback ride; age 8 and up. Highland Forest Park, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $35/hour. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance: (315) 289-3775.

Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market.

Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; through Oct. 9. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. (315) 422-8284. downtown syracuse.com.

Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

SURGERY AND RADIATION FOR BREAST CANCER IN AS LITTLE AS ONE DAY

The Upstate Cancer Center is the first in the region to offer intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) as a treatment option for early stage breast cancer. IORT can reduce or completely eliminate the need for weeks of follow-up radiation treatments. This means patients can get back to their normal lives, sooner. With IORT, the breast surgeon removes the tumor during the operation, then the radiation oncologist delivers a concentrated dose of radiation to the site. The localized, single treatment means healthy tissue is less impacted by radiation, thus reducing side effects. Talk to your provider to see if you are a candidate for intraoperative radiation therapy or call the Upstate Cancer Center.

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2018

YOUR CONCUSSION EXPERTS

BRIAN RIEGER, PHD, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND CLAUDINE WARD, MD, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

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MORE INFORMATION 315.464.8986 OR VISIT UPSTATE.EDU/CONCUSSION

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