Family Times November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

FREE

How your family can

give back

this Thanksgiving

DIY NAPKIN RINGS SPUR REFLECTION CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

lights lake on the

PREVIEW

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

7

EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

8

EDUCATION

9

Three local school districts talk about the transition to hybrid learning.

315 BULLETIN

12

TREAT YOURSELF

13

ACTIVITIES

14

Bodymind Float Center offers an escape from holiday stress.

Lights on the Lake returns for its 31st year – with a few changes.

LOCAL FACES David’s Refuge provides care for the caregiver.

TOGETHER TIMES Thinking about volunteering as a family? We tell you where to start.

CREATE

16 23 26

CONTENTS

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NOVEMBER 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE

DIY napkin rings keep kids busy – and spur reflection.

HEALTH Tips for celebrating the holiday safely.

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FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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FAMILY FUN CALENDAR

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FROM THE

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EDITOR Happy November!

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. To me, Thanksgiving has always been synonymous with gratitude. This year, I am thankful for my family, my friends, and being able to tell the stories of families across Central New York. Turn to page 7 to see what Family Times readers are thankful for this year, and to page 26 for a craft that will inspire reflection (and add a decoration to your table).

Thanksgiving, and the holidays in general, are also a great time to give back to the community. In honor of National Family Volunteer Day, held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, we share some simple ways your family can give back this year (page 24). Looking to volunteer as a family? Turn to page 23 for some tips about getting started.

Did you know November is also National Family Caregivers Month? Learn more about David’s Refuge – which is offering respite and support to local caregivers – on page 16.

Also in our digital issue: Three local school districts make the transition to hybrid learning (page 9); I head to the Bodymind Float Center for this month’s Treat Yourself (page 13); and Janelle Davis talks to Molly O’Keefe, a physical education teacher at East Hill Elementary, in the month’s Educator of the Month feature (page 8).

Don’t forget to also check out our Lights on the Lake preview on page 14.

Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!

NOVEMBERR 2020 | ISSUE NO. 222

GENIUSES AT WORK PUBLISHER/OWNER William Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com CONTENT DIRECTOR Steve Guglielmo PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Karley Harmon CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Karley Harmon GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renate Wood CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh, Neil Davis Jr., Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Molly Morgan, Tami Scott, Janelle Rozzano, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Christy Perry Tuohey, Chris Xaver SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 114) ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@familytimescny.com Anne DeSantis (ext. 111) ADesantis@familytimescny.com CONTROLLER Chris Burton (ext. 147) CBurton@familytimescny.com ADDRESS

COURTNEY KLESS EDITOR IN CHIEF

INSIDE Family Times recently talked to four local caregivers about their experience. Turn to page 19 for the full interviews.

Advertising deadline for April is March 16. Calendar deadline for April is March 3.

Advertising deadline for December is Nov. 4. Calendar deadline for December is Nov. 4.

Design by Renate Wood Cover Photo by iStock

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FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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Social Social Inclusion Inclusion Grant Grant Funding Funding Available!

Available!

Social Inclusion Grant Funding Available!

The Kelberman Center, with funding support from the Social Inclusion Grant Funding Available!

The Kelberman Center, with funding support from the Social Inclusion Grant Funding Available!

Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC), is

Developmental Disabilities Council (DDPC), is The Kelberman Center, withPlanning funding support from the accepting mini-grant applications November 1st 30th for The Kelberman Center, withPlanning funding support from accepting mini-grant applications November 1st(DDPC), - 30th the for Developmental Disabilities Council is The Kelberman Center, with funding support from the businesses in Onondaga County who are able to support Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC), is businesses in Onondaga County who are able to- 30th support accepting mini-grant applications November 1st for Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC), is individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities accepting mini-grant applications November 1stto - 30th for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities businesses in Onondaga County who are able support accepting mini-grant applications November 1st 30th for through socially inclusive programming.

A total of businesses in Onondaga County who are able to support through socially inclusive programming.

A total of individuals intellectual/developmental disabilities businesses inwith Onondaga County who are able to support $105,000 will be awarded to agencies creating inclusive individuals intellectual/developmental disabilities $105,000 willwith be awarded toprogramming. agencies creating inclusive through socially inclusive A total of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities opportunities, anticipated to begin January 2021. through socially inclusivetotoprogramming.

A inclusive total of opportunities, anticipated begin January 2021. $105,000 will be awarded agencies creating through socially inclusive programming.

A total of $105,000 willatbe agencies creating inclusive The experts theawarded Kelberman Center will work opportunities, anticipated toto begin January 2021.alongside $105,000 will be awarded to agencies creating inclusive The experts atanticipated the Kelberman Center will work alongside opportunities, to begin January 2021. mini-grant recipients to develop and implement programs opportunities, anticipated to begin January 2021. mini-grant recipients to develop and implement programs The experts at the Kelberman Center will workpopulation alongside that will serve some of our most vulnerable The experts at the Kelberman Center will workpopulation alongside that will serve some ofdevelop our most vulnerable mini-grant recipients to and implement programs The experts at the Kelberman Center will work alongside during these socially isolating times. mini-grant recipients to andvulnerable implement programs during these socially times. that will serve someisolating ofdevelop our most mini-grant recipients to develop and implementpopulation programs that will serve someisolating of our most population during these socially times.vulnerable that will serve some of our most vulnerable population during these socially isolating times. during these socially isolating times.

For For more more information, information, visit visit kelbermancenter.org/inclusion For more information, visit kelbermancenter.org/inclusion For more information, visit or email brandi.bolton@ For more information, visit kelbermancenter.org/inclusion or email brandi.bolton@ kelbermancenter.org/inclusion kelbermancenter.org/inclusion orkelbermancenter.org email brandi.bolton@ kelbermancenter.org or email orkelbermancenter.org email brandi.bolton@ brandi.bolton@ kelbermancenter.org kelbermancenter.org

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FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

Question of the Month

What are you thankful for this year?

“Good health... successful children.”

“Symphoria.”

– Emily

– Wynetta

Syracuse New Jersey

“Family and friends.”

– Phil Camillus

Visit our social media pages to answer the December Question of the Month! @FAMILYTIMES

@FAMILYTIMESCNY

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

7

Discover

Educator of the Month

Molly O’Keefe, Physical Education Teacher at East Hill Elementary t’s Inle

By Janelle Davis

Tell me about your background and how you came to be a physical education teacher?

I knew I wanted to be a teacher at a young age, and PE was the best fit for my personality. I like to be outside, be active and have fun with my students. Like most PE teachers, I was involved in sports for most of my life, but it was more about the friendships I made and the lessons I learned about hard work, perseverance, successes and failures that led me in the direction towards teaching and coaching. I graduated from Gettysburg College with a degree in Health and Exercise Science and I have a teaching certificate in both Health and PE. I obtained my Masters from Syracuse University. I like to keep up with the current trends in PE to make it exciting, creative and fresh.

What have you learned from teaching physical education remotely?

All elementary buildings in West Genesee are in-person, five days a week. However, I did teach remotely from March 16th until June 19th last year. The most important part of teaching online was maintaining relationships with the students. We did prepare “online” activities. They involved physical activity with 8

household items, encouraged family fitness activities, promoted local hiking trails, bike loops, etc. I tried to get on all of the classroom teachers’ Zoom meetings at least once or twice a week. It was very important for the social-emotional connection with students.

What is the most fun/most challenging grade to teach physical education?

Kindergarten in September is absolutely the most challenging to teach. Students are coming into kindergarten with extremely diverse backgrounds and balancing all of their needs at 4 and 5 years of age. It is a bit of a circus in the beginning of the year. Once routines are established and expectations are learned, it is a much smoother ride. But September is definitely an adventure!

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To read the full interview, visit familytimescny.com.

Janelle Davis is a freelance writer living in Fairmount with her family.

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KNOW AN EDUCATOR WHO DESERVES A MENTION? Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com.

EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

ISTOCK ILLUSTRATION

‘A Bit of a Shift’ Three local school districts discuss the transition to hybrid learning | BY COURTNEY KLESS

T

he start of the school year has looked a little different for schools around Central New York as they made the transition to hybrid learning. Family Times recently talked to three local districts about how they prepared for that switch, how the day-to-day has changed for teachers and staff, and the reaction by families.

SYRACUSE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT The Syracuse City School District was one of the last in the area to transition to a hybrid model, opening schools for in-person learning on October 5 (it started the year remotely).

“It’s been a bit of a shift,” said Laura Kelley, the district’s chief academic officer. “It was great for the kids to connect with each other, to see their teachers and to get into the classrooms. It was very different, but the kids were great about all of the things we were asking them to do: wear their mask, stay behind the sneeze guards on their desk partitions and stay six feet apart. It went really well.”

Kelley said the preparation for the new hybrid model had a few

different pieces. First was the safety aspect. Masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, paper towels and air purifiers were placed in every classroom, temperature takers were added to each school, and students were separated into pods in an effort to allow those families that opted for hybrid learning to attend in-person classes on the same days.

Then there was the academic aspect. The district hired demonstration teachers to film videos for different subjects and grade levels – teachers can then individualize those videos for their students – and added a student support service program for students and families who may be struggling. “We want to make sure that we’re responding to their needs and embedding a lot of social-emotional support, both in terms of counseling and outreach services, as well as in our instructional delivery,” Kelley said.

As part of its preparation, the Syracuse City School District also consulted with some of its neighboring districts. “We’re constantly calling our peers and asking questions, and really trying to learn from each other and troubleshoot,” Kelley said. “If one step is working, we definitely try to borrow everybody’s great ideas so that we can put good things in place for our kids.”

So, what has been the reaction so far?

“We have heard feedback from different families saying that their child was thriving in the remote setting without some of the typical day-to-day distractions that sometimes students face in school and that they want to keep it all remote,” Kelley said. “Some families are saying, ‘My child really benefits from being able to come in and be continued on page 10

EDUCATION

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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continued from page 9 around his peers and learn some of those social skills.’ Some of our students who were maybe hoping to have lunch in the cafeteria together and socialize are disappointed that they haven’t been able to have those opportunities, but they knew from the beginning that we have to stay six feet apart, that we’re eating lunch in our classrooms at the elementary level, that we’re doing the grab and go at the secondary level. But they appreciate being able to see their teachers and see each other.”

AUBURN ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Superintendent Jeff Pirozzolo said that “hundreds of hours” of planning went into his district’s transition to hybrid learning. The Auburn Enlarged City School District completed the third step of its phased-in reopening in mid-October.

“We’re doing a couple of different things,” said Pirozzolo. “We’re running a hybrid model, K-12, where children come to school on A/B days, which goes Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.

One of the reasons I set it up that way is I didn’t want students having school Monday and Tuesday and then not being in contact with teachers Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and having to go five, almost six days, before they saw their teachers again.”

The other piece is virtual learning. Pirozzolo said that of the approximately 4,200 students in the district, about 1,000 of them opted to learn entirely online. In response, the district created a remote academy – it features 22 teachers that are devoted to virtual learning, and runs from Monday through Thursday. Friday is a planning day for all teachers in the district, the majority of which are now teaching dual lessons.

“Not only are they doing the in-person instruction, they’re also have to work on their Google classroom, uploading all the information, the lessons, the work,” said Pirozzolo. “We have teachers that have been teaching for 25 or 30 years that say they’ve never ever done this much planning and preparation work. The amount of planning our teachers are doing is just incredible.”

As for families in the district, the reaction has been mixed so far.

“I was on the phone until 8:30 p.m. last night calling families,” he said. “Some are very happy with the hybrid and it’s working well for their families, but I would say for the majority of the parents, it’s not a good thing because kids need to be in school five days a week, especially when you have elementary children and you work…Because we’re packed into our buildings, and transportation, we just can’t do five days a week. Parents are frustrated with that. But we do get a lot of positive phone calls about how wonderful the teachers are and how responsive they are.”

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EDUCATION

EAST SYRACUSEMINOA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Superintendent Donna DeSiato said her district’s preparation began with community awareness.

“We put examples out there so that they would understand that it would mean that part of the week, students would be in person, in school, and the other part of the week they would be in virtual learning,” she said, “But that five days a week there would be a learning model.”

The district ultimately decided that students in grades K-5 would attend in-person classes five days a week, while students at the middle and high school levels would follow a hybrid model and attend in-person classes two days a week (unless, of course, they opted for 100% virtual learning).

That required the district to look at the capacity of the schools, and programming and scheduling needs (such as putting family members in the same cohort). At the same time, a re-opening team was activated at each building in the district – teachers and administrators that examined the curriculum, and how to ensure it met the requirements set forth by the state education department. “There was a lot of very in-depth logistics going on,” said DeSiato. Like other districts in the area, the East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District followed a phased-in reopening.

DeSiato said that students and families in the district have adjusted to the new learning model.

“Families have been very supportive in recognizing that we are in a pandemic, and therefore, the highest priority is the health and safety protocols,” she said. “In order to deliver the instructional model that we’re delivering, we have to have very clear guidelines and protocols for the size of the group, social distancing, the wearing of masks, and respiratory hygiene. All of that is going on continuously. We’re also able to provide flexibility for families, which they very much appreciate because there are some families where that child may not be able to be in a distance learning classroom during the typical school hours and they have to do that later in the day when their family is able to provide that support. So, there’s a great deal of flexibility going on, a great deal of meeting family needs.”

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times.

She lives in Camillus with her husband.

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FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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E U G A E L R O THE JUNICUSE OF SYRALIDAY moves HO INE L N O S E P SHOP ay ing? Holid

shopp ur holiday draiser, arted on yo st annual fun t ’s ge se to u g ac yr S f o Lookin e gu at. e Junior Lea virtual form Shoppes, th year – in a th 5 2 s it r g fo k.com/ is returnin e, faceboo ag p k o 6-8 for vid o eb S’ Fac November m o fr , 3 Visit the JL 0 7 00 links.

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FAIRMOUNT COMMUNITY LIBRARY introduces HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM PACKETS Do you have a child in Pre-K through second grade?

The Fairmount Community Library is now offering homeschool curriculum packets, which include lesson plans, activities and more. Registration is required.

“When we heard that many local families decided to keep their children home from preschool this fall, we started to ask if there was a gap that the library could fill,” said Brenda Shea, Director of the Fairmount Community Library, in a press release. “Our team discussed supplying monthly curriculum packets that we could print on demand based on the need in the community.

We brainstormed offering an online preschool experience, so children still feel like they are in a class setting.

Our teacher, Miss Karen, discusses weather, seasons, holidays and basics such as letters and numbers once a week. We are already getting positive feedback from our families who tell us they love this opportunity.”

For more information, visit fairmountlibrary.org.

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315 BULLETIN

WONDERWORKS SYRACUSE OFFERS

free admission

FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS

A

re you an essential worker?

WonderWorks is offering free admission through November 20 – just fill out the form on its website and provide a paystub or work ID at the box office. Essential workers can also receive a discounted rate ($12) for as many as three guests.

“We recognize the value and importance of essential workers during the pandemic, and the role they played in keeping our community going through providing the resources we all needed,” said Nicole Montgomery, general manager of WonderWorks Syracuse, in a press release. “We hope that with the promotion, they will take the opportunity to come unwind and take a much-deserved break; we’re so appreciative of all their hard work and dedication!”

For more information, visit wonder worksonline.com/destiny/essentialworker-appreciation.

FOR MORE COMMUNITY NEWS, VISIT

communityguide.familytimescny.com.

ISTOCK PHOTO

If You Go: BODYMIND FLOAT CENTER Location: 2949 Erie Blvd E., Syracuse.

Hours: Thursday – Monday from 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

More information: (315) 992-8656. floatsyracuse.com.

COURTNEY KLESS PHOTOS

Treat Yourself

Let holiday stress float away at Bodymind Float Center

BY COURTNEY KLESS

W

ith the holidays right around the corner, you may be feeling a little stressed. A visit to Bodymind Float Center will calm your body – and your mind.

Two Rochester musicians – David Brickman and his wife, Pattie – opened Bodymind Float Center in 2013. Four years later, in 2017, the couple added a second location on Erie Boulevard in Syracuse, which features three tanks and a pool. I am not particularly fond of enclosed spaces, so I chose the latter option for my float. Each contains about 10 inches of water and 800 pounds of Epsom salt, allowing guests to float effortlessly.

Assistant Manager Hannah Teter said the benefits of floating are numerous.

“Physically, floating is really good for your body overall,” she said. “There is no gravity on your body. It takes the pressure off your joints and lets your muscles relax everywhere. It’s a good reset for your brain too because there is no stimulation, which never really happens. It really helps with things like fibromyalgia and body pain. People seem to find a lot of relief with that. If you’re recovering from an injury, floating really helps to speed up the recovery process. And it’s good for mental health too, overall relaxation and stress relief. That’s a big one, I would say.”

I recently sprained both my ankles (yes, you read that correctly), so I was curious to see if floating would offer any relief. It did.

but once I did, I enjoyed the feeling of being weightless. I’ve never experienced anything like it. All of my stresses melted away, and I left the tank with my mind (and muscles) feeling relaxed.

If this is your first time floating – like it was for me – Teter has a few tips.

“Be open to what is going to happen in there,” she said. “Try not to have too many expectations. A lot of people are nervous because it’s nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. I tell a lot of people to try to come back to your breath. If your mind is all over the place, just let it go. Sometimes the float is a learning experience. I tell people to give it another try because the second and third floats I think are awesome.”

For more information, and to make a reservation, visit float syracuse.com.

Please note: Due to COVID-19, masks are required in all public areas. Bodymind Float Center also requests that guests fill out their waiver form online prior to their float, and watch the orientation video.

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times.

She lives in Camillus with her husband.

I floated for about an hour. After I rinsed off and grabbed a neck pillow, I began my float. It took a few minutes to quiet my mind,

TREAT YOURSELF

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

13

lights lake PR on the

EVIEW

'Up and Shining' Lights on the Lake returns for its 31st year

BY COURTNEY KLESS

A

re you looking for a socially-distanced way to celebrate the holidays? Lights on the Lake returns to Onondaga Lake Park this month.

Debbie Dennis, senior recreation leader for the park, said attendees will notice a few changes to this year’s show.

For one, there will not be a stroll or dog walk. Instead, Lights on the Lake will host a Charity Drive-Thru on Nov. 16 and a Doggy Drive-Thru on Nov. 17, with proceeds benefiting a charity to be named and Humane CNY – there will also be a discounted admission rate ($5). Families must also purchase tickets online before attending the show. The ticket booths will accept printed copies or QR codes.

“Those are the main two changes,” said Dennis, who is returning for her 15th year with the show. “Obviously, we’re

14

ACTIVITIES

LIGHTS ON THE LAKE ATTENDANCE Information provided by Onondaga County Parks

2019-20: 39,645 2016-17: 40,576 2018-19: 43,420 2015-16: 40,097 2017-18: 43,623

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTOS

excited to still be able to have the event. We think that it’s a pretty unique event that people can do and social distance. We’re just trying to make it as contactless as possible. All of the displays will be up and shining just like they have in the past. There’s no changes logistically within the show, it’s just the ticketing process ahead of time that will be different.”

Now in its 31st year, Lights on the Lake features a Wide World of Sports, Land of Oz, Fairytale Magic Grand Finale and more, all stretched across two miles. A total of 39,645 cars drove through the show last year, according to Dennis.

“We’re always happy with our attendance,” she said. “We’re hoping that being able to buy everything ahead of time and being contactless might entice more people to come out that may not have done so before because there’s a lot of things that people might not be able to do. This way, you can stay with your family in a vehicle and it just gives you something different to do.”

Lights on the Lake officially opens Nov. 18, with free admission for veterans, and continues through Jan. 10.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit lightson thelake.com.

TIP:

If you want to avoid a long wait time, your best bet is to come during the week.

IF YOU GO:

LOCATION: Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool.

DATES: Nov. 18 – Jan. 10.

HOURS: 5-10 p.m.

ADMISSION: $6 from Monday – Tuesday, $10 from Wednesday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Sunday. All prices are per car and tickets must be purchased in advance online. Please note: There is a limited number of tickets per day.

MORE INFORMATION: lightsonthelake.com.

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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ISTOCK PHOTO

Caring for the Caregiver David’s Refuge provides respite, education, support | BY KATE HOUCK

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LOCAL FACES

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

P

icture yourself sitting on an airplane. The cabin door closes and the attendant demonstrates how to lock and unlock your belt, and then you are shown an oxygen mask. The instructions are pretty clear: “In the event of an emergency, put the mask on yourself, then assist younger passengers.” The message is simple.

If you are deprived of oxygen, you cannot care for those around you. The oxygen mask is often a visual we use to describe the mission of David’s Refuge; to offer care to the caregiver.

David’s Refuge came into existence to remind mothers and fathers who also function as full-time caregivers of the importance of self-care. These caregivers provide around the clock care to their children with special needs, but simply put, don’t take any care of themselves. Who can blame them? There is no time or resources for self-care. Everything is poured into caring for their precious children. Our mission at David’s Refuge is to remind caregivers that self-care is a necessity and must be taken seriously. We do this by providing respite, education, and a community of support along the way.

continued on page 18

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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continued from page 17

Did you know that caregiver fatigue leads to burnout, anxiety, depression, divorce and both physical and mental sickness? One study found that the parents of children with special needs can suffer from the same trauma as that of a combat soldier. It is the daily uncertainty of your child’s diagnosis, the daily battles with the school, the insurance, the medical providers. It is the daily fear of what will happen next that will cause caregivers to feel like they are waiting for the “other shoe to drop,” and when mom and dad are in burnout mode, the family will suffer.

Here are 10 easy ways that you can support a caregiver today

The basic essentials of happiness are grounded in our desires as human beings to feel connected and to have autonomy in our lives. The caregivers we serve lose these two vital pieces when they have a child with 24/7 medical demands. People in their life pull away because they no longer know how to relate.

Their child’s behavior will dictate every move for the family, and can prevent parents from having any ability to make their own decisions on how to spend their time. Parents are often so consumed with caregiving that they lose track of themselves and of each other.

3. Do not offer unsolicited advice. Instead, ask questions and show concern.

David’s Refuge was formed out of need and is working to create a solution. Our mission is to provide respite, resources and support. Our multi-service, approach ensures that caregivers and their families develop a renewed importance on self-care, and a renewed hope that they are not alone in their journey. It is our hope that with continued work, our vision to one day become nationally recognized for empowering caregivers to lead their families with strength and grace will be realized.

Our main service offers caregivers two nights away at a beautiful bed and breakfast or hotel location. Multiple caregiving couples attend at the same time, creating opportunities to meet other parents on the same journey. Many friendships are started during a weekend retreat. In addition, we offer yearround support through family fun events like picnics, holiday gatherings and spa days for mom. Monthly wellness webinars provide self-care tips and education to caregivers from the comfort of their own home. A private Facebook group for caregivers provides a safe forum for caregivers to voice concerns, share grief, ask for help or share resources. Our intention is to provide constant year-round touches, and to continually remind caregivers that they are not alone, what they do matters and that God and this community love them. Join us!

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LOCAL FACES

1. Ask mom and dad to teach you how care for all their children so that they can comfortably agree to your offer to babysit.

2. Accept them for who they are without judgment, bias or opinion.

4. Befriend families that have children with special needs. Invite them over for a meal. Include the child with special needs in birthday parties.

5. Let caregivers know you are thinking of them. Write a note, drop off a meal, send a text or give them a call.

6. Become educated about the unique conditions of all children you know. Many parents of children with special needs fail to go out because they fear the stares, insults and unfriendly attitudes of those they will encounter.

7. Offer to accompany the parent to doctor appointments. Getting a child with special needs into a doctor’s office and situated is quite difficult, especially if the parent has another child to watch at the same time.

8. Volunteer to do laundry, clean, mow the lawn, shovel the driveway or run errands.

9. Give moms and dads of children with special needs an opportunity to share what’s on their heart and then listen.

10. Encourage all parents to take care of themselves. They must keep themselves healthy in order to best care for their family.

Encourage them to join the David’s s Refuge at davidsrefuge.org.

Remember, parenting can be a difficult journey under any circumstances, but it’s especially challenging for those who provide full-time care to children with special needs. When we make the effort to tangibly show these families that we care, we demonstrate love and become a community connected. Isn’t that what we all want?

Kate Houck is the executive director of David’s Refuge.

PHOTOS OF THE CAREGIVERS WERE PROVIDED BY THE CAREGIVERS

CAREGIVER SPOTLIGHTS

BY COURTNEY KLESS

These interviews were edited for length and clarity.

Al Cutri, Syracuse 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how you became a primary caregiver?

My grandmother and my great aunt, I was caring for them, not completely full time, but almost full time. Going there three times a day, feeding them, staying there for hours at a time, monitoring their eating to make sure they didn’t choke and things like that. So, it started with them. My great aunt, who was 99 at the time, passed away. In December of 2013, a few months later, my father was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor, so as soon as my aunt died, I went right into caring for him. If anybody knows anything about that particular tumor, it’s a death sentence. It’s a very powerful type of cancer. From diagnosis to death, it was eight months of constant attention and caregiving.

I moved back home with my parents to help with that. He passed away that same year, in eight months, in September of 2014.

My grandmother was still being cared for simultaneously. A few months later, in January, my grandmother passed away. For probably three years straight I was a caregiver for one of three people. It was a lot.

2. What were some of the demands/challenges you faced on a daily basis?

Being on call all the time. There wasn’t really a schedule at this point, it was more like 911. So, you would go and you would spend all your time because you were afraid that was the last

time. You were afraid of what could happen. You lived in a constant state of anxiety and fear and sadness. My phone, every time it rang, my heart stopped. You leave for two seconds, and you get a call, then you have to rush back. Or you go to a meeting, and then you get the call you need to go back. Or the middle of the night calls. I’m an only child and an only male in my family, so when my dad was sick, it was all on me to do the things that I had the strength for. My mom didn’t have the strength to move my grandma from one area to another or help them in the bathroom or things like that. I think the biggest challenge was not the work itself, but being torn with how do I live my life in somewhat normal fashion, but also care for them in the best capacity that I can. And then a lot of strange emotions came up. There was resentment, there was anger, there was guilt. I think remaining emotionally stable was the biggest struggle, not the work itself.

3. What was the most rewarding part of being a caregiver?

Unquestionably knowing that I did everything that I could possibly do. There’s not a single regret. There’s not a single “I wasn’t there,” “I didn’t live here,” “I didn’t come home,” “I didn’t see them pass,” “I wasn’t there.” I don’t ever have to feel that. At the time, I felt like it was this giant weight on my shoulder. Looking back, it was nothing.

4. How did you find out about David’s Refuge?

Totally unrelated to any caregiver role, I was part of a video project, and that was how I was introduced to the organization.

Years later, I met Kate through networking, and we stuck up a friendship and just a business connection. I’m on the board for another organization called Charity for Children, where we assist those kids and those families. There is a lot of overlap in clients, because the parents of those kids then get helped by David’s Refuge. I haven’t had any direct client relationship with David’s Refuge, it’s just an understanding of caregiver mentality, but from the reverse angle. I think that a caregiver is caregiver and the same principals apply. continued on page 20 FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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continued from page 19

Pfohl were the people that started David’s Refuge due to their son David. The best part about David’s Refuge, besides obviously providing respite to all these families and events and stuff, is I always look for ways to get my brother involved with places.

We do it with our church and we do it with David’s Refuge. I always explain to him it’s important to help people and he says yes. When Brenda and Warren first started [David’s Refuge], they asked if anyone wanted to help with making baskets and delivering them. I talked to my brother about it, he was all for it.

Not only do they want to help people, they bring in people of all abilities to volunteer.

Jacquie Edsall, Manlius 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how you became a primary caregiver?

I became a caregiver when I was 13. My brother, David, was hit by a car when he was 10 years old. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. After his accident, he needed care. I helped care for him until I went off to college. Then I spent a couple of years as a nanny. After that, I moved back and became David’s full-time caregiver and have spent the last 20 some odd years caring for my brother. I also get to hang out with other families who have kids with special needs. I have been doing that for about 15 years. It is so much fun.

2. What are some of the demands/challenges you face on a daily basis?

Being able to think on your feet and needing a lot of patience.

Even with typical kids, they have opinions on what they should get to do and not get to do, and so you would need patience with typical kids. Working with kids with special needs, you still need that patience. I think patience is one of those things you can never have enough of. I do think being flexible and being able to think on your feet is really helpful. This morning, I was trying to help a teenager get ready for school. She really didn’t want to get out of bed, so coming up with ways to encourage her to get out of bed so we could have a good start to our day and not start our day with confrontation or anything. That’s always helpful.

3. What it the most rewarding part of being a caregiver?

Just the day-to-day with my brother, I really do enjoy that. Yes, it’s hard at times if it’s a bad day, but he has the best big old belly laugh when he’s just so happy about something. Being able to bring that out and just have fun with him even if it’s something silly. Like with COVID and everything being shut down, when we found out Starbucks opened back up and we could go through the drive-thru and he could get his favorite drink, that just made his day. Just being able to do that each day and find the joy in getting a cup of coffee, you don’t really think about that. But for my brother, that can be the highlight of that day.

4. How did you find out about David’s Refuge? How has it benefitted your family?

I actually used to take care of David Pfohl. Warren and Brenda

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LOCAL FACES

Joe Sullivan, Syracuse 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how you became a primary caregiver?

My son is 31 years old. He was born with a rare condition called Angelman Syndrome. It was a two-parent situation for about 11 years or so, and then as is the case with many parents caring for disabled children, we divorced, and I became the primary caregiver.

2. What were some of the demands/challenges you faced on a daily basis?

There are many. One of the greatest things is getting support.

Getting nursing care, people to care for your son and give you any assistance they can provide so that you’re able to work. That was probably one of the biggest challenges. I eventually lost a position due to lack of nurses and availability, then it was my primary responsibility. That makes it very hard to go to work when you have a child who requires complete care. Navigating the “system” is probably one of the greatest challenges.

3. What was the most rewarding part of being a caregiver?

It’s a very very stressful thing. My son currently is living in a long-term care facility as a result of my health problems back 10 years ago now. Most rewarding is just knowing that you’re doing the best that you possibly can with what you have to work with in spite of all the obstacles that are abundant. It’s a very challenging role. You become very isolated. You lose friends. You lose family members. Most rewarding is knowing that I’ve done that best that I can and that he’s in the best place that he can possibly be.

4. How did you find out about David’s Refuge? How has it benefitted your family?

I actually found out through a networking group that my wife – I’ve been blessed to have been remarried – met Kate through and learned more about their mission. She felt that we might be able to volunteer and maybe we could help other people. We became volunteer hosts, hosting families of other parents that provide care to disabled children. There’s nothing like being able to sit around with other people who get the proverbial “it” and can understand the challenges that we face daily and not have people’s eyes glass over when they have no idea what you’re talking about. Being up all night, doctor’s appointments, surgeries, all those things. People just don’t really grasp the challenge. Hoping somebody would come through the door to assist you with care for your child. That was one of the big things that we were always hoping for. It’s kind of like living on the edge all the time. It’s very challenging. I can’t say enough about David’s Refuge and its mission. It’s filling an extraordinary void.

The need for respite, the need for maintenance of marriages is extraordinary but often overlooked. There’s a very high rate of divorce among families that have disabled children because of the stress, because of not maintaining your relationship. It’s also very stressful on your typical children. That’s a real balancing act right there. The family dynamics are something that are very important. They recognize the tremendous benefits that you get from a getaway weekend.

LaToya Jones, Clay 1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how you became a primary caregiver?

What I call my son, he’s my superhero, he is a traumatic brain injury survivor. Ultimately as a result of that, I became his primary care provider after he was discharged from the hospital. At the time, he would have most likely required going to a different level of care, but because I’m his mom, I was not going to let him go to a facility away from his family, away from Syracuse, because there’s not really facilities here for children. When he was discharged, he required a PICC line to have medications infused and some other things, but I felt like his best recovery would have been with his family. So, I chose to bring him home. I became his mom, his nurse, his everything. That meant no work at

the time. I took care of all his needs from medication to bathing.

I was kind of like a case manager as well. I made sure he had his physical therapy set up to come into the house, his occupational therapy, anything else that he needed.

2. What were some of the demands/challenges you faced on a daily basis?

The challenges and demands starting out as a caregiver are meeting every need. Because I was working at the time, that meant I could not work. When I did return to work, I had to work around where I could get help with my son. Although I still needed to provide for my family, he is my family, and his needs and his care were my priority. Trying to balance being a working mom, but also making sure his care needs were met – his bathing, making sure his therapists and his occupational therapists were doing what they needed to do, and making sure they were scheduled. Ultimately, I took care of everything for him to make sure he has all the services he needed to be as successful as we could make him as he continued to rehab. We call them demands and we call them challenges, but I just call it working through our craziness.

3. What was the most rewarding part of being a caregiver?

His smile. He’s so appreciative. And just him caring enough to ask me how my day was. Knowing that I can still get a smile out of him once in a while. Even though my days are long, and even though as caregivers we have to advocate with the doctor, we have to advocate with the schools to get what we need for our kids, if I can get a smile from him, it’s always better.

How did you find out about David’s Refuge? How has it benefitted your family?

I knew a little about David’s Refuge, but I got reconnected by Lisa Alford. We are connected through the disability community, and I think she knows a lot of the work that I do around healthcare, around disability advocacy, and about my son. When I talked to Warren and Brenda Pfohl, the founders, I thought it was the perfect marriage. They advocate, they care about the caregiver and what happens to our kids. Kate and I started talking about the different work and she said, ‘Have you taken a break yet?’ ‘Have you taken a break since what happened to your son and then the work that you’re doing?’ And the truth was no, I didn’t. The trauma and the frustration that I had with everything that my family went through, I put that into advocacy work. I was blessed for Healthcare Education Project to find me.

I don’t see it as work. I see it as a blessing to be able to advocate for people. I ended up finding a way to put my trauma somewhere to help other people like me, to get through some of the things that I was not able to get through, to help people find the resources, and to be kind of like a community connector to help people who don’t know about places like David’s Refuge to find rest. Being a caregiver can be demanding. It can be draining, especially for our caregivers who also work full time. And now in the pandemic, they’re doing virtual learning and also trying to make sure they’re keeping their kids safe from COVID. It’s really draining.

Our family has turned our trauma into advocacy and formed The Joe Family Foundation for Disability Advocacy Inc. It’s an organization that works to empower minority youth with disabilities.

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. She lives in Camillus with her husband.

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

Drop Ship Gift Boxes

ISTOCK ILLUSTRATION

Volunteering as a Family Not sure where to start? Check out these tips. | BY JENNIFER THOMPSON

D

o you want to teach your children the importance of giving back and caring for others? A great way to do this, and spend quality time together, is through the act of volunteering as a family.

As you share your time and resources, you will not only be helping others in your community, but you will also find that volunteering together is an incredibly enriching experience for both young and old alike.

You might love the idea of serving together, but maybe you are unsure where to begin. Georgine Getty, executive director of Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Social Center in Cincinnati, shares some of the benefits of volunteering with children, as well as some tips on how to get started.

What are some of the benefits of volunteering with children?

The main job of a parent is to create healthy, happy, competent adults. I believe the empathy and understanding experienced

through volunteering is a key component to every well-lived life.

By volunteering as a family, not only are you leading by example, but you also create the space for deeper conversations about your values and why you should — and how you can — express those values in the world.

If parents are interested in volunteering as a family, how do they begin?

I would recommend starting with your child. What is important to them? What are the issues they are concerned about? How much experience do they have interacting with new situations? Especially if the children are young, it might be best to start with projects they can do at home, or in their school, like a canned food drive, craft projects, drawing or writing cards of support. Speak with them about who their project is benefiting.

As they get older, introduce them to on-site volunteering, such as helping in a soup kitchen, picking up litter, caring for animals at a shelter. Make sure to talk with your child before. What are they continued on page 25

TOGETHER TIMES

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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Ways for Kids to Give Back This Thanksgiving

BY STEPHANIE SULTON

T

| This article originally appeared on milwaukeemom.com.

hanksgiving is right around the corner. And we all know that with this holiday, comes the daily social media posts telling us that everyone is #thankful and #blessed. But being thankful isn’t just for social media. This time of year is a great reminder to reinvest in practicing gratitude.

written thank you notes after a gift. This is something that I always had to do after a party growing up (thanks Mom!) and is a habit that I hope my girls grow up appreciating. Even with my two youngest who cannot write out a full card yet, we talk through why they love what they received, and they write (scribble) their name or draw a picture.

Here are a few of my favorite (and easy) ways to help my daughters give back and be thankful.

Declutter and donate toys. We have practiced this for the last couple of years, and it has been a huge success! I personally love that as a busy mom it is a service project that is easily attainable for my family. A few years ago, I was looking for a way to teach my daughters in a meaningful way that the holidays are more than what you receive, and what better way than with something that they are all too familiar with – their toys! My daughters now get excited

A simple thank you. This might be my favorite of the whole list! So easy, yet often easily forgotten. My mom-philosophy on this has been to keep it consistent from my lips and to not be shy about reminding them when they forget. Make that a habit, and “thank you” will become more automatic from them. I am also a huge fan of hand24

TOGETHER TIMES

to sort through the toy bins they do not frequent as often anymore and select a few toys to pass on to someone else.

Participate in a food or cold weather gear drive. This is another simple way to give back that almost any family could participate in. You pick the drive and the budget that works for your family. Every year, we have a plethora of options. Our church, school, daycare, and community organizations all host different drives during the holiday season. Last year, my two oldest daughters went with me to the grocery store to pick out our cans of cranberry and pumpkin that we signed up for and it was a great opportunity to talk to them about what we were doing and why.

Click here to read the full article by Milwaukee Mom.

continued from page 23 hoping to accomplish? What are they concerned or worried about?

Continue the conversation after. What did they learn? What was different than they expected? What would they do differently next time? I would also recommend trying many different activities.

Your child might be deeply concerned about one issue, but find another activity more fitting to their talent or personal sense of meaning.

Are there places you recommend families volunteer?

Start with the agencies or causes that are important to your family, and then do your research! Many agencies — my own included — have age limits due to liability issues. Most agencies will have clear guidelines on their websites. Again, if your child is not able to volunteer on-site, get creative and come up with activities that would benefit a cause off-site. Form a relationship with an agency — most of us are thrilled to discuss our needs and brainstorm ways that you and your child may be able to help.

What else should parents consider about volunteering?

Like everything in parenting, communication is key! Help your child understand what to expect from the experience, and manage their expectations. Please do not use non-profits to show your children “how good they have it.” While people do have different levels of privilege, it is more beneficial to your child — and less hurtful for those they are serving — to encourage your kid to look for the strength of the people they meet rather than the deficits. Remind

In the

December issue

We highlight local charities.

them of times they have needed help with something and use this as a space to teach compassion over judgement.

Give your child the space to honestly discuss their experience after you have served. Remember: They are learning! They might have concerns that you can help them understand. Volunteering almost always touches on big, complicated and troubling issues, such as hunger, unsheltered animals, diseases, etcetera. This can be a great way for you to help guide your kids into a more complete sense of the complexity of the world, at the pace you know they’re comfortable with.

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER PHOTO

Napkin Rings This craft keeps kids busy while spurring reflection | BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

N

ovember see restless children sandwiched between the sugar rush of Halloween and the anticipation of Christmas. Keep them busy with a simple but engaging craft that will have them focused on contributing to the big dinner and what it means to be thankful.

Purchase or recycle. The items I bought were from Hobby Lobby, but Michaels carries the same types of supplies. The rolls we used were recycled from home, but more durable versions can be purchased. Save a little more money by asking relatives who knit or crochet for leftover yarn.

Online prices for napkin holder rings vary from a few dollars to $20; they usually come in a set of six. My purchases cost about $12, and that cost could easily cover 20 rings with the pictures or over 100 without the accessory. Unlike a lot of holiday crafts kids make

26

CREATE

at school, these are durable and can be reused each year.

Make the cut. This craft can be done by children as young as preschool age with help or older kids with less guidance. Supervise or help your child cut the paper towel rolls into ½ inch wide or 1-inch circles, depending on your preference. Wider rings will be sturdier but will use more yarn. This will bend the cardboard but no worries—just reform it back into shape.

Each ½ inch napkin ring will take roughly six feet (about 72 inches) of yarn or string. No measuring tape? No problem. An easy way to calculate is to stretch your arms out to the sides. Your height is from middle finger to middle finger. I’m 5’5” so I pull out enough for the span from finger to finger and add another foot or two to my yarn before cutting. Knowing the number of guests for dinner will determine how much yarn will be needed. I purchase a skein of yarn

so we won’t run out. Keep in mind small packages of string or ribbon might only yield about four completed rings. Measure and cut the yarn.

Get loopy. Tie a knot with the loose end onto the ring and snip the excess. Turn the tie so it’s inside and hidden. Have your child loop the yarn over the ring firmly and pull the excess through. Secure each pass with a thumb so it won’t bunch up. If the yarn is not close to the loop ahead of it, simply push the yarn with your finger to line it up. Repeat until the whole ring is covered, leaving enough yarn to knot it off.

I chose an ombre style of yarn because it incorporated all the colors of autumn.

If combinations of different colored yarns are used, or if the measured yard is too short, just tie off the ends, snip the excess and tuck before starting again. For a small child, each ring will take about 10 minutes to cover. This will hold one napkin at a place setting. Continue the process to include all dinner guests.

Make the finishing touches. There are many different things to use for decorative labels: a fall theme with pumpkins, or turkeys and pilgrims, for instance. Our decorations were burlap and wooden “leaves,” so we could use them for the whole season.

We included heavy colored paper for an inscription with the burlap tags, and were able to write directly on the wooden ones.

Be creative, the choices are endless. Whatever you choose, find a way to include “I am thankful for …” on or with them. Add these decorative pieces to the napkin ring so they will be visible and aesthetically pleasing. If a glue gun is used, keep in mind a little dab of glue will go a long way. And, as always, please supervise or assist kids to avoid accidents or burns.

What’s the message? Not only will these crafts become an addition to the yearly festivities, they will also become a topic of conversation at the dinner table. While the children get acknowledged for their art, encourage them to ask family members what they are thankful for. It’s a good time for kids to remember there is more to life than tech gadgets and toys. That perspective might also be helpful for adults.

I remember doing a craft like this years ago during summer 4H camp. Doing it with my children was fun and relaxing. It can be a break from the fast-paced holiday season.

When seasonal yarns and decorations go on sale, I might just buy more to have napkin ring holder sets for other holidays, too.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT • A skein of yarn, or packages of jute string, or thin ribbon • Empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls • Small holiday pictures or decorations • A piece or two of heavy paper stock or construction paper • Measuring tape • Hot glue gun • Scissors • Pens, pencils and markers

Tag us on Instagram so we can see what you create!

@familytimescny

FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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ISTOCK PHOTO

Thanksgiving

Safety Tips for 2020

BY JACQUELINE NEBER

This article was originally published on NYMetroParents.com.

T

he holidays are normally a time to relax with your family, but this year the coronavirus has made Thanksgiving look a little different. Despite the anxiety and extra precautions, it’s still possible to have a good holiday this November—while also staying safe with these Thanksgiving safety tips for 2020.

THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS FROM THE CDC Although it might be customary for your family to head to Grandma’s house for a feast, traveling increases the risk of your family getting and spreading coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following lower risk activities: • Have a small dinner, with only the people who live in your household.

• Prepare your favorite Thanksgiving recipes and drop the food off at the houses of friends and family.

• Have a virtual dinner so the kids can see their relatives and share memories.

These activities pose a moderate risk: • Have a small outdoor dinner with family and friends in your community (just be sure to always follow CDC guidelines for hosting outdoor gatherings).

• Go for a family hike where people can maintain social distancing. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer and masks for when social distancing isn’t possible!

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HEALTH

And the CDC recommends avoiding: • Shopping in crowded stores before, on, or after Thanksgiving. (This probably isn’t the year to go crazy on Black Friday!)

• Attending a crowded sports event or parade • Attending large indoor gatherings with people outside your household. As much as we want things to return to normal, this isn’t the year to have a normal Thanksgiving celebration at grandma’s house.

MAKE UP A NEW THANKSGIVING RITUAL Because this is already an unusual year, it might be just the right time to stage an alternative Thanksgiving. Think outside the box to make this holiday a little different.

Watch a movie marathon. After enjoying the unique Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the comfort of your couch (the traditional extravaganza is on hold this year to avoid crowds), why not continue the day with some fall family favorites? Screen the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, then watch as turkeys try to save the day

(and their kin) in the animated Free Birds.

Not rooting for any of the teams playing on Nov. 26, but still in the mood for football?

Try Remember the Titans, Rudy, or Radio.

And you can always start the holiday celebrations a little early with Elf, Home Alone, or Miracle on 34th Street.

Plan your own family turkey trot. Running (or walking) your own 5K is a great way for the whole family to get some exercise. Who needs other runners? This way, you’ll all win!

Have a friendly Thanksgiving dish competition. Do the kids love making chocolate chip cookies? Does your sister usually make a mean sweet potato pie? Invite family members to drop their favorite homemade dishes at your house—and then do a Zoom competition where you “judge” the best dish. Don’t forget to make something for them, too!

Invent your own tradition! It will help take your mind off the impact COVID-19 has had on all our lives—whether it’s a new recipe, an excursion, or a new activity—do something that you’ve never done as a family. Now is the time to start and incorporate it again next year!

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Please note: This calendar was up-to-date at the time of publication. Please call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website to confirm event details.

SUNDAY, NOV. 1 Nature’s Ninjas. 11-11:30 a.m., 1-1:30 p.m., and

3-3:30 p.m.; repeats every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 29. The interactive exhibit will explore the self-defense mechanisms (venom, size and more) of animals. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free with museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors; $10/children (ages 2-10).

(315) 425-9068. most.org/natures-ninjas.

MONDAY, NOV. 2 FCL Early Literacy Corner. 9:30 a.m.; repeats every Monday through Nov. 30. Miss. Karen will share lessons, educational ideas and more with parents of preschoolers and toddlers. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 3 ELECTION DAY Tuesday Crafternoons. 10 a.m.; also Nov. 10,

17 & 24. Children ages 3-10 and their caregivers can drop in each week to pick up a grab and go craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Tween Coding Club. 4-5 p.m.; repeats every

Tuesday through Nov. 24. Attendees can learn about Javascript and experiment with animations, memes and more. Recommended for ages 10-12.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Young Naturalists. 4:15-5:15 p.m.; repeats

every Tuesday through Nov. 24. Attendees can

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CALENDAR

learn about the local environment during this weekly Zoom session. Recommended for ages 7-12. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4 Teen Life Hacks Online. 6-7 p.m.; repeats

every Wednesday through Nov. 18. In this week’s session, learn how to transfer a photo to wood.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Teen Disney Trivia (virtual). 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Attendees can compete for a prize. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free.

Registration required: (315) 682-6400. manlius library.org.

THURSDAY, NOV. 5 Decorative Fun at Home. 2-2:30 p.m.; repeats every Thursday through Nov. 19. Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bplchildrenteen, each week to learn how to create a craft.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Sciexcites! 4:15-5 p.m; also Nov. 19. Students

in grades can K-5 can join Fayetteville-Manlius High School students on Zoom for science experiments using household ingredients and supplies. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 6 See Ongoing Events

SATURDAY, NOV. 7 Trail Tales (Virtual). 1 p.m.; also Nov. 19.

Children ages 3-5 can hear some stories and go on

a virtual hike. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 638-2519.

CLD&J Music Series: Disney & Animated Features concert with Dan Fogel. 3-4 p.m.

Families can enjoy music from Disney and other animated films. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free.

CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

SUNDAY, NOV. 8 See Ongoing Events

MONDAY, NOV. 9 2nd Monday Club to Go. 6-7 p.m. Children in

grades 4-6 can pick up a kit, then visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bplchildrenteen, to learn how to create a battery-powered robot.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Breastfeeding Preparation. 6-7:30 p.m. Learn how to overcome breastfeeding challenges and how create a successful breastfeeding relationship. Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free.

Registration is recommended. (315) 707-8097.

TUESDAY, NOV. 10 Live Zoom Storytime. 9:30-10 a.m.; also

Nov. 24. Join Miss Karen as she gives thanks to some members of the community. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Homeschoolers ages 5-12 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities in the garden. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11

SUNDAY, NOV. 15

THURSDAY, NOV. 19

ONLINE: No-Sew Fleece Throw Making.

See Ongoing Events

2-3 p.m. Children ages 5-10 can create their own fleece blanket with provided materials. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

See Ongoing Events

THURSDAY, NOV. 12 Teen Take & Make. 4-4:30 p.m. Attendees

MONDAY, NOV. 16

ages 10 and up can create tune in every Thursday for a new video. This week’s craft is sheet music art. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration required: (315) 6826400. manliuslibrary.org.

Homeschooling 101 for Parents 7-8 p.m.;

FRIDAY, NOV. 13

TUESDAY, NOV. 17

World Kindness Day Story Time. 2-2:30 p.m.

Live Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. Young people in

Attendees can enjoy stories about being kind to one another. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.

SATURDAY, NOV. 14 ONLINE: Music with Donna B. 10:30-11:15

a.m. Children of all ages can enjoy music, rhythm instruments, puppets and more. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

Art Project with the Everson Museum: Tar Beach. 3-4 p.m. Attendees will create their

own painting inspired by Tar Beach. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

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also Nov. 18. This month’s topic is field trips and career shadowing. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

grades 6-12 can take part in a new activity each week. This week’s activity is pom-pom pumpkins. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 18 Opening Night Lights on the Lake.

5-10 p.m., daily through Jan. 10. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays, themed sections, and a grand finale.

Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $10/car, MondayThursday; $20/car, Friday-Sunday. (315) 453-6712. lightsonthelake.com.

FRIDAY, NOV. 20 Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery.

10 a.m.-3p.m.; through Jan. 10. Visitors can view dozens of gingerbread creations. A virtual gallery will also be available this year. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Suggested donation: $10/person. Tickets must be purchased in advance: (315) 471-0593. eriecanalmuseum.org.

Cats vs. Dogs. 10:30-noon; 1:30-3 p.m.; also

Nov. 21. Children accompanied by one parent or guardian can learn about the canines and felines at the zoo. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $20/member; $25/ non-member. Reservations required: (315) 4358511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

SATURDAY, NOV. 21 Cats vs. Dogs. 10:30 a.m.-noon. See Nov. 20 listing.

Saturday STEAM: Apple Experiments.

2-2:30 p.m. Learn how to make an apple volcano and more. NOPL. Free. nopl.org

Sensory Friendly Time. 4-8 p.m. The museum

turns down the noise, turns off the flashing lights, and makes other accommodations so people with sensory processing challenges can explore the exhibits. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse.

Admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors; $10/children (ages 2-10). (315) 425-9068. most.org.

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SUNDAY, NOV. 22

SATURDAY, NOV. 28

See Ongoing Events

See Ongoing Events

MONDAY, NOV. 23

SUNDAY, NOV. 29

Thankful Storytime. 6:30-7 p.m. Join Miss

See Ongoing Events

Leah for Thanksgiving-themed stories and songs.

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 24 Financial Literacy for Teens: Understanding Borrowing. 3-3:45 p.m.

Attendees ages 13-18 can learn about personal credit and debt during this virtual event presented

by SECNY. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. Registration required: (315) 6723661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25 See Ongoing Events

THURSDAY, NOV. 26 TH ANKSGI V ING See Ongoing Events

FRIDAY, NOV. 27 Festival of Trees & Light Opening Day.

Noon-5 p.m.; through Dec. 5. (Open during museum hours: Thursday, Noon-8 p.m.; Friday – Sunday, Noon-5 p.m. At-risk individuals: Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon) See beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other displays, donated by local individuals and organizations. This year’s event will also feature an online auction (Nov.27-Dec. 5) and a virtual festival finale (Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.) Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $8/ adults; $6/seniors; $6/students; free/ages 12 and under. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

MONDAY, NOV. 30 See Ongoing Events

ONGOING EVENTS

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails.

Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900-foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and wetland and grassland restoration areas. The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. (315) 697-2950.

to Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays (except Oct. 8 & 29), 9:30-10 a.m. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. Virtual Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Liverpool Public Library Storytimes. Family

Story Break (ages 5 and under): Tuesdays, 10:1510:25 a.m. Sing Along Friends Storytime: Thursdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Maxwell Memorial Library Storytimes.

Virtual Storytime (ages 3 and up): Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. Virtual Storytime (under age 3): Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/maxmemlib, for more information. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Manlius Public Library Storytimes.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking

trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus.

(315) 673-1350.

Jigglebugs: Mondays, 10-10:30 a.m. Virtual Toddler Storytime: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-9:30 a.m.

Virtual Pajama Storytime: Wednesdays, 7-7:30 p.m. Virtual Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Baldwinsville Public Library Storytimes.

NOPL Storytimes. Baby Storytime: Mondays,

Facebook Live Storytime: Tuesdays, 10-10:30 a.m.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville Storytimes. Virtual Storytime

with Miss Briana: Wednesdays, 10:30-11. Virtual Storytime with Miss Jenny: Thursdays, 10:30-11.

Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. (315) 446-3578.

CLDandJ.org.

9:30-10 a.m. Storytime with Wanda (ages 3-6): Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. Story Time with Miss Sarah: Wednesdays, 10-10:15 a.m. Virtual Storytime with Wanda: Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. NOPL. Free. nopl. org.

Regional Market Farmers’ Market. Saturdays,

Outdoor Storytime & Sing-a-Long (weather permitting): Mondays (except Oct. 12), 6-6:30 p.m. Birth

7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paintings and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

2100 Park St., Syracuse. (315) 422-8647.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center

Onondaga County Parks

Syracuse City Ballet

Corning Museum of Glass

Onondaga County Public Libraries

Erie Canal Museum

Onondaga Free Library

Everson Museum of Art

Redhouse Arts Center

Liverpool Public Library

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

NOPL

Symphoria

Fairmount Community Library Storytimes.

DIGITAL RESOURCES Website: baltimorewoods.org/nature-in-yourhands-at-home.

Website: visit.cmog.org/resources.

Website: eriecanalmuseum.org/exhibitions/ digital-exhibits.

Website: everson.org/virtual-programming.

Website: lpl.org/research/online-resources/ to-take-your-mind-off-corona-virus.

Website: nopl.org/free-fun-things-to-do-onlineduring-coronavirus.

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CALENDAR

Website: onondagacountyparks.com/about/ family-fun.

Website: syracusecityballet.com/athome.

The Sciencenter

Website: sciencenter.org/programs.

Website: onlib.org/while-youre-home.

Website: oflibrary.org/programs/virtualstorytimes-and-kids-activities.

The Strong Museum of Play

Website: museumofplay.org/education/play-athome-activities.

Utica Zoo

Website: uticazoo.org/kazoo.

Website: theredhouse.org/virtual-redhouse.

Website: syracusezooevents.org/education/ learn-at-home.

Website: experiencesymphoria.org/media.

YMCA of Central New York Website: ycny.org/ virtualy.

FOR MORE DEALS: f a m i l y t i m e s c ny . c o m / d e a l s

November Deals

WONDERWORKS SYRACUSE $22 combo tickets. Homeschoolers can enjoy discounted rates during Homeschool Days.

LAFLEUR DE BEAUTÉ $45 European Facial.

OPTIONZERO Free t-shirt or shorts with a threemonth membership.

ROBERT JOSEPH’S SALON & SPA 15% off of a service on your first visit.

DIBELLA’S SUBS 50% off first online purchase when you sign up for DiBella’s sub club.

Calendar listings are FREE!

Send information about your family-friendly event to: courtneyk@familytimescny.com Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication.

LISTINGS ARE DUE

BY NOV. 4 FOR THE DECEMBER ISSUE. FAMILY TIMES NOVEMBER 2020

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