Family Times September 2015

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The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | September 2015

105 + Fun Events!

Get Schooled Snacks for ravenous kids Chess moves College readiness

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Back to School

FAMILY TIMES • SEPTEMBER 2015

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Atypical Family

Parents of kids with special needs hope teachers have open minds.

8 • Recipe Doctor 14

Snacks with protein help quell kids’ “hangry” feelings.

10 • Because I Said So

By delving into computer code, students can unlock essential skills.

12 • Family Matters

Prepare high school students for the independence of college.

10

14 • Kids These Days

Parenting teens means watching them struggle to learn their own lessons.

16 • Chess Moves

The game’s quiet power has drawn a following among local students.

16

Capture a Moment

Brothers Alex Farwell, 4, and Jordan Farwell, 13, of Oneida, hang out near the Herkimer Diamond Mines in this photo by their mother, Michele Stewart.

We welcome reader submissions, whether photos of your kids or their artwork. Send high-resolution photos (jpg format saved at 3-inches-by-5-inches or larger) or color artwork to editorial@familytimes. biz. Please include the child’s first name, age, hometown, and information about what’s going on in the photo (or art), as well as the parent or guardian’s full name and daytime phone number, for verification.

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23 • Family Fun Calendar of Events Advertiser Index Party...................................25 Learn................................. 26-27 Practice ...............................20 Backpack Directory................ 35

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family times The Parenting

Guide of Central New York

SEPTEMBER 2015

ISSUE NO. 161

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz

Big Moves

T

MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis

he start of the school year can be an emotional time for kids and their parents. For those of us with children in school, September is about change, and change is often hard.

Whether you’re sending your first—or last—child to kindergarten (or high school or college), you’re probably torn between sadness and relief.

Articles in this issue aim to help you and your kids weather some of these transitions. In her column, Kids These Days, Maggie Lamond Simone writes about seeing her teens facing hurdles she can’t carry them over. Another columnist, Deborah Cavanagh, remembers sending her daughter to kindergarten and the hopes she had for an open-minded teacher and a good school year.

Meanwhile, Chris Xaver has a solution for a more mundane issue: coping with a child who’s “starving” and requires an emergency (or so it seems) snack.

In another piece, Cary and Tonja Rector offer a method for preparing a high schooler with ADHD or learning disabilities for the independence of life at college.

Finally, in Because I Said So, guest writer Pamela Puri explains the benefits in introducing computer coding instruction to elementary-age students.

Even though school is starting this month, there is still plenty of fine weather ahead, and numerous ways to take advantage of it are listed in Family Times’ calendar of events.

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Meaghan Arbital DESIGNER Renate Wood DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER David Armelino CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh,Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Linda Lowen, Cary Rector,Tonja Rector, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Sales & Marketing Manager Jessica Luisi (ext. 139) JLuisi@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Lija Spoor (ext. 111) LijaSpoor@syracusenewtimes.com Mike Banks (ext. 115) MBanks@syracusenewtimes.com Matt Romano (ext. 116) MRomano@syracusenewtimes.com

Enjoy!

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief

Tammy DiDomenico’s feature story, starting on page 16, looks at the local interest in chess clubs for students. Photo by Michael Davis.

On the cover: Meaghan Arbital design Mark Bowden/Getty Images photo

COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) CLASSIFIED/BACKPACK Lija Spoor (ext. 111)

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МАРИЯ ВОРОНЧИХИН | ISTOCK PHOTO

High Hopes

Parents share wish lists for their kids’ teachers | BY DEBORAH CAVANAGH

I

walked home after waving goodbye to my daughter, Amanda, on her first day of kindergarten. I was thankful for the sunglasses that hid tears in my eyes. She was my first child and for the first time entering a world completely separate from me.

she entered kindergarten, also a had tracheostomy tube to assist with breathing.

Kindergarten: where each child is a shiny, clean slate on which teachers can write knowledge and experience.

While I understood the preparation was necessary, it hurt my heart. She was not being given the same opportunity to prove herself that all the other kindergartners had.

The tears in my eyes were partly for the loss of babyhood. For the sweet, cozy world that had been just ours. But the tears were also because I knew my child was not a clean slate. I knew teachers had already determined there were skills they felt she could not master.

Before Amanda’s first day of school there had been meetings, assessments, evaluations and views shared about her.

She has Down syndrome and, at the time 6

It was the double whammy: cognitive challenges and the need for medical support. There was no way we were arriving day one of kindergarten without advance notice, planning and supports in place.

I wanted to sit with the teachers and explain. I wanted them to know I wasn’t expecting a miracle. I understood that no amount of teaching skill could make my child’s special needs evaporate.

And I wanted them look beyond the delays or perceived shortcomings. I hoped they would understand that Amanda’s presence in the classroom could introduce

opportunities for lessons in compassion and empathy on the part of her classmates.

That alternative and creative teaching methods employed to help Amanda would also benefit other students.

I wanted to beg: Please see the possible.

Please give her time. Please let her try.

And please know that what I want most is for Amanda to have a positive school experience. That she feels included. That she contributes. That she feels successful.

But I was afraid. Afraid the teacher would be thinking, “Yup, here is another parent in denial regarding their child’s disability.” Or worse yet, that she would give me that I-don’t-have-time-for-this face.

I walked home that morning and prayed for the best.

I have wondered throughout the years if my saying something would have made a teacher stop for a moment and possibly

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rethink her or his approach. Might my imagined discussion have affected the year ahead for my daughter? Could my words have prompted a positive classroom experience?

МАРИЯ ВОРОНЧИХИН | ISTOCK PHOTO

I wanted to get the views of other parents of children with special needs as the new school year approached, so I interviewed them in a series of email exchanges.

Corresponding with Ally Donofrio, whose daughter Addison is entering kindergarten this fall, I realized that my hopes so many years ago are still being felt today.

When asked what she would love to tell Addison’s teachers, Ally wrote, “I want her to be treated as any other student, with respect and with the bar set high from the start. My goal is that she should continue to grow and learn just as she has to this point. She’s a kindergarten student, just like all the other 5- and 6-year-olds with their futures open and ready to be molded.”

Colleen Brennan Leal wishes teachers would look beyond scores. “Our children

are not defined by state tests. My son Paul is more than a 3 or a 4 on a state test. In middle school he had the capacity to carry on conversations with adults and not be awkward. He advocates for himself, is inquisitive, has compassion and loves everyone. He wakes up with a smile on his face every morning and sees what is right with the world. Now that’s a 4 in my book.”

Lisa Burt’s daughter Michaela, who is heading into seventh grade, was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What does Lisa think about? “As long as we communicate, we will care for my daughter and the staff will know what to do to prevent a situation from escalating. Just because she looks fine does not mean the situation is not serious. Listening to my daughter and her needs is crucial.”

George Catalano Sr.’s son George Jr. is going into 11th grade. George Sr. wrote: “I actually just want my son to have an enjoyable school experience. I want him to keep learning, his teachers to continue having

him be part of the group, and for him to get recognition for his accomplishments.”

That’s what these parents are hoping for as they send their kids off to school. They want their children to be challenged, but with appropriate expectations. They do not want their kids to be defined by a score on a test; they wish for open communication with teachers. And these parents long for their children to be included, recognized and happy.

Not miracles. Not extraordinary feats.

Not the impossible.

These are the things I wish Amanda’s teachers had heard before that first day in kindergarten and every year since. Do all parents feel this way? I am betting so, special needs or not.

Deborah Cavanagh lives in Manlius with her husband and two children. She has written for local organizations supporting children and adults with special needs.

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Snack Attack

Protein-filled foods help keep kids’ moods mellow

BY CHRIS XAVER

T

he first time I heard someone say they were “hangry” I was listening to NBC’s The Today Show, and Tamron Hall said she regularly gets hangry. I sat there thinking: You’re not alone!

I’ve been hangry my whole life. When my blood sugar dips, I turn from sweet to sour in seconds! When our blood sugar dips, our body panics and begins frantically searching for nutrients. That’s when we feel “hangry”: hungry and angry. Short.

Impatient. I have one thing on my agenda: getting food in my mouth quickly.

At that moment I am not thinking about eating healthy, I’m simply seeking a fix— any kind of food. If candy is in front of me, I’ll inhale it. Food plan be damned, I am no longer rational. I am like a heat-seeking missile with a target in sight. At that point, I’m dangerous to myself and others. I’m sure you’ve either been there or been in the path of someone like me.

In 2014, a group of researchers from Ohio State University found a connection between low levels of glucose and aggression in married couples. The researchers studied married couples in particular because they hypothesized we are most aggressive toward the people we are closest to. They found self-control requires energy, and most of our energy is derived from glucose in the foods we eat.

As glucose fell, so did self-control. Which is why, as parents, we often see our kids in the afternoons, starving and cranky. When lunch wears off, so does their patience.

So, here’s what to do. First, let’s make sure we give these short-tempered kids plenty of protein in general. If our kids start their days and each of their meals with protein, their glucose levels won’t spike as high, and the drop won’t be as drastic. In other words, they won’t be coming off such a high that their mood swings are dramatic.

Nothing is worse for me than if I ate nothing but carbs—for instance, a pancake breakfast with maple syrup. So make sure at each meal the kids have protein. Then, 8

when it’s snack time, avoid a simple sugar fix. No snack cakes, or sugary ready-topour cereals. Such foods simply push the glucose up, only to have it dive again. That roller coaster ride keeps our blood sugar in control rather than us.

butter is great on celery, bananas and other foods. If you haven’t tried it, please give it a go. An egg served over a bed of lettuce also makes for a very satisfying snack. All of my kids, no matter what their ages, like salad. I hope yours do, too.

Instead, consider a focus on protein for snacks. A handful of nuts works great, or a slice of cheese wrapped around a piece of roast beef or ham. Couple that with a great piece of lettuce and you have a fantastic snack that’s satisfying yet stabilizing.

Everyone likes tuna at our place. Sometimes it’s mixed with mayo, but often it’s just out of the can over greens. Drizzled with a little olive oil and seasoned, the kids in my life gobble up tuna on red peppers or celery. The key is to have the vegetables cut up; that way they’ll grab the veggies and munch. Broccoli, carrots, yellow and red peppers, edamame, cherry tomatoes and cauliflower are all favorites in our house.

And a slice of ham does not have to mean you’re filling your body with nitrates. Even affordable grocery stores have deli meats that are uncured and free from nitrates, antibiotics, added hormones, preservatives and casein. Many convenience foods that were simply terrible for our bodies have healthy versions if we just take the time to read the labels and look a little bit.

So, how did I manage to feed my son back when he was doing martial arts every afternoon? Typically by making sure we had plenty of leftovers from the night before and just warming up a plate. When that didn’t work, I’d offer him old-fashioned oatmeal with stevia, nuts and cinnamon. We are big fans of peanut butter in our house, but I don’t serve bread. Peanut

And, of course, there is yogurt. Just keep in mind, yogurt with fruit added is full of sugar. Greek is the best in terms of keeping your carbs and sugar in check. It also has at least twice the protein of traditional yogurt. If your kids want fruit, add fresh fruit (with the peel) rather than the syrupy stuff they do at the factory.

Chris Xaver, Ph.D., is a local TV and radio personality with three children and five grandchildren.

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because I SAID SO

Code This

All students can benefit by learning computer science | BY PAMELA PURI

T

imes are definitely different from when I was a kid. We played outside all evening with the neighborhood kids until it was time for bed. We didn’t have video games and there was no such thing as negotiating “screen time” with your parents.

Technology is now part of almost every aspect of our lives, including school. I can check my son’s report card online; my kids come home to show me animated videos they have made in library class; and they have designated time in the school’s computer lab each week.

As a parent, I am constantly looking for engaging activities for my kids and trying to provide them with unique and fun experiences. A few years ago, I decided to try the Hour of Code with my kids. (More information about this international movement to educate people about computer science can be found at hourofcode.com.)

I had seen articles about coding for kids and wanted to see what it was about. Not only was it fun for the kids, but I instantly saw the thought process the kids were using to answer the questions. When I 10

help my kids with difficult math problems, I am constantly saying, “Let’s break this problem down into smaller parts”; here was this program that was getting the kids to do the same.

I have become a supporter of early introduction of computer science for kids.

The earlier they are exposed to it, the more confident they feel about technology, and the more accessible it is to them.

I started looking for different programs the kids could try. I found that Scratch was most recommended. We tried it out, and it was easy to use and very logical. In order to teach it to the kids, I decided to learn it myself. Not only could I make simple games and animations, I was surprised at how advanced the program could get. We started making more complex games within a reasonably short period of time.

Some people are pushing to integrate computer science into the kindergarten-through-grade-12 curriculum. Last year, the United Kingdom was the first country to integrate a “computing” curriculum, in which students as young as 5 get coding lessons.

My then-8-year-old made a game on Scratch one day and was frustrated because he could not get the game to work properly. He went to bed that night and at 9:30 p.m. (well past his bedtime) he came downstairs to see me. I assumed it was a bad dream, but instead he announced he had figured out why his game wasn’t working. He had two lines of code in the wrong order. I was shocked: Very few things can get my child to persist with problem solving like this.

Many places in the United States have begun introducing technology programs as well. Programming teaches kids to think in a more analytical way and encourages problem-solving skills. To make a game you first need to have a plan. Next, each step of the game needs to be broken down into line-by-line instructions the computer can understand, in a logical and sequential order.

You then test the program to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you need to revise and test again. This process of breaking a problem down into smaller parts, checking, revising and persisting at a task can be

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ANATOLIY BABIY | ISTOCK PHOTO

applied to many other subjects in school. When making their own games, kids have an opportunity to express their creativity, and the possibilities are endless.

Technology affects almost all fields in one way or another.

I want my kids to understand how computers work, not just how to prepare a Word or Excel document. It is empowering for them to become makers of technology and not only users of it.

Many of the programs available use visual blocks of code that link together, similar to a jigsaw puzzle, to make programming easier. This takes out the complexity of syntax, which can be difficult for kids to learn. The benefits of logical thinking combined with creativity are still there, minus the frustration.

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Do my kids still have a set amount of screen time in the week? Definitely. But they are far more confident with technology and their ability to work with technology than before. They understand how the video games they play have been made and know that this is something they can do as well. Will they choose engineering as their future career path? I don’t know.

But the skills they have learned will help them with whatever path they choose, I am sure of that.

Pamela Puri is the owner of Tech4Kidz, which offers technology classes at Le Moyne College. She lives in Manlius with her husband and three children.

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Prepping for College Students with learning disabilities should practice independence | BY CARY AND TONJA RECTOR

H

igh school seniors have a lot to think about, including college visits, applications, financial aid forms and, of course, graduation. For parents of high school seniors with learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, there are additional concerns.

These teens often have supports in place at home and school to help them stay organized, manage their time and meet academic demands, but parents worry how their teen will fare in college.

And there is reason to be concerned.

Students with ADHD or LD are more likely than their peers to struggle in college. As Theresa Maitland and Patricia Quinn write in their book Ready for Take-Off: Preparing Your Teen with ADHD or LD for College, these students are more often on academic probation, have lower GPAs and graduate in smaller numbers.

The unstructured nature of college life is something many students are unprepared for. The good news is parents can help their adolescent evaluate and assist in “college readiness” during their child’s junior and senior high school years.

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College readiness includes skills in three major areas: daily living skills; self-independence; and academics. Maitland and Quinn’s book offers an inventory that both the parents and their teens can use to measure readiness (and self-perception) in each of these categories.

Daily living skills include tasks like keeping track of possessions and getting up each day independently. It incorporates skills such as taking medications without parental reminders and punctuality—getting where you need to be on time.

Does your teen know how to do laundry and have basic cooking skills? Does he make thoughtful financial decisions and manage his money well? For teens with ADHD or LD, one of the more challenging daily living tasks is balancing time among recreation, schoolwork and other responsibilities.

Self-independence involves self-awareness, advocacy and self-management.

Self-awareness is self-knowledge of talents, learning styles and reactions to new situations. Is she cognizant of her tendency to isolate when stressed? Does your

teen realize when she needs help and seek out appropriate resources? Can she work through conflicts with others and clearly express thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner? Teens with self-management skills are able to set realistic goals and develop a plan to get there. They are flexible when the situation changes and able to adjust their behavior and problem-solving strategies as needed.

College freshmen with ADHD or LD often find the learning environment in college more challenging than expected.

Many college courses offer only two to three graded assignments throughout the course, unlike high school with numerous graded assignments and midterm reports.

In college, by the time the student realizes he is in trouble, there is little opportunity to bring his grade up. Academic success in college is linked to a student’s self-awareness and tenacity. Does your teen know his learning style and how to get motivated in the face of a difficult assignment? Does he have a way to stay organized, keep track of due dates and break large assignments into smaller tasks?

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Colleges offer academic support and tutoring—but only for students who seek it. Parents can help their teen check with the student services department of prospective colleges or universities to explore what support services and resources are available to students with ADHD and/or LD. These college-readiness skills can be developed during a teen’s last year or two in high school. Parents can help their teen develop a plan and allow opportunities to practice while he or she still lives at home with the support of family.

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The first step is an honest evaluation of your teen’s readiness.

During this time of transition, the parents’ job is to steadily turn over the decision making and planning to their teen. Maitland and Quinn recommend parents take a “coaching approach.”

“A coach needs to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, curious and truthful,” according to Maitland and Quinn. Coaches are essential to a successful team but do not play in the game. That’s the job of team members, in this case, your son or daughter. Coaches help players assess a situation and decide what factors to take into consideration when making a decision on the field. The decisions are the player’s.

Teens with ADHD and LD can have a good and successful college experience if they enter with a solid set of needed skills.

Focusing on college-readiness skills during the final high school years is a good parenting investment.

Cary and Tonja Rector are married and live with their son in Manlius. Cary is a licensed mental health counselor and Tonja is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

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kids THESE DAYS <3 Why me?!

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What I’ve Learned

<3 <3

Teens must struggle to reach their own epiphanies | BY MAGGIE LAMOND SIMONE

“R

emember when my school supplies consisted of some folders, pencils and crayons?” my daughter said, laughing, as we laid out our cart full of this year’s supplies. “I sure miss those days!”

She’s a freshman in high school now, my girl; her brother is a junior. These years they will see firsts that make learning to walk and talk seem like, if you’ll pardon the pun, child’s play. They will learn to drive, have first loves and, likely, first heartbreaks. Their bodies will change in ways that may confound them. Their circles of friends will change as personalities and interests mature. They may find their expectations—academically, socially, athletically—challenged on every level.

As I watch them navigate these years, I remember every single emotion each of my children is feeling at any given moment, because I felt every single one when I was their age.

And I wish to God I could make it easier for them with what I’ve learned since.

With all of the technology at their fingertips, for example, the pressure to fit in is constant. I wish I could tell them that popularity does not define them as worthy, and that the right clothes do not make them better people. What I’ve learned is that what makes us worthy, what makes us good people, are things like integrity, kindness, empathy, and our willingness to love and help others.

14

With academic pressures at ego-crushing levels, I wish I could tell them that grades aren’t part of some permanent record that will dictate the course of their lives, that state tests and SAT scores are not really an indication of who they are as people. What I’ve learned is that what makes us intelligent is our capacity to learn, and more importantly, our desire to.

With the societal expectation of yearround athletics, I wish I could tell them they don’t have to be “the best” at the sports they play, and their self-esteem should not be tied to trophies and firstplace finishes. What I’ve learned is that what makes us good athletes—what ensures that we keep playing and remain active—is our sense of sportsmanship and the simple love of the game.

With their own drives to achieve, I wish I could tell them not to think about what they want to do with their lives, but what they want to do first; that by focusing on one thing, they’re not giving themselves permission to change direction if it doesn’t work out as planned. What I’ve learned is that life is a journey—that we’re allowed to find what might make us happy, to try it, and if it we don’t like it, to move on to the next thing.

With the physical changes and self-awareness that accompany puberty, I wish I could tell them not to stress about acne and periods and sweat and bodily functions; that everybody has something

that bothers them about themselves, whether it’s physical, emotional or mental.

What I’ve learned is that there is no perfect being, and that as long as we have the potential to manage our challenges, things will work out.

As their mother, I wish I could tell them all of this, but these things can’t be told: They must be learned. I have to let them live these high school years just like I did, so they can learn just like I did.

And what I’ve learned is that my job is no longer to prevent them from getting hurt, or to stop them from making bad choices or wrong decisions. No matter how hard it is, my job now is to encourage them to get back up when they’re down, because all of these life lessons are going to help them become the magnificent adults they’re on their way to being.

I look down at the cart full of school supplies, and remember when a hug was all it took to assure my children that everything would be OK. And I smile so that I don’t cry.

“I miss those days, too, baby girl,” I tell her. “I miss them, too.”

Maggie Lamond Simone is an award-winning writer and mother of two living in Baldwinsville. Reach her at maggiesimone@verizon.net.

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Chess Moves The gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quiet power has drawn a following among local students Story by Tammy DiDomenico Photos by Michael Davis

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W

s

hile many parents find themselves pleading with their children to step away from video games and other electronic distractions, Syracuse resident Anton Ninno and other local teachers, parents and business owners are fostering a love for chess—the low-tech board game of strategy that has origins dating back to the sixth century.

Ninno, 63, is a teacher at Southside Academy Charter School in Syracuse, where he advises a thriving chess club. Through Syracuse Chess, Inc., he and other chess enthusiasts are helping more schools form clubs, and are organizing local tournaments.

Why is chess having a moment? Ninno isn’t exactly sure. But he knows how students have responded.

About a decade ago, he approached the administrators at another school, Porter Elementary, about starting a chess club. They were supportive, but wondered if there was a demand for a chess club at an inner-city school.

Anton Ninno, above. Dondre Baker, below.

Within three weeks, Ninno had more kids showing up at his after-school meetings than he could supervise. He started the club at Southside seven years ago, and the club has since added 52 chess trophies in the Southside Academy display case.

Ninno says he believes it’s the one-on-one interaction with another person that kids enjoy most. “Every time you make a move, you see a direct consequence of that move,” Ninno says. “The reactions and feedback are things you just don’t get from video games—even if you’re playing online with someone.”

“I think interest in board games in general is coming back,” he continues. “But there are also plenty of ways to play chess online now. The Internet has actually helped chess because there are a lot of good apps and resources that allow people to work on specific aspects of their game.”

Chess tends to attract less boisterous students. Bobby Kunnath is a math teacher who advises the chess club at the Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, in downtown Syracuse. His club has been active for three years and has about 15 members.

“In general, chess appeals to the quieter kids who may not be as interested in playing on the basketball team, but they still want to be social,” Kunnath says.

“You get them together and they do all the same things that any other team does. But when it’s time to play, they like the quiet.”

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A Scholastic Chess Tournament last spring.

“These tournaments give other kids a chance to be in the limelight,” says Kunnath. “They are being recognized for what they are good at.”

While his students enjoy any competition they can get, Kunnath would like to see more of the city’s high schools competing. “For some reason, we have trouble keeping them interested once they’re in high school,” he says. “A lot of the suburban high schools—Fayetteville-Manlius, Jamesville-DeWitt, Marcellus—and the parochial high schools—Christian Brothers Academy, Bishop Ludden, Bishop Grimes—all have teams.

“I believe that Nottingham used to, but now we are the only city high school that shows up. We are trying to get more high schools in the city to start clubs. Eventually, I would love to see an

18

inner-city tournament,” he says.

The tournaments are so student-centered that participants don’t even have to be part of an official school team.

Jon Speed, owner of The Book Scout in Syracuse, who is also active with Syracuse Chess, started bringing his two homeschooled sons—Charlie, 11, and Jonathan, 9—to the tournaments about a year ago. They have enjoyed the competition and the social connections with like-minded children.

“They became interested in chess after seeing the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer probably four years ago,” Speed says. “But they love these competitions. The tournaments are probably the highlights of their month.”

Charlie Speed says he just enjoys the game, history and all. “It’s fun and good,” he says. “I like that people played it a way long time ago.”

Jonathan enjoys sharing his love of the game. “I like teaching other kids to play,” he says.

A chess club was started at Jamesville-DeWitt High School last spring and drew more than 30 students. William Leiker, a sophomore who had played chess for nearly a decade, says the group plans to start competing this year.

“I mostly just play for the enjoyment of it,” he says. “But I think I’ll do OK in the tournaments.”

Leiker’s father taught him the game, and many of his close friends are casual players. “I like that chess is one-onone,” Leiker says. “You don’t have to rely on your teammates to influence the outcome. It’s all on you.”

Charlie also has some basic advice for those new to the game. “I would tell kids who want to learn chess, ‘Don’t forget to use your pawns.’ And, ‘Use the whole board.’”

Southside Academy’s Ninno notes that while the popularity of chess waxes and wanes with the times, its reputation for being a game for big thinkers persists. What parent wouldn’t encourage their children to take up a pastime that Benjamin Franklin once described as imparting “valuable qualities of the mind”?

Jonathan Speed adds that he would tell kids that learning to play chess is not as hard as it seems. Like his dad,

“The game is an iconic part of our culture,” Ninno says. “Chess gets a certain status because it’s associated with

AGAWA288 | GETTY IMAGES

The local scholastic tournaments have made a big difference for student players. Kunnath gives credit to Ninno and other Syracuse Chess, Inc., members like Bob Nassiff—a U.S. Chess Federation nationally rated chess master and adviser for the chess club at Manlius Pebble Hill School in DeWitt—for their work in organizing the competitions.

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people who are perhaps more interested in math and the sciences. But anyone can learn the game. Chess has no age, racial or economic boundaries.”

Also, compared to other pursuits, chess is a bargain. Ninno buys tournament-regulation sets in bulk and sells them to players at cost—about $15 for a no-frills chess set.

Anyone may be able to learn the game, but Kunnath, who has an adult son, admits he has had a hard time convincing girls to join the chess club at ITC. “I’ve been trying really hard to get girls to come join,” he says. “Last year, we only had one girl on the team. I don’t exactly know why girls are not as drawn to it.

There is no specific reason why chess is considered more of a guys’ game.”

Ninno’s club has been somewhat more successful in recruiting female students.

“At our tournaments, I would say about 20 percent of the participants are girls,” Ninno says. “I really can’t explain it. It could be that girls are not encouraged to take up chess at a very young age the way boys are. Girls connect with it on their own. Way back in its history, there was some gender discrimination associated

“In chess, to be good, you have to think ahead and develop a strategy. That in itself requires a certain level of patience.”

— Jonathan Speed with chess. So much has changed. There are a lot of great female players coming up in professional chess, and I wouldn’t be surprised if someday, the world champion is a woman.”

And it’s more than just a game. Chess also offers something more, according to its fans. Over the last 20 years, research studies have not been able to prove that chess makes you smarter. But Ninno says for the students he has worked with, there have been undeniable benefits. Chess requires patience, and a certain level of respect for the other player. The sportsmanship and social skills required to play chess are useful in all aspects of life.

“It helps build the ability to manage emotional stress,” Ninno says. “When kids lose, sure they can be upset. But we teach them that you always treat your opponent with respect. Losing is part of life. The trick is to learn from that and play better next time.”

Ninno, who has two grown children and four grandchildren, says he has watched plenty of fidgety kids grow into successful chess players. Some of his Southside co-workers are amazed by how students apply the lessons they learn in chess club to their studies.

“A kid who plays four chess games in a row at a tournament soon discovers that doing their math homework isn’t so bad after all,” Ninno says with a laugh.

Speed agrees. He says his children have benefited from the self-discipline that chess requires. And those skills can be applied to just about anything. “In chess, to be good, you have to think ahead and develop a strategy. That in itself requires a certain level of patience.”

Speed says that his older son, Charlie, has improved his math abilities because of the logic skills he had developed as a chess player.

AGAWA288 | GETTY IMAGES

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continued from previous page Similarly, Monique Bloomfield of Syracuse, says chess has been a great activity for all three of her children: Andrew, 13, Gabrielle, 9, and Nylah, 7. After seeing the game in a Harry Potter movie, their interest was piqued. Gabrielle joined the chess club at Southside Academy, and a grandmother shared that she had played the game years ago. Bloomfield says Andrew, who has Asperger syndrome, has become the most active with it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He likes activities that require him to sit and think, so it was a good fit for him,â&#x20AC;?

Bloomfield says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He does have some of the attention deficit issues associated with Aspergerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, so this has really helped him to focus. And he just loves the challenge of it.â&#x20AC;?

The family will soon be relocating out of state, and chess has even become a factor in those plans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Andrew wanted to make sure that his new school has a chess club,â&#x20AC;?

Bloomfield says with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was important to him.â&#x20AC;?

For Syracuse Chess, the next step is to use chess as a means of building

Jalynn Regner, left, and Amir Taylor at a Scholastic Chess Tournament.

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intergenerational relationships within the community. Ninno has been reaching out to local senior centers and community centers to gauge interest in family or community chess nights.

Speed, who has two adult daughters who also enjoy chess, has recently started hosting community chess nights at his bookstore and has been thrilled by the response. Another Syracuse Chess board member, Dave Sorenson, holds similar events at his business: Pop’s Media Café, located in Shoppingtown in DeWitt.

“It’s real informal, about 15 to 20 people show up from the neighborhood,” Speed says. “It’s amazing to see these young kids come in, and the adults get them playing. Chess has always been non-age discriminatory. I think because it is a game of mental ability—not physical strength—the playing field is more even.”

Speed, who learned to play when he was 11, says this may be a key reason why chess has maintained such a sizable following. And it will probably be what keeps it a favorite pastime for centuries to come.

“Older players want to pass it on,” he says. “They want to pay it forward.”

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Olga Bonitas | istock photo

Calendar

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

Friday, Aug. 28 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight;

through Sept. 7. The fair features thousands of animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of rides and countless styles of deep fried food. New York State Fairgrounds, Geddes. Admission: $10/general; free/age 12 and younger. $3/ Thursdays. $1/Sept. 7. Parking: $5. (800) 475-FAIR. www.nysfair.org.

KidsFest. 11 a.m. International klezmer star

David Krakauer leads his band of clarinet, accordion, bass and drums in a concert that’s sure to get you dancing. Part of the Skaneateles Festival. First Presbyterian Church, 97 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Free. 685-7418. www.skanfest.org.

Saturday, Aug. 29 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the tale, in which children in the audience can dress as a fairy tale character and help the dwarfs save Snow White from the Wicked Queen. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 449-3823.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays.

Every Saturday, see an interactive presentation on a different aspect of science. Upcoming topics include: construction machines; synthetic biology; the solar system; and creek animals. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Bats. 7-8:30 p.m. Find out why bats are beneficial creatures with undeserved reputations. For age 5 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. Register: 6731350. www.baltimorewoods.org.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m.

Cheer on members of the hometown Minor League Baseball team as they face the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on the grass field. Fireworks after this game. Alliance Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse. $5-$12/adult; $4-10/age 12 & under, age 62 & older. Parking: $5. 474-7833.

Sunday, Aug. 30 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

Jewish Music and Cultural Festival.

Noon-6 p.m. Ethnic music, a community hora (2:30 p.m.), children’s activities, and an abundance of kosher foods featuring Middle Eastern and Eastern European favorites. Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt. Free. www.syracusejewishfestival.org.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 1:05 p.m. Vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs. See Aug. 29 listing.

Monday, Aug. 31 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs.

Lehigh Valley IronPigs. See Aug. 29 listing.

Tuesday, Sept. 1

Friday, Sept. 4 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

Fun Friday. Noon-4 p.m.; also Sept. 11, 18 &

25. Kids age 8 and under can hear a story, make a craft and get their faces painted. Each week a different theme. Sept. 25, Curious George visits.

KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. Admission: $8.95/regular; $12.50/ admission & kid’s meal; $19.99/Stuff N Play animal workshop. 695-2211. www.kidzclubfun.com.

Saturday, Sept. 5 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

Barnes & Noble Storytime. 11 a.m.

New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

In Full Moon at the Napping House, a full moon is keeping everyone awake. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Storytime. 10 a.m.; also Sept. 8, 15, 22 & 29.

Drop In Family Games. 1- 3 p.m.; also

Children ages 1-5 can enjoy books, songs, dance and fun. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3519.

Signing Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Sept.

15. Children ages 3-6 can learn six to seven signs that correspond to the week’s story. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Free to Be. 1-1:30 p.m.; also Sept. 8, 15, 22 &

Sept. 26. Kids ages 5-12 can come in and play board games; Duplos available for preschoolers.

Parents and caregivers welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. See Aug. 29 listing.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Fireworks after this game. See Aug. 29 listing.

29. Children ages 3-6 can take part in this early childhood music and acting class with live guitar music. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Sunday, Sept. 6

Wednesday, Sept. 2

Moto-Inventions. 1-2 p.m.; Sundays in

New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

Teen Geeks Lite. 6-8 p.m. Teens can hang

out, play games, eat snacks, and create—video-game free, in this version of Teen Geeks.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Ruby Tuesday, 3220 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemoms mingle@gmail.com.

Thursday, Sept. 3 New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight; through Sept. 7. See Aug. 28 listing.

September. Tinker with recycled materials and electricity to make whirling, moving machines.

Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/ adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3.

(607) 272-0600.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 7:05 p.m. Vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Fireworks after this game. See Aug. 29 listing.

Monday, Sept. 7 LABOR DAY New York State Fair. 8 a.m.-midnight. See Aug. 28 listing.

Syracuse Chiefs Baseball. 1:05 p.m. Vs.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Final game of the season. See Aug. 29 listing.

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Michael davis photo

Calendar New York State Fair, through Sept. 7

Tuesday, Sept. 8 See Ongoing Events

Wednesday, Sept. 9 Read, Sing and Play Storytime. 10

a.m.; also Sept. 16, 23 & 30. Toddlers and preschoolers, along with caregivers, can join in for stories, songs, rhymes and other activities. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free.

435-5442.

Creation Club Junior. 4-5:15 p.m.; also

Sept. 23. Kids in grades 3-5 can learn skills for using technology for everything from 3D printing to game design. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www. fflib.org.

Irish Dance School Open House. 5-6

Smart Play. 1-1:30 p.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. 6376374. www.fflib.org.

Friday, Sept. 11 Toddler Dance Party. 10:30 a.m. Kids

ages 18 months to 5 years can dance, play musical instruments and enjoy bubbles. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.

Music Together Demo Class. 10:30-11

a.m. Infants through kindergartners can sing, dance and play instruments. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Stories and More. 3:30 p.m.; also Sept. 18 &

p.m. Kids age 4 and up can take a free lesson and learn about the program at Johnston School of Irish Dance. Johnston’s Bally Bay, 550 Richmond Ave., Syracuse. Free. clarkcny@yahoo.com.

25. Kids ages 5-12 can hear stories and take part in hands-on activities. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Teen Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can

watch anime on the large screen, take part in drawing and trivia contests, and more. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 4570310. lpl.org.

7 p.m. Kids can put on pajamas and hear the Dr. Seuss story The Cat in the Hat, with a guest appearance by the Cat himself. Don’t forget your camera!

Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.

449-2948.

Thursday, Sept. 10

Saturday, Sept. 12

Drop in for Crafts. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Children from preschool age to grade 6 with a caregiver can make seasonal crafts; all materials provided.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Arc Race. 7 a.m. Event features a half-marathon, 5K, 3K (family fun walk) and 1-mile fun run for kids, as well as live music, giveaways and a family fun zone (with a petting zoo). The event raises funds for programs for people with developmental

24

The Cat in the Hat Visits Storytime.

disabilities. Long Branch Park at Onondaga Lake Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Geddes. $10-$45/ depending on race. 476-7441. www.arcon.org.

National Drive Electric Week Event.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dealers and owners of electric vehicles—including a Tesla Roadster, Nissan Leaf and Cadillac ELR—will display them, and experts will answer questions. East lawn of Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. 425-9068.

Golden Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; also Sept. 13. Arts and crafts, live music, storytelling, super-natural midway for kids, wildlife programs, hay rides, and seasonal foods for sale.

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/adult; $1/ages 6-17; free/age 5 & under. 638-2519.

Irish Festival. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. This taste of Ireland features music, dance, culture and kid-friendly activities, such as Irish dancing lessons at noon. (Festival begins Sept. 11, but most kid-friendly activities take place Sept. 12.) Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Free admission. 4734330. www.syracuseirishfestival.com.

Central New York Tomatofest. 11

a.m.-6 p.m.; also Sept. 13. Join the celebration of tomato season’s end—with crafts for sale, activities for kids in the Family Fun Tent, terrific food, and fresh produce. Proceeds benefit local food pantries. Emerson Park Pavilion on Owasco Lake, Auburn. $3/adults; $1/child, or free with donation of a canned good. 729-1548. www.cnytomatofest. org.

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Party Planner

Michael davis photo

Home of the Jurassic Safari Bounce House

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SIGN UP NOW!

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Thursday, September 10th

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe & Lyrical

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Joan Condlin’s LiverpooL School of Dance

7948 Morgan Rd., Liverpool • Est. 1972 Member of DEA • liverpoolschoolofdance.com

Call Now: 652-1875

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

Preschool and pre-k for 3- and 4-year olds • NYS approved curriculum aligned with common core standards and early learning guidelines.

• Physical education, music and library programming.

• Promotes sharing, cooperation and learning through play.

• Half-day options available.

• Early and late care available for preschoolers.

Babies Classes, Mixed-Age Classes and Big Kid Classes!

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

Green Lakes Music Together

• Licensed facility with NYS qualified teachers.

• Call 315-445-2040 ext. 120 to schedule a tour and reserve your child’s spot!

5655 Thompson Road • DeWitt 315-445-2040 x120 • www.jccsyr.org

446-1017 • greenlakesmusictogether.com

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Family Times September 2015

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Learn

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Sew Syracuse

Central New York Tomatofest, Sept. 12 & 13 Fishing Class. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids of all ages can learn how to fish with Spider Rybaak. 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. Oneida Fish Hatchery, 3 Hatchery Road, off Route 49, Constantia. Free. srybaak@ yahoo.com.

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. See Aug. 29 listing.

Sunday, Sept. 13 Golden Harvest Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 12 listing.

Central New York Tomatofest. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. See Sept. 12 listing.

Monday, Sept. 14 Toddler Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also Sept. 21 & 28. Kids from infants to

ewastudio | istock photo

FOR FALL!

t ien venions n o t C ca Lo

Fab u Bir t lous h Par day ties !

• Boys/Girls Ages 3 & UP • CheerTumbling • USAIGC Team CLAY/BALDWINSVILLE 8512 Route 57 HAMILTON 2498 Route 12B After School Programs in Bridgeport, Camillus, Cazenovia & Chittenango

ParrysGymnastics.com

458-5365

Seamstress Kids & Adults, private or small group sewing lessons

sewsyracuse@gmail.com

315-427-1994

age 4, with parents or caregivers, can rhyme, chime and play drums. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Homebirth Information. 6-7:30 p.m. Meet homebirth midwife Julie

Carlson and ask questions. Presented by the CNY Doula Connection. Women’s Info Center, 601 Allen St., Syracuse. Free. Registration requested: www. facebook.com/CNYDoulaConnection. 418-3163.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 Coding Club. 4-5 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Students in grades 3-6 can learn

code and build websites, games and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Family Fun Night. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kids and their families can recreate a scene from a banned or challenged book using materials provided, in this competition in honor of Banned Books Week. Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Registration required: 458-6184.

Before and After School Child Care on Location, Inc.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Tween Homeschool Book Club. 1-2:30 p.m. Explore selections for kids ages 9-12. September’s book is Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 546-3056. lpl. org.

Teen Geeks XD. 6-8 p.m. Teens can play video games on a large screen and on a smaller display. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, Sept. 17 Terrific Thursdays. 11 a.m. Children in kindergarten and up can

explore the library’s new collection of science, technology and engineering materials, called Discovery to Go. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

Providing quality, NYS Licensed care since 1992 Serving children in grades in K-6

 Fun Daily Activities  Flexible Schedules  Exciting Field Trips  DSS Subsidies Accepted  Caring & Professional Staff  Available for Vacation Weeks,  Weekly Themed Programming 1/2 Days, Snow Days & Summer Located in these school districts: Solvay Central Square West Genesee Liverpool Westhill Onondaga Central

Tinker Tots. 1-1:30 p.m. Children ages 3-6 will have hands-on opportunities to learn, explore and invent. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

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Fall 2015 EnrollmEnt

sports & MorE Basketball â&#x20AC;˘ Fitness â&#x20AC;˘ Karate Rookie Sports â&#x20AC;˘ Soccer â&#x20AC;˘ Boys & girls ages 3-12. â&#x20AC;˘ Teaches skills, conditioning, teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship. â&#x20AC;˘ Busing available from some Syracuse City schools, select private schools, F-M and all public schools within the Jamesville-DeWitt school district.

CLAssEs BEGIN IN sEptEMBEr Call today to schedule a tour and ask about a FREE class trial*!

â&#x20AC;˘ Everyone is welcome! â&#x20AC;˘ JCC membership not required. â&#x20AC;˘ Discount for members. â&#x20AC;˘ Join the JCC Fitness Center and exercise while your child is in class!

5655 Thompson Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ DeWitt 315.445.2040 x126 â&#x20AC;˘ www.jccsyr.org

Fun With Science. 3-8 p.m. Kids and families can drop in and discover science facts with a hands-on experiment. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Friday, Sept. 18 La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; through Sept. 20. Celebrate Italian

culture, including food and music, and watch some really good bocce players in the tournament. In front of Syracuse City Hall, Washington and Montgomery streets, Syracuse. Free admission. www.festaitaliana.bizland.com.

Saturday, Sept. 19 Junior CafĂŠ Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk about engineering and the Erie Canal, led by retired engineering professor Samuel Clemence. The talk is geared toward middle school students, who must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees can visit the exhibits after the presentation. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: jrcafe@tacny.org.

Book and Bake Sale. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Used books, games, puzzles, music CDs; and homemade baked goods for sale. Bag ($2) sale starts 1:30 p.m.

Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero.

699-2032.

Girl Scouts Sign Up. 10 a.m.-noon. Girls in kindergarten through grade 12 can stop by the library to speak to a Girl Scouts representative and sign up ($12 annual fee). Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse.

435-5326.

Sciencenter Fall Exhibition. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. With the new exhibit, Pattern Wizardry, discover how patterns are the building blocks of the natural and man-made world. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Toys Hall of Fame Exhibit Opening. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Sept.

20. Discover the themed areasâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;imagine, create, build, move and competeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; where visitors can learn about toys beloved by generations in the new exhibit.

Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission:

*Limited availability by appointment only.

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Currently Registering for the 2015-2016 school year Dance Centre North is the host school for CNY Arts new annual holiday ballet

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$13.50/general; free/younger than 2. (585) 2632700. museumofplay.org.

Paws and Books. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Sept.

26. Kids ages 6-12 can read a story to Cooper, a trained dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen.

Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

La Festa Italiana. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; through Sept. 20. See Sept. 18 listing.

Fishing Class. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids of all ages can learn how to fish with Spider Rybaak. 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. Great Swamp Nature Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. srybaak@yahoo.com.

Fayetteville Festival. Noon-8:30 p.m. Family event includes displays by local organizations; music; bounce houses and other entertainment for kids; and a fireworks show at dusk. Beard Park, South Manlius Street, Fayetteville. Free. 637-9864. www.fayetteville.gov.

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. See Aug. 29 listing.

Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

MOST staffers turn down the noise, turn off the flashing lights and shut off the air compressors so people with sensory issues can enjoy the museum.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Cost: $5.

425-9068, Ext. 2143.

Sunday, Sept. 20 Brain Aneurysm Foundation Run/ Walk. Registration: 8 a.m.; 9 a.m. 5K run, 1 mile

walk, half-mile kids fun run, plus bounce house, games and more to recognize brain aneurysm survivors and remember Doris A. Connor. Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. $10$30. RunForDoris.com.

Westcott Street Cultural Fair. Noon6:30 p.m. The neighborhood also known as Westcott Nation puts on its annual festival, starting with a parade at noon and followed by live music, dancing, crafts for sale, and a chance to learn about local nonprofit organizations. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performances and activities take place at the Petit Branch library on Victoria Place. Westcott Street between Concord and Dell streets, and on side streets, Syracuse. Free. 313-5447. www.westcott streetfair.org.

La Festa Italiana. Noon-7 p.m. See Sept. 18 listing.

Toys Hall of Fame Exhibit Opening.

Noon-5 p.m. See Sept. 19 listing.

Wild Mushroom Festival. 1-4 p.m.

Members of the Central New York Mycological Society teach about wild mushrooms, including which are edible and which are poisonous, and lead woodland hikes in search of mushrooms (1:30 & 3:30 p.m.). Also there will be demonstrations on cooking, growing your own mushrooms and crafting with mushrooms. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. 638-2519.

Monday, Sept. 21 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, Sept. 22 Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m. 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.

Sciencenter Fall Exhibition, Sept. 19 Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. 569-2542.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 Drop In for Legos. 3-8 p.m. Come in and build something with library Legos. Duplos available for preschoolers. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Discovery Club. 4:15-5 p.m. Kids ages 7-12

can discover facts, watch science videos and do experiments. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 4570310. lpl.org.

Teen Cooking and Trivia. 6-8 p.m. Learn to make pancakes and eat them afterward. Groups will compete to make the most impressive pancake dish. Trivia competition following the cooking session. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, Sept. 24 Trail Tales. 1 p.m. A naturalist reads two nature-themed stories and then leads a hike whose theme matches the stories; for children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult. Beaver Lake Nature Center parking lot, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. 638-2519.

Maker Club. 3:30-5 p.m. Kids age 7 and up

(under 10 must be accompanied by an adult) can use colored sand to make art in a jar to take home. Northern Onondaga Public Library at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: 699-2032.

Friday, Sept. 25 Minecraft Mania. 6-7:30 p.m. Kids ages 10 to 16 can play Minecraft, alone or with others.

DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

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M

Y

CM

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Teen Cooking and Trivia, Sept. 23

CY

CMY

Saturday, Sept. 26

K

A Very Merry Tea Party. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children ages 4-8, accompanied by an adult, can dress up and bring a plush toy to enjoy the outdoors, play games and use their imaginations. A light snack will be provided. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Registration required: $9/person. 673-1350. www.baltimorewoods.org.

Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Sept. 27. Festival is an opportu-

nity for those of all ages to try outdoor pursuits such as skeet shooting, turkey calling, archery, fly fishing, canoeing, muzzle loading and more. Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. Admission: $5/vehicle. 6899367.

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. See Aug. 29 listing.

Drop In Family Games. 1- 3 p.m. See Sept. 5 listing.

Fall programs DANCE begin september 14th

DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE

All Ages And levels: BAllet, tAp, JAzz, Hip Hop, lyricAl, tumBling, pre-K, KinderdAnce, All Boys Hip Hop 2014 star dance alliance world Finalists 2015 adcc studio oF excellence winner

The Wild Side of Tea. 2-3 p.m. In a program for those age 8 and up, participants can forage the forest and learn to create wild teas at a nature-inspired tea party. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Registration required: $9/person. 673-1350. www.baltimorewoods. org.

Make Library Card Holders. 2:30 p.m. In honor of National Library Card Sign-Up Month, kids ages 5-12 can design a felt-pocket holder, and enjoy some snacks. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free.

435-5326.

Early Autumn Paddle. 4 p.m.; Saturdays through Oct. 3. A naturalist leads an early-evening paddle, with a break on an isolated point to snack on cheese, crackers and cider. Beaver Lake Nature Center parking lot, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $25/including canoe rental. Registration required: 638-2519.

Cirque de la Symphonie. 7:30 p.m. A Symphoria Pops concert

features performances by aerial fliers, acrobats, contortionists and jugglers.

Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $36-$65. 299-5598. www.experiencesymphoria.org.

PIG ROAST Sunday, Sept. 27

1850 Rt 91, Pompey

(3 mi. south of Rt 20, 2 mi. north of Rt 80) Weekends, Sept. 18 - Oct. 31, 9am - 5pm, Fridays 1 - 5pm U-Pick Pumpkins, Corn & Grass & Jungle Mazes, Ziplines, Pedal Cars, Gift Shop, Farm Petting Area, Wagon Rides, Rope Swings, Barrel Train, Tunnels & Slides, Food

Celebrating 10 years!

7608 Oswego Rd., Liverpool, Bayberry Plaza. | Studiobdanceco.com 30

FALL is A-MAZING

Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

Join our award-winning competitive team!

(315) 409-4576

Springside Farm

Handicap & Stroller Accessible

FLASHLIGHT NIGHT- Oct. 23, 6-9pm:

BONFIRE, S’MORES, BRING YOUR OWN FLASHLIGHT! (315) 683-5860 • springsidefarm.net

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rez-art | istock photo

C

Calendar

REaCH 5K Run and Walk. 9:30 a.m. Run or walk to benefit efforts

to research and cure hydrocephalus while educating patients who live with the condition. Green Lakes State park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville. $25/early registration; $30/day-of; $10/fun run. www.getentered.com. www. reachorg.org.

National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. 10:30 a.m.

(registration at 9:30 a.m.). Individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families promote acceptance and advocacy with a two-mile walk; followed by picnic lunch and festivities. Music by Bill Ali and the Shotgun Trio.

T-shirts available for purchase. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 682-4289. www.dsaofcny.org.

Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 26 listing. rez-art | istock photo

t. 23

Sunday, Sept. 27

Lunar Eclipse Star Party. 8-11 p.m. See the moon covered by the

earth’s shadow. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9/person. 673-1350. www.baltimorewoods.org.

Monday, Sept. 28 See Ongoing Events

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo

Tuesday, Sept. 29 Lego Club. 4-5 p.m. School-aged children can build a Lego creation using some of the library’s thousands of pieces and hundreds of minifigures. Northern Onondaga Public Library at Brewerton, 5437 Library St., Brewerton. Free.

676-7484.

Discover the fun, fun for everyone!

Petting Areas, Animal Presentations, Maternity Ward, Exotic & Native Animals, Giant softplay maze-tubes, tunnels, slides & ballcrawl.

Wednesday, Sept. 30 See Ongoing Events

ONGOING EVENTS Fayetteville Farmers Market. Thursdays, noon-6 p.m.; through

Oct. 15. Numerous vendors selling items such as artisan cheeses, eggs, baked goods, fruits, vegetables and more. Parking lot off Burdick Street, Towne Center, Fayetteville. Email: fayettevillefarmersmarketcny@yahoo.com.

Get your FREE CHILD PASS at fortrickey.com

Horseback Riding. Daily except Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; through Sept. 6. See Highland Forest on an hour-long guided horseback ride. Highland Forest Park, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $35/hour. Reservations required: 289-3775.

Route 49 - 3 Miles West of Rome (315) 336-1930

Don’t Let Your Dryer Start A Fire!

KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE!

Webster Pond Fishing. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon (kids); Sundays, 8 a.m.noon (adults); through Sept. 26. Seasonal fishing sponsored by the Anglers Association of Onondaga. Webster Pond, 2004 Valley Drive, Syracuse. $15/ adult, season; $10/ages 7-15, season. 727-2922. www.websterpond.org.

le To Schedu Call Today ntment!

Your Appoi

Onondaga Lake Skate Park. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; daily (weather permit-

ting); through Sept. 7. The 16,900-square-foot skate park is open for BMX, skateboards and inline skates. Helmets and signed waivers are required. Onondaga Lake Skate Park, Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway. $3/2 ½-hour session. 453-6712.

Canoeing & Kayaking. Weekends, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., through Sept. 7.

Weekdays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., through Sept. 7. Paddle around Beaver Lake searching for beaver lodges, turtles and herons. Beaver Lake Nature Center,

315-928-3663

Did You Know?

• Dryer vents clogged with

lint cause the dryer to labor resulting in excess energy costs of $18 to $24 per month.

• Foil and plastic venting

St. Vincent De Paul Day Care Center

UNIVERSAL PRE-K FOR 4 YEAR OLDS FROMfor 9:00AM 11:30AM! Pre-K three- and four

year oldsFOR available.

WE CARE CHILDREN 6 Weeks - 12 Years

MEALS FOR SERVED DAILY: WE CARE CHILDREN Breakfast, Lunch & Snack 6 Weeks - 12 Years

BEFORE, AFTER SCHOOL & SCHOOL HOLIDAY CARE NOW AVAILABLE! Monday - Friday 6:30am-5:30pm

MEALS SERVED DAILY Breakfast, Lunch & Snack

1103 BURNET AVE. • SYRACUSE, NY • (315) 476-7508

BEFORE, AFTER SCHOOL & HOLIDAY CARE NOW AVAILABLE! Monday - Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm

www.syracusedryervent.com

materials are a major fire hazard.

• Leading appliance

manufacturers recommend that your dryer vent line be cleaned every year.

SAVE

10

$

00

.

OFF

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Not valid with any other offer. Valid for services provided by Dryer Vent Wizard of Central New York only. One per customer. All locations independently owned and operated.

Exp: 8/31/2015

SAVE

25

$

00

.

OFF

Dryer Vent Repair

Not valid with any other offer. Valid for services provided by Dryer Vent Wizard of Central New York only. One per customer. All locations independently owned and operated.

Exp: 8/312015

1103 BURNET AVE. • SYRACUSE, NY • (315) 476-7508 Family Times September 2015

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Always Dancing!

“Always Dream. Always Dance.”

Join us for our 9th season!

Classes Begin September 14th

Classes for all age levels ages 2 & up Creative Movement, Pre-K Combo, Kinder Combo, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Tumbling Join our Award-Winning Competition Team!

76 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville

315-638-3018

www.alwaysdancing.org

8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $10/hour of rental. Admission: $4/ vehicle. Call for current weather conditions: 638-2519.

Animal Demonstrations. Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; daily, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; through Sept. 7. “In the Wings” bird show, penguin feedings, keeper talks, Elephant Encounter and more animal demonstrations. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/ adults; $5/senior citizens; $4/children; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.

Salt Museum. Saturdays & Sundays, 1-6 p.m.; through Oct. 11. Learn about the industry that created the city of Syracuse and supplied the nation with salt. See kettles, barrels and other gear used in the process that ended in the 1920s. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. Free.

453-6712.

Downtown Syracuse Farmers Market. Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; through Oct. 13. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. 422-8284. www.downtownsyracuse.com.

Rogers Storytime and Hike. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Jenni Larcher leads young children and caregivers in songs, stories, and a walk on the trails.

Rain or shine. Rogers Environmental Education Center, 2721 Route 80, Sherburne. Donations encouraged. (607) 674-4733.

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. 638-2519.

Great Swamp Nature Conservancy 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 Nature Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. 697-2950.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. 673-1350.

Design ∙ BuilD ∙ Maintain Creating Memories one backyard at a time!

(315) 682-8167 | www.mflc.biz | 6329 N. Kirkville Rd., Kirkville, NY 32

Family Times September 2015

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ground for children (and parents) of all ages and abilities includes accessible swings, slides, bridge and more, including special section just for the tiniest tykes. Onondaga Lake Park, Route 370, Liverpool. Free. 451-PARK.

Barnes & Noble Storytimes. Thursdays,

10 a.m. Join a storytime for toddlers and preschoolers that features a book, songs and coloring.

Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.

449-2948.

Maxwell Library Storytimes. Story-

times and book groups for all ages. Call for dates and times. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.

Northeast Community Center Library Storytimes. Preschool storytimes

with rhymes and occasional games; youngsters learn group listening and participation skills. Call for times. Northeast Community Center Library, 716 Hawley Ave., Syracuse. Free. 472-6343, Ext. 208.

DeWitt Community Library. Library

offers hundreds of free programs for parents and children. Storytimes: Baby Bop, Mondays, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 14-Nov. 23; Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 9-Nov. 25; for birth through 24 months.

Toddler Time, Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 8-Nov. 24; for ages 2-3. Preschool Storytimes, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 10-Nov. 19; for ages 3-5. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. 446-3578.

Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. (Excluding holidays.) First Steps:

(Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.) for children up to age 2.

Cuddletime: (Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.). Fayetteville

Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

637-6374.

Calendar

Wegmans Playground. Boundless Play-

Petit Branch Library Storytimes.

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. Toddler and preschooler storytime for children ages 18 months-5 years and caregivers. Includes stories, rhymes, finger plays and songs. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. 435-3636.

Syracuse Go Club. Every Monday, 7-10 p.m.

Wegmans sit-down dining area, 6789 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. Club devoted to the ancient Chinese game of Go; players of all ages. Free.

479-9073.

Regional Market Farmers’ Market.

Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round); Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (May through November only).

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.

422-8647.

ATTRACTIONS Corning Museum of Glass. 1 Corning

Glass Center, Corning. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $18/ adults; free/age 17 and under. (607) 937-5371.

Ongoing: You Design It, We Make It: Glassblowers choose from among designs submitted by young visitors and create that work on the spot.

Erie Canal Museum. 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syra-

cuse. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; closed holidays. Free. 471-0593. Interactive exhibit: Work the Weighlock. The Stonecutters: Exhibit reveals the fascinating world of the stone-

The Cat in the Hat Visits Storytime, Sept. 11

cutters and quarrymen who built the 83 locks and 18 aqueducts along the 363-mile Erie Canal.

Everson Museum of Art. 401 Harrison St.

Tuesday-Friday, Sunday, noon- 5p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 donation. 474-6064. World-class museum includes Children’s Interactive Gallery designed to acquaint beginning art viewers with basic art principles, with areas dedicated to portraiture, hands-on activities, and a classroom.

Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo. Route 49, three miles west of Rome. $10.95/adults, $7.95/

THE WAIT IS OVER. BEST OF SYRACUSE IS BACK. Visit syracusenewtimes.com and vote for your favorite businesses September 3rd – 20th.

Winners will be announced in the October issue!

A preschool & elementary school for children ages 3-12 Family Times September 2015

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Calendar

children; $9.95/seniors. 336-1930. Animal presentations of the exotic and native alike. fortrickey. com.

H. Lee White Museum and Maritime Center. W. First St., Oswego. Monday-Sunday,

10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7/adult; $3/teen; free/age 12 & under. 342-0480. Exhibits highlight more than 400 years of maritime history. Vessels on display include: New York State Derrick Boat 8 from the Canal System, schooner Ontario and Eleanor D, the last U.S. commercial fishing vessel to work Lake Ontario.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square,

Syracuse. Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Summer hours include Mondays and Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; through Sept. 8. Museum admission: $10/adults; $8/seniors and ages 2-11. IMAX admission only: $10/adults; $8/children and senior citizens; (473-IMAX). Make Your World, exhibit of various kinds of miniatures including toothpicks, being built throughout September. Planetarium (only available with museum admission): $2. 4259068. Hands-on science center features the Bristol Omnitheater, Science Playhouse, Earth Science Discovery Cave, Technotown, and Flight and Space Exhibit. Silverman Planetarium shows “Zoo in the Sky,” for kids under age 8, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, 11:15 a.m.; “Seasonal Sky” Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, 3:15 p.m.

Onondaga Historical Association Museum. 321 Montgomery St., Syracuse.

Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Donation. 428-1864. Syracuse’s only comprehensive local history museum, with exhibits on architecture, local industries, transportation and more.

Let’s pLay baLL! Our promotional products will get you to home plate.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Daily, 10

a.m.-4:30 p.m. $8/adults; $5/senior citizens; $4/ children; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511. Ongoing attractions include Humboldt penguins.

Sciencenter. 601 First St., Ithaca. Monday-Sat-

urday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/ under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Inspires people of all ages to discover the excitement of science through exhibits and programs.

Fall Exhibition, starting Sept. 19: Pattern Wizardry, discovering how patterns are the building blocks of the natural and man-made world. Through Sept.

7: Strange Matter, exploring the world of materials science. Through Nov. 30 (weather permitting): mini-golf ($6); Sciencenter Mini-Golf will be closed for renovations Sept. 8-25. Re-opens Sept. 26 with science obstacles at every one of the 18 holes.

Strong National Museum of Play. 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13.50; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700. Permanent exhibits include National Toy Hall of Fame with inductees such as alphabet blocks, Barbie, Crayola crayons, G.I. Joe and the ever-versatile cardboard box. Also, super-sized kids’ market and more; lunch available at Bill Gray’s Skyliner Diner.

WonderWorks. 9090 Destiny USA Drive,

Syracuse. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Experience more than 100 hands-on exhibits, compete in a game of lazer-tag and take part in the Canyon Climb Adventure. Suspended 70ft in the air it’s the World’s largest indoor ropes challenge course. 466-7700. wonderworksonline.com/ destiny.

Calendar listings are free!

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Send information about your family-friendly event to: Family Times calendar, 1415 W. Genesee St., Syracuse; Fax to 422-1721; or email to editorial@familytimes.biz.

Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication.

We give priority to low- or nocost events aimed at parents, kids, or parents accompanied by kids.

For consideration, listings are due

by Sept. 11 for the October issue.

Tune in Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 9:15 a.m., for columnist Maggie Simone’s preview of what’s in the next edition of Family Times!

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Family Times September 2015

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BACK PACK

Coming Mid-September

School yourself about the top drug trends…

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY

Activities

Body Recognition Class

Movement. Music. Instruments.

Imagination. We will explore the motions of our bodies with dance.

For children 8 mos.-5 yrs old.

Birthday parties available. Call Tamar @ 446-2750 or www.toddlerstango.com

dAnce instructions

SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE:

Baby, Toddler, Pre-Teen & Teen One Lucky girl will appear in a National Magazine! www.missnybeautypageants.com

Proceeds benefit local animals in need, 10am-4pm, Friday & Saturday.

Route 20, 1/4 mile West of Morrisville, (formerly Buzzy’s Morrisville Diner), 6 miles East of Cazenovia.

For More information or to Volunteer, email Gail Smith at rsmith@twcny.rr.com

services

Pre-School Program: Ages 3-5yrs & Before & After School Program: UPK-6th Jordan Elbridge Country Kids Childcare Center Jordan United Methodist Church 63 Elbridge Street, Jordan ** 689-9686**

What’s in our Backpack Giveaway?

Flamingo Bowl Bowling Party

With Pizza, Wings & Soda for up to 5 people

PLUS

$10.00 Bowling Bucks

child cAre

NOW ENROLLING 3 YEAR OLDS

Before someone on the street schools your child.

TheDanceStudioCNY.com Camillus & Manlius Classes for Age 1 & Up! Fall Schedule & Classes Coming Soon!

682-7877 or thedancestudiocny@gmail.com

MiscellAneous

Pageant and Model Search

School is Back in Session

Painting, Deck Construction, Power Wash, Staining,Gutters, Masonary, Siding.

Also, Inside Work.

Retired teacher, 35yrs exp.

Joe Ball 436-9008 (Onondaga County only)

TO EnTER: Send all contact information to promotions@familytimes.biz with “Flamingo Bowl” in the subject line. Entry deadline is noon on 9/15/15.

Call or visit our website.

315-471-1359 or PreventionNetworkCny.org

To advertise in Back Pack Directory call 472-4669 and press 2.

October issue deadline: September 17.

Family Times September 2015

FTSept15_BackPack.indd FTSept15_Events.indd 135

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Do You or Does Your Child Need Health Insurance?

Apply for enrollment all year long

for these New York State-sponsored health insurance programs

Child Health Plus

Free or low-cost monthly premiums For children under 19 who live in New York State.

There are no copays for care or services. Coverage may be free or as little as $9 per child per month based on income and family size.

Benefits to keep kids healthy and on the go • Well-child care and checkups • Immunizations • Prescription drugs • X-rays and lab tests • Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury • Dental and vision care • Hospital inpatient and emergency care • Speech and hearing care • and much more!

Medicaid

No monthly premiums!

Medicaid Managed Care is for children and adults who live in New York State and who meet certain income and disability requirements.

Benefits for you and your family • Checkups • Well-child visits • Preventive care • Immunizations • Women’s health and pregnancy care • Treatment for illness or injury • X-rays and lab tests • Hospital, emergency, and urgent care • Prescription drug coverage (copays may apply) • Dental care • Eye exams and glasses • Speech and hearing therapy (limits may apply) • and much more!

It’s easy to apply - all year long!

Apply for Child Health Plus and Medicaid Managed Care offered by Fidelis Care through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, at www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov. A Fidelis Care Representative can help you complete an application form. Call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547).

For more information about Medicaid Managed Care call New York Medicaid Choice at 1-800-541-2831. For more information about Medicaid and Child Health Plus call New York Health Options at 1-800-541-2831. To learn more about applying for health insurance through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

1-888-FIDELIS | fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547) •

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