Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Jan/Feb 2017 by RocParent

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017

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Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017

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JAN/FEB 2017

INSIDE Vol.24 Number 1

Community Collecge

THE FIRST CHOICE FOR MANY STUDENTS - HERE'S WHY

in this issue 6 | WHAT'S ONLINE 8 | EDITOR'S NOTE 22| YOUR FAMILY Teaching Your Kids the Importance of Blood Donation 24| BOOK NOOK Happy New Year, Baby! 26| COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Young Audiences of Rochester 28| YOUR FAMILY Caring for the Caretaker - How to Support Parents of Children with Special Needs 30 | C ALENDAR OF EVENTS + January Events + February Events

more features

10 Black History is American History –

TWO ROCHESTERIANS SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON BLACK HISTORY FOR ALL AMERICANS

IVE PLACES 46 | F Curing Cabin Fever

on the cover 175 Things To Do in January & February Choosing Community College Honoring Black History Teaching Kids the Importance of Blood Donation Young Audiences of Rochester How to Support Parents of Children with Special Needs

this month's contributors SUE HENNINGER is a monthly contributor to Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent who enjoys writing about the unique people, places, and events that can be

found in the Finger Lakes region. [Page 10 & 16] KERRIE MCLOUGHLIN blogs at TheKerrieShow.com and is married to a man who donates his O negative blood and platelets on a regular basis. [Page 22]

30 16 10 22 26 28

DEENA VIVIANI is a Rochester-based Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter. [Page 24]

She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom's Guide to a Satisfying Social Life. [Page 28]

Freelance journalist CHRISTA MELNYK HINES and her husband are the parents of two sons.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

ONLINE

january + february

WHAT YOU CAN FIND AT WWW.ROCPARENT.COM

LACE UP THOSE SKATES

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be an inspiring Olympic skater to enjoy this family activity. Our list includes both area indoor and outdoor skating locations for maximum family fun.

SEEKING SUMMER Not a winter person? We have you covered! Get your green on at these area locations that will warm you up and remind us that summer is on the way.

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TIME TO PARTY!

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean the party has to end. Whether looking for party ideas, entertainers or places to hold that special event we have the articles and resources you need.

VIRTUAL CAMP GUIDE Our Annual Camp Fair is April 3rd, but our Camp Guide is currently available online so you can start to browse area camps and plan for an awesome summer.

VALENTINE CRAFTS AND IDEAS Let those creative juices flow with five Valentine Crafts that you and your kids will love! And an afternoon of crafting is a great way to show the love!

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017

EDITOR'S NOTE

Staff

By Jillian Melnyk

PUBLISHER Barbara Melnyk mail@GVParent.com

fresh year,fresh thoughts

W WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? Email our Publisher, Barbara: mail@GVParent.com Email our Editor, Jillian: editor@GVParent.com

elcome to a brand new year! As I put this issue together, I was amazed to realize that it was our 249th issue – just one away from 250! When you’ve been publishing that long it can sometimes feel hard to come up with what feels like new, fresh content. Months ago when brainstorming ideas for this issue, I kept asking myself: “Haven’t we discussed this before?” and “Haven’t we covered this topic to death?” I kicked so many ideas around in my head, and then kicked them to the curb. I’m extremely pleased with the results of what we came up with for this issue and I hope that you will be too. We strive to bring you fresh content and ideas that make you think, reconsider, analyze, and challenge the status quo. My goal for this year is to fill my life with new thoughts, perspectives and ideas. I’m ready to try new things and take on new challenges.

Here's to a new year! xoxo

jillian

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jillian Melnyk editor@GVParent.com ONLINE/COMMUNITY EDITOR Carol Harvey ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ken Stevens CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jillian Melnyk graphics@GVParent.com CALENDAR EDITOR calendar@GVParent.com DISTRIBUTION Northstar Delivery Basic subscription rate: $25/year. Send subscription inquiries and changes to address below. Copyright 2017, by GVP, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication.

HOW TO CONTACT US:

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine P.O. Box 25750 Rochester, NY 14625 p: 585-348-9712 f: 585-348-9714 www.RocParent.com

MEMBER OF BRIGHTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017

// FEATURE STORY //

WORDS SUE HENNINGER

Black History is Amer ican History TWO WELL-KNOWN ROCHESTERIANS SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVES ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BLACK HISTORY FOR ALL AMERICANS

hile researching this article for Black History Month, I unearthed a rich vein of American history that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recall learning about when I was in school. I also discovered that, while African Americans readily acknowledge that Black History Month is an important first step, for many the ultimate goal is to see the histories of everyone who helped to make America the country we live in today integrated into the standard national educational curriculum. Two well-known Rochesterians have generously shared their perspectives on the significance of black history for all Americans.

BLACK HERITAGE MONTH 2016, IMAGE COURTESY CITY OF ROCHESTER

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Why Black History Month is Important: Then and Now

Dr. Marvin A. McMickle is the 12th President of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (CRCDS) where he serves as a self-described cheerleader, fundraiser, policy advisor, and teacher. His focus is on keeping the quality of the programs and the profile of the school as high as possible. He explains that Black History Week History was established by should tell everyone’s esteemed historistories. It makes us an and Harvard realize that we have PhD, Carter G. Woodson, to more in common than commemorate we have differences. ” the accomplishments of African – LOVELY WARREN, ROCHESTER’S SECOND AFRICAN AMERICAN, Americans. “In AND FIRST FEMALE, MAYOR 1926 African American history was nonexistent in public discussion,” Dr. McMickle observes, adding that Woodson’s goal was to provide accurate information about people, places, and events related to black people of historical significance who played an instrumental role in American history. Seven days soon proved to be insufficient, and the celebration evolved into Black History Month, held each February. The month continues to provide a means of educating and informing the public in the twenty-first century. “We’ve been here all along and made many contributions to the formation of this country,” Dr. McMickle says. “We’ll keep telling our own story until it is properly reported by others.” As Rochester’s second African American and first female mayor, Lovely Warren is something of a history maker herself. Mayor Warren views Black History Month as a time to reflect on the past and to recall the struggles of her ancestors. “You should never forget or let the next generation forget either,” she says. “Sometimes Black History Month is regarded as negative. People say, ‘You’re trying not to assimilate’ or ‘You’re being divisive,’ when the whole premise of the month is to pass on information [about black history] to the next generation.”

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What’s Being Taught and What’s Being Left Out

How are today’s educators doing? “I think we could do better,” Mayor Warren says, noting that she learned much of her people’s history from her family, as opposed to her school. “Our history didn’t start with slavery and that’s what’s taught in the schools.” Her grandparents were sharecroppers in South Carolina and she clearly recalls them taking the grandchildren to see where they picked cotton and tobacco. She and her husband plan to take their young daughter on a similar trip this year to share the personal narrative of their family with her. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of,” the Mayor maintains. “It’s how black people lived in America at one time.” Both emphasize that their rich African American history began in their homeland long before their ancestors were forcibly brought to America, a fact that’s rarely discussed in schools across America. Instead, black history is often confined to the negative aspects, such as slavery and Jim Crow, along with a CONTINUED >>> Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

American life,” Mayor Warren few familiar names like George Washington Carver, Harriet emphasizes. “Blacks had a Tubman, and Dr. Martin hand in everything. We didn’t only impact one Luther King Jr. Our part of history and we According to Dr. history didn’t start shouldn’t be separatMcMickle, there’s with slavery and that’s so much more. ed out.” what’s taught in the African American Another concern is when the history can take schools." black community’s people to places they – LOVELY WARREN, ROCHESTER’S religious faith is exhaven’t been yet. For SECOND AFRICAN AMERICAN, cluded from the school example, he says, did AND FIRST FEMALE, MAYOR curriculum. Mayor you know that Charles Richard Drew pioneered Warren feels this is a huge mistake because religion (and research in blood storage the churches) played such an enorand blood transfusions and Guion mous part in African American history. Bluford was a National Aeronautics and “We relied on it; it’s how we were able to Space Administration (NASA) astronaut and the first African American to go into overcome and endure what was put on us,” space? Dr. McMickle places the blame for she says. this societal ignorance on both the United Gaining a more balanced view of their past encourages students to not conStates education system and mass commustantly see themselves as victims. “There nications. were many people in the African American The Mayor agrees. Though all these community that didn’t conform to the way African Americans are undeniably positive mainstream society viewed them,” Mayor role models, there are many more out Warren says. “It’s about teaching the next there, like Emmett Till and Nat Turner generation of students whose shoulders that children don’t learn as much about. they stand on and what sacrifices were “We are part of the fabric that makes up

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made so they could be free.” For Dr. McMickle, sharing an accurate and complete history of America provides a means of counterbalancing prejudices with factual data. He believes that the more truthful things we know about others’ capacities, contributions, and characters, the harder it is to miscatagorize and the less we can be turned against each other. “History should tell everyone’s stories,” Mayor Warren concurs. “It makes us realize that we have more in common than we have differences. Think about what we all want for our families -- to educate our kids so they can be successful, to live in a safe community, and to enjoy what life has to offer. These are the bare bones of what we want, no matter what our race is.”

Is Change Possible?

Dr. McMickle notes that, though there are still plenty of problems with the way history is taught today, it has gotten incrementally better than it was in his school days. “I didn’t learn any black history in Chicago in the 1950’s,” he says. “Nothing! I learned all about other cultures [in the city] like the meaning of Columbus

EDUCATE YOURSELVES

(Recommended by Dr. McMickle and Mayor Warren)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Various activities will be sponsored by the commission in 2017. www.grmlk.org •B lack History Month at CRCDS-February 2017 A month-long commemoration of Black History Month, which includes a weekly church service, guest speaker(s), and a soup and cider dinner. People of all ages are welcome to attend any (or all) of the gatherings. www.crcds. edu •D r. David A. Anderson- Professional Storyteller Watch for his dynamic, historical performances around the Rochester-area community. www.blackstorytelling.org/bio_dave.htm •R ead fiction, nonfiction, or poetry by African American authors (Alice Walker, Paul Laurence Dunbar) •W atch movies starring African Americans (Sounder, Pride, Red Tails, Remember the Titans) • L isten to African American music ( 3 Mo’ Tenors, Jessye Norman, Winton Marsalis) •A ttend a play written by an African American (August Wilson) Day and how to sing Italian songs …But there was no interest in using the month of February as a teaching tool. My school was predominantly white. It would have been a great opportunity for whites and nonwhites to learn about African Americans contributions.” This lack of awareness isn’t confined to whites, Dr. McMickle maintains. “African Americans are just as ignorant of their own history as any other sector of the population. The harder people have to work to gain this information, the less likely it is to be known,” he says. “Black History Month certainly makes our history more accessible through readings, films and introducing new information but the school system is the real leveling system because everyone there gets exposed to the same thing. If it’s not there, no one gets it.” A good first step would be to fill in the gaps of what Dr. McMickle says should be common knowledge. For example when students learn about Walt Whitman, they should simultaneously learn about Langston Hughes. Dr. McMickle is quick to add that African American achievements should be integrated into the whole curriculum, including science, mathematics, technology, English, music, and physical education. “Every single technology we use, every area of our life has been enhanced, enriched, maybe even invented, by an African American,” he asserts. Integrating people of color into the national school curriculum isn’t impossible, says Dr. McMickle. His own son received a much more balanced schooling in Cleveland than his father had in the Midwest several decades before. However, making this goal a reality usually requires an engaged Board of Education that is willing to press its school district to do better, parents who CONTINUED >>> Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

want their children to receive a broader education and learn about all aspects of America’s culture and history, and committed principals or teachers.

Teachable Moments Matter

Does an uneven education effect a student’s concept of what it means to be an American? “If I am told that you are inferior to me and no one ever corrects this, what do I grow up to believe?” Mayor Warren asks. She shares a story about two elementary school classmates. One child said to the other, “My ancestors owned your ancestors.” This was an accurate statement and a very teachable moment, the Mayor says. Unfortunately the adults involved missed the opportunity to put the child’s statement into context. A good response would have been, “You’re absolutely right. Let’s take a minute to talk about that and how it happened.” As a parent, the Mayor tries to hold herself to the same standards. She and her daughter, Taylor, went to the polls together in November 2016. When Taylor learned that her candidate would not be president, she was brokenhearted. She told her mother she wasn’t going to vote anymore. Mayor Warren turned the emotions, and the declaration, into her own teachable moment. “That’s life,” she told the young girl. “Sometimes you can work so hard for something and still not get it, but you have to press on…That’s why black history is so important. Maybe the previous generation wasn’t able to realize the dream they aspired to but they set the stones in place for the next generation. You need to ask yourself, ‘What is my generation going to do?’”  Sue Henninger is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. Contact her at www.SueHenninger.com.

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Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017

// FEATURE STORY //

WORDS SUE HENNINGER

Community College THE FIRST CHOICE FOR MANY STUDENTS: HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WHY

IMAGES COURTESY MONROE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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any of my articles have focused on the four-year college experience. This month I decided to switch gears and highlight what community colleges have to offer today’s students.

I began by asking Dr. Andrea Wade, Provost and Vice President for Academic Services at Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester, who she believes is a good candidate for the school. She assured me that all types of students attend the college, ranging from those Students who were highly show up here for successful in different reasons. There high school, to are many advantages first generation college students to a community college who may be and no disadvantages." struggling but who are strongly – DR. ANDREA WADE, PROVOST & VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC committed to SERVICES AT MONROE getting their college COMMUNITY COLLEGE degree. Other young people find that beginning their higher education at a community college serves as the perfect bridge between high school and a four-year college or entering the work force. “Students show up here for different reasons. There are many advantages to a community college and no disadvantages,” Dr. Wade asserts. I also spoke with Donna Rae Sutherland, the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications at Genesee Community College (GCC) in Batavia. “There isn’t anyone we don’t try to serve in some capacity,” she says. GCC even has a robust 6th-12th grade program where highly motivated students are able to earn a degree from the college, along with their high school diploma!

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Benefits of a Community College

A DIVERSE STUDENT BODY According to Dr. Wade, MCC attracts students of all ages, races and ethnicities, and life experiences. “It gives everyone a more ‘global’ perspective,” she explains, adding that MCC has a multicultural center that plays an important role in the institution. Having a broad spectrum of students opens everyone’s eyes and minds to different perspectives, allowing them to engage in debates about relevant issues while on campus. Furthermore, the range of student ages allows older students to learn from those who are younger, and vice versa. GCC prides itself on having a student body that includes many students from the New York City area, “second starts” (students who took some time before entering or reentering college), and international students. The school also offers a Senior Audit program where adults 60 years or older can take classes for free. FINANCIAL INCENTIVE According to Dr. Wade, “We try to educate the whole student and this includes financial literacy. Just because you’re eligible CONTINUED >>> Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

for loans or credit cards doesn’t A PERSONAL mean it’s a wise choice.” An CONNECTION Associate’s Degree continMCC gives students ues to offer the “biggest the chance to really Community bang for your buck,” get to know their colleges are pretty she continues. Stuprofessors. People nimble. We’re always dents who attend who choose to work out there scoping the community college in a community can frequently save employment horizons." college setting are between $6,000 anpassionate about – DONNA RAE SUTHERLAND, nually and $50,000 helping students ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING cumulatively. “If transform their lives, & COMMUNICATIONS AT they can save this type Dr. Wade says. “They GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE of money for the first may come here and two years this often allows not understand their own them to afford a ‘stretch school’ potential. We help them prove that might not be financially feasible themselves at MCC and then move for them otherwise,” she says. “We want on to new challenges.” She believes that our students to exit with as little debt as community colleges are especially skilled at possible.” helping students who are the first in their Donna Rae agrees that most students family to attend college or who may have can benefit financially from a community been less successful in high school, despite college degree, especially if college debt is their academic abilities. “If they have an issue for them. “The smart ones start at real-life obstacles that are keeping them a community college to get their Gen Ed from achieving their full potential, we have credits out of the way,” she explains. “This microgrants and connections with commuis cost-effective. At the end of the day it’s nity services,” she notes. Students tend to the same degree, except that the student garner stronger references and recommenhas been able to save on tuition payments dations from their professors as well. for the first two years.” Though GCC has both fulltime professors and adjuncts, the college’s classes are small (20 students or fewer), giving

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the students an intimate experience with professors who know their names, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. This can be especially helpful when students are looking for co-op or internship opportunities.

5 Common Misconceptions about Community Colleges

STUDENTS WON’T HAVE A “REAL” COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Though community colleges used to be prohibited from having dormitories, this has changed and they are no longer simply commuter schools. “GCC offers every student an authentic college experience,” Donna Rae says. Genesee College Village, a short walk from campus, can house 430 students and those who choose to live in campus housing can expect a “full, global experience.” At MCC, students can choose to live in well-equipped campus residence halls, enroll in the college meal plan, and receive medical care at the student health center, just as they would at a four-year school. PROFESSORS AND FACULTY MAY BE LESS QUALIFIED “They are differently qualified,” Dr. Wade explains, adding, “In a two-year school, the most important thing is a professor's ability

to be effective in the classroom. In a fouryear college, the most important thing is research.” Donna Rae agrees. “We don’t operate under the ‘publish or perish’ dictum that other schools do. Our professors are focused on the students.” MCC requires faculty to have a minimum of a master’s degree. However, many of them have PhDs and all student classes are taught by these professional educators, rather than teaching assistants. Each professor's effectiveness is evaluated continually (in a positive way) by classroom observations, student feedback, classroom grades, and student outcome. The college gravitates towards hiring professors with hands-on experience in their field, theoretical knowledge, and a preference for being in the classroom. Donna Rae is proud of GCC’s low faculty turnover rate, observing that many of the college’s fulltime professors will spend their entire teaching career at the school. A capital project the college has undertaken is the founding of a new Student Success Center, which GCC hopes will become a model for the nation. It will be a one-stop shop that puts all the components students might need in one place, Donna Rae explains. Coaches will be assigned to students when they first arrive and will follow them from that day through commencement, guaranteeing continuity of service. THE CURRICULUM MIGHT NOT BE AS RELEVANT OR CHALLENGING GCC’s curriculum is reviewed and approved by the State University of New York (SUNY). It’s also constantly evolving. “Community colleges are pretty nimble,” Donna Rae notes. “We’re always out there scoping the employment horizons.” Some recent GCC majors include Nanotechnology, Marketing and Social Media, and Polysomnographic Technology (sleep disorders), one of the fastest growing areas of concern in today’s society. MCC strives to create industry-relevant and industry-driven academic and training programs that can meet 21st century workforce needs. “We have an entire division that focuses on that,” Dr. Wade says. The college is continually assessing workforce needs and developing the programs necessary to meet these needs. Other goals include filling workforce skill gaps and placing students in meaningful, well-paying jobs. Curriculum is structured around where the student wants to go – either to CONTINUED >>>

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

work or to continue their schooling. Things have changed since Dr. Wade was in college. Higher education used to be like a banquet where students could pick and choose classes at will. “Now when students get too many choices, often they go down dead ends, which uses up both their time and their financial aid,” she says. “This can be a personal disaster.” MCC is a leader in using the Guided Pathways model of education which restricts choices for students, helps them plan a specific course sequence, and allows them to complete their two-year degree in a timely way so they can transfer to another college or embark on their chosen career path. THERE WON’T BE AS MANY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR OPPORTUNITIES “Nonsense!” says Donna Rae. “We have 15 intercollegiate athletic teams, many of which allow the student athletes plenty of playing time to hone their skills.” Another recent capital project is the Richard C. Call Arena Fieldhouse, a state-of-theart athletic center. The college hopes this will bring more athletic competitions to GCC since the new fieldhouse is located between Rochester and Buffalo. Additionally, GCC has 55 different campus clubs. New this year is The Skeptics Club, which offers students a safe place to talk about various religious beliefs. There’s also a “lunch bunch” where the heads of all the clubs meet regularly to network and share what their membership is up to. MCC has extremely active athletic teams too. As with GCC, student athletes who enroll there are likely to get more playing time than they would at a four-year college or university. The school’s student athletes are highly recruited, an ideal situation for athletically-talented students. “We have more than 60 clubs, a radio station, an art gallery, and a student newspaper and a literary magazine,” Dr. Wade adds. POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS OR GRADUATE SCHOOLS MAY LOOK AT COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATES DIFFERENTLY According to Dr. Wade, four-year colleges often prefer community college students because they are commonly among the most successful juniors and seniors. MCC graduates are frequently accepted into very competitive schools including Cornell University, Princeton University, and Mount Holyoke College. People like President and Chief Operating Officer of Express Scripts, Tim Wentworth (a Rochester native and MCC graduate himself), frequently maintain that community college students are good hires. Wentworth feels these students understand the value of a good education since they were able to get their degree in an economically practical manner by starting at a less costly college that offers more student opportunities. Both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have publically recognized the value of community colleges for young people. Employers and graduate schools are also positive about GCC graduates. “They love our students,” Donna Rae says. “They understand that a community college is often the very quick first step on the student’s academic trajectory.”  Sue Henninger is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. Contact her at www.SueHenninger.com.

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Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017

YOUR FAMILY

By Kerrie McLoughlin

Teaching Your Kids the Importance of Blood Donation

JANUARY IS NATIONAL BLOOD DONOR MONTH

here are countless stories told by people who have been helped by a blood donor they will never meet. Many of these stories include lives being saved by a one-time blood transfusion during childbirth, surgery, an accident or countless other reasons. Other stories include people who needed regular blood transfusions, including pediatric cancer patients who would not be alive today without this amazing gift of blood. According to NCH Healthcare System in Naples, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is estimated that nine out of ten people who live to age 70 will require a blood transfusionâ&#x20AC;? sometime in their lives.

According to the American Red Cross, just one pint of blood can save up to three lives. January is National Blood

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Donor month and the perfect time to start thinking about giving blood and/or plasma on a regular basis. Starting when my kids were young, my husband and I would take them to our local blood donation center so they could see their dad giving blood. Since then, they have been eager to hit the required blood donor age and are excited at the idea of helping to

save lives. Why not take your child with you to see the blood donation process so you can get him used to the idea and take the mystery out of it? There are many requirements that you must meet in order to be able to donate whole blood, platelets, plasma or double red cells. For example, you must be in good health, be at least 17 years of age (some

states allow blood donation at age 16 with parental consent) and weigh at least 110 pounds. You will be asked a number of questions during an interview in a private room before being allowed to donate blood. There will be questions about your health history and about places you may have traveled. Your pulse, blood pressure and temperature will be taken, as well

as a small blood sample from your finger to check your hemoglobin levels. You are allowed to donate on the following schedule: • You can donate whole blood every 56 days, so that your body has time to replenish its own supply. • You can donate platelets every 7 days, up to 24 times per year. • You are able to donate plasma every 28 days. • You can only donate double red cells every 112 days. A regular blood donation takes about 10 minutes during which time you can relax and chat, read or even sometimes watch television. When you’re done, you will be taken to a snack area for cookies and juice and rest. You are advised against doing anything too strenuous for the rest of the day. Your donation of just one pint of blood can help to

save one or more lives! Even though your child is probably too young to donate blood, one way to get your child involved is by hosting a blood drive at your work, church, or child’s school or daycare. Simply contact your local blood center and find out how you can get the Bloodmobile to come to your location and then publicize it beforehand to get as many donors there as possible. To learn more, visit http://www.redcrossblood. org/learn-about-blood  Kerrie McLoughlin blogs at TheKerrieShow.com and is married to a man who donates his O negative blood and platelets on a regular basis.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

BOOK NOOK

By Deena Viviani

Happy New Year, Baby!

ing in the New Year by welcoming the newborns of 2017. You’ll find babies galore in the books below!

SOME FAVORITES OF 2016 MIDDLE GRADE Clayton Stone, Facing Off By Ena Jones OCDaniel By Wesley King The Wolf’s Boy By Susan Williams Beckhorn YOUNG ADULT Beneath Wandering Stars By Ashlee Cowles The Geek’s Guide to Unrequited Love By Sarvenaz Tash Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit By Jaye Robin Brown The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever By Jeff Strand Learning to Swear in America By Katie Kennedy With Malice By Eileen Cook A World Without You By Beth Revis

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15 Things Not to Do With a Baby

Written by Margaret McAllister & Illustrated by Holly Sterling Frances Lincoln, 2015, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 3-6 Don’t play the trumpet around a sleeping baby! Get this and other practical and silly advice in a story perfect for big sisters and brothers. The sparse text and bright illustrations are appealing for beginning readers.

1-2-3 ZooBorns!

By Andrew Bleiman and Chris Eastland Beach Lane Books, 2015, hardcover, $14.99, Ages 2-4 Not many things are cuter than baby animals. Count them in the photos of this book and then flip to the back pages for each of their names. Sure to inspire a trip to the zoo!

Babies Ruin Everything

Written by Matthew Swanson & Illustrated by Robbi Behr Imprint, 2016, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-6 Babies drool, lose things,

and ruin birthday parties, so the big sister in this book sets out to fix – or replace – her little sibling. The wide-eyed baby and pet hamster make this picture book a fun read despite the pint-sized destruction.

Beastly Babies

Written by Ellen Jackson & Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel Beach Lane Books, 2015, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 3-6 Not only people have babies – animals do, too! See how different species interact with their parents and vice versa. Rhyming

text and adorable animals make this a delightful story of love.

I Love You, Baby

By Written by Giles Andreae & Illustrated by Emma Dodd Disney*Hyperion, 2015, hardcover, $15.99, Ages 3-6 Yay, a new baby is here! The older child points out all the baby’s cute body parts, from pudgy belly to sweet head, in brief rhymes. A positive look at growing families for older kids expecting a tiny sibling.

Monkey Not Ready for the Baby

By Marc Brown Alfred A. Knopf, 2016, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-6 Monkey likes being the little brother, but Mom is pregnant so soon he’ll be the middle child. But the more Monkey helps get the house ready for the baby girl, the more excited he is for her arrival. The text is written in kid-friendly crayon-like scrawl that makes reading fun.

Olive the Alien

By Katie Saunders Little Bee Books, 2016, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 3-6 There’s no way Archie’s sister is human. She speaks a different language, cries over everything, and eats strange food. His mom claims it’s because she’s a baby, but Archie’s not so sure. This book full of bright illustrations is based on the author’s own children for a personal touch.

We Just Had a Baby

Written by Stephen Krensky & Illustrated by Amélie Graux Capstone, 2016, hardcover, $14.95, Ages 3-6 It takes forever for babies to be born, and then they can’t do anything after they arrive. The big brother in this story is unimpressed with his sibling until they begin to learn from each other. Simple yet expressive illustrations highlight this new sibling book.  Deena Viviani is a Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter. Read more reviews on her blog www.deenaml.livejournal.com or send her a note at DeenaViviani@hotmail.com – she loves to hear from readers!

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Young Audiences of Rochester

r. Howard Hanson, past Director of Eastman School of Music (ESM), and philanthropist and ESM alumna, Mrs. Belle S. Gitleman, founded Young Audiences of Rochester (YA) in 1962. YA's focus was to place music performance and programs by ESM students in local public schools. Today, YA is one of 32 self-supporting national Young Audiences, Inc. affiliates and is the largest, most comprehensive, multi-modal arts learning nonprofit organization in upstate NY.

YA is the catalyst and connection to a multidisciplinary, inclusive roster of national and regional practicing, professional teaching artists that deliver artistically excellent, academically relevant and educationally effective art experiences. YA "brings the field trip to the classroom" and is not a delivery system for technique driven, fee-based instruction. YA is a respected arts education leader and premier resource for award-winning, innovative, quality arts learning and arts engagement experiences for children and youth. WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE PROGRAM? YA’s mission is to use the arts for life-long learning, with a vision of preparing generations of critical thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens, prepared for life and work in the 21st Century global marketplace. YA is committed to artistic excellence, offering quality, cost-effective, efficient, and inclusive student and learner centered programs and services aligned with NYS Learning Standards, the Common Core and the national Young Audiences foundational goals to "Create, Experience, Under-

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stand, and Connect.” YA’s arts-integrated programming is developed and implemented through effective collaborations among arts administrators, classroom teachers, arts specialist teachers, and teaching artists. HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK AND WHAT DOES IT OFFER? YA partners with educators to incorporate language and other relevant core content, enabling students to learn new art-making skills; demonstrate arts and other learning, and practice collaboration and other team building skills to help them reach successful outcomes in college, life, and the global economy. Programs are grade level appropriate, flexible enough to accommodate specific school/classroom needs and objectives, and able to address the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities and English language learners. Further, arts experiences engage students in the joy of participating in the arts; introduce them to other cultures and new ideas; offer a creative forum in which to reflect on learning core content;

and provide opportunities to learn how to be part of an audience and participate in a school “community-wide” activity. Often, these are the gateway experiences that inspire teachers and their students to engage in additional arts learning activities of their own design or as collaborators in and out of the classroom. YA engages school, public/government and community partnerships to provide K-12 in-school performances/assemblies, workshops and professional development; support for expanded day, before and after school/out-of-school programs, summer learning loss initiatives, residencies and art camps, curriculum-integrated/embedded residencies, and a customized, comprehensive, year-round series of arts residencies for the City of Rochester (Art Is...) for City recreation centers and branch libraries. YA also operates an entrepreneurial after school and summer program for at-risk teens (TruArt Dance Company), and participates in and supports a variety of community pop-up arts events, such as neighborhood fairs and festivals. By providing TAs to perform or add creative elements such as chalking sidewalks, face painting, airbrushing tattoos, make and takes, or decorative balloon installations, more expansive engagements for TAs are available, contributing to YA’s reputation as the largest regional employer of TAs and the overall economic development of the greater Rochester area. WHERE IS YA LOCATED AND WHO DOES IT SERVE? YA’s office is located in the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA), the hub of arts and culture, and its constituency is one of stark contrasts. YA serves 15 out of 19 counties in Upstate New York. The City of Rochester, recently rated

as the third poorest city in the nation and first in the nation for child poverty (88% -- or more -- are eligible for free/ reduced-price lunch), is a YA priority demographic. Last year, YA’s talented teaching artists provided over 186,000 arts experiences to young hearts and minds, delivering 261 performances, 2,617 workshops and residencies in 120 educational sites. YA’s Equity-in-Arts Access Initiative, BUILD YOUNG AUDIENCES and Beyond, puts quality programming within financial reach of all schools, educational sites and organizations that serve children and youth. Working with YA is cost-effective and efficient. WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD? 2017 marks YA’s 55th anniversary of operation. YA purposes to do more, but depends on the community’s help. YA needs everyone touched by an artist or arts experience to share this best kept secret in education with your friends, family, and especially, school administrators, community leaders, PTA’s and clubs, and teachers that you know. There are 340,000 Pre-K, elementary, middle, and high school students in YA’s geographic service area. YA aims to deliver, on average, at least one arts experience to every child in our service area every year of their educational life. In order to accomplish this objective, YA needs $340,000 contributed annually. Quite simply, for every dollar contributed, YA delivers an arts experience. Art changes lives. Not just the children and youth that YA serves, but all of our lives. We can do this, $1 at a time. To celebrate our 55th Anniversary year, please help us spread the love of arts and education. Let ARTS GROW HEARTS! To learn more, visit www.yarochester.org.  Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

YOUR FAMILY

By Christa Melnyk Hines

Caring for the Caretaker HOW TO SUPPORT PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

hen Tracy Glock's 13-month-old daughter Kira was hospitalized with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, she was touched by the outpouring of support she and her husband received. During those eight difficult months, the community rallied around the family. Friends and acquaintances babysat Kira in the hospital while her mom and dad worked, and many others helped by delivering meals and even mowing the family's lawn.

"Words cannot express the gratitude you feel when someone you barely know does so much for you," Tracy says, who was also pregnant at the time with Kira's sister Allina. Although Kira, now seven, has recovered from the frightening ordeal, she still faces many daily challenges. As a child with Down syndrome and autism,

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learning and development takes longer and requires more patience compared to the typically developing child. Like many parents who have children with special needs, Tracy says finding time for herself is difficult. While many of us know how to help a family in crisis, how do we support parents who often put their own needs

last as they focus on the daily challenges of caring for special needs youngsters? OFFER TO BABYSIT. Finding trustworthy, alternate caretakers is a huge relief for parents who regularly juggle doctor's appointments, school issues and therapy, not to mention jobs and other children.

"Every special needs parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs are different, but most just love a little rest," Tracy says. Because children with special needs require more attention from their parents, healthcare providers and therapists, other youngsters in the family may feel slighted. "Children always struggle and

this is the case whether they're special needs or not," says Nancy Masannat, mom to two children, including Emy, 16, and Kyle, 14, who is on the autism spectrum. "There are going to be sibling jealousies." When her children were younger, Nancy would often schedule her son's appointments during times when her daughter was in preschool. "In my daughter's mind, it wasn't fair that someone was coming to the house and playing with her brother and not her." Having access to a qualified babysitter you can trust with your special needs child, can give you an opportunity to spend much-needed, oneon-one time with your other children too. LISTEN. Ask your friend how she's doing and then simply listen. Avoid offering platitudes or suggestions to help her fix problems. "We all just like to be heard. Everybody likes to vent," Nancy says. "Just listen to what the issues are without judgment. That's a huge help for everybody, but primarily when you're dealing with something that someone else might not understand." EDUCATE YOURSELF. Get to know your friend's child, including her disability, her personality quirks and her individual needs. And ask your friend about her specific parenting challenges. "It shows that you care and will help you provide more effective support," says Heather Trammell, mom to two special needs children, including Beth, 14, who has Down syndrome and Marie, 11, who has high-functioning autism. Both girls also have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. SUGGEST RESOURCES. Support groups help parents feel less alone and provide valuable resources for assis-

OTHER IDEAS TO BRIGHTEN YOU FRIEND'S DAY:

• Purchase a gift certificate for a massage or manicure • If you plan to have the family over, ask your friend if you should be aware of any food sensitivities or specific ground rules to ensure a successful visit • Offer to babysit and/or help with siblings • Help with getting kids to practices, appointments or other functions • Deliver a meal • Mow their lawn • Send a bouquet of cheerful flowers • Arrange for a house cleaning crew • Ask if you can pick up anything while running errands • Mail an encouraging card

tance in childcare, school issues and navigating healthcare. "The biggest thing for me was to know that I wasn't in this by myself-that I wasn't the only person who had a child who didn't sleep well; that I wasn't the only one with a child who was now three and not talking," Nancy says. To find support groups in your area, consult with the therapists and teachers your child already works with, your library, your church and online. Some helpful sites include, www.autismspeaks. org, which includes resources for families, and the National Down Syndrome Society, www.ndss.org. Also check out Facebook and MeetUp.com for local support groups. 

Freelance journalist, Christa Melnyk Hines, and her husband are the parents of two sons. She is the author of Confidently Connected: A Mom's Guide to a Satisfying Social Life.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

CALENDAR

JAN & FEB EVENTS

Activities • Exhibits • Theater • Storytelling • Shows • Family Fun • Outdoor Adventures Parenting Programs • and lots more for families to do in & around Rochester!

33RD ANNUAL LAKESIDE WINTER CELEBRATION

Communications Bureau, City of Rochester, NY

elebrate the Winter at the 33rd annual Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park. This year, the celebration will feature a wide array of activities including the Chilly Chili Challenge, snow sculpture contest, and outdoor children’s games on Saturday, February 11 and then continue on Sunday, February 12 with the “Polar Plunge” at noon. Additionally, Charlotte area merchants will be offering specials and discounts all weekend. All events will be held at the Port of Rochester Terminal and Ontario Beach Park. 30

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THIS YEAR'S ACTIVITIES Saturday, Feb. 11, 1-6 pm • Lake Ontario Wine and Craft Beer Festival • Chilly Chili Challenge • Horse-drawn carriage rides • Dog sled demo • Outdoor children’s games with Rec on the Move • Ice sculpture demo • Snow sculpture contest: Theme: Cartoon Characters • Winter hike: Port Terminal Building, 1 pm. • Music by Neil Van Dorn Band • Inaugural Jalapeno Eating Contest

Sunday, Feb. 12, 12-4 pm • Annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for the Special Olympics, noon. • Frostbiter’s sailboat racing

WHERE Ontario Beach Park, 50 Beach Ave, Rochester, NY 14612 WHEN Saturday February 11, 1-6pm; and Sunday February 12, 124pm MORE INFO www.cityofrochester.gov/ wintercelebration

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES 12 * Thursday

calendar guide: January ��31 February ��35 March ��41

Ehnes Plays Beethoven

Book to Screen: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Rated PG. Four English

January

Admired for artistry that’s “effusively lyrical and hair-raisingly virtuosic” (The Guardian), Grammy-winning violinist James Ehnes is the perfect match for Beethoven’s sublime concerto, one of the most popular in the classical canon. 7:30pm 9:30pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

schoolchildren find their way through the back of a wardrobe into the magic land of Narnia and assist Aslan, the golden lion, to triumph over the White Witch, who has cursed the land with eternal winter. 2pm - 4:30pm. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org

08 * Sunday

13 * Friday

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the

Bunk with Beasts: Boy Scouts Attention all troop leaders!

Rougeux on January 14th at 3pm as he wows the crowd young and old with his magical world of bubbles and comedy! Pure entertainment for all ages. Tickets starting at $8. 3pm - 4pm. Cobblestone Theatre, 1622 State Route 332, Farmington 14425. 398-0220. www.cobblestoneartscenter.com

village buildings are closed up tight, we have made weekends in January and February available for our visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of the museum in winter. 10am - 4pm. Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 14511. www.gcv.org

The Force at Play Exhibit Closing

Last chance to learn how the Star Wars movie franchise revolutionized play and playthings in the exclusive The Force at Play exhibit. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. www.museumofplay.org

09 * Monday Storytime Club: Things That Go

Readings of classic children’s tales at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 10:30am - 11:30am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

11 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor every Wednesday October through March, free with Zoo admission. 11am - 11:30am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org Amerks Home Game vs.Hartford Wolf Pack Time for some hockey fun!

Cheer on the Amerks at their home games. Visit website for full schedule. Please be sure to verify date for any changes 7:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. www.amerks.com

Looking for a great way for your Scouts to bond and learn together? Come and spend the night with us! During an overnight, your Scouts will enjoy a fun-filled nocturnal experience including an evening zoo excursion. 5pm - 9am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Amerks Home Game vs.Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins Time for some hockey

fun! Cheer on the Amerks at their home games.Visit website for full schedule. Please be sure to verify date for any changes 7:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. www.amerks.com

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

dazzle you as we discover just what CNC's wild residents are up to at night. Beginner and expert skiers alike will enjoy this easy-paced trek through a majestic winter landscape. 6:30pm - 8pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

14 * Saturday Bad Kitty On Stage TYKEs'

on-stage version of Bad Kitty dishes up a full hour of unmitigated hilarity combined with some heartwarming life lessons. 11am & 2pm. JCC Hart Theatre/CenterStage, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester 14618. www.jccrochester.org

BubbleMania! Join Doug

Ehnes Plays Beethoven

Admired for artistry that’s “effusively lyrical and hair-raisingly virtuosic” (The Guardian), Grammy-winning violinist James Ehnes is the perfect match for Beethoven’s sublime concerto, one of the most popular in the classical canon. 8pm - 10pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. . www.rpo.org

High Tech Yesterday at RMSC What devices were

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

the village buildings are closed up tight, we have made weekends in January and February available for our visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of the museum in winter. 10am - 4pm. Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 14511. www.gcv.org

15 * Sunday Family Slumbrrr Party Join us for a winter overnight at the Zoo! You bring the sleeping bags and boots, we’ll supply the hot chocolate, animals, and adventure! Each child and adult pair will participate together in a guided exploration of animal exhibits. 6:30pm - 9am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org Hochstein Musical Mystery Tour The Musical Mystery Tour

sends children on a scavenger hunt for dance and music clues scattered throughout the historic Hochstein building, while the exceptional Hochstein faculty guide young gumshoes through the music, dance, and craft activities. 2pm - 4pm. Hochstein School of Music & Dance in Rochester, 50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester 14614. hochstein.org

popular during your parents' and grandparents' prime? Come to the RMSC during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend to discover the latest gadgets and technology trending 25 years, 50 years and even 100 years ago! 11am - 3pm. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. www.rmsc.org

Kids. Tim Burton’s rendering of Wonka's factory of wonders is the faithful adaptation Roald Dahl wished for. 2pm. Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave., Rochester 14607. www.eastman.org

Cumming Nature Center Winter Wonderland Walk

High Tech Yesterday at RMSC What devices were

Children engage in forest forensics as they detect signs of life amidst the winter woodland. Hikers will hunt for tracks, uncover secret forest communities and discover nature's many amazing winter adaptations. Great for young kids. 11am 12:30pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

Dryden Kids - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Dryden

PLEASE NOTE:

Dates and times for all calendar and ongoing events are subject to change. Please call the numbers provided or visit their website to confirm event information.

WANT TO SEE YOUR EVENT IN PRINT & ONLINE?

To submit an event to our calendar e-mail: calendar@GVParent.com NEW: Submit your calendar events online at www.RocParent.com/calendar/calendar-submit All entries must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication in order to be considered. Events printed as space permits.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS â&#x20AC;¢ LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the

Bad Kitty On Stage TYKEs'

on-stage version of Bad Kitty dishes up a full hour of unmitigated hilarity combined with some heartwarming life lessons. 2pm. JCC Hart Theatre/ CenterStage, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester 14618. www.jccrochester.org

16 * Monday Celebrating Diversity Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Enjoy special performances celebrating black history presented by Bright Star Theatre. 11am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org High Tech Yesterday at RMSC What devices were popular during your parents' and grandparents' prime? Come to the RMSC during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend to discover the latest gadgets and technology trending 25 years, 50 years and even 100 years ago! 11am - 3pm. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. www.rmsc.org

18 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor every Wednesday October through March, free with Zoo admission. 11am 11:30am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

20 * Friday Bugs Bunny At the Symphony

Celebrate the world’s most “Wascally Wabbit” and pals as Bugs Bunny hops into the concert hall! Classic Looney Tunes favorites like The Rabbit of Seville and What’s Opera, Doc? are projected on the big screen, paired with their original live scores i 8pm - 10pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II Celebrate the world’s most

“Wascally Wabbit” and pals asBugs Bunny hops into the concert hall!

Classic Looney Tunes favorites RPO - The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, 108 East Ave., Rochester 14604. 454-2100. www.rpo.org

21 * Saturday Bad Kitty On Stage TYKEs'

7th Annual Chili and Wine Tasting Event JD Wine Cellars

welcomes the New Year with their 7th annual chili tasting and wine pairing event. The chili tasting event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, January 21st and 22nd. Noon - 5pm. JD Wine Cellars, 1342 Eddy Road , Rochester 14502. 315-986-4202. jdwinecellars.com

Girl Scout Workshop: Brownies Naturalist Bugs

Brownies will become entomologists and explore the life cycles, interdependence, and the anatomy of bugs. A guided exploration of the Zoo provides opportunities to meet those animal friends that depend on bugs. 2pm - 4:30pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Bugs Bunny At the Symphony

Tail Waggin' Tutors Cuddle up

with a dog and a good book! The Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County is going to the dogs! Actually, the dogs are coming to the Children’s Center because they are hungry for books! 11am - Noon. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org

Girl Scout Workshop: Brownies Journey Wonders

of Water Brownies will meet some animals that live in and depend on healthy watery habitats. They also take time to consider the importance of water to people. During this Journey, 10am - 12:30pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Hands-On Harley-Davidson Exhibit Opening Hit the road

with America’s most iconic and beloved motorcycle. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

HANDS-ON HARLEY-DAVIDSON EXHIBIT Hit the road with America’s most iconic and beloved motorcycle in Hands-On Harley-Davidson™—an interactive exhibit that rolls into The Strong museum on January 21, 2017, as part of a national tour. Explore a pretend engineering lab and motorcycle dealership, and use science, technology, engineering, and math concepts to dream up a bike design, build a prototype, and take it for a test drive. Be a design engineer and learn how acceleration, speed, friction, gravity, and other laws of physics affect a motorcycle in motion at the Jump Track, Loop Track, Half-Pipe, and Roller Coaster. Plus, visit the dealership and

OPENS January 21, 2017

WHERE The Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY 14607 ADMISSION Age 2 and older: $14 Under age 2: Free Current members: Free MORE INFO www.museumofplay.org, 263-2700

learn how engine parts work, gear-up with a helmet and vest and learn about safety and much more! Hands-On Harley-Davidson remains on view through May 7, 2017.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the village buildings are closed

up tight, we have made weekends in January and February available for our visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of the museum in winter. 10am - 4pm. Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 14511. www.gcv.org

22 * Sunday Cub Scout Workshop: Wolves Paws on the

Path Be prepared! While taking a one-mile hike through the Seneca Park, scouts will make detailed observations of the wildlife they see as well as use skills to decipher evidence of wildlife unseen too! 10am - 1pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the village buildings are closed

Hands-On Harley-Davidson Exhibit Opening Hit the road with America’s most iconic and beloved motorcycle. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

RPO Music of Mozart A night of Motzart at

the RPO featuring Michael Butterman, conductor The Louise and Henry Epstein Family Chair, Juliana Athayde, violin The Caroline W. Gannett & Clayla Ward Chair, and Melissa Matson, viola. 2pm - 3pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

January Afternoon Concert Series The

Rochester Academy of Medicine welcomes home the 2016-2017 Afternoon Concert Series! We are excited that our East Avenue salon will once again be filled with music as always intended by the Lyon family. 2pm. Rochester Academy of Medicine, 1441 East Avenue, Rochester 14610. raom.org

Bad Kitty On Stage TYKEs' on-stage version of

Bad Kitty dishes up a full hour of unmitigated hilarity combined with some heartwarming life lessons. 2pm & 4:30pm. JCC Hart Theatre/CenterStage, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester 14618. www.jccrochester.org

23 * Monday Storytime Club: Things That Go Readings of classic children’s tales at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 10:30am - 11:30am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

25 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor every Wednesday October through March, free with Zoo admission. 11am - 11:30am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org Amerks Home Game vs.Toronto Marlies Time for some hockey fun! Cheer on the Amerks at their home games.Visit website for full schedule. Please be sure to verify date for any changes 7:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. www.amerks.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES 26 * Thursday RPO presents: Stare Conducts Shostakovich 5 The year: 1936. After his opera, Lady Macbeth, is denounced as “anti-Soviet,” Shostakovich’s fate rides on the success of his next composition. The ensuing Fifth Symphony is a paragon of music’s power to express beyond the notes. 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

27 * Friday Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

Amerks Home Game vs.Albany Devils Time for some

hockey fun! Cheer on the Amerks at their home games.Visit website for full schedule. Please be sure to verify date for any changes 7:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. www.amerks.com

28 * Saturday Hansel and Gretel Delight in a

preview performance of Hansel and Gretel presented by the Rochester Association of Performing Arts. 11am - Noon. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Super Saturdays: Winter Wonderland Party Kids will enjoy

Bunk with Beasts: Girl Scouts

Attention all troop leaders! Looking for a great way for your Scouts to bond and learn together? Come and spend the night with us! During an overnight, your Scouts will enjoy a fun-filled nocturnal experience including an evening zoo excursion... 12am - 9am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

RPO presents: Stare Conducts Shostakovich 5 The year: 1936. After his opera, Lady Macbeth, is denounced as “anti-Soviet,” Shostakovich’s fate rides on the success of his next composition. The ensuing Fifth Symphony is a paragon of music’s power to express beyond the notes. 8pm - 10pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

29 * Sunday Dryden Kids - First Contact

Teenage outcasts Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix band together in Joe Dante’s DIY nuts-and-bolts outerspace adventure. 2pm. Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave., Rochester 14607. www.eastman.org

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

30 * Monday Storytime Club: Things That Go Readings of classic children’s

learning to snowboard with Bristol Mountain, taking photos inside a lifesize snow globe and other fun wintry surprises! 11am - 1pm. Eastview Mall, 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor 14564. www.eastviewmall.com

tales at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 10:30am - 11:30am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Snowman Craft Create a cool,

February

decorative snowman from a creamer bottle! Rush to the Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County so you can make a fun snowman out of a creamer bottle. On Saturday, January 28, the fun will start at 11am. 11am - 4pm. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

01 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little

ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor every Wednesday October through March, free with Zoo admission. 11am 11:30am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

02 * Thursday RPO’s Mozart’s Requiem

Mozart’s genius burns with brooding intensity in the now-legendary Requiem that was to become his own funeral music, a centerpiece in the film Amadeus. 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre,

60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

03 * Friday

ZooClass for 3-year olds: Footprints in the Snow Stomp,

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

dazzle you as we discover just what CNC’s wild residents are up to at night. Beginner and expert skiers alike will enjoy this easy-paced trek through a majestic winter landscape. 6:30pm - 8pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

04 * Saturday Green Eggs & Ham Rochester City Ballet brings artistic director David Palmer’s Green Eggs & Ham to the stage for your entire family. You’ll laugh at this witty and innovative retelling of the classic Dr. Seuss tale. Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Ave., Rochester 14618. www2.naz.edu Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

RPO’s Mozart’s Requiem

Mozart’s genius burns with brooding intensity in the now-legendary Requiem that was to become his own funeral music, a centerpiece in the film Amadeus. 8pm - 10pm. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpo.org

ZooClass for 2-year olds: Keeping Warm Baby it’s cold

outside! Come explore how our animal friends stay warm, even in the Arctic. Feel the fur that animals wear, and cozy up for story time and more. For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. Classes fill up fast. 10:15am - 11am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Hansel and Gretel In this story

of Hansel and Gretel the white bird and the little gnome, under the spell of the wicked Witch, are forced to coax children away so that the wicked Witch can eat them. When the children’s father returns home without food or money. 11am - 4pm. Kodak Center for Performing Arts, 200 West Ridge Rd., Rochester 14615. 2540073. www.RapaTheatre.org

ZooClass for 4 and 5-yearolds: Surviving the Cold What would it be like to live in the arctic? Animal adaptations make surviving the cold look easy. We will meet a cold weather friend and read a story about life in the arctic. For four and five-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. ... 1pm - 2pm. Seneca

step, tiptoe through the snow. Learn how to look for signs of animals in winter and explore the tracks that animals make through art and play. For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 11:30am 12:30pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Mascot Madness Meet with mascots from local sports teams, including the Rochester Americans, Rochester Knighthawks, Rochester Red Wings, State University of New York (SUNY) Alfred State, and SUNY Geneseo. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org Kohlfahrt: A German Winter Cabbage Walk Gather up your

most adventurous friends. You deserve an afternoon of fun and games. Your Kohlfahrt tour will take you on a trip back in time for an afternoon of unique outdoor fun. 1:30pm 3:30pm. Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 14511. www.gcv.org

05 * Sunday Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

06 * Monday Storytime Club: Tropical Tales Readings of classic children’s tales at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 10:30am 11:30am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

07 * Tuesday ZooClass for 2-year olds: Keeping Warm Baby it’s cold

outside! Come explore how our animal friends stay warm, even in the Arctic. Feel the fur that animals wear, and cozy up for story time and more. For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 10:15am - 11am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES 08 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor every Wednesday October through March, free with Zoo admission. 11am 11:30am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Kids Create @ MAG Kids Create

09 * Thursday

Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park

Just One Night for Al Sigl Community Join the Governors,

Trustees, and Council of Al Sigl Community as they shake it up with an evening of friendly competition for the 3rd annual Just One Night! Ten celebrity bartenders will battle it out to see who can raise the most tips! 5:30pm - 7:30pm. City Grill, 384 East Avenue, Rochester 14607. 442.4102 x 8944. www.crowdrise.com/justonenight2017

10 * Friday ZooClass for 2-year olds: Keeping Warm Baby it’s cold

outside! Come explore how our animal friends stay warm, even in the Arctic. Feel the fur that animals wear, and cozy up for story time and more. For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 10:15am - 11am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Amerks Home Game vs.Albany Devils Time for some

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

11 * Saturday Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the

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and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 14511. . www.gcv.org Dates are new at the MAG! Creative Workshop teachers will serve as hosts as MAG offers 3 fun and flexible art projects for kids as young as 4, and as old as 14. Noon - 2pm. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. mag.rochester.edu

Celebrate the Winter at the 33rd annual Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park. This year, the celebration will feature a wide array of activities. 12am. Ontario Beach Park, 4800 Lake Ave., Rochester 14613. . www.cityofrochester.gov/ wintercelebration/

Royal Ball Dress in your most regal attire and meet Her Majesty, the Queen of Play. Be whisked away for a day full of dancing and lively music in the royal court. Enjoy sprightly dance tunes and soaring melodies from Nonesuch Early Music Ensemble. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org Cumming Nature Center Winter Ecology Identification

Explore the science of the lively world beneath the frost and learn about nature’s amazing winter adaptations. 11am - 12:30pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

Bunk with Beasts: Girl Scouts

Attention all troop leaders! Looking for a great way for your Scouts to bond and learn together? Come and spend the night with us! During an overnight, your Scouts will enjoy a fun-filled nocturnal experience including an evening zoo excursion... 5pm - 9am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

12 * Sunday 2017 Polar Plunge The Polar

Bear Plunge is your chance to be one of the thousands of chilled souls across the country who have plunged into winter waters to show their support and raise money for the Special Olympics. 9am - 1pm. Charlotte Beach, 180 Beach Ave., Rochester 14612. www. cityofrochester.gov/wintercelebration/

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

13 * Monday Storytime Club: Tropical Tales Readings of classic children’s tales at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 10:30am 11:30am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Penfield Symphony Orchestra’s “Operatic Gems” Concert Penfield Symphony

Orchestra’s third concert of its 61st Season, “Operatic Gems,” will take place on February 13th, 2017, at 7:30PM, featuring famous operatic excerpts with their wonderful, memorable melodies. 7:30pm - 9pm. Penfield High School Auditorium, 25 High School Drive, Rochester 14526. 872-0774. www.penfieldsymphony.org

Fairy-Tale Fantasy Theme Day Literature comes alive and students get the royal treatment as they make fairy-tale costumes and crafts for the Royal Ball! Students meet the Queen of Play, dance in the banquet hall with lords and ladies from the Queen’s court. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Fairy-Tale Fantasy Theme Day

14 * Tuesday Fairy-Tale Fantasy Theme Day Literature comes alive and students get the royal treatment as they make fairy-tale costumes and crafts for the Royal Ball! Students meet the Queen of Play, dance in the banquet hall with lords and ladies from the Queen’s court. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

ZooClass for 4 and 5-yearolds: Surviving the Cold What

would it be like to live in the arctic? Animal adaptations make surviving the cold look easy. We will meet a cold weather friend and read a story about life in the arctic. For four and five-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 11:30am - 12:30pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

ZooClass for 3-year olds: Footprints in the Snow Stomp,

step, tiptoe through the snow. Learn how to look for signs of animals in winter and explore the tracks that animals make through art and play. For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 10:15am 11:15am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

15 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little

Literature comes alive and students get the royal treatment as they make fairy-tale costumes and crafts for the Royal Ball! Students meet the Queen of Play, dance in the banquet hall with lords and ladies from the Queen’s court. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

16 * Thursday Fairy-Tale Fantasy Theme Day Literature comes alive and students get the royal treatment as they make fairy-tale costumes and crafts for the Royal Ball! Students meet the Queen of Play, dance in the banquet hall with lords and ladies from the Queen’s court. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

17 * Friday Amerks Home Game vs.Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Time for some hockey fun! Cheer on the Amerks at their home games.Visit website for full schedule. Please be sure to verify date for any changes 7:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. . www.amerks.com

Decades Rewind Decades Rewind

is a new theatrical music journey, unlike anything you’ve seen or heard before, rewinding through 30 years of the greatest music of our times! Get ready to have your memories brought to life by an 8 piece band and 6 brilliant vocals. 7:30pm - 9:45pm. RBTL Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St., Rochester 14605. -222-5000. www.decadesrewind.com

Bunk with Beasts: Boy Scouts Attention all troop leaders! Looking for a great way for your Scouts to bond and learn together? Come and spend the night with us! During an overnight, your Scouts will enjoy a fun-filled nocturnal experience including an evening zoo excursion. 5pm - 9am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

ZooClass for 4 and 5-yearolds: Surviving the Cold What

ZooClass for 3-year olds: Footprints in the Snow Stomp,

step, tiptoe through the snow. Learn how to look for signs of animals in winter and explore the tracks that animals make through art and play. For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 10:15am 11:15am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

dazzle you as we discover just what CNC’s wild residents are up to at night. Beginner and expert skiers alike will enjoy this easy-paced trek through a majestic winter landscape. 6:30pm 8pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

FIND MORE!

FOR MORE CALENDAR EVENTS AND PLACES TO GO, CHECK OUR WEBSITE WHERE YOU WILL FIND: Access to events by month and day

Review events by selection of library, storytimes, free events, sports, outdoor fun and more... New events posted weekly

WWW.ROCPARENT.COM Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES 18 * Saturday Rev Up School-Break Week Race into The Strong to peddle your way to victory in a fun bicycle course, test your movie-motorcycle knowledge with a fun quiz, and design and draw your own motorcycle in conjunction with the Hands-on Harley-DavidsonTM exhibit. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org Cumming Nature Center Nordic Fest

Help support this volunteer organization who patrol CNC ski trails every weekend in January and February to ensure the safety of the visitors. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the ski patrol from current members. 11am 2:30pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

Cumming Nature Center Winter Wonderland Walk Children engage in

forest forensics as they detect signs of life amidst the winter woodland. Hikers will hunt for tracks, uncover secret forest communities and discover nature’s many amazing winter adaptations. Great for young kids. 11am 12:20pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. . www.rmsc.org

Tail Waggin’ Tutors Cuddle up with a dog and a good book! The Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County is going to the dogs! Actually, the dogs are coming to the Children’s Center because they are hungry for books! 11am - Noon. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org

BAD KITTY ON STAGE TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy) presents the brand new musical Bad Kitty on Stage live at the JCC from January 14 to 22. The show is based on five books from the popular, hilarious New York Times bestselling children’s book series by Nick Bruel about a spirited housecat who wreaks havoc throughout her owner’s home. The show is recommended for boys and girls ages four and up. UPCOMING SHOWS DATES • Saturday, January 14 at 11am and 2pm • Sunday, January 15 at 2pm • Saturday, January 21 at 11am and 2pm • Sunday, January 22 at 2pm and 4:30pm {4:30pm show is ASL-interpreted}

www.RocParent.com

KidsFest 2017 A great way to shake off cabin fever with this kid activity event by WPXY. 10am - 4pm. Total Sports Experience, 880 Elmgrove Rd, Rochester 14624. www.98PXY.com

WHERE TYKES @ JCC Hart Theatre, 1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester 14618 COST $16 Non-Member, $15 JCC Member. Subscriptions, school shows and group sales are offered at discounted rates. MORE INFO Show information and ticket sales are available online at www.TykesTheatre.org. For more information or to order tickets by phone, call the JCC at 585-461-2000.

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the village buildings are

closed up tight, we have made weekends in January and February available for our visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of the museum in winter. 10am - 4pm. Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., Mumford 14511. www.gcv.org

Boy Scout Workshop: Merit Badge

Reptile and Amphibian Study Explore the wonders of herpetology! Merit Badge requirements are easy to fulfill here at Seneca Park Zoo. 10am - 1pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Kids Create @ MAG Kids Create Dates are new at the MAG! Creative Workshop teachers will serve as hosts as MAG offers 3 fun and flexible art projects for kids as young as 4, and as old as 14. Noon - 2pm. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. mag.rochester.edu

Amazing Animals at RMSC Third annual Amazing Animals program, back by popular demand, at the RMSC! Explore the amazing adaptations in the animal kingdom. From insects to mammals and beyond, join us to discover how some of the creatures that share our earth survive... 11am - 3pm. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. . www.rmsc.org

CALENDAR OF EVENTS â&#x20AC;˘ LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES 19 * Sunday Rev Up School-Break Week

Race into The Strong to peddle your way to victory in a fun bicycle course, test your movie-motorcycle knowledge with a fun quiz, and design and draw your own motorcycle in conjunction with the Hands-on Harley-DavidsonTM exhibit. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Amazing Animals at RMSC

Third annual Amazing Animals program, back by popular demand, at the RMSC! Explore the amazing adaptations in the animal kingdom. From insects to mammals and beyond, join us to discover how some of the creatures that share our earth survive. 11am - 3pm. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. www.rmsc.org

Boy Scout Workshop: Merit Badge Reptile and Amphibian Study

Explore the wonders of herpetology! Merit Badge requirements are easy to fulfill here at Seneca Park Zoo. 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Amerks Home Game vs.Binghamton Senators Time

for some hockey fun! Cheer on the Amerks at their home games.Visit website for full schedule. Please be

sure to verify date for any changes 5:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. . www.amerks.com

Cumming Nature Center Nordic Fest Help support this

volunteer organization who patrol CNC ski trails every weekend in January and February to ensure the safety of the visitors. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the ski patrol from current members. 11am - 2:30pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although

20 * Monday Winter Break Camp Survive and

Thrive Monday, February 20 through Friday, February 24 Survival of the fittest! Explore the challenges that animals face in their natural range and compare to our own ability to adapt to changing environments. 9am - 4pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Amazing Animals at RMSC

Rev Up School-Break Week

21 * Tuesday Rev Up School-Break Week

Amazing Animals at RMSC

22 * Wednesday Amazing Animals at RMSC

Rev Up School-Break Week

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;˘ January/February 2017

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Kids Create @ MAG Kids Create Dates are new at the MAG! Creative Workshop teachers will serve as hosts as MAG offers 3 fun and flexible art projects for kids as young as 4, and as old as 14. Noon - 2pm. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. mag.rochester.edu

Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the

THE SOUND OF MUSIC AT RBTL The hills are alive! A brand new production of The Sound of Music, directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, is coming to Rochester. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as a live television production when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013 and was seen by over 44 million people. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

WHERE Rochester Broadway Theater League, Auditorium Theater, 885 East Main Street, Rochester, NY 14605 WHEN February 28-March 5, 2017 MORE INFO Visit www.rbtl.org

Rev Up School-Break Week Race into The Strong to

peddle your way to victory in a fun bicycle course, test your moviemotorcycle knowledge with a fun quiz, and design and draw your own motorcycle in conjunction with the Hands-on Harley-DavidsonTM exhibit. 11am - 4pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 2632700. www.museumofplay.org

26 * Sunday Ski, Snowshoe & Hike the Museum in Winter Although the

Rev Up School-Break Week Race into The Strong to

23 * Thursday Rev Up School-Break Week

Amazing Animals at RMSC

website for full schedule. Please be sure to verify date for any changes 7:05pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. . www.amerks.com

Rev Up School-Break Week

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

Amazing Animals at RMSC

25 * Saturday

24 * Friday

Amerks Home Game vs.Syracuse Crunch Time for

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

some hockey fun! Cheer on the Amerks at their home games.Visit

www.RocParent.com

night. Beginner and expert skiers alike will enjoy this easy-paced trek through a majestic winter landscape. 6:30pm - 8pm. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. www.rmsc.org

dazzle you as we discover just what CNC’s wild residents are up to at

Amazing Animals at RMSC

Black History Month Family Day The whole family is invited to

celebrate Black History Month with art activities, music and dance, cultural displays, tours and storytelling. Suggested family donation is $5. Noon - 5pm. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. mag.rochester.edu

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • LOCAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES Dryden Kids - Pee-wee’s Big Adventure The strange and wonderful story of a man-child in search of his beloved bicycle. 2pm. Dryden Theatre, 900 East Ave., Rochester 14607. www.eastman.org

27 * Monday Storytime Club: Tropical Tales Readings of classic children’s tales at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 10:30am 11:30am. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

28 * Tuesday The Sound of Music The hills are alive! A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, is coming to Rochester. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family. 7:30pm 10pm. RBTL Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St., Rochester 14605. www.rbtl.org

March 01 * Wednesday Book & Beast Bring your little ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor every Wednesday October through March, free with Zoo admission. 11am 11:30am. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 3367213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

03 * Friday Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

Cumming Nature Center Moonlight Ski Let the full moon

Eastman Evening Join Eastman

School of Music students for a short concert followed by a question and answer session in the Caterpillar Atrium. Included with general admission fees. 6pm - 8pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Amerks Home Game vs.St. John’s IceCaps Time for some

04 * Saturday ZooClass for 3-year olds: What did you say? Cock-a-

doodle-doo! It’s time to listen to the animals. During this playful class we’ll play a game and examine the sounds that our animal friends make. For three-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 11:30am - 12:30pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

ZooClass for 2-year olds: Gobble, Growl, Grunt What’s

that sound? Have fun making animal sounds and listening closely to what animals have to say. This playful class will have your toddler talking! For two-year-olds with a complimentary caregiver. 10:15am - Noon. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7200. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Lego Lab Create! Construct!

Build! Do you love building with Legos? This is the place for you! Come build a Lego masterpiece and then display your work for all to see. This program is best for children five and older. 10:30am - 11:30am. Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org

Getting Silly with Dr. Seuss

Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss with silly activities inspired by the beloved author’s tales. 11am - 3pm. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. www.museumofplay.org

Amerks Home Game vs.Bridgeport Sound Tigers

ZooClass for 4 and 5-year olds: About Face Some animals

have an amazing sense of smell and some have ears that can hear things far, far away. Through creative play, we will explore animal senses and take a close look at beaks, and snouts, and trunks and more 1pm 2pm. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

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Let's Celebrate!

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;˘ January/February 2017

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Are you planning a party? CHECK OUR PARTY & CELEBRATION GUIDE FOR ARTICLES AND GREAT PARTY IDEAS!

2/15/13

• • • • • • •

List of Party Planning Resources in the Rochester Area How to Host the Perfect Birthday Bash Birthdays on a Budget 8 birthday traditions Party Awesome A-Z How to host an art-themed birthday party .... and more!

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Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • January/February 2017

FIVE

PLACES

By Carol Harvey

curing cabin fever

FIVE PLACES TO ENJOY OUTDOOR WINTER FUN

f there is one thing the Rochester area has an abundance of, it's winter. And for many of us it means a time to get out and enjoy this marvelous winter wonderland. While we dig out our snow shovels and windshield scrapers, we are also eagerly unpacking winter clothes, skis, snowboards, ice skates, snowshoes and sleds.

Winter in the Greater Rochester area offers some of the best family fun to be had. From watching animals play in the snow at the Seneca Park Zoo to snowboarding down a slope at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, there's a lot to do. So don't hibernate inside, get your winter gear together and make plans for some outdoor fun. Communications Bureau, City of Rochester, NY

Bristol Mountain Ski Resort 5662 Route 64, Canandaigua 14424 374-6000 www.bristolmountain. com

There are 138 acres of skiable terrain with a variety of inclines for every skier and snowboarder from beginner to expert. The views from the summit and the 34 slopes are breathtaking. Bristol Mountain offers Learn to Ski/Snowboard packages, rentals, camps, a demo center, dining services in their lounges and so much more.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Ice Rink 353 Court St., Rochester 14607 428-7541 www.cityofrochester. gov/mlkparkicerink/

This outdoor ice skating rink boasts a kidney-shaped surface. Patrons can enjoy an expanded warming shelter that features a heated floor and fireplace, new rental skates and a new sound and lighting system. Rates are family-friendly.

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Genesee County Park and Nature Center 11095 Bethany Center Rd., East Bethany 14054 344-1122 www.co.genesee.ny.us

Winter is snowshoeing time at the park and snowshoes are available to rent through the months of January, February and March - weather permitting. Rentals are available first come first serve from 10am-3pm Thursdays and Fridays and noon-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays or bring your own.

RMSC Cumming Nature Center

6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512 374-6160 www.rmsc.org The Cumming Nature Center features groomed trails for snowshoeing and classic cross-country skiing in the winter months. Restrooms and snacks are available in the visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; center. Trails are open five days a week: Wednesday through Friday, 9am3:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9am-4:30pm (closed Monday and Tuesday). Rentals are available.

Seneca Park Zoo

2222 St. Paul St., Rochester 14621 336-7200 http://senecaparkzoo.org What could be more fun that bundling up and heading out to the Zoo to watch polar bears and penguins? The Zoo is open all year long and winter offers the unique opportunity to see how animals adapt to the weather. Zoo hours are 10am-3pm from January 1 to March 31.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2017