Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • March/April 2015
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Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • March/April 2015
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march/april 2015
inside Vol.22 Number 3
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Music in Our Schools celEbrating music in our schools month & the importance of music education
in this issue 6 | what's online 8|e ditor's note 10 | buzzworthy in the community 28| Book Nook Biographical Books 30 | Your family Ten Tips for Finding and Enjoying a CSA
more features
34 | Your family Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs 76 | Calendar of Events • Da Vinci — The Genius Exhibition • Family-Friendly Events 94 | five places Marvelous Maple
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Celebrating Family History
on the cover Music in Our Schools Fast Forward Film Festival Uncovering Your Family History How to Find & Enjoy a CSA The Benefits of Summer Camp Summer Camp & Activity Guide 235 Things to Do in March & April
guide inside summer camp & activity guide
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 12 & 24]
Fast Forward Film Festival
researching your ancestors & getting your kids involved
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this month's contributors
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karen higman is a Rochester-based freelance writer and a consultant to local non-profit agencies. [Page 18] Deena Viviani is a Rochester-based Young Adult Services Librarian who writes reviews for VOYA and the RACWI Newsletter.
[Page 28] Through gardening and her CSA share, Beth N. Davis enjoys fresh fruits and vegetables all summer long with her husband and their four children. [Page 30] Angela Cannon-Crothers
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is a contributing writer to Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. [Page 34] Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa's latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a
Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World. [Page 40] Gayla Grace sends her kids to camp every summer and always looks forward to hearing new stories when they return. [Page 42]
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online
march + april
what you can find at www.RocParent.com
spring has sprung
This month you can find online exclusives like Easter crafts, recipes, gardening tips and more to help start the new season
it's for the birds Bird watching is a family hobby that can be enjoyed all year long. Find out how you can make your backyard bird-friendly and where your family can see and learn about birds locally.
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camp time From overnight camps to day camps and everything in between, there are lots of choices for summer activities and now is the time to narrow down the search. Visit our camp section online to find information about area camp programs and helpful articles about selecting the perfect camp for your child.
Go Green with Fun Recycle Crafts We celebrate Earth Day in April but caring for Mother Earth by recycling should happen everyday. Try our selection of “green� crafts and get creative!
join us on pinterest
summer camp Gear up for camp with helpful articles and tips about selecting a camp, the benefits of camp and more. going green Let's celebrate Earth Day -- our Going Green board will have eco-friendly crafts and tips on how you can reduce, reuse and recycle! JOIN US AT pinterest.com/gvparentmag
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editor's note
By Jillian Melnyk
evolution
W
hen we started this magazine 21 years ago, the world was a very different place – no internet, no cell phones, no tablets, no Facebook. It feels like ages ago. Things have changed a lot since then, and now, two decades later, our baby has really grown up.
what’s on your mind? Email our Publisher, Barbara: mail@GVParent.com Email our Editor, Jillian: editor@GVParent.com
While the world evolves around us, it's impractical not to evolve with it. We have made some incredible changes through our years of publishing, and this month we want to announce one more. Starting with this issue, our magazine will be published bi-monthly. (You can find our next issue on the stands in May.) The new change is in response to the high demand for and success of our digital content. We are thrilled that so many of you choose to join us online and connect with us through social media. While we started this magazine as a print publication, we have grown into so much more – we are now digital content creators and curators. In lieu of publishing a print publication each month, we will be focusing extra effort on our website, www.RocParent.com, where we can reach you with new content, things to do, and informative articles every day. We are excited for what the future brings and to connect with you in the digital world. See
you in May!
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Staff publisher Barbara Melnyk mail@GVParent.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jillian Melnyk editor@GVParent.com Account Executives Ken Stevens creative director Jillian Melnyk graphics@GVParent.com CALENDAR EDITOR calendar@GVParent.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Sandy Citarella Basic subscription rate: $15/year. Send subscription inquiries and changes to address below. Copyright 2015, 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: 585-486-1959 www.RocParent.com
member of parenting media association
Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • March/April 2015
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buzzworthy in town
small art, big impact
Imagine working on a project with your kids for a public exhibit that puts them on equal footing — including having the opportunity to sell their work — with celebrities, international and locally acclaimed artists, designers, students, and individuals of every age. And all for a terrific cause. Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s (RoCo’s) 8th annual 6x6 fundraiser and participatory exhibit is just such an event. This biggest “small art” phenomenon is an international expression of support for artists, arts institutions, creativity, and participation. Since 2008, 6x6 has grown to include thousands of artworks from every state and 65 different countries. An art background is not necessary to enter. All entries will be accepted, exhibited in the gallery and online, and offered for sale to the public for $20 each to benefit RoCo. All artworks remain on display through July 12, 2015. Sold-out artists’ names will be revealed online next to their work on July 3. With the exception of glitter, all media including photography and 3-D pieces are welcome. Each artist may submit up to four works, and there is no fee to enter. Each artwork submitted must be 6x6 square inches (15cm) or mounted to a 6x6” board, signed only on the back. If desired, blank 6x6” matboard squares can be picked up for free at RoCo (137 East Avenue, Rochester), Wednesday-Sunday, 1-5 pm, and Friday 1-10 pm. All artwork is due at RoCo by April 19, 2015 (postmarked April 18). The Opening Party and Art Sale take place on Saturday, June 6. With RoCo’s goal of selling at least 2,500 artworks and the modest $20 purchase price, anyone can be an artist or an art collector. Even a kid.
listen to your mother Listen To Your Mother is an exciting new show coming to Rochester on May 8, 2015 in the Memorial Art Gallery Ballroom. The show consists of local writers reading their pieces about motherhood and all of the highs and lows that go along with it. The event is full of laughter, tears and a sense of community. A minimum of 10 percent of all ticket proceeds will benefit two local organizations that are making a difference by supporting women and children. The organizations are the Society for the Protection & Care of Children and Parenting Village. Visit www.listentoyourmothershow.com/rochester for more information.
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Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) will host STEM-apalooza
On Saturday, April 18 GSWNY will host STEM-a-palooza for girls in grades K-12. The event will encourage girls to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and participate in hands-on STEM activities. STEM-a-palooza was held for the first time last year and completely sold out, hosting more than 200 girls and 30 volunteers for fun activities like reverse engineering (taking electronics apart to learn what’s inside) and an egg drop (building containers that would keep an egg safe when it’s dropped from a high distance). While this event is primarily for registered Girl Scouts, those who are not currently registered Girl Scouts may still attend the by emailing programs@gswny.org for more information.
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// feature story //
words susan henninger
music in our schools celebrating music in our schools month & the importance of music education
“M
usic is a good, pure thing,” says professional music educator, Dr. Johanna Siebert, Director of Fine Arts at the Webster Central School District (WCSD). “We teach to be human; to understand and express ourselves.” John Gabriele, Chair of the Music Department at Rochester City School District’s School of the Arts (SOTA) agrees wholeheartedly. “Music isn’t something we do; it’s something we are. It’s hard-wired into us.” March is Music In Our Schools Month, a time when music education steps into the spotlight to take a well-deserved bow.
The Music Educators
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ing the piano at a young age, explains. “I loved it and I had the aptiJohanna began her tude and the discipline illustrious music career you need to do it as a on the violin in first career.” In college her grade. Her wealth of persued a performance experience includes major in piano, ultiher tenure in the – Alan Tirre, Assistant mately receiving his MasWebster schools teaching Principal at School ter’s Degree in Education. music classes and acting of the arts As Music Department Chair, as curriculum supervisor, he enjoys working with students teaching at the Eastman School and mentoring younger teachers. “I’m of Music, and being chosen as one of ten now at the point where I’m teaching my past people who developed “The New National students’ kids,” John says proudly. “Many Standards for Music,” released in 2014. parents who came here as students want the Johanna recently received the Rochester same experience for their own kids.” Philharmonic Award for her work on behalf of the Rochester arts community, something Music Is Academic she’s extremely proud of. WCSD has two high schools, two middle “You don’t choose music as much as schools, and seven elementary schools. Not music chooses you,” John, who started playsurprising, Johanna fully supports school
Music is the medium we use to teach kids the skills they’ll need to get through life"
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music programs that begin the day a student enters the Webster Music in Our schools and Schools Month is a good conclude way to educate the public with graduaby showcasing what we do tion. In but what we’re doing is so addition important that we should be to generdoing it every month.” al music classes, – Dr. Johanna Siebert, Webster Director of Fine Arts at the schools begin Webster Central School District offering band and chorus in fourth grade and and then provide plenty of other opportunities to students who want to explore musical interests or stretch themselves in a specific area. These include small group lessons, voice classes, jazz ensembles, orchestra, AP Music Theory classes, and select orchestra, which requires an audition and more practice time. How does Johanna respond to those who feel that the arts should be an afterschool activity rather than part of the school curriculum? “Music is a highly academic subject,” she says. “We have standards for every grade level.” Music has a full-fledged content area all its own, she continues, with a vocabulary, a history, and a set of processing skills. It’s a subject that requires students to be collaborative, communicative, and creative, along with encouraging them to participate actively and think on their feet. “No one sits on the bench in music!” she declares. Not only does music teach skills that students can’t get elsewhere, it provides them with a sense of their own history and where they fit into it. “Some of the most important themes of music reflect certain periods of time, how people thought and what they cared about then. For example, look at the protest songs of the 1960s,” Johanna suggests. Additionally music gives kids an exposure to different cultures, sounds, and feelings through the musical selections that teachers choose for their concerts. For more than 30 years, SOTA has emphasized a curriculum for students from grades 7-12 that seamlessly melds fine arts and academics. Teens and tweens are expected to participate in SOTA performances, to commit to an extended school day, and to carry a full academic course load along with a rigorous fine arts sequence. Teachers and administrators call this focus STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) based on their belief that the arts are just as important as other scholastic subjects. In SOTA’s educational model, arts are one of the primary ways student success is measured. “Music is the medium we use to teach kids the skills they’ll need to get through life,” says Alan Tirre, Assistant Principal at SOTA. There are numerous opportunities for aspiring musicians at SOTA, including lessons, strings, band, orchestra, ensembles, and chorus. “The sheer variety of arts programming at our school rivals many collegiate programs,” Alan maintains. Students at both schools enrich the Rochester community in numerous ways. SOTA students perform at City Hall and have appeared on WXXI’s City Wise program for more than three years. Furthermore, John makes sure that SOTA
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classes, and computers assist students frequently visit Rochstudents with skills like ester elementary schools ear training, composito show the young tion, and research. students there what is Music gets kids Webster schools possible for them to to school. It provides have used a simachieve in the arts a tremendous inner ilar approach, with a positive satisfaction when a embedding attitude and a technology in lot of practice! student is able to master already existing WCSD musisomething difficult through courses, as opcians have been problem-solving." posed to creatasked to perform ing entirely new patriotic selections – Dr. Johanna Siebert, ones. “We have at places including Director of Fine Arts at the Webster recording equipthe 9/11 commemoCentral School ment in our classration, sporting events District rooms so kids can play such as Rochester Amerks their piece back and evaluate games, and in parades. They it immediately,” Johanna says, exalso play holiday music for elderly resiplaining that if students have to wait until dents at local nursing homes and are often they hear the concert recording, it will be part of musical theatre productions. too late to fix the problem. WCSD teachers and students also use iPads for composMusic is Adaptable ing their lessons and SMART Music, a How have school music programs adaptcomputer program students can play along ed to our rapidly changing society and with, which tells them as soon as they play emerging technologies? John believes that something incorrectly. the courses haven’t changed as much as the One thing that hasn’t changed over ways kids today are learning. At SOTA, time is how music encourages students to they’ve found it helpful to add a technology think creatively, and to listen and truly component to many of their preexisting understand what they’re hearing. It also
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teaches young people to work in a group and to understand the long-term benefits from the discipline of regularly practicing an instrument. It’s simple, John says. “If you practice every day you will hear yourself getting better.” He adds that mastering tougher compositions by breaking the work down into smaller steps can be an amazing accomplishment for young people and gives them a foundation to tackle other difficult tasks they may encounter later in life.
Music Motivates
SOTA has an astounding graduation rate (90-94% each year) for a Rochester City School. Alan explains that they don’t look at a student’s past academic performance or behavior when considering admission. “They audition and we look at what they can do in the arts,” he says. “Every year we accept kids who are performing several grades below their level.” The other good news is that SOTA’s attendance rates are high and the school’s dropout rate is less than 3%. Based on these figures, Alan doesn’t believe it takes a rocket scientist to realize that coupling academics with the arts results in students who are more passionate and committed about their education. Not only is music a great vehicle
to get students to come to school, it’s also a fantastic way for young people from all walks of life to express themselves in socially appropriate and unique ways. “Music gets kids to school,” Johanna says matter-of-factly. “It provides a tremendous inner satisfaction when a student is able to master something difficult through problem-solving. Having a public audience for this allows them to see themselves as part of something successful which can be important for both the kids and their families.”
The Beat Goes on!
Each year, at least eight graduating Webster seniors choose to major in some form of music, usually teaching or performing, at college. But you don’t have to be a career musician to reap the benefits of music throughout your life. “It prepares students for the workforce and teaches them how to be a good citizen,” Johanna asserts. Students that are part of a band, orchestra, or ensemble benefit by learning both individual and teamwork skills that they might not get in other academic subjects, such as resolving issues when different personalities are involved and learning to accept constructive feedback. Because of this, music students tend to be much better hires for potential employers, she declares. Alan notes that approximately 30% of SOTA’s student body will pursue arts as a long-term career goal but that, regardless what career path SOTA graduates choose, 100% of them will leave school with an understanding and appreciation of the role the arts can play in their lives. “We’re not in the business of creating artists. We create well-rounded human beings who appreciate the arts,” he states. John believes that exposing every child to the arts, no matter what his future plans are, makes perfect sense. “We send every child to gym class and don’t expect them to become professional athletes,” he says. “We just want them to understand how to take care of their bodies. It’s the same concept with music.” A firm grounding in music allows every young person to become an actively contributing member of a community that values the arts, whether as a performer or a patron. Pleasing others through their music is a gift that they learn to give freely, Johanna observes. In Webster everyone comes out to hear the kids play and music establishes a connection between different generations. To her delight, parents often approach their child’s musical
involvement saying “I enjoyed music in school so much that I want my children to have the same experience.”
Music Matters Every Month!
“Music uses all of us –our brain, our hearts, and our souls, everything,” Adele Fico, SOTA’s Art Center Director, proclaims. “There is no substitute for music!” John agrees. “Music in Our Schools Month is a good way to educate the public by showcasing what we do but what we’re doing is so important that we should be doing it every month.” According to Johanna, commemorating Music in Our Schools every March doesn’t change what WCSD is already doing. But, setting aside a specific month is a great motivator for music educators to “make sure we’re doing everything we can musically in our schools”. On a personal note, I’ve seen all of the benefits of music education that Johanna, John, Alan, and Adele spoke of firsthand. My oldest son majored in French horn performance and is now teaching private music lessons in the Dallas, TX schools, along with playing paid musical gigs in wide variety of settings. My two younger boys are in college where they regularly attend musical performances in every genre; nothing is off limits! And, as a family, music continues to enrich all of our lives immeasurably. Should there be music in the schools? Our answer is a resounding “Yes!”
Sue Henninger is a freelance writer and a regular contributor to family magazines. Contact her at www.fingerlakeswriter.com.
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// feature story //
words karen higman
celebrating
family history researching your ancestors & getting kids involved
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enealogy — discovering the history of one's family and tracing descendants and ancestors — is becoming a cool activity. Researching family history is actually the third most popular activity on the internet (shopping is still the first by far). This may be due in part to the fact that the internet has made research easy in comparison to years past. Previously, if you were interested in finding key records about your family’s past, like a marriage license or birth certificate, you had to travel to a library or courthouse and look through its archives. Today’s technology makes it possible to sit in the comfort of your house and access thousands – even millions – of records from across the country
The trend has also produced several national television shows on genealogy including “Finding Your Roots” on PBS and “Who Do You Think You Are?” on TLC. These shows make it even more interesting for the everyday viewer because the shows’ hosts trace the history of celebrities who all seem to be related to a major historical figure or a big event in history. It leaves television viewers with the impression that they, too, could have a famous past. Whether you have a hunch that you could be related to George Washington or you would just like to know more about your Grandma Tilly, it’s fun and easy to get yourself and your children started on tracing your roots.
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Getting the Kids Involved & Making it Fun
Most people are interested in where they come from because it gives a sense of belonging and helps — especially kids — figure out one's place in the world. Once children know more about their family history, they can develop a greater respect for their legacy and feel a sense of pride. If you want to get your children involved
and make this a fun family activity, the website kids.familytreemagazine.com is a great place to start. This website absolutely rocks and gives parents wonderful, hands-on activities that kids of all ages will love. There are ideas for games that you can play and crafts that you can make with your children which is learning disguised as fun. Here are just a few tips and ideas for parents: Engage with relatives. Encourage your children to talk to their relatives, especially older relatives, and ask them stories about what is was like when they grew up. If possible, record these conversations on your cell phone so that your children can refer back to them and you have them as part of the family record. Questions like “What was school like for you?,” “What did you do for fun as a kid?,” or “What movies and songs did you like when you were growing up?” can be really interesting to today’s generation. Get out. Go on family field trips to places where your ancestors lived or worked, or even to an historic cemetery where the children can do continued >>>
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rubbings of family members’ graves. Visit the local history section of the Rochester Museum & Science Center or a living history museum like Genesee Country Village & Museum to help your children understand how their ancestors could have lived. If your ancestors lived in the Rochester area, you can also get in touch with local area historical societies to see what kind of records, activities or events they offer. For example, Rochester's Landmark Society offers walking tours of the Rochester area and historical sites. Cook. Celebrate your family history through food. Families often do this during the holidays, but there are many occasions when a time-treasured family recipe can be prepared with your children. Why not make great-grandma’s Irish Soda Bread and while you bake, talk about where she came from and what her life was like? Organize. For older kids, let them help in the research and organizing process. Letting them help organize documents and photographs of family members will engage them with the process as well as teach them about history.
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Uncover the stories. As you research your family history, stories will unfold. You may learn that your greataunt Margaret worked in a factory and had four kids. Talk to your kids and imagine what Margaret's life might have been like. What would she have been making? What would her day have been like? What would it be like to be one of her children? You can use your ancestors as a jumping off point to discuss your own family and history as a whole.
Choosing the Right Tools
The largest and most popular online genealogy website is Ancestry.com. This company has been in the family history market for over 30 years and it has developed some of the most effective online research tools. Ancestry.com has agreements with thousands of national, state and local governments, historical societies, religious institutions and collectors so the site gives you access to billions of digitized historical records. The term “digitized” is important because other sites or resources might tell you that a particular record that you’re looking for exists, but Ancestry.com lets you view an image of it online. This site also claims to have the
world’s largest online community of people interested in their family histories, and Ancestry.com registered users have created over 60 million family trees and uploaded and attached to their trees over 200 million photographs, scanned documents and written stories. All of this is important to you because the more information that is stored, the more likely you are to be able to find something about your family. There are also opportunities to connect with long-lost or unknown relatives through the sharing of family trees. The popular website comes with a price; its costs $20 a month to subscribe or $99 for six months for basic U.S. Service (world-wide service is also available). If you want to explore Ancestry.com first to see if it works for your needs, there is a free 14-day trial offer. Beyond Ancestry.com, there are many other web-based services available for the family history buff and some are offered free of charge. A particularly useful and user-friendly site is www.familytree.com/ This is a free genealogy, ancestry, and family tree research website that offers genealogy advice and tips for the beginner to the advanced researcher, in addition to search information. There are also websites that are hosted by public groups with direct
source information, specifically the U.S. government. These resources can be viewed free of charge but as with all websites, the user must be aware of any limitations which could make their search less effective or more time consuming. Some of the public websites don’t offer digitized records, so the user is not able to actually view a copy of the record online. The largest and most comprehensive site is the National Archives which is national record-keeper for the United States. Go to www. archives.gov/research/genealogy If you are interested in searching in-person locally, The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County boasts one of the premier collections of local historical and genealogical materials in western New York. You can also join the Family Detectives Club that meets every Sunday from 1:15-1:45 pm during October through May in the Local History Division (2nd floor) of the Rundel Public Library.
What Are You Searching For?
These are the most common records that you will want to use in your search: The Census The United States has been keeping census records since 1790 when the country decided it needed to count the population in order to assign the correct number of representatives to the US House of Representatives. The census is taken every 10 years and from 1790-1870, the information is arranged by state, county, township or city and includes only the head of the household. Beginning in 1880, the census included everyone in the household and their relationship with the head of the household, which means there is a wealth of information. For example, these records list children in the household and their ages, so you may be able to begin tracing your relative as an infant or young child off their parents’ census record. Fun fact: The 1890 U.S. Census was largely lost in a fire at the Department of Commerce Building in 1921, so there is information missing from that decade. Military Records Remember that historically, most records are kept through the activities continued >>> Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • March/April 2015
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of men rather than women because females could not vote, serve in the military or (for the most part) own property or land. Even if your male relative did not serve in the military, these resources include those who registered for the draft which was mandatory leading up to and during the First World War in the United States. https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1968530 Land Records The free records in the National Archives only show the first time that land is sold from the United States government to a third party. Subsequent sales are recorded locally so finding those records may require you to use a paid service like Ancestry.com or visiting the actual source like a county courthouse where the deeds are filed. Immigration Records If your relatives arrived from another country, their passage to the United States may well be recorded. These records vary greatly and some are free to access from public sources while others require a more in-depth search and thus a potential fee. Depending on the source that you are using, you may need more than a person’s name including the place where they came from or the United States port that they entered. Naturalization records Naturalization, the process by which US citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen, is different from immigration. While immigrants to the United States have never been required to apply for citizenship, an immigrant may choose to begin the naturalization process any time after arriving on American soil. Many early immigrants were eager to become American, but of those who applied, many did not complete the requirements to become a citizen. Before 1906, the information recorded on naturalization records differed widely. Naturalization records before 1906 are not likely to give town of origin or names of parents. However, naturalization records after 1906 contain more information than earlier records. Start by checking out www.uscis.gov/genealogy Discovering and sharing your family’s past with your children is a fun activity and a wonderful gift to pass on to the next generation.  Karen Higman is a Rochester-based freelance writer and a consultant to local non-profit agencies.
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// feature story //
P
words susan henninger
roject Director Rebecca Delaney is a passionate spokesperson for Rochester’s first annual Fast Forward Film Festival (FFFF). “There’s nothing like us so far,” she says enthusiastically. “We’re not duplicating anyone else’s program.” Rebecca’s job description is to develop FFFF from the ground up and, with her strong background in communications and media technology, as well as an interest in photography, she’s clearly up to the challenge.
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start a conversation in FFFF (www.fastforWe asked Rochester about the wardroc.org/) is the ourselves ‘Is there environmental isbrainchild of The sues that are imLost Bird Projsomething we can do to pacting us right ect, a nationally start a conversation in here?’” Rebecca recognized Rochester about the envirecalls. “We non-profit with ronmental issues that are a mission of wanted to partimpacting us right here?’" ner our passion connecting people for a cause with more deeply to – Rebecca Delaney, a call-to-action.” the earth through project director Their hope is that art. The idea of a of the fast forward the festival's films will “green” film festival was film festival be eye-opening and give conceived in a local coffee shop by a group that included the general public a chance to see what’s happening environLost Bird’s co-founder and Executive mentally, both in the greater Rochester Director Andrew Stern, a retired practicing area and beyond. Rebecca emphasizes that neurologist and Associate Professor of Neuthe festival is intended to be collaborative, rology at the University of Rochester, who now devotes his time to raising environmen- rather than competitive. “Anyone can be inspired to participate," she says. "You don’t tal awareness. Since the environment is at the root of what all the FFFF organizers do need to be Steven Spielberg to be part of this. Just an everyday community member and why they love their jobs so much, they is fine!” see the film festival as both a “digital way This past winter, entries were colto care about a cause” and as an opportulected from Rochester-area filmmakers. nity to do something about it. “We asked ourselves ‘Is there something we can do to Submissions were open to all ages and the
only guidelines were Talking with your that the entrants must kids about the films. be residents of the Rochester area (though The films of the FFFF are a the topic of their great starting point for parents documentary could to engage kids in a convercome from anywhere), sation about the environment and the films had to and world around us. Here are be short in length some tips and ideas for talking (five minutes or less in with your kids before and after duration). Rebecca says you watch: they purposely chose short over long docu• Why is the environment mentaries for several important to you? reasons. For one, they • What do you think we should hope that this leveled do to conserve our planet? the playing field, so all • How did this film make you ages, from children to feel? seniors, could submit. • What was the message you Additionally, the group think the filmmaker was comspoke with sponsors municating? like the Rochester • What was your favorite part Institute of Technology of the documentary? Why? who advised them that • Did seeing this film change using digital format as the way you think and will their artistic medium act? is “where it’s at” these • What was the most important days. Lastly, Rebecca thing you learned? hopes that shorts will • What was your favorite thing hold viewers’ attention about the films? better than longer • If you were going to make a documentaries might film about the environment, by creatively leveraging what would it be? visual storytelling to address environmental topics. Another plus is that there was no fee to submit a film to FFFF, which organizers say made the festival entry available to anyone who wanted to participate. Substantial cash prizes will be awarded to the winners, who will be selected based for producing the most inspiring, compelling, and engaging film; illustrating the most unique perspective; and providing the strongest call to action. There are a few things that are essential when creating a successful film festival from the ground up. The first is documentary-makers, which they anticipate having plenty of. FFFF also has a plethora of local sponsors. “They’ve been very receptive to our mission,” Rebecca says. “They all care about this topic on some level and are all like-minded community members. We are partnering to effect change and make a difference.” She’s excited about the jury as well. Members were selected by Lost Bird and include nationally acclaimed film critics and authors. “We wanted a credible team of judges who would be willing to be held accountable for their decisions,” she explains. “They’ve been part of the entire process. Documentaries will be screened by four distinguished judges: Jack Garner, nationally renowned film critic and author of From My Seat on the Aisle: Movies and Memories; Deborah Dickson, Academy Award nominee; Todd McGrain, independent filmmaker, co-founder of The Lost Bird Project, and winner of the 2014 Audubon Award for Art Inspiring Conservation; and Enid Cardinal, Rochester Institute of Technology’s Senior Sustainability Advisor to the President. continued >>> Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • March/April 2015
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Attend Film Screenings at The Little Theatre April 17, 2015, 7PM – 9PM Adults $5, Students/Seniors/Little Theatre Members $4 Selected entries will screen at The Little Theatre in Downtown Rochester on East Avenue. This showing is a sneak-peek of the short films in the running for a Fast Forward Category Award. Awards will be announced the following evening at the Fast Forward Gala. Proceeds from the event will go to The Little Theatre. Festival Gala at George Eastman House / Dryden Theatre April 18, 2015, 5:30PM – 9:30PM Adults $25, Students/Seniors $20 The Fast Forward Gala will be hosted at the George Eastman House. The events for the evening include a reception (refreshments and light fare), film screenings and Award Ceremony. The reception will take place at the Potter Peristyle Lobby, followed by film finalist screenings and Award Ceremony in the Dryden Theatre. Event proceeds will go to film preservation at the George Eastman House.
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Another fantastic source of support has been Friends of the Festival, a network of organizations that is interested in environmental education. According to Rebecca, the “Friends” group has been invaluable in reinforcing the festival’s mission and assisting festival entrants by sharing their knowledge and resources throughout the submission period. From the beginning, the decision to make FFFF a pilot program was a purposeful one, to allow the project’s director, the committee, and the judges to get ongoing feedback from the Rochester community. In the short run, Rebecca hopes that FFFF will provide a space for both emerging and established filmmakers to use documentary films as a medium to talk about environmental issues they care about. “We want to give a voice to local artists and filmmakers,” she says. Once the festival is over, the hope is that participants will be able to use their short films all year long to connect with other environmentally-conscious people, perhaps by posting them on YouTube or other social media sites. Ultimately, they’d like to create a project that can be rep-
licated in other cities and towns. “This is doable,” Rebecca asserts. “We did it on a small budget. We have been able to bring our community together with existing resources and a good team of organizers.” The April film screenings are family-friendly, however Rebecca notes that it may be hard for children under eight to understand some of the documentaries. As with any movie or television show, she recommends that parents use their discretion by checking out the titles beforehand. However, she believes that the festival is perfect for teens and tweens. “This age is old enough to know what they care about. If it’s the environment, we’re a perfect fit,” she says. The affordability of the Festival and the quality of submissions, as well as the opportunity to see their fellow students making “cool” films, will appeal to many middle and high school students. Additionally FFFF provides a phenomenal starting point for adult/student conversations about all types of environmental issues. She anticipates that the documentaries will give older kids, who are able to understand the meaning behind the project and why it’s so significant, and the
adults who are important to them, “real world” issues to talk about. “We want this age to see these films,” she asserts. “Maybe someone in the audience will do something to make a difference in 2015!” Sue Henninger is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about the unique people, places, and events that can be found in the Finger Lakes Region. Contact her at www.fingerlakeswriter.com
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book nook
By Deena Viviani
biographical books
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s truth stranger than fiction? Find out with these books about real people who left their mark on America!
more reads
Get global with these international figures: PICTURE BOOKS The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Written by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer & Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art Written by Barb Rosenstock & Illustrated by Mary Grandpré The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus Written by Jen Bryant & Illustrated by Melissa Sweet Middle Grade I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education and Changed the World (Young Reader’s Edition) By Malala Yousafzai & Patricia McCormick Who Was Marie Curie? Written by Megan Stine & Illustrated by Nancy Harrison Young Adult The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia By Candace Fleming How They Choked: Failures, Flops, and Flaws of the Awfully Famous By Georgia Bragg The Nazi Hunters: How a Team of Spies and Survivors Captured the World’s Most Notorious Nazi By Neal Bascomb
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Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud that Changed Baseball
Written by David A. Kelly & Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez Millbrook Press, 2013, hardcover, $16.95, Ages 7-11 Lena Blackburne loved playing baseball, but caring for the balls themselves was difficult work. Players coated them in shoe polish, dirt, and spit to take away their blinding shine, which also made the balls soggy. Lena discovered thick mud near his New Jersey hometown that was the perfect coating for the baseballs and is still used today. This biography is illustrated with detailed paintings and will appeal to baseball fans of all ages.
JFK
Written by Jonah Winter & Illustrated by A. G. Ford Katherine Tegen Books, 2013, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 4-8 Who was John F. Kennedy? The author recalls the life, legacy, and diplomacy that made JFK a beloved politician and leader. Realistic paintings beautifully illustrate this picture book biography. A nice introduction to the thirty-fifth President of the United States.
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
Written by Kathryn Gibbs Davis & Illustrated by Gilbert Ford Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 5-8 Inspired by a water wheel, George Ferris submitted the Monster Wheel design for the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Constructed out of 2000 tons of steel alloy and powered by two steam engines, this engineering marvel became a hit. Investors renamed it the Ferris Wheel after its creator. This fun look at the turn-ofthe-century will invigorate creative young minds.
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
Written by Elizabeth Rusch & Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez Candlewick Press, 2013, hardcover, $16.99, Ages 8-12 Move over, Thomas Edison – Nikola Tesla has an illustrated biography of his own! Edison might get credit for inventing the light bulb, but Tesla discovered AC power, lit the Chicago World's Fair with electricity, and harnessed the energy of Niagara Falls to power homes all the way to Buffalo. Read about this brilliant man's mechanical mind in picture book format.
The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius
I See the Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg
Deena Viviani is a Rochester-based Young Adult Services Librarian. 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!
By Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan Roaring Brook Press, 2013, hardcover, $17.99, Ages 9-13 George Ohr, an eccentric “Pot-Ohr,” wore a moustache that couldn’t be missed and created equally eye-catching artwork. After he died poor, his works became world known and sold for thousands of dollars. Scanning the pages of this full-color book is like browsing the cases of a museum. Readers will see that making functional art can be fun and creative.
By Tanya Anderson Twenty-First Century Books, 2012, hardcover, $34.60, Ages 12-17 Fifteen-year-old Tillie Pierce lived in Gettysburg when Union and Confederate troops swept through to fight one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. Tillie, her neighbors, and her family became instrumental in caring for sick and wounded soldiers. In 1889, Tillie's account was published and lauded for its teenage civilian’s perspective of helping the war effort despite the lack of preparation for such heroics. Readers will be inspired by the brave actions of this young woman.
Written by Arthur Flowers & Illustrated by Manu Chitrakar Groundwood Books, 2013, hardcover, $16.95, Ages 12-17 Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement is a story worth repeating for generations to come. With illustrations in the Indian Patua scroll style and text with a poetic rhythm, this unique biography on a well-known man is beautifully told in a quality book.
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your family activities
By Beth N. Davis
get your veggies! Ten Tips for Finding and Enjoying a CSA
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pring is right around the corner so now is the perfect time to get in on a CSA (community supported agriculture). Below are ten tips for finding, joining and getting the most out of a CSA. Shop Around! CSA shares come in many different shapes and sizes so shop around to find one that best matches your needs and resources. Ask around and see if any families in your community
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are members or visit a CSA directory like www.localharvest. org online. Most CSAs begin offering memberships in the winter and you can often get a deal if you sign up early. Location of Farm & Pick-up Pick-up options vary by farm and may include pick-up at the farm, Farmers Market or other location throughout the community. Think about how far you would be willing to travel on a weekly basis to get your produce and what pick-up option would be most convenient
and enjoyable for you. If you can get a group of friends and family together, you may even be able to designate a drop off location at your house. Pick-up Day & Time The pick-up/delivery days and times vary by CSA farm. Choosing a farm with a pick-up day and time convenient for you will have a big impact on your experience throughout the entire CSA season. Do you like to run errands on your way home from work, or on the weekend? Think about your current grocery shopping rou-
tine and how picking up your CSA can fit into and enrich the experience. Size, Season Duration & Price Some CSA farms offer different size shares for different size households (Full Share, Half Share, Single Share, etc.). Your family size and inclination towards vegetables will help determine what weekly amount of produce would meet your needs without excess waste. The length of the season and number of deliveries varies among the farms. Most begin
area csa options Wickham Farms 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Penfield, New York 14526 585-377-3276, www.wickhamfarms.com Wickham Farm grows a wide variety of vegetables, which are offered exclusively through a CSA harvest share program that runs approximately late June through early October. Robb Fruit Farm 800 Gallup Road, Spencerport, New York 14559 352-0814, www.robbfarms.com Randy and Margie Robb, along with their family, offer in-season fruit and vegetables at reasonable prices. Each week, they will create a nutritious selection of fruits and vegetables for your enjoyment with your CSA membership. Lagoner Farms 6895 Lake Avenue, Williamson, New York 14589 315-589-4899, www.lagonerfarms.com Become part of the Lagoner Farms Family, and receive fresh fruits & vegetables every week during the harvest sea-
in early June and end anywhere from October to the end of November. A limited number of farms also offer winter CSAs. Prices vary with size, season length and other value-added factors. Selection of Produce and Value Added Items CSA farms offer a wide variety of seasonal produce and many offer harvest calendars so you can see what they expect to plant and harvest throughout the season. Some farms pre-pack boxes for members while others allow members to pick and choose certain quantities from the week’s harvest. Depending on your preference, this can make a big difference in
son. The CSA program runs 18-20 weeks from mid-June until the end of October. They offer two share sizes and a variety of pick up locations to best suit your daily routine. Kirby's Farm Market 9739 Ridge Road West, Brockport, New York 14420 637-2600, http://kirbysfm.com By purchasing a Kirby Farm CSA share you are investing in good healt and local agriculture. In return you receive a box of seasonal produce every week, and the chance to learn more about where your food comes from then you ever would at the grocery store. Sunscape Farms 1416 Creek Street, Rochester, New York 14625 406-3443, www.sunscapefarms.com Sunscape Farms is a local center for fruits, veggies, flowers, jams, and decorations. They offer four different CSA share options. Each season is different, but excellent value and your satisfaction is guaranteed!
whether or not you enjoy your CSA. While some like the convenience and anticipation of pre-packed boxes, others like to handpick their produce. Some farms also offer specialty items, either produced by them or through a partnership with another farm/small scale food producer. Find out what is included in your CSA, how your weekly allotment is selected and what other “add-on” options such as beans, meat, fruit, bread, cheese, eggs, honey, or wool/yarn will be available to you as a member (usually at an additional cost).
continued >>> Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent • March/April 2015
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Bulk Quantities for Preserving or Juicing A CSA share typically provides an amount of produce for immediate consumption by you and your family. If you’re interested in food preservation (canning, freezing, drying, pickling, etc.) or extra quantities for juicing, ask about what bulk buying arrangements the farm offers to CSA members. Production Practices One benefit to joining a CSA is knowing how your food is grown. Many CSAs have certified organic farms and do not use genetically modified organisms or pesticides. You can find out more about each farm operation by going to its individual website or asking the farmer about his particular farming practices. You Pick & Farm Visits Most CSA farms harvest the bulk of the produce each week for members. In addition, many offer "you pick" crops that are available in either a limited or unlimited quantity. Going out to the farm to pick herbs, flowers and veggies can be a fun family activity, so find out what opportunities there are for going to the farm to spend time and pick if that is of interest to you. Opportunities & Expectations for Involvement CSA farms typically welcome some kind of involvement from their members. Most farms organize one or more farm events each season and some farms encourage their members to "drop in." The farms put different amounts of emphasis on volunteer or mandatory workdays, community/celebration events, educational opportunities, involvement with planning and administration, and other projects. Opportunities to Connect with Farmers One of the basic ideas of CSA is to connect consumers & farmers. Some CSA farms offer a variety of ways to keep in touch with the farmers through on-farm activities, newsletters, and interactions during pick-up. The best way to connect with a farmer is to join a CSA so good luck choosing!  Through gardening and her CSA share, Beth N. Davis enjoys fresh fruits and vegetables all summer long with her husband and their four children.
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your family activities
By Angela Cannon-Crothers
naturally dyed easter eggs Below are my favorite dye stuffs – most of which you can locate at your local grocery store, farm market or may already have in your spice cabinet. BLUE: Canned blueberries, red cabbage leaves (boiled), purple grape juice BROWN OR BEIGE: Strong coffee, instant coffee, tea, black walnut shells (boiled or soaked for several days) BROWNISH-ORANGE: Chili Powder, boiled onion skins GREEN: Spinach leaves (boiled), but this is a tough color to create! I've had great success double dipping an egg dyed yellow in turmeric and then dipped again for a few minutes in grape juice!
I
have been experimenting with natural dyes for as long as I can remember – whether as a kid smearing grass stains on my jeans or rubbing different rocks on the driveway to see what color each rock made. As an adult, I've made dyes with everything from goldenrod to lobster claw mushrooms. When I briefly worked as a dyer demonstrator at Genesee Country Museum, I was given the luxury of using real indigo plants and red cochineal – the exoskeletons of the cochineal bug from South America. 34
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Making my own Easter Egg dyes seemed, well, natural! But I didn't always love the results and often ended up with what looked like either plain old brown eggs or faint off-white ones. With practice, and over time, I've found that I can make some colors that put even my Americana hen to shame. Natural dyes do not yield the same Kool-Aidlike colors you can buy in a tablet at the grocery store, but instead create a pallet of earthy tones and pleasant hues. Natural dyes take a little longer, too. Instead of dropping a tablet into a bowl followed by a quick dip of your egg,
you must cook up dyes ahead of time and steep your colors. (To make your dye, place your desired fruit, veggies or spices in approximately 2 cups of water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes.) After creating and cooling your dye, each egg must then soak in the dye for several minutes. I find this a plus in our fast-paced world; slowing down with your children and taking time to create a basket of lovely dyed eggs together is a wonderful opportunity to tune into your kids, talk about what the holiday means to you and your family, and just spend some quality – albeit messy – time together.
GREENISH YELLOW: Yellow delicious apple peels (boiled) LAVENDER: Red zinger tea or double dip pink egg lightly in purple or blue dye ORANGE: Yellow onion skins or carrots (boiled and steeped), paprika PINK: Beets, cranberries or cranberry juice, raspberries, red grape juice, juice from pickled beets. RED: Lots of red onions skins (boiled), pomegranate juice, canned cherries (with syrup), crushed raspberries PURPLE: Hibiscus tea, red wine YELLOW: Orange or lemon peels (boiled), carrot tops (boiled), chamomile tea, celery seed, ground cumin (boiled), ground turmeric (boiled and steeped – a favorite color choice) or saffron.
Your kids will be fascinated when approached with the idea of stewing up veggies and spices to make colors, and you'll want to save a few extra eggs and a pot or two for simply experimenting. When brewing up your bounty of colors, keep in mind that the stove top requires careful supervision with kids. If you are working with younger children, you can make most of the dyes ahead of time and put them in quart size mason jars to cool before you being dying. For a textured bird's egg look, dab a still wet egg with a sponge or add pieces of colored tissue paper for fun effects! Natural dyes are a wonderful tradition to start and if you have children who love to experiment in the kitchen or the art room, natural dyed eggs are a conduit to creativity with nature, not to mention the pride in making it all from scratch! 
IWantToBeRecycled.org
Angela Cannon-Crothers is a contributing writer to Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine. You can visit her online at angelacannoncrothers. webs.com
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2015 summer camp & activity guide
day camp overnight camp sports camp educational enrichment performing arts science outdoor activities special needs & MORE!
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inside
40 Overnight Camps Create Memorable Fun 42 Five Reasons to Give Your Child the Gift
of Summer Camp
guide index 4-H Camp Bristol Hills 44 A Magical Journey Thru Stages 44 Alfred University Summer Programs 46 Allendale Columbia School 45 Ballet Prestige 46 Bears Outdoor Play Products 41 Best Foot Forward 47 Boy Scouts of America Seneca Waterways 47
Cornell University Sports School 52
Hochstein School of Music & Dance 59
Created By Us 52
JCC Camps 60
DK Dance 53
Lollypop Farm Summer Camp 60
Doodle Bugs! Child Care Centers 53 Drama Kids International 54 Drapercenter Summer Programs 54 Eastman School of Music 55 Fitzsimmons Dance Factory 55
Mary Therese Friel Modeling Camp 61
Rochester Fencing Club 67 Rochester Yacht Club 67 Rock Ventures Adventure Camp 68 Seneca Park Zoo ZooCamp 69
Master Kim's Taekwondo 61
Sportopia Summer Camps 68
Mathnasium Summer Programs 62
Swing Kingdom Play Sets 70
MCC - Summer College for Kids 62
Sylvan Learning Center STEM Camps 70 Twelve Corners School Age Program 71
Generations Child Care 56
Nazareth College Science Camp 63
Camp Invention 48
Genesee Country Village & Museum 56
Patty Flowerday School of Fitness & Dance 63
Camp Midtown 49
Genesee Waterways Center 57
Railroad Junction at Toddler's Workshop 71
Camp Stella Maris 38
Girl Scouts of Western NY 57
RBTL' s Summer Stars 64
Wegmans Culinary Teen Camps 73
Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake 50
Greece Community Education 58
RIT K12 Academy 65
Writers & Books 74
Centauri Summer Arts Camp 51
Gymnastics Training Center 58
RIT K-12 Engineering Summer Programs 64
YMCA of Greater Rochester 75
City of Rochester 51
Harley School 59
Camp Hickory Hill 48
Camp Otterdale 50
U of R Summer Sports Camps 72 VistaTeach LEGO Robotics Engineering 73
RIT Lil Kids on Campus 66 RMSC Summer Fun 66
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Overnight Camps Create Memorable Fun by christa melnyk hines
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rom whitewater rafting to performing arts and cooking, today's sleepaway camps appeal to a wide range of interests while still providing the long-term benefits summer camp is known for. And yet, you may wonder how to find an overnight camp that offers the right blend of environment and activities for your child and gives you peace of mind at the same time.
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Benefits of overnight camp.
In addition to learning new skills, children learn how to collaborate and live in a community while at camp, gaining self-confidence and independence through problem-solving and teamwork. "All those things are life skills and life assets that every parent wants for their child," says Jill Tipograph, a camp consultant and author of Your Everything Summer Guide & Planner.
Popular camp activities.
According to the American Camp Association, 75% of camp directors reported adding new activities and programs to accommodate trends in popular culture. The top three activities camps are integrating into their more traditional fare like campfires, swimming and horseback riding, include performing arts, adventure and most recently, culinary. "Culinary is the hottest and newest in terms of camps investing in building kitchens and bringing in specialists to teach the kids. The other part that goes along with culinary is the whole farm-to-table movement – taking things from the gardens and cooking them," Tipograph says.
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Traditional vs. specialty.
Specialty camps are designed for kids interested in pursuing a specific interest. Traditional camps, on the other hand, offer a combination of programming. Children can participate in different activities, including those they may not have hand an opportunity to try otherwise, whether stained glass design, rock climbing or singing in a recording studio. "I feel that if children start their camping career on a purely specialty track, (parents) are really missing what camp can do for their child. The advantage traditional camps offer is they are all about the child holistically," Tipograph says. Considerations for a successful sleep-away experience: Maturity. Most kids are ready by ages 9 or 10, but consider your child's physical and emotional maturity first. Plan ahead. If possible, start researching camps now. Check out websites, talk to friends
2015 summer camp & activity guide and family for recommendations and visit prospective camps. Many overnight camps offer family weekends in the fall. Length of camp. How long do you want your child away at camp? Camps offer both short and long-term sessions. Size of camp. Decide whether your child would do better in a large setting or a smaller gathering. Gender. Choose from a single-sex or a co-ed camp. Not sure which? Consider whether a younger sibling may eventually join your older child at camp. Location. Determine the types of activities you want your child to experience. Because of their geographical locations, some camps offer better outdoor or adventure activities than others and may be more likely to have access to experienced adventure specialists. Meet the director. A meeting with the director is imperative in order to get a sense of his or her personality, trustworthiness and compatibility. "You need to see how the director interacts with your child," Tipograph says. "The director sets the tone and the philosophy for the camp and it trickles down. How he relates to you and your child is the same way they train their staff to do the same."  Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two boys. Christa's latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.
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Five Reasons to Give Your Child the Gift of Summer Camp by gayla grace
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treasure the stories my children tell after arriving home from summer camp. The week-long adventures include experiences sure to build character and forge relationships. Every camp has a unique way of teaching kids their values while giving them opportunities to experience all kinds of fun they would never find at home.
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Now is the perfect time to begin exploring summer camps. Whether day camp or overnight camp, there's sure to be one your child will love and gain valuable skills from while attending. Camp counselor Jamie Newman, who has worked the past two summers at a children's camp for kids ages 5-16, expresses her enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. "Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences," she says. "They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears and try something even if it doesn't feel comfortable to them. Also, when kids are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they're forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting relationships that can continue when they return home." Our five kids have attended summer camps ranging from athletic camps to church camps to choir and band camps. Each camp has played a unique role in building character qualities and creating life-long memories through everyday activities and interactions with others.
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If you need some encouragement to give your child the gift of summer camp, here are a few thoughts to consider: •C amp encourages independence and allows children the chance to make decisions on their own in a safe, caring environment. Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles. amp forces kids to unplug from technol•C ogy and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies they can't experience at home, without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn't know they had. •C amp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind, win or lose. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate with one another and the value of getting along with others through working together and supporting each other.
2015 summer camp & activity guide
• Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds – helping kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed atmosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat, and bunk together. •C amp creates life-long memories of new adventures in places they've never experienced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of over-scheduled days. So what are you waiting for? Have you signed your child up for camp yet? There's week-long adventure and character-building experiences waiting for your child this summer! Gayla Grace sends her kids to camp every summer and always looks forward to hearing new stories when they return.
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Looking for more Ideas? Find even more about these camps, summer programs and more for the kids as they transition for the summer. No way that kids will say “I’m bored!” when they view our annual Camp Guide and online list of programs. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Academics/Enrichment Animal/Riding Art/Photography Camping Dance/Movement Day Programs Gymnastics International Music/Theatre Overnight Adventures Products & Services Special Needs Specialty Sports/Athletics
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calendar
march & april events
Activities • Exhibits • Theater • Storytelling • Shows • Family Fun • Outdoor Adventures Parenting Programs • and lots more for families to do in & around Rochester!
Da Vinci — The Genius Exhibition WHERE Rochester Museum and Science Center 657 East Ave. Rochester 14607 WHEN Visit the exhibit now through May 17, 2015. MORE INFO Call 697-1942 or visit www.rmsc.org
D
a Vinci – The Genius, an exhibition that has toured the world, is here at the Rochester Museum and Science Center. This interactive exhibition immerses guests in Leonard da Vinci’s timeless brilliance through full-scale interpretations of the mastermind’s inventions and unparalleled studies of his 76
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iconic art. You will have the opportunity to enjoy more than 200 unique pieces including 75 lifesize machine inventions, entertaining animations of da Vinci’s most notable Renaissance works and an eye-opening, in-depth analysis of his most famous piece, “Mona Lisa.” The hands-on exhibit allows you to push, pull,
crank and interact with many of these exhibits as you learn about the scientific principles behind them. Suitable for all ages, this amazing exhibition provides a fascinating insight into not only the mind of a genius, but also into the fundamental scientific and artistic principles that he
discovered. Da Vinci – The Genius is an inspiration for the whole family.
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities calendar guide: April ������������������������85
03 * Tuesday Tech Tuesday-Open Workshop
Bring your device (Nook, Kindle, tablet, laptop etc.) and your questions and Walworth Library staff will be here to assist! Adults 18+. Registration required. Noon - 2 PM. WalworthSeely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511. www.walworthlibrary.org
Artist Meet Up Group This group of talented people is forming to bring creative individuals together to brain storm and discuss how to showcase our art forms and present them to the community in conjunction with other artists. 6 PM. Cobblestone Arts Center, 1622 Route 332, Farmington 14425. 398-0220. www.cobblestoneartscenter.com THE ILLUSIONISTS - Witness the Impossible This mind-blowing
spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder. 7 PM. Rochester Broadway Theatre, 885 East Main Street, Rochester 14605. 222-5000. www.rbtl.org
04 * Wednesday Craft and Story Time Preschool
Story Time at the Walworth Library will include a children’s craft on the first Wednesday of each month. Ideal for ages 3-6. No registration required. All materials will be provided. 10 - 11 AM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511.
Conversation on Race at Monroe Branch Conversations on
Race are facilitated and open dialogues about race and its impact on the community. 5 - 7 PM. Monroe Branch Library, 809 Monroe Ave., Rochester 14607. 428-8202. www.libraryweb.org
THE ILLUSIONISTS - Witness the Impossible See Mar. 03
05 * Thursday Creative Playtime at Walworth Library Come every Thursday
morning for creative movement, costumes, toys, and interactive play. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, but all ages are welcome! 10 AM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511.
THE ILLUSIONISTS - Witness the Impossible See Mar. 03
06 * Friday Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime Snuggle up on a fluffy
pillow and enjoy an animal-themed story or two and a humane education component. Great way to introduce the wonder of animals to the little ones of the family. Held every Friday in the Learning Center. 11 AM - Noon. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Rochester 14450. 223-1330. www.lollypop.org
Forks & Skis Charity Ski Event
Forks and Skis is a ski event open to the public for those interested in hitting the slopes while helping Foodlink fulfill its mission of a healthy, hunger-free community. Noon - 5 PM. Bristol Mountain, 5662 Route 64, Canandaigua 14424. 328-3380. foodlinkny.org
Free Family Night at the Corning Museum Enjoy a free
night at the Museum with the whole
Book and Beast It’s story time at the family. This fun-filled event includes
Zoo! Bring your little ones to the Zoo for a cuddly story and special animal visitor each week. 11 AM. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. senecaparkzoo.org
live entertainment, glassmaking, crafts and more! 6 - 8 PM. Corning Museum of Glass, 1 Museum Way, Corning 14830. 607-438-5500. www.cmog. orgevent/family-night-museum-3
Storytime With Martha Enjoy
Fifties First Friday: Enchantment under the Sea
stories every preschool child will enjoy! Every Wednesday through June 24. 11 AM. Barnes & Noble - Pittsford, 3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester 14618. 586-6020.
Geneology Workshop at Walworth Library Use the library
21st Annual Camp Fair / March 8, 11 - 5 pm
Wondering what your kids are going to do this summer? Camp organizers locally and nationally of all kinds from preschool day camps to teen sleep away camps, from math and music to sports and scout camps - will be on hand to answer your questions about the best options for your child's summer at GVP's annual camp fair. 11am-5pm. Eastview Mall, 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd, Victor. 348-9712. www.rocparent.com fun-filled activities. 7 PM. Barnes & Noble - Pittsford, 3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester 14618. 586-6020.
Free Family Skate Night The outdoor ice skating rink boasts a kidney-shaped surface and a cozy warming shelter with heated floor and fireplace. Free entertainment will be provided. Rental skates available, fee $3. 7 - 8 PM. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, 353 Court Street, Rochester 14607. 4287541. www.cityofrochester.gov/ mlkparkicerink/
07 * Saturday Science of Light Weekends
FREE! Dance the night away, or stand awkwardly in a corner while you relive your prom night at our Enchantment Under the Sea Dance. Then rock around the Sibley clock, and explore all 5 stories of the incredible Balloon Manor. 6 - 9 PM. The Sibley Building, 250 East Main Street, Rochester 14604. 486-9800. www.balloonmanor.com
edition of ancestry.com to help discover your past, the roots, and routes of your family. Feel free to bring your own laptop, tablet or other Wifi-compatible device. 2 - 4 PM. Walworth-Seely Public PJ Storytime With Clifford the Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth Big Red Dog The PJ Storytime 14568. 315-986-1511. features picture book stories and a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog! Be ready to dance the “Puppy Pokey” with our furry friend and enjoy some other
Explore Polarized Light with University of Rochester students. Free with museum admission. 9 AM - 5 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. www.rmsc.org
Free Fly-Tying & Casting Clinic The public is invited to
participate in a free fly-tying demonstration and casting clinic. Hatchery staff will be on hand to teach young anglers about the fish being raised at the hatchery. 9 AM Noon. Powder Mills Park, 154 Park Rd., Pittsford 14534. 586-1670. www.fishpowdermill.org
Rochester Model Railroad Open House The club hosts the
annual open house for the entire public to come and see the 350foot double track mainline depicting scenes of the Lehigh Valley Railroad of the 1960s with a trolley line with cars running under overhead wire. 10 AM - 5 PM. First Universalist Church, 150 South Clinton Ave., Rochester 14604. 454-2567. www.rocmrrc.com
Lego Lab Do you love building
with Legos? Then this is the place for you! Each month kids will be challenged to build a specific type of structure and then display their work for all to see. This program is best for children five and older. 10 11 AM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
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. Included with general museum admission fees. 11 AM - 4 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
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calendar of events • local family-friendly activities St. Patrick’s CelebrationHerschell Carrousel Museum
The St. Patrick’s Celebration features games, crafts, a museumwide scavenger hunt – and rides on the carrousels!! At 1pm, there will be a special performance by The Reardon & Garvey Band – and they’ve promised to do the Unicorn Song! $6/person. Noon - 4 PM. Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, 180 Thompson St., North Tonawanda 14120. 716-693-1885. carrouselmuseum.org
Tails of Hope Telethon 2015
Stories of homeless and abused pets who found hope in the halls of Lollypop Farm will be featured throughout the 19th Annual Tails of Hope Telethon. The goal of the event is to raise funds that are critical to caring for pets in need at the shelter. 3 - 9 PM. Eastview Mall, 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor 14564. 223-1330. lollypop.org
Hot Cocoa and Snow Snowshoe Hike Travel along the
trails at the MAC looking and listening for short-eared, great horned, screech and barred owls! Afterwards, warm up in the Center with hot cocoa! 6 - 8 PM. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3588. ny.audubon.orgmontezuma
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Nazareth College Arts Center Presents Jessica Lang Dance
The Nazareth College Arts Center will present Jessica Lang Dance in the Callahan Theater. Ticket holders may attend a free pre-performance lecture at 7 p.m. in the Peace Theater (room A14), located in the lower level of the Arts Center. 8 PM. Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Ave., Rochester 14618. 389-2170. artscenter.naz.edu
08 * Sunday Science of Light Weekends
See Mar. 07 11 AM - 5 PM.
GVP Camp Fair at Eastview Mall The Camp Fair offers you
and your kids an opportunity to talk with camp personnel and have your questions answered. The camp fair is free and family-friendly. 11 AM - 5 PM. Eastview Mall, 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor 14564. www.rocparent.com
Royal Ball See Mar. 07
1 PM-4 PM
Winter Tour of Mount Hope Cemetery Enjoy a 60- to
90-minute (depending on weather) guided walking tour on flat, paved roads. $5 per person. Members and children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) free. 1 PM. Mount Hope Cemetery, 791 Mt. Hope Avenue,
Rochester 14620. 461-3494. fomh.org
Rochester Model Railroad Open House The club hosts the
annual open house for the entire public to come and see the 350foot double track mainline depicting scenes of the Lehigh Valley Railroad of the 1960s with a trolley line with cars running under overhead wire. 1 - 5 PM. First Universalist Church, 150 South Clinton Ave., Rochester 14604. 454-2567. www.rocmrrc.com
Irondequoit Public Library Winter Fundraiser - Game Day This event will have a life size
Candy Land Game, board games, beverages, and snacks. The money being raised by the Friends funds the programming at the Irondequoit Public Library. 2 - 5 PM. St. Paul Exempt, Thomas Avenue, Rochester 14617. 305-1874. www.irondequoitlibrary.org
Great Romantics - Side-bySide concert with the RPO Dr.
Ching-Chun Lai, conductor. Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Selections by RPYO concerto competition winners. RPYO joined by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Franz Liszt. 3 PM. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. www.rpyo.org
Balloon Manor Popping Party In addition to balloon-popping fun, there will be refreshments, hands-on balloon activities, and prize coupons hidden within balloons. Tickets are $10, a family four-pack is $30, and a group 10-pack is $75. 3 - 6 PM. Sibley Tower Building, 25 Franklin St., Rochester 14604. balloonmanor.com
09 * Monday Monday Kicks for Ages 2 to 6 Fairy-Tale Fun. Be whisked away to
faraway places with fairy tale-themed song and dance. All Monday Kicks programs are included with general museum admission fees. 10 AM - 2 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
Holistic Moms Network March Meeting Adrenal Fatigue – Dr.
Zendi Moldenhauer Speaks on the Symptoms and How to Successfully Treat This Commonly Overlooked Condition! 6 - 8 PM. Christ Episcopal Church, 36 South Main Street, Pittsford 14534. hmnrochester.homewebs.com/
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calendar of events • local family-friendly activities 10 * Tuesday
Rochester 14608. 242-0900. d2l.org
MOMS Club of Penfield-East Rochester-Brighton Open to
Books & Bites Teen Book Club Enjoy pizza and discuss books!
all moms who live in Penfield or are in the Penfield, East Rochester and Brighton School Districts. Meets the second Tuesday of every month. 10 - 11 AM.
Family Empowerment Series
Take part in a free, seven-session training for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities. Learn about the special education process and acquire skills to effectively advocate for your child! Pre-registration is required. 5 - 9 PM. LDA Life and Learning Services, 1650 South Ave., Suite 200, Rochester 14620. 5461700. www.advocacycenter.com/ events/family-empowerment-series
Paper Craft at the Walworth Library For ages 12+. All
materials will be provided. Registration required. 6 - 7 PM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315986-1511. www.walworthlibrary.org
Opening Night: RBTL Presents Annie ANNIE includes
such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Don’t wait until tomorrow. Get your tickets today! 7 PM. Rochester Broadway Theatre, 885 East Main Street, Rochester 14605. 800-745-3000. www.rbtl.org.
11 * Wednesday RMSC Optics Career Day
5th - 8th graders and their families are invited to meet with industry and university partners and explore the array of exciting and unique career paths optics has to offer! Free with museum admission. 9 AM - 5 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. rmsc.org
Westside Family YMCA Vendor Fair The purpose of the
fair is to accommodate many vendor requests for access to our member base and to solicit donations for our Annual Support Campaign. 10 AM - 1 PM. Westside Family YMCA, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester 14624. 341-3104. rochesterymca.orgevent/ westside-vendor-fair-1
Book and Beast See Mar. 04 Stewards of Children: Sexual Abuse Training Program
The program teaches adults how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Registration required. Next workshop is from 6 - 8pm. 1 - 3 PM. NCMEC/ NY, Polisseni Law Enforcement Training Center, 275 Lake Ave.,
The group meets at Pizza Hut on the second Wednesday of each month. 6 - 7 PM. Pizza Hut, 3861 West Henrietta Road, Rochester 14623. 359-7092. hpl.org
RBTL Presents Annie
See Mar. 10
12 * Thursday Story Time Stars Children 3-5yrs. Enjoy a half hour of stories, songs, and fingerplays. 10 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Drop in - No registration required. 10 AM. Pittsford Community Library, 24 State St., Pittsford 14534. 248-6275. www. townofpittsford.orghome-library Huge Book Sale - Opening Day Huge Used Book Sale! Over 50,000 books at bargain prices. 11 AM - 7 PM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8181. www.libraryweb.org
RBTL Presents Annie
See Mar. 10
13 * Friday Leadership Breakfast Series
“Importance of Attracting Young Women to STEM Career Fields” Keynote Address Given by Liesl Folks, Ph.D. Dr. Folks is the first female dean of the University at Buffalo School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. 8 AM. Riverside Convention Center, 123 East Main Street, Rochester 14604. 1-888-837-6410. www. gswny.orgpages/leadership-seriesrochester.aspx
Friday Family Fun Night: Easter Bunny Arrival Welcome
the Easter Bunny at Center Court! There will be fun, free activities, including face painting and balloon animals with the Grease Paint Alley Clowns, arts & crafts with Michaels and more! 5 - 7 PM. Greece Ridge Mall, 271 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Rochester 14626. themallatgreeceridge.com
RBTL Presents Annie
See Mar. 10 8 PM
Westside Family YMCA Vendor Fair See Mar. 11
14 * Saturday Easter Bunny Comes to Eastview Mall Bring the kids to
visit the Easter Bunny at Eastview March 14th - April 4th in the Main Court. 10 AM. Eastview Mall, 7979 Pittsford Victor Rd., Victor 14564. eastviewmall.com
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calendar of events • local family-friendly activities Johnny’s Runnin’ of the Green Start your St. Patrick’s
Day festivities at this annual run! Snow/Rain/Shine. Cost $23-$27. Starts at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. 10 - 11 AM. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. 4738337. www.eventbrite.com/e/ johnnys-runnin-of-the-green-5-mileregistration-9751110835
Creative Workshop Open House The whole family is invited
to meet our teachers, enjoy art activities and demonstrations, and take advantage of special discounts good today only. Free event. 11 AM - 4 PM. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8900. mag.rochester.edu
Tail Waggin’ Tutors The Tail Waggin’ Tutors program allows kids to practice reading to calm, welltrained dogs. 11 AM - Noon. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org Movie: 101 Dalmatians Race
your way to the Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester to see the recently re-released 1961 cartoon of 101 Dalmatians. This movie is rated G. 11 AM - 1 PM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
Shrek The Musical Jr. Preview Enjoy a whimsical journey
to a faraway kingdom as Allendale Columbia Middle School students perform selections from their spring musical Shrek The Musical Jr. Included with general museum admission fees. 11 AM - 1 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
DIY St Patrick’s Day Craft for Kids Drop by the Walworth Library and make something for St Patrick’s Day. All materials will be supplied. For all ages. No registration required. Noon - 2 PM. WalworthSeely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-9861511. www.walworthlibrary.org
RMSC-Make a Fast Friend
Meet greyhounds and learn how to care for them. Included with museum admission. Noon - 4 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 6971942. rmsc.org
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Bring your family and friends and join in the fun at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Snow, Rain, Shine. East Ave. at Main St. Rochester. Noon - 3 PM. Downtown Rochester, Rochester 14607. 234-5167. www.rochesterparade.com
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RBTL Presents Annie See Mar.
10 2 PM & 8 PM.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at MLK Ice Rink Celebrate St.
Patrick’s Day, and the end of the outdoor skating season, by skating with your friends and family at the MLK Ice Rink. This is the last chance for outdoor skating until November. Admission free if you wear green! Skate rental $3. 2 - 5 PM. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at Manhattan Square, 353 Court Street, Rochester 14607. 428-7541. www. cityofrochester.gov/mlkparkicerink
Sensory Friendly Time Staff
turns down the noise, turns off flashing lights, and shuts off the air compressors so people with sensory processing challenges can enjoy the museum. The museum also offers quiet areas where participants can sit, relax, and regroup. 5 - 7 PM. MOST - Museum of Science and Technology, 500 S. Franklin Street, Syracuse 13202. 315-425-9068. www.most.org
Camp Cory and Gorham Winter Camp Party Join CAMP
CORY and CAMP GORHAM for an evening of inflatables, climbing wall, gaga, archery, log rolling in the pool, crafts, and more. Event is FREE, RSVP is required. 7 - 9 PM. Eastside Family YMCA, 1835 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, East Penfield 14526. 506-5430. www.rochesterymca. orgcamps/overnight-camps/campcory/
15 * Sunday RBTL Presents Annie
See Mar. 10 1 PM & 6:30 PM
Video Presentation: The Despatch Car Shops An
enormous manufacturing complex in East Rochester once produced railroad freight cars for Merchants Despatch Transport and the New York Central Railroad. 1 - 2 PM. New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Rd, Rush 14586. www.nymtmuseum.org
Disney Junior Live-Pirate and Princess Adventure! Disney
Junior Live - Pirate and Princess Adventure! 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. 758-5300. bluecrossarena.com/
Rochester National College Fair Parents and students
participating in National College Fairs meet one-on-one with representatives from colleges and universities to discuss admission and financial aid opportunities at their respective institutions. 1 - 3 PM. Riverside Convention Center, 123 East Main Street, Rochester 14604. 232-7200. www.nacacnet.org
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities 16 * Monday
Monroe Ave., Rochester 14618. 586-6020.
Rochester National College Fair See Mar. 15 9 AM - Noon.
The Slave Experience and the Underground Railroad Follow
17 * Tuesday Free youth admission day at the Zoo To help you enjoy your
Zoo adventure even more, the Zoo hosts select special admission days. On these days you receive one free youth admission with one paid adult. This offer is good during regular Zoo hours. 10 AM - 3 PM. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org
Walworth Library Book Club Join the Walworth Library for
the monthly book club discussion. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome! Registration is not required. 6 - 8 PM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511. www.walworthlibrary.org
French Book Group Whether you speak fluent French or want to brush up on your French vocabulary and pronunciation, please join this welcoming group of Francophiles. 7 PM. Barnes & Noble - Pittsford, 3349
the slaver's ship from England to West Africa. Drop down into the ship's hold as she sails across the Atlantic's Middle Passage toward the Americas. 7 PM. Perinton Historical Society, 18 Perrin Street, Fairport 14450. 223-3989. www.PerintonHistoricalSociety.org
18 * Wednesday Meeting Children's Medical Needs This three part webinar series is designed to build the capacity of families and care providers to meet the needs of children with complex medical needs at home, at school, and in the community. Registration required. 9 AM - Noon. Webinar Online Only, Rochester 546-1700. tinyurl.com/phyenmg
Cayuga Lake Birding Van Tour Hop in the Montezuma
Audubon Center van for an excursion to the northern part of the lake where ducks, geese and swans can be seen. Fee: $8/child; $13.50/adult. 1 - 4 PM. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3588. ny.audubon.orgmontezuma
Get Crafty with Jen at the Walworth Library Do a craft
make something cool. Most (if not all) materials will be provided. For ages 12+. Registration is required. Choice of two times: 6:15-7:15 pm or 7:15-8:15 pm (choose one). 6 - 8 PM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511. www.walworthlibrary.org
Mother of Twins Club Meeting
Book and Beast See Mar. 04
19 * Thursday Art and Story Stroll This hour-
Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8971. mag.rochester.edu
long story reading and art viewing experience is for children 2 to 5 with accompanying adult. $5 per adult (children free). 11 AM - Noon.
Come meet other twin mothers experiencing the same joys and challenges of raising multiples. Prospective members are warmly welcomed. 7 - 9 PM. Laurelton Presbyterian Church, 335 Helendale Road, Rochester 14609. www.grmotc.com
20 * Friday Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime See Mar. 06 Storytelling: Expressions in Music and Movement Join
Harley and Hochstein faculty to drum, dance, and express yourself through music. Learn about the oral tradition of storytelling and performance. No charge. 5 - 7 PM. Harley School, 1981 Clover St., Rochester 14618. 454-4596. www.hochstein.org
Annual Live Auction and Community Dinner Everyone
is invited. Funds raised through this charity auction will benefit the school’s tuition assistance program and classroom renovations. Bid on mini vacation packs, tickets to local attractions, and all types of merchandise. 5 - 8 PM. St. Paul Lutheran Church & School, 158 East Ave., Rochester 14468. 392-4000. www.stpaulhilton.org
Eastman Evening Concert Join Eastman School of Music students for a 20-minute concert followed by a question and answer session in the Caterpillar Atrium. Included with general admission fees. 6 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
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calendar of events • local family-friendly activities RMSC Uncorked & On Tap
RMSC invites community members to celebrate the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci at its fundraising event, RMSC Uncorked & On Tap. Attendees ages 21 and over are invited to taste wine, craft beer, spirits and food from the Rochester region and beyond. 6 - 10 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1973. rmsc.org
Open Mic Night If you are in
Grades 5 – 12 you are invited to come out and perform at STAGES OPEN MIC NIGHT. Signups first come, first served. Please arrive at 6:30 to sign up if you’d like to perform. $5/person, pay at the door. 7 PM. Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St., Rochester 14605. mjtstages.com
21 * Saturday Maple Sugar Festival Youth (16
and under) are free in 2015! So bring the entire family and enjoy the fresh air and the delicious aroma of simmering maple syrup, as you set off into the woods in search of sweet adventure at the annual Maple Sugar Festival. 9 AM - 4 PM. Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford 14511. 538-6822. gcv.org
RMSC - DIY Wearables Workshop Ages 10-15 years.
Get hands-on and explore the rising trend of "wearables" at this "Do-ItYourself" workshop where you will incorporate light technologies into your own clothing design! 9 AM - Noon. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. www.rmsc.org
Penguin Days Get up close and personal with a Peruvian penguin! See penguin feedings! Mascots, Prizes, & More! 10 AM - 4 PM. Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls 14301. 716-285-3575. www.aquariumofniagara.org Maple Sugaring at Cumming Nature Center Explore the Science
of Maple Syrup Production at RMSC Cumming Nature Center. Participants learn how a tree makes sap and discover the different processing techniques while enjoying the outdoors. Pancake meals: 9am-1pm. 10 AM - 2 PM. Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512. 374-6160. www.rmsc.org
Tail Waggin' Tutors The Tail
Waggin’ Tutors program allows kids to practice reading to calm, well-trained dogs. Kids who are 4 and up can bring their own book or read one from the library. 11 AM - Noon. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
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Fit Kids Day Jump, run, or slide into the museum for a day filled with fitness fun! Improve agility and coordination with oversized sports balls, learn how to turn plastic grocery bags into a jump rope, and perfect your aim in the Sport Zone. 11 AM - 4 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org RMSC - Nano Days Imagine and
discover a world you can’t see. Get hands-on with nano. Included with museum admission. Noon - 4 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942.. www.rmsc.org
RMSC-Much Ado About Nothing Much Ado About Nothing:
The Wonders of Vacuum Science and Technology. Included with museum admission. Noon - 4 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. rmsc.org
St. patrick's day parade / March 14, 12:30 pm
Teen Movie Day Watch a teen
selected movie rated PG-13 or less. 3 PM. Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue, Rochester 14468. 392-8350. www.parmapubliclibrary.org
Bring your family and friends and join in the fun at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade! Snow, Rain, Shine. East Ave. at Main St. Rochester, www.rochesterparade.com
RAPA Presents - Mary Poppins Dive into England in 1910 and meet the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. 7 PM. Kodak Center for Performing Arts, 200 West Ridge Rd., Rochester 14615. 325-3366. www.kodakcenter.orgshows/
Spencers: Theatre of Illusion
Hailed as “International Magicians of the Year,” as well as “Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year” (six times), the Spencers have entertained audiences worldwide and remain one of the most sought-after illusion teams in the country. 8 PM. Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Ave., Rochester 14618. 389-2170. artscenter.naz.edu
22 * Sunday Maple Sugar Festival See Mar. 21
Penguin Days See Mar. 21 Maple Sugaring at Cumming Nature Center See Mar. 21 RMSC - Nano Days See Mar. 21 RMSC-Making Tracks Making
Tracks with the Animal Teachers and Anne Meade. Learn about tracks and the animals that made them! Included with museum admission. Noon - 4 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. rmsc.org
Operation Lifesaver Certified Operation Lifesaver presenter, Dave Coon, provides a video presentation on safety around trains that offers important reminders of the dangers in trespassing near railroads. 1 - 2 PM. New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Rd, Rush 14586. www.nymtmuseum.org R
RAPA Presents - Mary Poppins See Mar. 21 2 PM. Sierra Transition Group Book Discussion the Sierra
Transition Group is holding a book discussion on Naomi Klein's "This Changes Everything" - a hard-hitting, no-nonsense look at what we need to do now to prevent extreme climate disruption, and system collapse. 2 - 3 PM. Pittsford Community Library, 24 State St., Pittsford 14534.
23 * Monday Storytime Club: Silly Seuss Stories See Mar. 02 Creative Minds: Art and Music After School University of
Rochester students will be on hand Mondays to help kids get creative! 5 PM. Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Blvd., Rochester 14619. 428-8214.
24 * Tuesday Zentangle Experience
Experience Yoga for the mind! Come on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 11am to try Zentangle! This event is free and open to the public. 11 AM. Lift Bridge Book Store, 45 Main Street, Brockport 14420. 6372260. www.liftbridgebooks.com
Writing Workshop at the Walworth Library Do you have a
story waiting to be written? An essay or paper that could use a second look? Come and get your creative juices flowing! 6 - 7 PM. WalworthSeely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-9861511. www.walworthlibrary.org
25 * Wednesday Derby Hill Hawk Watch Tour
Visit Lake Ontario for the spectacular spring raptor migration. Travel with other birders in our van to view thousands of bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, turkey vultures and more! Fee: $17.50/ child, $22.50/adult. 10 AM - 4 PM. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3588. ny.audubon.orgmontezuma
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities Book and Beast See Mar. 04 Moody Blues Tour Comes to Rochester
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The “Timeless Flight – The Polydor Years” Tour. The Moody Blues have been at the forefront of the classic rock music scene for more than 40 years. 7 - 10 PM. Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St., Rochester 14605. 222-5000 800-745-3000. rbtl.org
26 * Thursday Family Movie at the Walworth Library
Enjoy a newly-released family friendly movie at the Walworth Library. This film is a musical fairy tale starring Meryl Streep as the witch! Registration is required. 4 - 6 PM. WalworthSeely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511. www.walworthlibrary.org
MAG Highlights Tour This docent-led tour of the collections is included in Gallery admission. 6 PM. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8900. mag.rochester.edu
27 * Friday Cayuga Lake Birding Van Tour Hop in the Montezuma Audubon Center van for an excursion to the northern part of the lake where up to 30 species of ducks, geese and swans can be seen. Fee: $8/child; $13.50/adult. 9 AM Noon. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3588. ny.audubon.orgmontezuma Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime
See Mar. 06
Stages Presents-Suessical Jr. The production lovingly brings to life all of the favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination–Jojo. 7 PM. Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St., Rochester 14605. mjtstages.com ArtSmart: Harold and the Purple Crayon Resourceful and brave, Harold creates
the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his sky’s the-limit imagination. Enchantment Theatre’s production will take your family on a wild ride. 7 PM. Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca Street, Geneva 14456. 315-781-5483. thesmith.org
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.
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Imagine RIT – A Day of Discovery
28 * Saturday Autism Speaks - Conference
The school-age child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: from core symptoms to classroom and community care. This conference is free and open to parents and caregivers, providers, and community members. 8 AM - Noon. Bloch Alumni & Advancement Center, 300 East River Road, Rochester 14623. 275-6693. www.urmc.rochester.edu/ childrens-hospital/developmentaldisabilities/research/autism-spectrum
Science of Light Weekends
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WHEN Saturday, May 2, 10 am – 5 pm WHERE Rochester Institute of Technology, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr, Rochester, 14623, 475-7202 COST Free and open to the public MORE INFO www.rit.edu/imagine
2 PM & 7 PM
Stages Presents-Suessical Jr.
Maple Sugar Festival
South America Live Animal Program Wildlife Defenders will
Klutz School Break Week
I
RAPA Presents - Mary Poppins See Mar. 21
See Mar. 26 2 PM & 7 PM
Critter Challenge Learn how animals survive in their natural ranges by taking animal-related challenges. Docents are available for questions about your favorite animals. Free with Zoo admission. 10 AM - 4 PM. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. senecaparkzoo.org
each spring, Imagine RIT is the kickoff to Rochester’s rich festival season. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get creative at this oneday event!
March 28 - Saturday, April 4: 12-4pm. Experiment with lasers and prisms and explore the science of light and color. Learn how your eye works and trick your brain with amazing optical illusions. Included with museum admission. Noon - 4 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. www.rmsc.org
See Mar. 07
See Mar. 21
magine RIT: Innovation and Creativity Festival drew a large and inquisitive crowd at last year’s event. More than 30,000 visitors explored the RIT campus and discovered the latest in technology, science, the arts and all things entrepreneurial. This year visitors will experience the extensive scope of RIT through new interactive presentations, a variety of hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, and research projects set up throughout the campus. Multiple performance stages with live music and entertainment will be a hit with visitors of all ages. Held annually
Light-a-Palooza-Spring Break Fun with Light Saturday,
Turn pipe cleaners of all sizes into caterpillars, dragons, and anything else your imagination can dream up. Included with general museum admission fees. 10 AM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
Maple Sugaring at Cumming Nature Center See March 21
introduce you to many different animals and explain how each has adapted to it’s environment. Fee: $6/ child, $8/ adult, $25/ family. 3 - 4 PM. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3588. ny.audubon.orgmontezuma
29 * Sunday Maple Sugar Festival See Mar. 21
Maple Sugaring at Cumming Nature Center See Mar. 21 Science of Light Weekends
See Mar. 07 11 AM - 5 PM.
RAPA Presents - Mary Poppins See Mar. 21 2 PM. RPO-Peter and the Wolf
African Adventure with Wegman’s ZooMobile Learn
Featuring a colorful cast of characters, each brought to life by a different instrument, Prokofiev's enchanting symphonic fable weaves music and narration for a woodland adventure that entertains young and old alike. 2 PM. Hochstein School of Music & Dance, 50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester 14614. 454-2100. rpo.org
Frozen Sing Along and Snowflake Craft This may be
30 * Monday
about the role these animals play in their native environment. This exciting, free program is sponsored by the Children’s Center and will appeal to people of all ages. 10 AM - 4 PM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
your last chance for snow until next winter! Come to the Children’s Center of the Central Library to sing along with the movie Frozen. After the movie, you may create a fun and easy snowflake. 11 AM - 4 PM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
Spring Break Camp at the Zoo Spring Break Camp: Cycles of
Iroquois White Corn Project
Exhibit Closing: Cats Versus Dogs Display at The Strong Museum Last chance to see the
Find out more about the Iroquois White Corn Project, taste delicious dishes and learn about new recipes featuring Iroquois White Corn. Noon - 4 PM. Hart's Local Grocers, 10 Winthrop Street, Rochester 14607. 924-1690. ganondagan.org
Life (March 30 - April 3). Register online or call. 9 AM - 4 PM. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. senecaparkzoo.org
31 * Tuesday
Cats Versus Dogs display. The Cats Versus Dog display is included with general museum admission fees. 10 AM - 5 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities
Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
The Mountaintop-Opening Night A soul-stirring reimagining
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s last night on earth. After delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel. Continues through April 26. 7 PM. GEVA Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester 14607. 232-4382. gevatheatre.org
April
Craft and Story Time Preschool
01 * Wednesday Opening Day Trout Derby The
Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park annual Opening Day Tournament is scheduled for April 1. Proceeds from the opening day derby benefit the Fish Hatchery at Powder Mills Park. 7 AM. Powder Mills Park, 154 Park Rd., Pittsford 14534. 586-1670. www.fishpowdermill.org
Babysitting Course Child
Care Council Inc. is continuing to offer a nationally recognized babysitting course for young teens and adolescents ages 11 and older. 9 AM - 3 PM. Child Care Council, 595 Blossom Road, Suite 120, Rochester . 654-1223.
Story Time at the Walworth Library will include a children’s craft on the first Wednesday of each month. Ideal for ages 3-6. No registration required. All materials will be provided. 10 - 11 AM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511.
Storytime With Martha Enjoy stories every preschool child will enjoy! Every Wednesday through June 24. 11 AM. Barnes & Noble - Pittsford, 3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester 14618. 586-6020. Geneology Workshop at Walworth Library Use the library
edition of ancestry.com to help discover your past, the roots, and routes of your family. Feel free to bring your own laptop, tablet or other Wifi-compatible device. 2 - 4 PM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600
Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315986-1511.
02 * Thursday Babysitting Course Child Care Council Inc. is continuing to offer a nationally recognized babysitting course for young teens and adolescents ages 11 and older. 9 AM - 3 PM. Child Care Council-Lakeville, 3513 Thomas Dr., Suite 4, Lakeville 14480. 654-1223. Creative Playtime at Walworth Library Come every
Thursday morning for creative movement, costumes, toys, and interactive play. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, but all ages are welcome! 10 AM. Walworth-Seely Public Library, 3600 Lorraine Dr., Walworth 14568. 315-986-1511.
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fit kids day /
March 21, 11 am - 4pm Jump, run, or slide into the museum for a day filled with fitness fun! Improve agility and coordination with oversized sports balls, learn how to turn plastic grocery bags into a jump rope, and perfect your aim in the Sport Zone. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Sq., Rochester 14607, 263-2700, www.museumofplay.org
Film - Occupy the Farm The documentary film tells the inspiring story of a community taking direct action to create a healthier and more just food system and question the stewardship of a precious resource: publicly owned urban farmland. 7 PM. Bristol Valley Theater, 151 South Main Street, Naples 14512. www.bvtnaples.org
03 * Friday Play Late 'til 8 The first Friday of every month, you can Play Late 'Til 8! The Museum will be open until 8pm, with pizza, veggies and a drink available from 5:30pm – 7pm for just $3. 10 AM - 8 PM. Explore & More Museum, 300 Gleed Ave., East Aurora 14052. 716-655-5131. www.exploreandmore.org Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime Snuggle up on a fluffy
pillow and enjoy an animal-themed story or two and a humane education component. Great way to introduce the wonder of animals to the little ones of the family. Held every Friday in the Learning Center. 11 AM Noon. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Rochester 14450. 223-1330. www.lollypop.org
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MAG Highlights Tour This
docent-led tour of the collections is included in Gallery admission. 2 PM. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8900. mag.rochester.edu
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Presented by The Shakespeare Players program of the Rochester Community Players. Performances run April 3 and 4. 7 PM. MuCCC Theater, 142 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester 14607. muccc.org
04 * Saturday SEAster Egg Hunt The only
underwater egg hunt in Western New York, rain or shine! Children search the exhibits for “SEAster” Eggs. Win Prizes! Say hi to the SEAster Bunny & Beaker, the Aquarium Penguin Mascot. 10 AM - 4 PM. Aquarium of Niagara, 701 Whirlpool St., Niagara Falls 14301. 716-285-3575. www.aquariumofniagara.org
Lego Lab Do you love building with Legos? Then this is the place for you! Each month kids will be challenged to build a specific type of structure and then display their work for all to see. This program is best for children five and older. 10 AM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County,
115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
06 * Monday
Zooper Saturday (featuring the gorillas) Come meet the
Spring Egg-stravaganza! Drop
Wonders of Orion Once again,
Storytime Club: Celebrating Heroes Have your Storytime Club
western lowland gorillas, and learn what makes each one of them unique! Activities will take place and include keeper talks and animal enrichment. 11 AM - 3 PM. Buffalo Zoo, 300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo 14214. 716837-3900. www.buffalozoo.org the easy-to-find constellation Orion and his entourage blaze in the icy winter nights. Scouts will meet plenty of identifiable stars and constellations. 1 PM. Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. rmsc.org
Drop in Tour of Lollypop Farm The tour runs approximately
30 minutes, and gives visitors a bit of history of Lollypop Farm as well as a sneak peek at what happens behind the scenes at the shelter. Every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. 1 PM. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Rochester 14450. 233-1330. lollypop.org
The Merry Wives of Windsor
See Apr. 03 R
in for an egg-stremely fun time at Tifft Nature Preserve! Admission fee covers Egg dying and more. $7 per person. 10 AM - 2 PM. Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrmann Boulevard, Buffalo 14203. 716-825-6397. www.sciencebuff.orgtifft-naturepreserve/
passport punched once during each visit. Collect five punches and receive a free children’s book! Included with general museum admission fees. 10 - 11 AM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
Monday Great Starts Storytime Come and enjoy short
stories, songs and activities perfect for infants and toddlers to 24 months old. Every Monday. 10 AM. Barnes & Noble - Pittsford, 3349 Monroe Ave., Rochester 14618. 586-6020.
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities 07 * Tuesday
Thursday Night Story Time
Baby Storytime Every Tuesday: For newborns-2 years old with caregiver, but older siblings are welcome, too! Babies will experience books, nursery rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and simple sign language. 10 AM. Henrietta Moose Family Center, 5375 W Henrietta Rd, West Henrietta 14586. 359-7092. hpl.org
08 * Wednesday Books & Bites Teen Book Club Enjoy pizza and discuss books!
The group meets at Pizza Hut on the second Wednesday of each month. 6 - 7 PM. Pizza Hut, 3861 West Henrietta Road, Rochester 14623. 359-7092. hpl.org
Stories and Themed Crafts for Children (Free Program-no registration required) 6 - 7 PM. Hamlin Public Library, 422 Clarkson Hamlin Townline Rd, Hamlin 14464. 9642320. www.hamlinny.orgLibrary/
Art Social Gather your friends for a fun, quick art experience in a unique setting. While you’re here, enjoy tapas and live music. No experience needed and all materials provided. Simply come for a little fun and a little art. Fee: $12. 6 - 7 PM. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8900. mag.rochester.edu
series continues with more real people telling real stories. Tickets at the door. $7. 7 PM. Bristol Valley Theater, 151 South Main Street, Naples 14512. www.bvtnaples.org
10 * Friday
11 * Saturday
Mother’s Day: A Celebration of Chocolate Treat Mom to a
Juggle-In at RIT -Free Family Showcase Free Family Showcase at
special day in the historic village in a celebration of the role of mothers throughout the 19th century. Festivities focus on fashion and chocolate! All Mothers are admitted FREE on Mother's Day. 10 AM - 4 PM. Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford 14511. 538-6822. www.gcv.org
Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime See Apr. 03
09 * Thursday
Fish Out of Water: a Storytelling Event The storytelling
Juggle-In at RIT Opening Night: Come to the Clark Gym for juggling, competitions, prizes, shows and friends! 5 PM. RIT-Clark Gym, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester 14623. 7482433. ritjuggle.blogspot.com
10:30am. 10 AM - 5 PM. RIT-Clark Gym, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester 14623. 748-2433. ritjuggle. blogspot.com
Cool Kids ECO-Fest Got stuff to recycle? Bring items to the festival and it will be repurposed, reused or recycled. Receive raffle tickets for cool prizes. A great way to have fun, Go Green and volunteer. 10 AM - 2 PM. Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia 14020. 3430050 x 6616. www.genesee.edu RMSC Rain Barrel Workshops Participants in Family Rain Barrel Workshop might see a decrease in their water bill. Community members are invited to sign up to learn about the benefits of using rain barrels, and create their own rain barrel to take home. 11 AM - Noon. Rochester Museum and Science Center,
657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. rmsc.org
Superheroes Weekend at The Strong Do-gooders unite for a herofilled weekend that includes seeing heroic characters, superhero training, and a variety of other superherothemed activities. Swing in to meet Spider-Man! Included with general museum admission fees. 11 AM - 4 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
Science of Light Weekends
Meet experts and presenters from our community in the field of optics and photonics. Enjoy special live science and Electricity Theater shows themed especially for the International Year of Light. 1 - 3 PM. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. www.rmsc.org
Redwings vs Buffalo Bisons - Opening Game Make it a
family and friends day and join in the fun of the Rochester Red Wings season opener! Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 1 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
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 • March/April 2015
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calendar of events • local family-friendly activities
Cool kids eco-fest / April 11,
10am - 2pm
Got stuff to recycle? Bring items to the festival and it will be repurposed, reused or recycled. Receive raffle tickets for cool prizes. A great way to have fun, Go Green and volunteer. Genesee Community College, One College Rd., Batavia 14020, 343-0055, www.genesee.edu
Sensory Friendly Time Staff
turns down the noise, turns off flashing lights, and shuts off the air compressors so people with sensory processing challenges can enjoy the museum. The museum also offers quiet areas where participants can sit, relax, and regroup. 5 - 7 PM. MOST - Museum of Science and Technology, 500 S. Franklin Street, Syracuse 13202. 315-425-9068. www.most.org
12 * Sunday Juggle-In at RIT Last Day for the
38th Annual RIT Spring Juggle-In! Come to the Clark Gym for juggling, competitions, prizes, shows and friends! Mark your calendars because its going to be another great year! 10 AM - 3 PM. RIT-Clark Gym, 1 Lomb Memorial Dr., Rochester 14623. 748-2433. ritjuggle.blogspot.com/
Science of Light Weekends
Superheroes Weekend
Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
Crescent Trail Hike Learn a little history from Town Historian, Bill Poray. Meet on Main Street between the library and the gazebo - Fairport. 1 PM., 234-1621.
Wegmans Storytime with Miss Anne Join Miss Anne at the
See Apr. 11 1 PM - 4 PM.
Redwings vs Buffalo Bisons
Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 1 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
Edible Books Festival and Competition Imagine an event
where books look good enough to eat - and can be! Participants select favorite books and create 3-D sculptures based on the titles or themes of those books. 2 - 4 PM. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8350. www3.libraryweb.orgediblebooks.aspx
Calkins Road Wegmans for a special storytime! This program will include stories, songs, rhymes, and simple sign language. Storytime will take place in the Market Cafe. 10 AM. Wegmans Calkins Road, 475 Calkins Road, Rochester 14623. 359-7092. hpl.org
Holistic Moms Network March Meeting Finding Your Inner Voice
with Mantras: Learn WHY Mantras Work and HOW to Develop One Uniquely Yours with Leslee Schenk Tyzcinski! As a top pro and world champion competitive cyclist, Leslee Schenk Tyzcinski learned the power of mantra living a... 6 - 8 PM. Christ Episcopal Church, 36 South Main Street, Pittsford 14534. hmnrochester.homewebs.com
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See Apr. 11
Mount Hope Cemetery Tour
Enjoy a 60- to 90-minute (depending on weather) guided walking tour on flat, paved roads. $5 per person. Members and children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) free. 1 PM. Mount Hope Cemetery, 791 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester 14620. 461-3494. fomh.org
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13 * Monday Monday Kicks for Ages 2 to 6
Playful learning activities designed for 2- to 6-year-olds. This Month: Animal Pals. Included with general museum admission fees. 10 AM - 2 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One
14 * Tuesday MOMS Club of Penfield-East Rochester-Brighton Open to all moms who live in Penfield or are in the Penfield, East Rochester and Brighton School Districts. Meets the second Tuesday of every month. 10 - 11 AM.
Zentangle Experience
Experience Yoga for the mind! Come on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 11am to try Zentangle! This event is free and open to the public. 11 AM. Lift Bridge Book Store, 45 Main Street, Brockport 14420. 6372260. www.liftbridgebooks.com
RBTL Presents: Anything Goes ALL ABOARD for this saucy and splendid production of ANYTHING GOES. One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s firstclass musical comedy is sailing to Rochester. 7 PM. Rochester Broadway Theatre, 885 East Main Street, Rochester 14605. 222-5000. rbtl.org
15 * Wednesday Books and Bites Teen Book Club Enjoy pizza and discuss books!
The group meets at Pizza Hut on the second Wednesday of each month. Please register. 6 - 7 PM. Pizza Hut, 3861 West Henrietta Road, Rochester 14623. 359-7092. hpl.org
RBTL Presents: Anything Goes See Apr. 14
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities 16 * Thursday
18 * Saturday
Art and Story Stroll his hour-
Autism Spectrum Connection Fair This is a free community
long story reading and art viewing experience is for children 2 to 5 with accompanying adult. $5 per adult (children free). 11 AM - Noon. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8971. mag.rochester.edu
Moses Man: Experience the Journey A new musical bound
for national exposure, powerfully portrays the spirit of survival of a Holocaust survivor, who navigated through tremendous obstacles to find home and freedom during one of the history's darkest times. 7 PM. JCC Hart Theatre, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester 14618. 461-2000. jccrochester.org
RBTL Presents: Anything Goes See Apr. 14
17 * Friday Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime See Apr. 03 Hands-On Music: “Musical Explorers” Make your own
instrument and come on a journey through a variety of instrumental sounds as we follow two musical explorers on a trip around the world. 5 - 7 PM. Hochstein School of Music & Dance, 50 N. Plymouth Ave., Rochester 14614. 454-4403. hochstein.org
Eastman Evening Concert Join Eastman School of Music students for a 20-minute concert followed by a question and answer session in the Caterpillar Atrium. Included with general admission fees. 6 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org Antique Show & Sale Looking for that perfect antique item? Then look no further than the museum's Antique Show & Sale. Plenty of fine dealers with extensive collections - and it's all indoors. 6 - 8 PM. Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford 14511. 538-6822. www.gcv.org RBTL Presents: Anything Goes See Apr. 14 8 PM. The Peking Acrobats
Continually “pushing the envelope of human possibility” (The New York Post), the astounding contortionists, jugglers, cyclists, and gymnasts of The Peking Acrobats join the RPO for a jaw-dropping visual spectacular that will dazzle and amaze. 8 PM. Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, 60 Gibbs St., Rochester 14604. 4542100. rpo.org
event that will connect parents who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with the agencies, businesses, and organizations in the Rochester, New York area that provide autism services, support, and information. 9 AM - 1 PM. Unity Health System Total Sports Experience, Rochester . managingautism.org
Party for the Planet Enjoy family-friendly activities, docent touch table stations and animal experiences during the Zoo's celebration of Earth Day. Free with Zoo admission. 10 AM - 4 PM. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. senecaparkzoo.org Creating a Bird Friendly Yard Create a bird-friendly yard and enjoy the daily companionship of birds right at home! Fee: $4/child, $6/ adult, $20/family, free for Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. 10 - 11 AM. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3588. ny.audubon.orgmontezuma
Antique Show & Sale See Apr. 17 10 AM - 4 PM.
Tail Waggin' Tutors The Tail
Waggin’ Tutors program allows kids to practice reading to calm, well-trained dogs. Kids who are 4 and up can bring their own book or read one from the library. 11 AM Noon. Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, 115 South Ave., Rochester 14604. 428-8150. www.libraryweb.org
TYKEs Presents: Alice in Wonderland A dream…a story…
an adventure! This brand new version of the zany, fantastical tale of Alice in Wonderland bursts to life onstage for audiences of all ages to savor. 11 AM Next show at 2pm. JCC Hart Theatre, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester 14618. 461-2000. tykestheatre.org
STEM-a-palooza While this event is primarily for registered Girl Scouts, those who are not currently registered Girl Scouts may still attend by emailing for more information. Registration required. $10 per girl. 1 - 4 PM. Al Sigl Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester 14620. www.gswny.org RBTL Presents: Anything Goes See Apr. 14 2 PM & 8 PM
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calendar of events • local family-friendly activities 19 * Sunday
23 * Thursday
Slide talk: "The Interurban Era" Did you know that 100 years
Dog Loves Books Louise Yates’ New York Times Best Seller comes to life in ArtsPower’s newest musical about the irresistable Dog who loves everything about books. 7 PM. Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca Street, Geneva 14456. 315-781-5483. thesmith.org
ago you could travel by trolley car to Buffalo, Syracuse and Geneva? The interurban trolley revolutionized travel and offered clean, frequent service in the first decades of the 20th Century. 1 - 2 PM. New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Rd, Rush 14586. www.nymtmuseum.org
24 * Friday
Last Day See Apr. 14 1pm & 6:30 PM
Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime See Apr. 03
MAG Highlights Tour See Apr.
Redwings vs Syracuse Chiefs
TYKEs Presents: Alice in Wonderland See Apr. 18 2 PM
& 4:30 PM (ASL Interpreted)
20 * Monday Storytime Club: Celebrating Heroes See Apr. 06
22 * Wednesday Creative Minds: Art and Music After School University of
Rochester students will be on hand Wednesdays to help kids get creative! 5 - 6 PM. Arnett Branch Library, 310 Arnett Blvd., Rochester 14619. 428-8214. www.libraryweb.org
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its third annual Antiques Appraisal Event at WXXI's Studios. Bring in your favorite treasure and have it appraised by one of our antique experts. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online or at the door. 9 AM - 4 PM. WXXI Studios, 280 State Street, Rochester 14603. WXXI.org
Discover the Digital Sandbox
RBTL Presents: Anything Goes
03 1 PM
WXXI's Third Annual Appraisal Event WXXI will host
Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 7 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
25 * Saturday Pick Up the Parks Event Great opportunity to join your friends and groups and neighbors to help clean up our parks at the annual event. 9am-noon (Cleanup in all Monroe County-managed Parks) noon-2pm (Thank You Picnic in Olmsted Lodge at Highland Park) 9 AM - 2 PM. 753-7284. www2.monroecounty. gov/parks/pickuptheparks
A weekend inspired by online virtual communities such as Minecraft and Terraria. Come in costume, make a craft, and attend theatrical performances by Allendale Columbia School students. Included with museum admission. 10 AM - 8 PM. Strong National Museum of Play, One Manhattan Square, Rochester 14607. 263-2700. museumofplay.org
Sheep Shearing at Springdale Farm Visit crafters
and vendors. See sheep shearing, spinning, weaving and dying demos. Enjoy the petting zoo, kids crafts and free children's haircuts. Tour the robotic milking center and more! 10 AM - 3 PM. Springdale Farm, 700 Colby St, Rochester 14559. 3492090. www.springdalefarm.org
Making Tracks-Celiacs Walk and Gluten-Free Food Fair This is a day of fun for the whole family featuring a 2-mile walk, Gluten-Free Food Fair, raffles for
prizes, and activities for children. Registration starts at 10:00 am. 10 AM - 1 PM. Monroe Community College, 1000 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester 14623. rochesterceliacs.org
Earthday Celebration at Hawk Creek Learn about Africa's
"Big Five", but now is the time for you to discover Hawk Creek's Big Five! Come celebrate Earth Day with the resident hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and wild cats. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. 11 AM - 4 PM. Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, 655 Luther Road, East Aurora 14052. 716-652-8646. www.hawkcreek.org
Animal Birthdays - Bornean orangutan All parties go from 1 to
3 p.m., with a "Happy Birthday" song and treats for the birthday animal at 2 p.m. There will also be a docent-run touch table station available at each birthday party 1 - 3 PM. Seneca Park Zoo, 2222 St Paul Street, Rochester 14621. 336-7213. www.senecaparkzoo.org
Science of Light Weekends
See Apr. 11
Redwings vs Syracuse Chiefs
Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 1 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
calendar of events • local family-friendly activities 26 * Sunday
30 * Thursday
Wegmans Family 5K The
Redwings vs Columbus Clippers Check the website for
Wegmans Family 5K is a tour of Center City that offers fun for the whole family with a course that's only 3.1 miles long. Rain/Shine 7 AM - 2 PM. Blue Cross Arena, 1 War Memorial Square, Rochester 14614. www.flowercitychallenge.com
The Human Touch Over the
past two decades, RBC Wealth Management has collected more than 400 works of art that reflect the diversity of the society in which we live and work. 11 AM. Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Ave., Rochester 14607. 276-8900. mag.rochester.edu
Discover the Digital Sandbox See Apr. 25 Noon - 5 PM
Science of Light Weekends
See Apr. 11
Redwings vs Syracuse Chiefs
Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 1 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
Annual Family Tea Nicole
Tadgell will lead a tour of Susan B Anthony's house through her eyes as an illustrator, followed by fun activites & refreshments. Registration required. 2 - 4 PM. The Susan B. Anthony House, 219 Madison St., Rochester 14608. 235-6124 x19. susanbanthonyhouse.org
27 * Monday
promotions and to purchase tickets. 11 AM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
May 01 * Friday Play Late 'til 8 The first Friday of every month, you can Play Late 'Til 8! The Museum will be open until 8pm, with pizza, veggies and a drink available from 5:30pm – 7pm for just $3. 10 AM - 8 PM. Explore & More Museum, 300 Gleed Ave., East Aurora 14052. 716-655-5131. www.exploreandmore.org Animal Tales - Drop-In Storytime Snuggle up on a fluffy
pillow and enjoy an animal-themed story or two and a humane education component. Great way to introduce the wonder of animals to the little ones of the family. Held every Friday in the Learning Center 11 AM - Noon. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Rochester 14450. 223-1330. lollypop.org
Redwings vs Norfolk Tides
Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 6 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
Storytime Club: Celebrating Heroes See Apr. 06
02 * Saturday
Redwings vs Columbus Clippers Check the website for
Sonnenberg Spring 5K Run/ Stroll Enjoy a beautiful race or walk,
promotions and to purchase tickets. 6 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
28 * Tuesday Zentangle Experience
See Apr. 14
Redwings vs Columbus Clippers Check the website for
promotions and to purchase tickets. 6 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
29 * Wednesday Redwings vs Columbus Clippers Check the website for
promotions and to purchase tickets. 6 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
if you wish, around the Sonnenberg Gardens and Canandaigua VA Hospital grounds. All race proceeds will go to support the day-to-day operational expenses at Sonnenberg Gardens. 7 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. checkin. 9 AM. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park, 151 Charlotte St., Canandaigua 14424. 394-4922. www.sonnenberg.org
Ganondagan State Historic Site Opening Weekend
Ganondagan State Historic Site Opens for the Season! 9 AM - 5 PM. Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor 14564. 924-1690. ganondagan.org
I Love My Parks Day Volunteer Opportunity! Volunteer
to help get Ganondagan State Historic Site ready for the Season! 9 AM - 11 AM. Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor 14564. 924-5848. ganondagan.org
Sheep Shearing at Springdale Farm / April 25,
10am – 3pm
Visit crafters and vendors. See sheep shearing, spinning, weaving and dying demos. Enjoy the petting zoo, kids crafts and free children's haircuts. Tour the robotic milking center and more! Springdale Farm, 700 Colby St., Ogden 14559, www.springdalefarm.org 9th Annual Wildlife Festival
Enjoy puppet shows, games, crafts, artisan vendors, great food, live music, a native plant sale, guided canoeing expeditions, a huge bounce house and much more! Free for children under 5, $2/school-aged child, $4/adult. 10 AM - 3 PM. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89 , Savannah 13146. 315-365-3580. www.audubon.org
Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train LIVE!: Buddy’s Big Adventure! This exciting, original,
musical story features lush projected backgrounds, magical special effects that fill the theater, a full-sized replica of the Dinosaur Train. Next show at 2pm. 11 AM. Nazareth College Arts Center, 4245 East Ave., Rochester 14618. 389-2170. artscenter.naz.edu
RMSC Rain Barrel Workshops Participants in Family Rain Barrel Workshop might see a decrease in their water bill. Community members are invited to sign up to learn about the benefits of using rain barrels, and create their own rain barrel to take home. 11 AM - Noon. Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave., Rochester 14607. 697-1942. rmsc.org
Drop in Tour of Lollypop Farm The tour runs approximately
30 minutes, and gives visitors a bit of history of Lollypop Farm as well as a sneak peek at what happens behind the scenes at the shelter. Every Saturday at 1:00 p.m. 1 PM. Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Rochester 14450. 223-1330. lollypop.org
Redwings vs Norfolk Tides
Check the website for promotions and to purchase tickets. 1 PM. Frontier Field, 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester 14608. 454-1001. www.RedWingsBaseball.com
03 * Sunday Ganondagan State Historic Site Opening Weekend
Ganondagan State Historic Site Opens for the Season! 9 AM - 5 PM. Ganondagan State Historic Site, 1488 State Route 444, Victor 14564. 924-1690. ganondagan.org
Walk! MS Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement- a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for a future without MS. 9 AM - 1 PM. Inn on the Lake, 770 South Main Street, Canandaigua 14424. 271-0805. https://secure3.convio.net/nmss/site/ SPageNavigator/WLK_HOM_splash. html
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Are you planning a party? check our party & celebration guide and articles online for great party ideas! www.RocParent.com
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five
places
By Carol Harvey
marvelous
maple
Five Places to Experience March Maple Weekends
D
uring the Maple Weekends (March 21-22 & 28-29) maple producers are inviting families to visit their farms and experience how maple syrup and other maple products are made. Whether it’s simply boiling the sap over an open fire or running it through highly scientific equipment, you and your kids will have a fun learning experience. Check with individual farms for their schedule of events and activities and visit www.nysmaple.com to learn more about maple sugaring and to see the full list of farms participating in this year’s Maple Weekends.
Cumming Nature Center 6472 Gulick Rd., Naples 14512 374-6160 www.rmsc.org
Visitors can explore the science and lore of maple syrup production with guides along the Pioneer Trail. Learn how a tree makes sap and discover the different techniques used to gather and process it into the sweet syrup. Top off your visit with a pancake breakfast.
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Genesee Country Village & Museum 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford 14511 538-6822 www.gcv.org
Step back in time to the 1800s as costumed interpreters describe how sap was collected and made into maple sugar in the 19th century. Visit the website for details about the annual Maple Sugar Festival.
www.RocParent.com
Schoff’s Sugar Shack
1064 Willis Hill Road Victor 14564 924-3769 www.schoffssugarshack.com
This family operation produces about 200 gallons of syrup a year! See the sap get boiled down on the wood-fired evaporator and taste samples of the various syrup grades. Syrup, candy and gift bottles are available to purchase.
Shadow Hill Farm
7285 Lakeside Road Ontario 14519 315-524-2190 www.shadowhillmaplesyrup.com Take a guided tour of the sugar bush and sugar house and see how sap is collected and made into maple syrup, candy and cream. Hike the trails through the Sugar Bush and enjoy free samples of syrup and other maple products.
Trout Brook Sugarhouse & Alpacas
296 Taylor Road Honeoye Falls 14472 624-5648 www.troutbrooksugarhouse.com This sugarhouse offers demonstrations, tours syrup tastings, molded maple sugar samples and even a visit with their alpacas! Maple and alpaca products available at their farm store.
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