JULY 2014
AY D Y T E AF S ER M SUM
T H IG
N R O
Safe in the suburbs?
How and why heroin use is on the rise, affecting all ages, all communities
Senate passes CPR in schools bill
Patriotic picnic
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making, spending & saving - tips and techniques for family finances
dollars & sense
How to approach saving for college lege diploma still offers financial incentives that can soften the blow of repaying college loans.
ď Ž Look into college savings plans. Simply socking money away in a savings account is no continued on page 7
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a lifetime ahead of them to repay those loans, while their parents have far less time to grow their retirement savings. No parent wants their child to be saddled with debt after they earn their degree, but that does not mean parents should sacrifice security in their golden years just so their child can have minimal or no debt when they graduate from college. Studď Ž Prioritize retirement savings over ies show that the average college saving for college. Some parents might feel a degree of guilt if they graduate still earns roughly a deposit more money into their retirement accounts each month than million dollars more over his or they do into their kids' college funds. But such a strategy is nothher lifetime than someone with just ing to feel guilty about. College a high school diploma, so a colstudents who take out loans have Parents typically have a lot on their plates. In addition to juggling life's daily events, parents also must keep their eyes on the future, which typically involves planning for retirement and saving money for their kids' college educations. Though both rank high on many parents' priority lists, parents should approach college savings much differently than they do retirement savings.
JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
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meals in minutes
fast and easy meals to get your family to the table on time
This July 4th have a...
Patriotic picnic Brilliant berries
Put sugar and blue food coloring in a sandwich bag and shake well until all sugar is blue. Put the blue sugar in a small bowl. Melt white chocolate using a microwave; when melted, dip in a strawberry two-thirds of the way down. While the chocolate is still warm, dip the bottom third of the strawberry in the blue sugar.
Easy flag cake Ingredients
Directions
White cake mix 2 tubs whipped topping 3 pints raspberries Pint blueberries
Prepare cake in 9-by-13-inch pan lined with wax paper, according to directions on box. Allow to cool and turn over onto platter. Frost with white frosting and decorate in a pattern similar to the photo at left using both kinds of berries.
Red, white and blue potato salad Ingredients
1 jar mayonaise dozen eggs 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds blue potatoes, with peel on 2 pounds small new red potatoes, with peel on 2 pounds small white potatoes, with peel on
Directions
Boil eggs about 20 minutes, until firm. Chill, shell, then chop. Place potatoes into a large kettle. Fill kettle with water to cover potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon salt to kettle and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes until just tender,
approximately 15 minutes. Drain. Peel skins from blue potatoes only. Allow all potatoes to cool and cut into bite size pieces. Stir each kind of potato with 1/3 of the jar of mayonaise and four eggs in separate bowls. Arrange all red potatoes at one end of the salad dish, white potatoes in the center, and blue potatoes on the opposite end of serving dish. Cover and chill two to three hours before serving.
The blue in these potatoes comes from flavonid, a pigment which, according to research, provides many health benefits, including cancer protection. Regardless of color, potatoes all contain about one gram of carbohydrate for every four calories — they’re basically allcarbohydrate when it comes to calorie content.
It’s blue!
what’s inside
dollars & sense 3 How to approach saving for college
meals in minutes
4 Red, white and blue: A patriotic picnic
from the editor 6
My best years are right now ... so far
healthy family 15 21
The mighty chia seed Senate passes CPR in school bill
calendar 8 What’s happening around you
safety zone
12 Summer safety day or night
pay it forward 24
Getting kids to volunteer
contents
family FYI
16 Losing a daughter to heroin 16 Safe in the suburbs? 22 Plan ahead for a fun day at the waterpark 27 Getting kids to go green
learning curve
11 Where real science comes to play 17 We’re in this together: Fun in the sun Q&A 25 A mother’s perspective: A time machine in my linen closet
www dots 26 Did you know? Researching
family history and geneology
paws & effects 14 Dudley: Taking me for a trip
feature story
18 Field of Dreams Baseball Bash benefits Challenger Baseball
Raising preeclampsia awareness The Second Annual Syracuse Promise Park was held May 31 at the Willow Bay Shelter at Onondaga Lake Park. The event was started by Lorrelle Lashway to raise awareness for preeclampsia in pregnant women. Syracuse Parent Magazine is a proud media sponsor. JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
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from the editor
My best years are right now ... so far I spent the last few days of the school year in a daze, trying to grasp the fact that my kids are now moving up to yet another grade. It seems just yesterday that I was putting them on the bus for the first half-day of kindergarten. I’m so proud of the young people both of my children have become. They are good kids, with special talents and active minds. I remember, when I was in school, my mother always telling me, “These are the best years – enjoy them.” But I never really understood. I do now. Jennifer Wing This is the time when they are discovering new Editor things, trying out different experiences and just enjoying life. I don’t want to minimize the stresses that they also face, such as homework, tests, competing in sports, peer pressure and, I’m sure, some uncertainty about what their future holds. But their burden is less heavy than it will most likely be when they get older. Right now, they can just be kids, in every sense of the word. And that is especially true now that summer is finally here, with it’s promise of hazy days that start with the chirping of birds and end with smores around the bonfire. I find myself to be an appreciative observer of the childhood they are enjoying. They are pretty lucky, although sometimes they might not feel that way. I think that is part of being young; not truly understanding how special this time is, or that there will be a transition from this period of their lives to a time when they will face more responsibility and, accordingly, will begin the process of becoming adults. I want to tell them what my mother said to me, but I don’t think they’ll understand, just as I didn’t understand when I was their age. So, instead, I’ll just sit back and enjoy my role as “Mom” in their lives, knowing that, for me, these years of being a parent of growing children are actually the best ones of my life, so far. Stay up-to-date with us on Twitter, @SYRparent, and at facebook. com/SyracuseParentMagazine. Jennifer Wing can be reached at jwing@eaglenewsonline.com
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SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
publisher
David B. Tyler 434-8889 ext. 302 dtyler@eaglenewsonline.com
editor
Jennifer Wing 434-8889 ext. 340 editor@syracuseparent.net
associate editor
Farah F. Jadran 434-8889 ext. 306 calendar@syracuseparent.net
ad sales
Linda Jabbour 434-8889 ext. 304 ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com
business manager
Lisa Congdon
434-8889 ext. 303 lcongdon@eaglenewsonline.com
circulation manager
Lori Newcomb
434-8889 ext. 333 lnewcomb@eaglenewsonline.com
creative director
Sean Haney
434-8889 ext. 331 art@eaglenewsonline.com We want your news! Contributions can be sent to Farah Jadran, Associate Editor, Syracuse Parent Magazine, 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, New York 13206. Original contributions become the property of Syracuse Parent Magazine. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned. To contact us please call 315.434.8889, or fax 315.434.8883 Syracuse Parent Magazine is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 10th day of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates available upon request. Syracuse Parent Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services, or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2008 by Syracuse Parent Magazine. No portion of Syracuse Parent Magazine may be reproduced without permission from the editor.
longer enough to finance a college education. That's because interest rates on standard savings accounts are very low, and as The College Board notes, the college tuition rate of increase is substantially higher than the general inflation rate. In addition, according to The College Board, the average 2013-14 tuition increase was 3.8 percent at private colleges and 2.9 percent at public universities. Both of those figures are higher than the average increase in personal incomes, meaning parents are earning less while tuition costs are rising. So parents who want to finance all or some of their kids' college tuitions need to be more creative. College education savings plans are an option, and many, including a Coverdell Education Savings Account and the popular 529 Savings Plan, allow earnings in the account to grow tax-free. Even withdrawals from college savings plans are typically tax-free so long as those withdrawals are used to finance educational expenses. (Note: Rules vary depending on the type of account, so parents should not assume all withdrawals are tax-free.) But college savings plans can also have an impact on a student's financial aid eligibility, as these
dollars & sense
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continued from page 3
investments are often treated as parental assets (retirement account assets are typically not considered parental assets when determining a student's eligibility for financial aid). So parents should explore all of the ins and outs of the various college savings plans available to them before opening any accounts. ď Ž Encourage students to save for their own expenses. Many high school students are not in a position to work a lot or even at all during a school year. And working too much may ultimately affect students' performance in the classroom. But parents can allow kids to work during summer vacations, and encourage youngsters to save a substantial amount of their earnings from summer jobs. This can teach kids valuable lessons about money management, and money kids save from summer jobs can be used to pay for additional expenses that do not fall under the umbrella of college tuition, including books, food or even housing. Saving for their children's college education is a priority for many parents, and there are various ways parents can do just that without sacrificing their retirements. JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
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Staff on call 24 HOURS A day!
calendar
here is what’s happening around you
Tue July 1 FIRST STEPS. Tuesdays at 9:30 AM. First Steps is an action packed, language building program that features music, movement, rhymes and stories. For children who are good walkers. Good for toddlers. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. fflib.org. SUMMER FAMILY KICKBALL LEAGUE. 5 to 6 PM. Come play kickball in the green space outside the library. All members of the family invited. Bring your sneakers and a water bottle. fflib.org.
Wed July 2 LIGHT TRAIL PHOTOS. 2 to 3:30 PM.
Prenatal Consultation!
CAMILLUS
601 North Way Phone: 487-1541
LIVERPOOL
8086 Oswego Rd. Phone: 652-1070
36270
FREE
www.pediatricassociatesny.com
Thu July 3 NOOK GLOWLIGHT. 2 PM. Bring your NOOK Glowlight and explore the many features of our fabulous, easy to use e-Book Device must be registered before class. Please RSVP at the NOOK counter or call the store at 449-2948. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
t #*35)%": 1"35*&4 t 13*7"5& 1"35*&4 t #64*/&44 1"35*&4
SPECIAL RATES FOR:
Mon July 7
t )PNF 4DIPPM (SPVQT t /BOOJFT %BZUJNF #BCZTJUUFST 38560
Serving Lunches Daily!
OPEN ROCK & BOWLING Mon-Thurs BOWL 11am-Midnight
Friday & Saturday Night 9pm
Learn how to make light trail photos in the blacked out community room. We will create light trail photos making shapes, names and more. One photo will be printed per child. Bring your own digital camera or use one of ours! (For grades 1-5). fflib.org.
Fri & Sat 11am-1am Sun noon-9pm
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
FAMILY CRAFT NIGHT. 6 to 7 PM. Decorate your own library tote bag. Come and decorate your library tote bag, perfect for carrying all of your books this summer and beyond! We will provide lots of cool supplies for decorating. Buy your bag ahead of time at the front desk, or buy one the night of for $10. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. fflib.org.
Tue July 8 CRAFTASTIC CRITTERS. Every Tuesday at 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Drop-in and make a craft, for kids aged 4-10. fflib.org.
Wed July 9
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SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
MEET & GREET 6 to 8 PM. Marrying Major Bennett by Jae Maxson. Stop by for a meet & greet event with local author Jae Maxson. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
SCIENCE STORYTIME. Wednesdays at 9:30 AM. Enjoy science story times each week! We will play with magnets, create craft animals and much more! For ages 0-5. Fayetteville Free Library. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. fflib.org.
Thu July 10 PRE-K ART CLASS. 10:30 to 11:30 AM. This program will introduce children to a myriad of artists, styles, and mediums, encouraging self-expression, socialization, and creative thinking. Draw, paint, color, and create original works of art! Ages 3 to 5. Please register. fflib.org. STORYTIME WITH MISS COLLEEN. Every Thursday. 10 AM. Barnes & Noble story times are always fun, filled with great books, silly songs and cool activities. Age: toddlers and preschoolers. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
CUDDLETIME. Thursdays at 9:30 AM. Enjoy rhymes, songs, stories and more. Fayetteville Free Library. 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. fflib.org.
Fri July 11 STORYTIME. 7 PM. Clifford Visits for a Pajama Storytime. Put on your PJ’s and join us for a story time event featuring some classic Clifford adventure tales with a guest appearance by Clifford. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
PLAY IN THE PARK. 2 to 3:30 PM. Just because you’re a teen doesn’t mean you can’t play in the park. We will be doing a different gaming experience every week: tabletop games, role-playing games, computer games, and more in the green space outside the library. For grades 6 through 12. fflib.org.
Sat July 12 THE NUMBERLYS STORYTIME. 11 AM. Before there were letters there were numbers. Life was fine, boring, and orderly. But five of the numbers felt there should be more and through teamwork and creativity, miraculous things began to happen. Great for children ages 3 through 7. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
calendar continued on next page
calendar GARDEN RAILYWAY OPEN HOUSE. 11 AM to 4 PM. Robert & Marie Loran, 102 Mohawk Ave., Central Square. A magnificent large layout with distinctive water features and multiple operating trains. Sponsored by Central New York Large-Scale Railway Society Inc., a New York state not-for-profit corporation. Contact Gordon Davis, coordinator, at gdavis4@twcnyrr.com.
Sun July 13 PENGUIN PALOOZA. 5:30 to 8 PM. Come to the zoo for an evening of ice cream and food tastings from a variety of vendors, live entertainment and lots of kid-friendly activities. Chill out and enjoy animal demonstrations, including a penguin feeding. Advance sale: $12 per person, members | $15 per person, non-members. At the door: $17 per person, if available. Tickets required; reserve online at rosamondgiffordzoo.org/penguinpalooza, by phone at 435-8511, ext. 113 or purchase at the membership desk. Sponsored by Empower Federal Credit Union.
NOW - AUGUST 22
Tue July 15 YOUNG READERS BOOK CLUB. 3:30 to 5 PM. For students
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in grades 3 through 6. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Join us for a discussion of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Description: Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. We will also be making our very own wands! Please register. fflib.org.
Wed July 16 LEGO BRAINSTORM. 4 to 5:30 PM. Join us for an introduction to basic LEGO Robotic programming followed by a mission challenge. Participants will work in groups of 4 to design and program their robot to complete the mission. Please register. (For grades 1-5). fflib.org.
Thu July 17 FAYETTEVILLE JAZZ. 6:30 PM. Come to a free jazz concert in Beard Park featuring Cookie Coogan. The library will sell food from Uno Chicago Grill of Fayetteville, and all proceeds benefit the library. fflib.org.
Fri July 18 SUMMER ORIGAMI CLUB: FOLDING BASICS. 7 PM. Children ages 8 and up are invited to our summer Origami Club. Each week will feature a different theme. Space is limited so please RSVP to sign up in store at customer service or by phone at 4492948. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
Sat July 19
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SIXTH ANNUAL ZOOKEEPER OPEN. Registration begins at noon; shotgun start at 1:30 PM. The Links at Sunset Ridge Golf Course, Marcellus. Support the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Price includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, prizes and dinner/awards ceremony. Prizes awarded to top three teams; separate awards for male/female longest drive and closest to the pin. $85 per person; teams of
calendar continued on page 10 JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
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calendar
here is what’s happening around you
four. Sponsorship packages available. Registration required; call 435-8511, ext. 121 for more information or to register.
RAILWAY GARDEN TOUR. Noon to 4 PM. Carl & Thelma Cramer, 7141 East Carter Road, Rome. The C & T Castlerock Shortline RR is a 500 square foot layout. Come see the town of Castlerock, the airport, the pond and flowers. Contact Gordon Davis, coordinator, at gdavis4@ twcnyrr.com.
YARD CRAFT SALE. 9 AM to 3 PM. Combined Yard and Craft Sale at the North Syracuse Community Center hosted by the Bishop Curley Columbiettes. Everyone is welcome to shop the wonderful people at the sale at 600 South Bay Road at the intersection of Church Street and Centerville Place, North Syracuse. Parking will be available in the Masonic Center parking lot, next door. Anyone wishing to be a vendor, should call Marlene at 451-6291 or Vera at 3965835 for reservation information. Exterior spaces are available. The funds raised at this sale, will enable the Columbiettes to continue their good works.
Mon July 21 AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE. 1:30 to 6:30 PM. The FFL is sponsoring a blood drive. Please register by calling 637-6374. fflib. org.
Tue July 22 THE FIRE WISH BY AMBER LOUGH. 6 to 8 PM. Meet and greet. Debut author Lough introduces two courageous, resilient heroines (a jinni and a princess) in this series opener, a historical fantasy set in Baghdad’s Golden Age. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
TINKER TOTS. 11 AM. Children will have hands-on opportunities to learn, explore, and invent! Activities will include a “stuffed animal take apart” and “cotton ball catapults”. fflib.org.
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SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
Wed July 23 BATMAN 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. 7 PM. Dress as your favorite superhero or villain, and celebrate Batman for a 75th Anniversary Celebration. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
Thu July 24 MODDING MINECRAFT. 2 to 4 PM. You know how to play Minecraft, now learn how to change it. All mods made during this program will be added to the library’s server. No prior coding experience required. Please register. For grades 6 through 12. fflib.org.
Fri July 25 ANNUAL FINGER LAKES CHAPTER SHOW. July 25 to 27. Clift Park. Exhibitors at the FLC show, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year, come not only from Central New York, but also from New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina and Canada. Boat parade and fly-by, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday. Musical entertainment, including performances by the Skaneateles Community Band and the Soda Ash Six. A youth judging activity, sponsored by Hagerty Classic Marine Insurance. Opportunities for children to paint toy wooden boats. Guided village tours by the Skaneateles Historical Society. Raffle Drawings. Judging of the boats, in 35 categories, takes place Saturday morning. Throughout the weekend, visitors to the show will cast their votes for the highly coveted People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Doug’s Fish Fry, which will be presented at 3 p.m. Sunday. Show runs 3 p.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to dusk Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, and is handicap accessible. Admission is free. For more information, visit skaneateles.com or call the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce at 6850552.
Sat July 26 ARISE & RIDE AT THE FARM. 8:30 AM to 3 PM. Twelve and 25- Mile Cycle Rides-Walk & Wheel-A-Thon-Family Farm Festival. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards building an accessible
playground at ARISE at the Farm. 1972 New Boston Road, Chittenango. ariseandride.org. For more information, contact Bethanie Hemingway at 6712909.
GARDEN RAILWAY TOUR. 1 to 4 PM. Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Davis, 315 Viking Place, Liverpool. The Near Madding & Far Fromit Light Railway is a European themed layout of modest size populated by storybook and cartoon characters with an occasional troll living under the bridge. A pirate ship floats on the pond. Trains operate from a variety of European countries and occasionally the island of Sodor. There is no rain date. Contact Gordon Davis, coordinator, at gdavis4@ twcnyrr.com.
Mon July 28 GEEK GIRL CAMP. 10 AM to 3 PM. July 28 through Aug. 1. Geek Girl Camp is a week-long camp at the Fayetteville Free Library for girls in grades 3-5 to inspire and interest girls in STEAM. This camp will not only expose young girls to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics skills but also seeks to inspire girls to go on to college and become leaders in STEAM! We will offer plenty of hands on activities along with hearing from inspiring women who work in the field and much more! All girls MUST register before July 4, 2014. The cost of the camp is $25, (four scholarship opportunities based on financial need, essay questions and letters of recommendation. For additional information about the camp please contact: Meredith Levine, Director of Family Engagement at 637-6374x330 or mlevine@fflib.org.
Tue July 29
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Group. 7 PM. Welcoming young authors to the Central New York children’s writers and illustrators. A great way to get information and connect with local authors and illustrators. Barnes & Noble. 3454 Erie Blvd East, DeWitt.
the ins and outs of educational and stimulating activities for your children
learning curve
Where real science comes to play The MOST makes learning fun this summer
The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology in downtown Syracuse has planned a bunch of activities that will keep kids learning and having fun. MOST summer camps The MOST is offering two weeklong educational summer camps: July 21 through 25 for 9- to 12-year-olds and Aug. 4 through 8 for 7- to 10-year-olds. The July camp will explore the science of really small things: nanotechnology, or the science of manipulating matter on the molecular scale. For the August camp, participants will focus on entomology, the study of insects, during the morning and engineering space design in the afternoon. Camps are limited to 22 children and run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A healthy snack is included, but campers must bring a lunch. The cost is $250 for MOST members and $280 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Corinne Mathews at 425-9068 ext. 2148. To sign up, contact
Submitted photo ‘Build Your World,� a summer-long contest, is being held at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology in downtown Syracuse.
Kelly Gardner at 425-9068 ext. 2121. Dr. Entomo’s Amazing Arthropods Visit this exhibit and find out where you need to travel to find a bird-eating tarantula in the wild and what happens when you put a scorpion under a black light. Learn why insects are important to the environment, and then make your own arthropod out of recycled materials. The MOST will also offer a demonstration of our Madagascar hissing
cockroaches at 2:30 p.m. and let one of them walk on you – if you dare! Summer contest The MOST is also offering a toothpick building contest, “Build Your World,� with prizes including a free family membership, $50 gift certificate and a T-shirt from toothpick master Stan Munro. Entries must be submitted by Aug. 16. See the MOST’s website at most. org for complete contest rules. Science Social On Saturday, July 19, and Aug. 16 the MOST will hold a Science Social, with the MOST staff bringing the fun outside. (Rain dates are July 20 and Aug. 17.) They’ll bring out our bubble demonstration, give children a chance to play with water and bubbles and show everyone just how much fun science can be. Or kids can visit the MOST’s Silverman Planetarium. They’ll offer an extra chance for you to enjoy the cool night sky every day from Aug. 19 to 24, offering shows at 11:15 a.m., and 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.
GROUP,SEMI-PRIVATE, SEMI-PRIVATE, PRIVATE GROUP, AND AND PRIVATE
Creative Environment Day School
RED CROSS CERTIFIED SWIMAND LESSONS SWIM LESSONS GROUP, SEMI-PRIVATE, AND PRIVATE GROUP, SEMI-PRIVATE, PRIVATE IN THE JCC OUTDOOR HEATED IN THE JCC OUTDOOR HEATED POOL POOL GROUP, SEMI-PRIVATE, AND PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS SWIM CALL TODAY! LESSONS Now Available POOL’S OPEN! IN THE JCC OUTDOOR HEATED POOL SWIM 315-445-2360 INLESSONS THE JCC OUTDOOR HEATED POOL 7 Days a Week! IN CALL THE JCC OUTDOOR HEATED POOL TODAY! Now Available CALL TODAY!
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ADVANCED PRE-KINDERGARTEN - A 5 DAY PROGRAM Children must be 5 by March 1 KINDERGARTEN - A 5 DAY PROGRAM Children must be 5 by December 1
s 2EGISTERED AND !CCREDITED WITH THE .EW 9ORK 3TATE %DUCATION $EPARTMENT LICENSED BY .93 /#&3 SINCE s .EW 9ORK 3TATE #ERTIlED 4EACHERS WITH #REDENTIAL IN %ARLY %DUCATION s 3MALL CLASS SIZE CHILDREN TO TEACHERS s ,EARNING PROGRAM TAILORED TO MEET AND EXCEED LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS CURRICULUM You do not need to be a s .93 #ORE "ODY OF +NOWLEDGE AND THE Ask about ou Lessons Begin May 30th member to take swim .93 4EACHING 3TANDARDS TO REINFORCE Pool Birthday lessons. Discounts are And Are Available THE DEVELOPMENTAL CONTINUUM given to members. Throughout the Summer s #ALENDAR AND DAILY HOURS AM TO Now Available Parties! PM OR AM TO PM Days a Week! CALL TODAY! Now7Available You do not need to be CONDUCIVE FOR PARENTS SCHEDULES Youa do not315-445-2360 need to be a 7 Days aabout Week!our AskMay s #%$3 IS /PEN WHEN 0UBLIC 3CHOOLS ARE CLOSED FOR (OLIDAYS 6ACATIONS AND 3NOW $AYS Lessons BeginRd. May 30th Begin member to take swim Ask about o 5655 Thompson DEWITT Lessons 30th member to take swim s $AILY MUSIC CLASSES TAUGHT BY OUR -USIC 4EACHER You do lessons. not needDiscounts to be a are Pool Birthday Pool Birthda www.jccsyr.org And Are Available lessons. Discounts are And Are Available Ask about our s #OMPUTER EDUCATION AND EXTENSIVE LIBRARY COMPLETE WITH AGE APPROPRIATE MEDIA Begin May membergiven to take swim to members. Parties! givenLessons to members. Throughout the30th Summer EVERYONE Parties! Ask About Throughout the Summer s 0HYSICAL %DUCATION AND 'YMNASTICS lessons. Discounts are Pool Birthday And Are Available WELCOME You do not need to be a Our Pool s .UTRITIOUS HOT LUNCHES AND HEALTHY SNACKS PREPARED FRESH IN OUR KITCHEN AND given to members. Youmember do not need to beswim aSummer Lessons Parties! Ask about our Begin May 30th to take Throughout the APPROVED BY A REGISTERED DIETICIAN /PTIONAL BREAKFAST AVAILABLE DAILY Parties! Ask about our Lessons Begin MayBirthday 30th member to take swim are Pool Birthday lessons. Discounts And Are Available s )NTERESTING lELD TRIPS AND SPEAKERS FROM THE COMMUNITY Pool Birthday lessons. Discounts are And Are Available 5655 Thompson 5655 Rd. DEWITT given to members. Thompson Rd. DEWITT Throughout the Summer given to members. Parties! Parties! s 2EGISTERED .URSE !MERICAN 2ED #ROSS &IRST 2ESPONDERS -EDICATION Throughout the Summer www.jccsyr.org www.jccsyr.org !DMINISTRATION 4RAINED -!4 3TAFF AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES
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GROUP, SEMI-PRIVATE, AND PRIVATE Swim ming Less ons 315-445-2360 EVERYONE 7 Days a Week! 315-445-2360 7 Days a Week! CALL TODAY! NowAllAvailable Sum GROUP, SEMI-PRIVATE, AND PRIVATE mer Long WELCOME SWIM LESSONS Ages 6 315-445-2360 7 Days a Week! Months to Adult
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5655 Thompson Rd. DEWITT 38982
Limited enrollment please call for a tour (315) 637-6071 www.jccsyr.org or email us at ceds1@verizon.net for further information.
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IN THE JCC LESSONS OUTDOOR HEATED POOL SWIM EVERYONE EVERYONE IN THETODAY! JCC OUTDOOR HEATED POOL CALL WELCOME WELCOME 315-445-2360 Ages 6 Months Adult to Adult EVERYONE Ages 6toMonths WELCOME Ages 6 Months to Adult Ages 6 Months to Adult Ages 6 Months to Adult
5655 Thompson Rd. DEWITT 5655 Thompson Rd. DEWITT www.jccsyr.org www.jccsyr.org
JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
11
Summer safety Day
Warm weather brings more opportunity for outdoor activities. Whether they are young children or teens, keep your kids safe and healthy while they enjoy the summer fun. Master water safety According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages 1 to 4 than any other cause except birth defects. Some ways to ensure safety while boating or playing in the pool and on the beach include: Having a responsible adult supervise children at all times when in or around water. Teach kids to swim. Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Install a four-sided fence around home pools. While on watercraft, make sure you and your family always wear a properly-fitted life
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SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
jacket. Beat the heat and sun Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. Dress children in loose, lightweight, lightcolored clothing. Schedule outdoor activities carefully, for morning and evening hours. Stay cool with cool showers or baths. Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness. Dress children in clothing that covers their skin and helps protect against UV rays. Use sunscreen with at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) protection. Don’t be bugged To protect yourself and your family by preventing bites and insect-transmitted diseases you should: Use an effective insect repellent while playing outdoors. Make your backyard a tick-safe zone.
Check yourself and your children for ticks, and remove them immediately. Prevent playround injuries Each year in the United States, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. Parents should: Check to make sure that the surfaces under playground equipment are safe, soft and well-maintained. Supervise young children at all times around playground equipment. Learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.
day or night. . . & night
Road safety The best way to keep kids safe on neighborhood streets at night is to set rules keeping them off the street. But, if they are on the streets at night, the following tips will help keep them safe: Carry a flashlight. Have a front light and back reflectors on a bicycle. Wear light or bright colored clothes or something reflective, such as a vest or arm band. Stay aware of surroundings, other people and vehicles.
Never use portable electric devices such as mp3 players or cell phones while walking or biking. Make sure they stay on sidewalks, if available, or way over on the shoulder, if not. Only cross at crosswalks and corners. Yard safety Visibility is a problem at night, so make sure to: Have sufficient lighting on decks, patios and walkways. Assess the landscape for any low points/holes. Fill in or rope off these areas. Put away any obstacles such as lawn tools or waste. Encourage children to stay within earshot. Never allow them to enter wooded areas at night. Use bug repellant as mosquitoes come out at night.
Nite Ize Spokelit Bicycle Light, found on amazon.com, is an easy-to-attach, eyecatching way to increase visibility and safety when riding a bike in the dark. Fueled by LED, this device has two illumination modes, steady glow and continuous flash. Simply press it onto spokes of your wheel and slide toward rim until fit is tight, and it then remains securely in place. Shock- and weatherresistant, it’s available in four colors.
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paws and effects
Taking me for a trip?
My name is Dudley and I am a black Labrador-Basset Hound mix. I have a good friend named Massey Ferguson and we love to play together. I love to be outdoors, but I know that when the weather changes and there’s less snow on the ground, it means the family is going for more road trips! Short jaunts in the car can be fun, but sometimes car trips mean appointments at the vet, so be ready to ease me into regular car trips. These frequent road trips give me opportunities to romp and socialize in the park. Other pets that may be perfectly fine on short trips may not be as comfortable on longer excursions. Pet owners, you should have a thorough understanding of your pet's traveling needs and prepare accordingly when the animal will be riding along on a
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SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
vacation. Animals can experience motion sickness or stress from being in a moving vehicle, and this can result in vomiting or accidents in the car. We don’t mean to be messy, but we sometimes get upset bellies and we just don’t know why! The ASPCA recommends acclimating pets to the car in a series of steps. The first may be sitting inside a parked vehicle with your pet. Owners can then gradually progress to short trips around the neighborhood, all the while paying attention to pets to see how they are responding to time in the car. Keep the temperature in the car cool and open the window to allow fresh air to flow in. As much as I might beg, do not let me hang my head out of the window, as debris can blow in my eyes or ears and I may be tempted to jump out while the car is in motion. You can reward me after long trips by choosing a final destination that I will find fun. If you are always putting me in the car to go to the vet or groomer, I may begin to associate the car with bad experiences and never truly adapt to trips in the car. When traveling, pets must be properly secured in a vehicle to prevent injury to
drivers, their passengers and even the pet itself. If a dog or cat finds comfort in a crate, use that to secure the animal during the ride. Otherwise, I can use my dog seatbelt and other restraint systems are helpful. I should ride in the backseat where I will be most safe and less likely to distract drivers. Drivers should resist the urge to have small pets sit on their lap while driving. Should an accident happen, a deployed airbag can injure or kill a pet that's sitting on a driver's lap. As you take me on more trips, and longer trips at that, I will get used to different routes and sounds and smells. I enjoy traveling with my buddy Massey and my pet owner, he’s the best! We might not all be fans of riding in the car, but I know I am excited about this summer’s adventures. I’m a pup meant for life in the woods or life on the road. Drive safely and be sure to wag your way through fun family travels. Syracuse Parent Creative Director Sean Haney is the proud owner of Dudley (and Massey). Each month the pet of one of our staff members will host a column with an issue that relates to keeping pets happy and healthy.
tips and ideas for keeping your family fast, fit, and feeling great
healthy family
The mighty chia seed By Mary Ann Russo, MS, RD, CDN
Chia seeds are showing up on menus, grocery stores shelves and being incorporated into all sorts of food items. They have been advertised as a “super food” with health claims range from weight loss by controlling hunger, promoting heart health and reducing blood sugars. Emerging research suggests that including chia seeds as part of a healthy diet may help improve cardiovascular risk factors such as lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. However, there are not many published studies on the health benefits of consuming chia seeds and much of the available information is based on animal studies or human studies with a small number of research participants. Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family. Its origin is believed to be in Central America where the seed was a staple in the ancient
Aztec diet. Chia seedsare tiny black and white seeds that have a mild, nutty flavor and can be eaten whole or ground. Chia seeds are nutrient dense, unprocessed whole grain food that can be absorbed by the body similar to flax seed. A 2-tablespoons serving approximately contains 138 calories, 9 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein along g with 10 grams of fiber. This serving also provides 18 percent of Daily value for calcium. Chia seeds are also as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acid and possess antioxidant quality. Whole or ground chia seeds can be sprinkled onto cereal, salads, puddings and yogurt. They also can be added into baked goods such as cookies, muffins and breads. Chia seeds when mixed with water form a gel which can be used as a binder, thicker or replacement for eggs in bake goods. This makes them useful to vegans, people with egg allergies and people with celiac since they are gluten free. To make a gel simply mix one part chia seeds with to six parts
water. About one tablespoon of the gel equals one large egg. Chia’s ability to gel also makes it a substitute for pectin in jam. This gel keeps for about 2 weeks in the fridge.
Blueberry Chia Jam
Use on waffles, toast or as a topping for ice cream 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries 1 ½ tablespoon of pure maple syrup 1 tablespoon of chia seeds ½ tsp of vanilla extract In a small sauce pan over medium heat, add blueberries and maple syrup. Stir and cook the mixture for 10 minutes, while mashing the blueberries. Add one tablespoon of chia seeds and cook for about two to three minutes or until mixture resembles jam. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract. Refrigerate and use within a week. Developed by Kathryn Scarlata, RDN
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family
FYI
some helpful information for your family
A local mother’s account of losing her daughter to heroin By Allie Wenner As she was growing up, Kali Perry wanted to be an artist. A 2012 graduate of East Syracuse Minoa High School, Perry was a high honor roll student who was involved in the school’s art program. She did a little bit of everything: drawing, painting and pottery, according to her mom, Melissa Hosier, of East Syracuse. But on Nov. 4, 2013, Perry’s dreams were cut short at age 19 when she overdosed after taking too much heroin. It came as a shock to those close to her — Perry, with her long red hair and bright blue eyes, who showed up for work at her full-time job regularly – she just didn’t seem like someone who was addicted to heroin, said Hosier. “She was normal —an all-American, normal kid that came from a pretty normal family,” Hosier said. “I mean, I wasn’t an addict. I didn’t have any drugs in the house, including prescription pills. You would never look at her and think, ‘Oh, well she does heroin.’ You would never think that... I didn’t.” Hosier found out about her daughter’s addiction last June, when Perry’s then-boyfriend approached her. “He said, ‘Kali’s using heroin.’ And I said, ‘Yeah, right — sure she is.’ I thought he was lying to me. ‘She would never do that; she’s too strong of a person,’ I said. I couldn’t even talk, I didn’t know what to do,” Hosier said. Described by her mom as “very independent,” it came as no surprise to Hosier when Perry announced she wanted to get her own apartment after high school. She told her mother that she wanted to take a year off before applying to college to decide what she really wanted to do while working a full-time job in the meantime. Perry moved out and soon found a good job that paid well. From far away, it seemed like a good situation. But Hosier said that when she started to look a little closer, she began to believe that her daughter’s problem started at this job, where she became friends with people who were heroin users. “She had some underlying issues. Kali struggled with anxiety and depression,” Hosier
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Safe in the suburbs? How and why heroin use is on the rise, affecting all ages, all communities By Tami Scott Submitted photo Kali Perry, left, of East Syracuse, died from a heroin overdose in November. Above, Kali is pictured with her mother, Melissa Hosier, at Kali’s stepsister’s graduation in June 2013. Hosier spoke out about her daughter’s struggle at the May 7 community forum in Fayetteville.
said. “And when she got out on her own, she realized how difficult it could be. The pressures of working and paying for her rent, phone bill, car — it became very overwhelming for her.” Perry confessed to her mother about her addiction a couple weeks after her boyfriend broke the news. Hosier said she had no idea what to do – so she started calling everyone she thought could help. And she was startled at how difficult it was to get Perry into a rehabilitation treatment center. “We started the process in late June, and it took two weeks of calling every single day to try to get her in,” Hosier said. “They said things like, ‘I have to verify your insurance, I have to get her medical records.’ The whole thing took a long time, and I was saying, ‘But she needs help now! Right now! What’s the problem?’” They were finally able to get Perry in the program in the beginning of September. Hosier said that her daughter knew from the beginning that she could sign out at any time, but she encouraged her to stay for at least 30 days. After two weeks at rehab, her daughter started saying that she didn’t want to be in
Thirty-four stories on heroinrelated incidents have made local news headlines on Syracuse.com alone since 2010. Occurrences are on the rise; this year’s article count is already at 14. Heroin has made a comeback. Nearly 100 people gathered recently at the East Area YMCA in Fayetteville for a community forum called “Fighting Heroin.” A panel comprised of law enforcement officials, physicians, healthcare professionals and one local mom who recently lost her 19-year-old daughter to heroin, all spoke. “It is an epidemic,” said Maureen Wopperer, an East Area/YMCA board member and Healthy Living committee chair who acted as moderator during the two-hour session. “The national recovery rate for heroin addiction, for opiate addiction, is 5 percent. That’s a very, very small number. This epidemic is affecting people from all walks of life. No matter their education, job status, family, economic status — it’s affecting everybody.” Heroin seizures have increased 67 percent in the last five years,
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the ins and outs of educational and stimulating activities for your children
learning curve
Fun in the Sun Q&A Me
gan
Cole ma
trip to visit my family in Ohio where my relatives have a home on the lake. My husband and I would also like to take the kids down to New York City to explore the city and visit with my sister.
n
We’ll also likely head home to Kansas City to spend some time with my parents and celebrate my brother’s recent engagement.
Do you and the family visit any animal farms or picking-farms during the summer?
We haven’t had a chance to visit any local farms during the summer months yet, although I have wanted to take the kids blueberry-picking or something like that. It’s a great way to introduce them to locally grown foods and encourage healthy eating. My kids love fruit and I think they would get a huge kick out of being able to pick it and eat it.
With both kids at a very mobile ability now, how do you ensure summer safety?
As a parent, you are always mindful of your children’s safety. At the top of my list this summer is swimming safety. Olivia started swim lessons last sum-
W e’re
in this toge
t he
r
mer and she will be doing them twice a week again this year. My goal is to have her swim safely by the end of the summer. Henry also loves the water and I want to encourage him to learn how to swim soon too.
Are there any summer trips planned?
We are planning to take a family
How will you celebrate the Fourth of July?
We will probably take the kids to our town’s Fourth of July parade which they always enjoy. The first time we took Olivia to see fireworks a couple of years ago, she was so scared. She now tells us she is “all grown up” and isn’t scared of fireworks anymore, so maybe we’ll bring her with us to see them this year. We’ll probably leave Henry at home with a sitter since he’s still so young. Megan Coleman is the content managing editor at CNY Central and an evening NBC 3 news anchor. Follow her and start a conversation on Twitter at @MegsNewsFlash; we already do! 35781
It’s amazing what you can learn in five minutes, so we did just that with your local NBC 3 and CW 6 evening anchorwoman, CNY Central’s Megan Coleman! Read on and learn about her thoughts on this month’s topics.
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feature story
Field of Dreams Baseball Bash benefits Challenger Baseball
on June 7 at the War Memorial. The event featured special guests Goose
Gossage and Jim Boeheim and music by DJ Rick Roberts, Grupo Pagan with a few members of The Blacklites making an appearance for a few tunes. The night included a sit-down dinner and a silent and live auction. The event raised more than $69,000 to benefit the build project. The new fields and envisioned sports c o m p l e x located adjacent to the Carrier Corporation in East Syracuse will not only be home to the Challenger Baseball players, but it will be available for other sporting events and an eventual site for adults with special needs to experience
Y r
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wellness. Phase 1 of the project begins this summer. For more information about the league which provides a baseball program for children with special needs, visit eteamz.com/ syracusechallengers/teams.
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The Syracuse Challenger Baseball League proudly hosted its inaugural Field of Dreams Baseball Bash
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feature story
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family
FYI
some helpful information for your family heroin continued from page 16
suburbs continued from page 16
the program anymore; she wanted to go back to her life. And despite her mother’s pleads to stay, Perry checked herself out of the facility after three weeks. “I don’t know if she was really mentally ready. You have to want to quit, and I don’t think she was really there,” Hosier said. “I think she did it for me and everyone else close to her, but I don’t think she was ready.” Hosier described the month after Perry got back from rehab as “one of the best months I’ve had with her in years.” She moved back home and Hosier thought things were getting better; this was a weight that was lifted off of her daughter’s shoulders, as she no longer had to worry about paying rent. “She was saying things to me that she normally didn’t say, like, ‘I love you mom and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.’ Things she hadn’t been saying for a while because she was so out of it. It was a great time,” she said. On Friday night, Nov. 1, Hosier said she was out doing errands when she had a feeling that she should stop by to see her daughter around 5:30 p.m. When she entered the apartment, Perry was sleeping in her bed, and Hosier said she suspected she was coming down from heroin. “I kind of took the tough love approach at that point and I told her that she had to want to quit for herself, or it wasn’t going to happen,” Hosier said. “She said to me, ‘Mom, you just don’t understand what it’s like.’ And that was our last conversation.”
said Investigator Randy Andrews of the DeWitt Police Department, and in 2011, more than 2,000 New Yorkers died from heroin overdoses. Locally in Onondaga County, two people died in 2010 from heroinrelated overdose. In 2013, that number increased to 26. “Heroin is being used by every age group, every income. This is not a poor drug; this is not a rich drug. This is a non-discriminating drug,” Andrews said. “Between 1995 and 2002, the number of teens in America ages 12 to 17 who used heroin at some point in their lives increased by 300 percent.” Why? Heroin no longer has to be injected. It can be snorted, sniffed, smoked or swallowed in pill form. “And this is the biggest thing that took the stigma away in suburbia,” Andrews said. From Jan. 1, 2013 to April 23, 2014, there were three deaths and eight reported overdoses in the town of Manlius, a community with a population of approximately 32,000. “We’re a very small community,” said Manlius Police Officer Angela Palmer. “That’s 11 known for this year. Much of the addiction blame is pointed at doctors who overprescribe painkillers, such as OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin. These opiates, which are in the same family as heroin, are used to treat patients for pain caused by injuries. But when the injury heals and the scripts abruptly stop, those who have become drug dependent will seek heroin because the effects approximate the opiate that was legally prescribed. It’s common for teens to access opiates, too, because they are often readily available to steal from their parents’ or others’ unlocked medicine cabinets. “Drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin affect the brain the same way that heroin does,” Andrews said. “So when they’re having withdrawal from not getting their Vicodin or whatever drug they use, they turn to whatever they can get to obtain that same kind of high. And heroin fills that void.” It’s hard for people to imagine an addiction so strong they’re willing to risk their lives, but Dr. Brian Johnson, director of addiction psychiatry at Upstate Medical University, explained why. “You know that feeling you get in your heart when you’re in love? That’s how I feel on oxycodone,” said Johnson quoting a patient. Heroin is particularly dangerous because even a first-time user may become addicted and brain chemistry could be altered after just one hit. Regular heroin use changes the functioning of the brain in a couple of ways. One result is tolerance, in which more of the drug is needed to achieve the same intensity of effect. Another result is dependence, characterized by the need to continue use of the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. “It gradually disables the various brain systems of the [user] so you get more and more pain, more depression, more anxiety. But every time you inject that heroin, you feel better,” Johnson said. “And you’re so severely punished if you go into a period of abstinence. It hurts. Everything hurts. You feel terrible. You feel emotionally vulnerable.” Symptoms from withdrawal occur 24 to 48 hours after an addict stops use and they can last for weeks. Anxiety levels increase, insomnia kicks in, they can’t eat, there’s vomiting, diarrhea, hot and cold sweats. Some people report their bones feel broken; they can’t walk. Addicts will tell you it feels worse than death. And so the cycle continues.
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Eagle Bulletin Editor Allie Wenner contributed to this article.
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tips and ideas for keeping your family fast, fit, and feeling great
healthy family
Senate passes CPR in schools bill
Mothers who’ve lost children urge Assembly to pass bill
[Mark] Grisanti [R-Buffalo] for sponsoring this bill, for being part of our CPR Rally at the Capitol last week, and for remembering Madison,” said McCarthy. “A lot of people – including those of us who lost children to sudden cardiac arrest – have worked hard to pass the CPR in Schools bill. We look forward to working with Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan to pass the bill in the Assembly.”
McCarthy was joined by three other mothers who lost children to sudden cardiac arrest - Karen Acompora of Northport, whose son Louis was 14 when he died; Melinda Murray of Queens, whose son Dominic was 17 when he died; and Annette Adamczak of Akron, whose daughter Emily died at the age of 14. The CPR in Schools bill is in the Assembly Rules Committee. From there, it goes to a vote in the full
Assembly. After Assembly approval, the bill will be sent to the governor for his signature. The volunteers pointed out that CPR is easy and affordable; and 17 other states have already passed laws to teach their students this basic life skill. HandsOnly CPR and the basics of how to use an AED can be taught in as little as one class period at minimal or even nocost to school districts. Nearly 424,000 people suffer out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest each year, and only 10.4 percent survive. Having CPR performed doubles or triples the chances of survival.
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In a unanimous vote last month, the New York Senate passed the CPR in Schools bill, which calls on the commissioner of the State Education Department and the Board of Regents to determine if CPR and AED instruction should be included in the curriculum for all students prior to graduation. Last month advocates from throughout the state traveled to Albany to show lawmakers how easy it is to perform CPR. Suzy McCarthy, whose daughter Madison McCarthy of Evans died at the age of 5 because CPR wasn’t started immediately, was one of them. “I want to thank Senator
www.cnykarate.com • (315) 437-9417 or email Sensei Labbate at: sensei@cnykarate.com JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
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family
FYI
Plan ahead for The search is on to find entertaining ways to fill the steamy dog days of summer. After days spent swimming in the pool or at the beach, adults and children alike may be looking for something new, and water parks are an ideal way to spend a summer afternoon. Such parks are not only adventurous, but they also make great ways to cool off when the mercury soars. As with any trip, preparation is necessary to make the most of your day at the water park.
•
Water parks are a great way to spend a summer day staying cool and having some fun. 22
SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
Study the weather report. Summer weather can change in an instant. One moment it may be hot and sunny, while the next moment ominous thunderstorm clouds may soak anyone still outdoors. Many water parks shut down rides when there is thunder and lightning, and the park may close early if the weather is particularly bad. Double-check the weather report before making the trip so that your time and money is well spent.
•
Visit when the park is unlikely to be busy. Many parks are very busy during the summer, especially on the weekends when parents are not at work. So families who visit during the week might enjoy a less crowded park, which means shorter lines to get on the rides. Call ahead to inquire if any camps or large groups are scheduled to visit the park on a day you want to visit.
•
Research coupons and discount codes. Search the Internet to find out if the water park is offering any
discounted tickets. Admission for a family of four can be expensive, but coupons or other discounts can cut those costs considerably. Find out if the park sells season passes, which will end up saving you money if you plan to visit the park on a regular basis. Certain amusement parks pair up with retailers and sponsors to offer discounts, so you may be eligible for discount tickets by dining out at a particular restaurant or collecting a coupon code from the back of a cereal box.
•
Measure the kids before you embark. Rides may have height restrictions. It is beneficial to understand these height limits so that you will know if your kids will be able to enjoy most of the attractions. In many parks, 42 to 48 inches is the magic number. Some parks may allow shorter, younger children to ride when accompanied by an adult. If your kids are too small, it may be better to wait until next season when they can enjoy more of the fun. Get there early or very • late. The parking lot at the
water park may be as large as the park itself. Get to the park early to avoid parking miles away from the entrance. Know when the water park opens and be the first one in line, which affords you the luxury of the best parking spot and first choice for rides. If you're not an early bird, visit the park just before closing. Crowds may have thinned out by then and the weather may be considerably cooler.
• Wear brightly colored
some helpful information for your family
family
FYI
r a fun day at the water park •
Bring along a change of clothing. Sitting around in a damp bathing suit, especially on the long car ride home, can be uncomfortable. Pack a change of clothes and different shoes. This way everyone will be dry, warm and comfortable.
• Continue to apply wa-
terproof sunscreen. Water reflects the sun's UV rays, making water park revelers highly prone to sunburn. Be sure to wear waterproof sunscreen and apply it continuously throughout the day to protect against painful skin damage.
Study and explain the • safety rules. Water parks
are frequently crowded, and children who wander off can easily become lost. As a family, go over safety precautions, including what to do in the event someone gets lost. Children can go to a park employee or a security guard and ask for help. Or suggest to your chil-
dren that they go into any of the shops and tell the counter staff that they're lost. Establish a meeting spot to enable everyone to gather together in the event of an emergency.
•
Plan break times. The water park may be overwhelming, especially for tired, hungry children. So take breaks for snacks, lunch and even a few moments to just settle down and catch your breath. Water parks are a summertime staple. With a few tips, visiting a water park with the family can be a safe and memorable outing.
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•
Invest in a waterproof money holder necklace. Chances are you will store many of your belongings in
a locker so that you will not have to carry around too many items. But it is helpful to have a few dollars on hand for those times when lemonade or ice cream sundaes beckon, so purchase a waterproof necklace to secure and hold your money.
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bathing suits. Many water parks have strict guidelines as to which type of clothing can be worn. Bathing suits are usually a must, as they won't get caught or tangled like shirts and shorts might. Choose brightly colored or patterned swimsuits so kids will stand out in the crowds. This will make it easier to keep them in your sights. Similarly, wear something that makes it easy for your children to find you should they get lost.
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pay it forward
helping your community has never been easier
Getting kids to volunteer nervous when accompanied Volunteering is a great by mom and dad. way for people to give back to their communities. It's also a great way for parents to in- Middle school still character in their children.
children
When kids volunteer, they learn lessons about responsibility while also learning how enjoyable it can be to help the less fortunate. Kids who volunteer early in life are more likely to do so throughout their lives, and that lifetime of service can be invaluable. The right volunteering opportunity for a child often depends on the child's age, as some opportunities are better suited to younger children while others are tailor-made for teenagers. The following are a few ageappropriate ideas that can help get kids excited about volunteering and giving back to their neighborhoods.
When kids reach middle school, they might not feel it's necessary for mom and dad to tag along as much. This is perfectly alright, and it's a great time for kids to branch out and choose some
Elementary school children When kids reach elementary school, parents should introduce them to volunteering. Volunteering activities for school-aged kids should be simple, such as accompanying their parents to food banks where kids can help feed the homeless and less fortunate. Kids with grandparents living in assisted living facilities can read to residents at the facility or bring them homemade arts and crafts or even foods they helped prepare (just be sure to clear any items with the facility's medical staff before distributing). These tasks are simple, and kids won't feel
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volunteer activities of their own. Instead of accompanying kids to the food bank, let them work a shift on their own. Kids who have been volunteering since early childhood might have some volunteering goals of their own by the time they reach middle school, so don't insist they continue with current activities if there's something else sparking their interest.
Kids might want to help an elderly neighbor around the house, such as shopping for groceries or taking care of their property. Encourage such ideas, and expect kids to want to exercise some independence when they reach middle school.
High school students High school students tend to have busy schedules, but those who have been volunteering since childhood will likely find a way to continue doing so. Teenagers tend to have more specific interests than younger children, and parents can encourage teens to incorporate those interests into their volunteering. For example, kids who love sports might be able to work with the local sports and recreation center to coach younger athletes. Or kids who excel in the classroom can tutor younger students. Volunteering can look good on a high school student's resume when the time comes to apply for college, but parents should be careful that their high school-aged children don't stretch themselves too thin with extracurricular activities. Encourage volunteering but not at the expense of schoolwork. Many children embrace volunteering, especially when given the chance to choose how they want to give back to their communities and the less fortunate.
learning curve
The time machine in my linen closet B er g a m o- M
re
babyhood that I enjoyed, but the memory of how easy it seemed then (“seemed” being the key word.) Those were the days when I had control over when baths occurred, how long they last and if soap was involved. These days, I could just as easily say “go cut off your left arm” as “go take a shower.” Some nights, the reaction is the same. No, that’s not true. There would be less drama connected to asking The Boy to amputate a limb. There are many mini-time portals in my life now. Many are seasonal: the smell of sunshine in my son’s hair; the frosty scent of snow after a winter’s day of sledding, the smoky aroma of dried leaves after a session of leaf-jumping, all of them clinging to my son like so many childhood memories in the making. That’s not to say that I will be romanticizing all the scents that enter our house in the years to come. I can say with great certainty that you will never hear me wax poetic about the odor of post-lacrosse gloves, pads and cleats. Some memories, I’d like to forget.
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The smell of a toasting oo K Pop Tart has amazing powers. One whiff of that toasty goodness A and I am mo ve ther back in my ’s perspecti grandmother’s kitchen faster than you can say “toaster pastry.” The smell of coffee brewing? That’s Sunday mornings growing up. Fresh cut grass? Summertime. Polo cologne? My college boyfriend. I never fully registered the impact of such olfactory-inspired memories until I found a long-forgotten, halfempty bottle of baby shampoo while de-cluttering the bathroom closet. As soon as I opened it, it was 2004 again. Specifically, it was bath time for The Boy. The bottle said “oatmeal,” though it didn’t smell like any bowl of oatmeal I ever ate. However, it embodied the smell of babyhood, and rubber ducks and toy boats that stretched a 10minute necessity into a 30-minute waterdrenched adventure. After standing there for a good minute, I put the bottle back in the closet, knowing full well no one will ever use that shampoo again. But, really, how often can you say you have a time machine in your linen closet? It wasn’t just the memory or en ar
Karen Bergamo Moore lives in Camillus with her husband and son. She works in the communications office at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, is active in Boy Scouts and enjoys running 5Ks with her son. Follow her on twitter at @ kmoore623.
JULY 2014 SYRACUSE PARENT
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www dots
it’s always best to share! here are some of our favorite links
Did you know?
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Researching family history and genealogy can be an interesting project the entire family can enjoy. Thanks to the Internet and the various family history sites that have cropped up in recent years, it is now easier than ever for families to investigate their origins. Family genealogy projects may start as school assignments and grow into much more once the seed of curiosity has been planted. Websites such as Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.com can assist individuals with following up on family journals or word-of-mouth stories passed on through generations. Tracing one particular branch of the family may be more manageable at the outset. Once that desire for information is sated, you can move on to different family members or even a spouse's family history.
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SYRACUSE PARENT JULY 2014
family
FYI
Getting kids to go green
ď‚ľ Lead by example. Many
kids try to mimic their parents' behaviors, and moms and dads can take advantage of that by making sure kids see them as they recycle, conserve water or make other ecoconscious choices. If kids want to know why you're separating trash or opting for tap water over bottled water, explain to them the positive impact that such behaviors can have on the health of the planet.
ď‚ľ Encourage eco-friendly
hobbies. Today's youngsters have a host of technology at their disposal, and parents know full well that such access can be both good and bad. While technology can enhance learning in the classroom and beyond, gaming systems and other electronic devices have made it easy for kids to forgo outdoor activities in favor of more sedentary hobbies. Many medical researchers believe that such hobbies are contributing to higher rates of childhood obesity. But they also can harm the environment. Gaming systems, whether played on televisions, computers or handheld devices, use a substantial amount of energy. Parents who encourage more eco-friendly activities, such as reading or playing outside, can get the best of both worlds, as kids will be getting out and about and
embracing activities that don't harm the planet.
ď‚ľ Ride bicycles
more often. Reducing fuel consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint, and even though kids can't drive, that doesn't mean they can't pitch in to conserve fuel. Children who attend school close to home can ride their bikes rather than taking the bus or hitching a ride with mom or dad. Explain to youngsters the impact that such a choice can have on the environment, and ride bikes with your kids whenever possible, be it on trips to the park or to visit friends and family members. Many kids love to ride their bikes, and they might like it even more if they understand the positive impact that such a hobby is having on their planet.
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ď‚ľ Teach kids to reuse prod-
ucts. Waste is a significant environmental issue, but reusing products is a great way to cut back on waste. Items that would once be tossed into the trash after serving their purpose can be repurposed when tackling projects around the house, and kids can get in on the act, too. Rather than purchasing store-bought decorations for holidays like Halloween or Chanukah and Christmas, reuse old products to craft homemade decorations. Birthday gifts or items exchanged during the holidays can be wrapped in old newspaper instead of storebought wrapping paper. Many products that would otherwise be discarded can be reused, and kids might enjoy finding new ways to make use of old items.
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Eco-friendly lifestyles aren't just for adults. Encouraging kids to go green at a young age can set them up for a lifetime of making decisions with the environment in mind. The following are just a few ways parents can impart a sense of responsibility to the environment on their youngsters.
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Each Billy Beez indoor playground is filled with colorful murals, whimsical characters and giant play structures built around a maze of dizzingly high and wildly twisting slides. There are dozens of activities inside the playground that encourage physical, mental and social development through play. Kids run, climb, bounce, crawl and play sports with the companionship of other kids. Along the way they’ll learn how to play fairly, share and make new friends - while challenging themselves physically and getting the exercise they need to be healthy. Our Goal at Billy Beez is to provide your child a unique learning environment without video games or mechanical amusement rides. We want to build a better future for your child through safe and fun play.
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