Family Times January 2020

JANUARY 2020

FREE

Winter in CNY Embrace the snow and cold with our activities guide

IT’S THE

Class of the Month: Building relationships across generations Food tips and tricks for a busy schedule

WINTER ISSUE

39 Reasons Why Central New York Moms Choose Crouse There are many reasons why Crouse delivers more babies than any other hospital in upstate New York, not the least of which are the amazingly skilled, compassionate and highly regarded OB providers who choose to deliver at Crouse Health.

If you’re pregnant — or planning to be — don’t you want the very best for both you and your baby?

Crouse Obstetrical Care Providers Cathy J. Berry, MD & Associates Cathy Berry, MD PT Nguyen, MD Janet Ortolani, CNM Alia Rezek, CNM CNY Obstetrics & Gynecology PC Leonard Marotta, MD CNY Women’s Healthcare PC Stephen Brown, MD Maria Ciciarelli, MD Krystal Foree, MD Carol Lopes, MD Jaya Nemani, MD Sarah Schoch, MD Crouse Midwifery Group Mary Thompson, CNM Family Medicine Services Group Eugene Bailey, MD Loftus, Ryu, Bartol, MDs PC Reem Akkawi, MBChB Suzanne Bartol-Krueger, MD Kelli Corniello, DO Erin Hill, MD Jessica Landin, MD William Loftus, MD

Richard D. Semeran, MD PC Richard Semeran, MD University OB/GYN Associates, Inc. Nicholas Baranco, MD Maureen Burke, MD Robert Eden, MD John Folk, MD Leah Kaufman, MD Dimitrios Mastrogiannis, MD Renee Mestad, MD John Nosovitch, Jr., MD Robert Silverman, MD George Stanley, MD Caroline Stroup, MD Brian Thompson, MD Jodi Wallis, DO Charina Carissimi, CNM Kathleen Dermady, CNM Mary Hartman, CNM Women’s Wellness Place Nikole Bucsek, MD Carly Hornis, MD Sara Quinn, MD

For more information about the full spectrum of maternity and obstetrical services available at Crouse, visit crouse.org/babies.

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FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

8

EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

9

WINTER ACTIVITIES

10

Beat the winter blues with our guide to activities in Central New York.

TREAT YOURSELF

14

Ice skating in Clinton Square is an affordable way to treat yourself this winter.

CLASS OF THE MONTH

16

For two classes at East Syracuse Elementary, learning extends beyond the school’s walls.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

18

Is a busy schedule keeping you from your goals?

Check out our tips and tricks.

TRAVEL Looking to take a trip this winter?

Ottawa offers museums, ice skating and more.

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It’s the Winter Issue!

FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

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CONTENTS

6

JANUARY 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE

11

PARTY PLANNER

25

LEARN

26

FAMILY FUN CALENDAR

2019-2020

ON SALE NOW!

FEBRUARY 18 – 20

MARCH 12 – 15

MARCH 24 – 26

The London Times

APRIL 28 – MAY 3

BroadwayInSyracuse.com

JUNE 2 – 4 GIFT CERTIFICATES ALSO AVAILABLE! FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

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FROM THE

THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

EDITOR

With dropping temperatures and the holidays in the rearview mirror, January is when the winter blues can hit the hardest. Though it may sound tempting to hibernate under a blanket until spring arrives, this month is actually a great time to get out of the house. Check out our winter activities roundup (page 10) or read about Eileen Gilligan’s trip to Ottawa, Canada (page 22).

Also, in our winter-themed issue: Janelle Rozzano talks to Jim Morris, a long-time ski instructor at Toggenburg Mountain (page 9), and our readers weigh in about their favorite winter activity (page 8). I also spent the evening ice skating in Clinton Square for this month’s Treat Yourself (page 14).

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution to eat better or lose weight only to have your busy schedule derail that resolution by the second week of January? Molly Morgan offers some practical tips for staying on track on page 18.

It’s been a year since Family Times first announced the Class of the Month feature. This month, we visited a second and third grade class at East Syracuse Elementary School that is building relationships across generations (page 16). If you know a class or a club that is worthy of a mention, fill out the form on our website or email me at courtneyk@familytimescny.com.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

JANUARY 2020 | ISSUE NO. 213

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

COURTNEY KLESS EDITOR IN CHIEF

INSIDE PHOTO

Students from East Syracuse Elementary and local senior citizens made marshmallow snow people one December afternoon. Read about their intergenerational program on page 16.

CORRECTION:

We made some changes to the family-run businesses story that was printed in the December issue.

Please visit Issuu.com/FamilyTimesCNY or the Family Times website for an updated version.

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

Advertising deadline for Febraury is Janis14.

Calendar deadlinedeadline for February is Janis 8.

Design by Greg Minix and Karley Harmon Cover Photo by iStock

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FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

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1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 familytimescny.com

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH ?

?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN CNY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS? “Hunker down and stay home!

Cuddle up with my kids and watch Christmas movies.”

– Jennifer

“We have a young elementary-aged child with a lot of creativity and energy, so we are often looking at what’s happening at OCPL or will head to the MOST on bad weather days, or will walk to Zoo or head to the hills at Clay South Park, off Buckley Road!”

– Monica

“Watch basketball with my family.”

– Tanya Syracuse

North Syracuse “Snowshoeing in local parks.”

– Phil

“Sled, bake, hang out in pjs.”

– Danielle

Syracuse

Jamesville

Syracuse

“Check out new snowfall on a sunny day.”

– Barbara

“Sledding.”

– Connie

“Feed the birds!”

– Patti

Fulton

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Syracuse

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Jim Morris

Ski Instructor at Toggenburg Mountain

BY JANELLE ROZZANO | PHOTO PROVIDED BY BOB BROCK

How did you get into ski instruction and how long have you been doing it?

I have been skiing for about 50-55 years. I started when I was 2 years old. My parents were skiers, and my dad taught me when I was 11. I would ski in the backyard and then I graduated to local hills. I joined Snow Ridge Ski Resort and that was when I realized what real skiing was. After about three years of skiing there, they asked me to teach skiing, so I got certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America. Eventually, I went to Toggenburg Mountain Ski Center where I helped organize their ski school and also teach ski instruction.

What is your favorite level to instruct?

I enjoy teaching beginners. Number one, they really want to learn, so they show more appreciation. Number two, you’re setting them up for success by teaching them, from the beginning, the right way to ski. When you teach someone how to correctly stand up on skis, they learn better balance. Once you have good balance, you can ski.

What does it take to make you feel like you’ve done your job?

When the student gets it and understands what you’re telling them to do and why. When they improve right in front of your eyes, and you see them becoming a better skier.

Know an educator who deserves a mention?

E-mail CourtneyK@familytimescny.com

What advice would you give someone who wants to give skiing a shot, but is scared?

Go to a ski school and get a lesson. I can’t say that enough.

We see people who have never skied come out with their friends and try to go on the lift. That’s dangerous. Lessons will teach you safety and things like stopping and turning.

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

EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

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January Family Guide CNY offers plenty of winter activities | BY COURTNEY KLESS

A

re you suffering from a case of the winter blues?

Embrace the snow and cold with our guide to winter activities in Central New York.

Downhill Skiing Snowboarding and Snow Tubing Camillus Ski Hill – Described as a “diamond in the rough” by Camillus Ski Association President Andy Arbital, the volunteer-run facility offers low-cost skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Visitors can also take lessons, stop by the consignment shop or pick up snacks and a cup of hot chocolate at the snack bar. Keep in mind, hours depend on conditions.

Where: 401 Blackmore Rd., Camillus.

More information: camillusskihill.com.

Four Seasons Golf & Ski Center – Looking for a family-friendly option on the east side of town? Bill Hane, operations manager at Four Seasons, says about 80% of their clientele falls between the ages of 5-12. In addition to snow tubing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, guests can rent cross-country skis and take them across the street to Green Lakes State Park.

Where: 8012 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville.

More information: fourseasonsgolfandski.com.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort – Greek Peak offers something for every member of the family, including a tubing center, 55 trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding and a terrain-based learning area where families can take lessons together. “We actually build the snow feature so it’s easier for people to learn how to do some of the fundamentals,” says Kimberly Thayer, group sales manager. If you’d rather stay indoors, Greek Peak also has an adventure center and an indoor water park that is kept at 84 degrees year-round.

Where: 2000 Route 392, Cortland.

More information: greekpeak.net.

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WINTER ACTIVITIES

ISTOCK PHOTOS

Labrador Mountain and Song Mountain – Operations Manager Sheila Larkin says Labrador Mountain and Song Mountain both offer discounts on family season passes, as well as several different lesson packages for skiing and snowboarding. During the 2019-20 season, they will also partner with Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Vermont to offer discounted lift tickets for those with season passes.

Where: 6935 Route 91, Truxton (Labrador Mountain); 1 Song Mountain Rd., Tully (Song Mountain).

More information: skicny.com.

Toggenburg Mountain – Skiers and snowboarders alike can take advantage of Toggenburg’s 21 trails and two terrain parks, or sign up for private or group lessons. We talk to a ski instructor on page 9. Need a bite to eat after hitting the slopes? Toggenburg also has a restaurant, The Foggy Goggle.

Where: 1135 Toggenburg Rd., Fabius.

More information: skitog.com.

Woods Valley Ski Area – Located near Delta Lake in Oneida County, Woods Valley recently expanded its snowmaking operation. Families can take advantage of skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, a cafeteria and live music, all in a tight-knit setting. “Everyone remembers you,” says Nuala Woods, part-owner. “Everything we do caters to families.”

Where: 9100 Route 46, Westernville.

More information: woodsvalleyskiarea.com.

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Cross Country Skiing Snowshoeing Baltimore Woods Nature Center – Throughout the winter months, snowshoers can explore Baltimore Woods’ six miles of trails. Don’t have a pair of your own? Rentals are available in both children and adult sizes during the Interpretive Center’s business hours. During events in January, families can also go for a hike or create crafts with materials found in nature.

Where: 4007 Bishop Hill Rd., Marcellus.

More information: baltimorewoods.org.

Beaver Lake Nature Center – Beaver Lake Nature Center offers multiple trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It will also hold several events throughout the month of January, remaining open until 9 p.m. Jan. 2-5 for moonlight skiing and snowshoeing, and holding a snowshoe clinic every Saturday and Sunday afternoon (depending on conditions).

Where: 8477 E. Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville.

More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center.

Highland Forest – Dubbed the “Adirondacks of Central New York,” Highland Forest is home to 40 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, as well as six trails for snowshoeing. Equipment rentals are also available. Don’t forget to check out the horse-drawn sleigh rides every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of January.

Where: 1254 Highland Park Rd., Fabius.

More information: onondagacountyparks.com/parks/highland-forest.

Ice Skating Clinton Square Ice Rink – First opened in 2001, more than 20,000 people visit the Clinton Square Ice Rink each year, according to ILoveNY.com. The rink is open daily until mid-March, but hours are weather-dependent. The city of Syracuse also manages Sunnycrest Ice Rink and Meachem Ice Rink, both indoor rinks. The admission cost for all three rinks is the same: Adults – $3; Children 12 & under/seniors – $2. Skate rentals are $3.

Where: 2 S. Clinton St., Syracuse (Clinton Square Ice Rink); 698 Robinson St., Syracuse (Sunnycrest Ice Rink); 121 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse (Meachem Ice Rink).

More information: syracuse.ny.us/parks/iceskating.

Cicero Twin Rinks – Looking for an option outside of the city? Cicero Twin Rinks holds a family skate most Sundays (except Jan. 19) from 1-3 p.m. Admission is $5 and skate rentals are $2.50.

Where: 5575 Meltzer Ct., Cicero.

More information: ciceroicerink.com.

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WINTER ACTIVITIES

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FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

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Treat Yourself

Ice skating in Clinton Square is an affordable night out

W

BY COURTNEY KLESS

hen I was younger, one of my favorite winter activities was ice skating. I would speed around the rink, imaging I was the next Michelle Kwan or Apolo Anton Ohno.

So, what better way to treat myself than an evening ice skating in Clinton Square?

The rink, which opened in 2001, is now one of Syracuse’s most popular winter attractions. Clinton Square Ice Rink attracts more than 20,000 guests each year, according to ILoveNY.com.

I have skated at an outdoor rink once in the past – near The Strong Museum in downtown Rochester – but it had been awhile since I put on skates. Since I don’t own a pair, I rented some for $3 (plus the $3 admission fee), but you do have the option bring your own. Patrons can also purchase hot chocolate from the snack bar, perfect for a winter day, and place their belongings in a coin-operated locker for safe keeping.

Once I laced up my rental skates, I walked outside to the rink.

The sound of holiday music filled the air, as a handful of skaters glided around the freshly cleaned ice. The rink is surrounded by light sculptures and the city’s artificial Christmas tree, and it offers unmatched views of downtown Syracuse.

If you need a break from the cold, you can go back inside the heated building, but make sure to bundle up. Though I was a little rusty, I enjoyed the experience.

Clinton Square Ice Rink is open daily until mid-March, but, keep in mind, hours are weather-dependent. The rink is also within walking distance of restaurants, stores and museums, making for an affordable night (or afternoon) out. I know I will be returning.

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

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Cost Adults $3; Children 12 and under & seniors $2; rentals $3.

More information syracuse.ny.us/parks/iceskating.

Have an idea for a future Treat Yourself?

E-mail CourtneyK@familytimescny.com

FAMILY TIMES JANUARY 2020

15

Class OF THE

Month

Intergenerational Program

O

East Syracuse Elementary School PHOTOS BY KARLEY HARMON

ne afternoon in early December, students from East Syracuse Elementary School and a group of local senior citizens sipped on hot chocolate and created marshmallow snow people. They are all part of an intergenerational program at the school.

School Apartments when the school approached him about the opportunity.

Joan Tolhurst, affectionately known as ‘Grandma T,’ has been part of that program since the beginning. “It’s just an amazing program because some of these kids don’t have grandparents and they’re from broken homes,” she says. “One of the first boys I had graduated a year ago. He remembered me and said he enjoyed the whole program.”

Each month, McGinley’s third grade class and Albanese’s second grade class visit the “Keener Seniors” in East Syracuse, usually on separate days. The activity varies each time. In the past, students and their senior counterparts have made applesauce, worked on garden projects and played games. The second and third grade classes also create a placemat for each visit, featuring the activity they’ll be doing on the front, and a summary of what they are currently learning on the back.

Many of the “Keener Seniors” are from East Syracuse, and are able to share stories about the area’s history with the students.

Denise McGinley and Mary Albanese started the intergenerational program 13 years ago in response to a strategic plan by the district. “A question was posed: How can we build relationships beyond the school walls and with whom?” says McGinley. “Mary and I thoughtfully put our heads together and realized the greatest resource we have is our senior citizens in the community. The cost is free but the experience is priceless.

Everyone was on board and supportive of this intergenerational program which has become a passion for Mary and me.”

One of those people is Tom Richardson, the director of Parks and Recreation for East Syracuse. He was already running a program on Mondays and Wednesdays at Heman Street

“It turned into a great event,” Richardson says. “The kids love it; the seniors love it. It keeps getting stronger every year.”

McGinley and Albanese say, “The children are learning far more than they could learn from a book. This experience is a true example of what the youth and aging can gain from one another. It’s a win-win for all. Students are also learning a hands-on approach about respecting their elders, doing for others, seeking first to understand by listening with their entire body, especially their heart, and not looking for anything in return.”

— Courtney Kless

16

CLASS OF THE MONTH

“Mary and I thoughtfully put our heads together and realized the greatest resource we have is our senior citizens in the community. The cost is free but the experience is priceless.”

– Denise McGinley, Third grade teacher at East Syracuse Elementary

“It turned into a great event. The kids love it; the seniors love it. It keeps getting stronger every year.”

– Tom Richardson, Director of Parks and Recreation for East Syracuse

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2019

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iSTOCK PHOTO

Nutrition in No Time

Are you always on the go? These tips will help you stay on track.

BY MOLLY MORGAN

S

hort on time? Busy schedule? No time to cook? If you can’t figure out what to make for dinner, these tips and tricks can help you to stick to your food and nutrition goals – even with the craziest of schedules.

Make a Plan Eating healthier doesn’t happen by accident.

Taking the time to have a food plan for the week for you and your family can make all the difference. Start by mapping out the week ahead and ask yourself a series of questions: What should we have for breakfast? What will we need to pack for lunches? What nights will we be at home for dinner? What nights will we have time to cook?

Once you answer these questions, you can start to get a sense of how meals will shape

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up for the week, and you can start to fill it in with food choices for meals. See the sample meal plan for the week on page 20. After your plan is drafted, you can compile your grocery shopping list and stock up on the ingredients necessary to make the plan happen.

Prep Ahead For super busy weeks, you can do some food preparation ahead of time. For example, baked rigatoni and salad for Monday night.

Over the weekend, when you have some down time, you can get the meal ready to go into the oven and have the salad prepared and ready to go. This will allow for a quick and easy dinner on nights when your schedule is super crazy. You can also pre-roast batches of vegetables for the week or slice vegetables for dinners like taco night.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

Get your children involved in the food preparation too. Depending on the age of your children, you can adjust tasks to be age appropriate. Check out the Kids Cook Monday website for a list of age-appropriate kitchen tasks: thekidscookmonday. org/kitchen-tasks-for-different-agegroups.

Utilize Tools There are lots of helpful tools available to make healthier eating easier, from convenience foods and apps to services and kitchen gadgets.

Convenience foods can help save time and add quality nutrients to a meal – frozen vegetables, whole grain rice mixes or prepared sauces can be a timesaver. Here are few quick specific examples:

• Stock up on bags of frozen vegetables, which can be a perfect addition to dinners like stir-fry vegetables for a stir-fry meal or fajita vegetables for taco night, and you can even serve prepared frozen vegetables as a side dish to go with a meal.

• Quick cooking whole grain boxed grain mixes like seasoned quinoa or brown rice. These tend to be pre-cooked, so the preparation time is less. These are typically found in the rice section of the grocery store.

• Prepared sauces are a perfect addition to meals like spaghetti to go with whole grain pasta, pizza sauce for DIY pizzas or guacamole for taco night.

As far as phone apps, a great time saver is the Instacart app. If your grocery store participates with the service, it is worth giving it a try! Instacart allows you to grocery shop from the app and then drive up to the grocery store to pick-up your groceries. Depending on where you live, you can even have the groceries delivered to your home. It will cost you a bit more for each item you buy, but you may find you stick to your grocery list more, which could ultimately save money.

A meal kit service can also be great for super busy weeks. It can help you find some new recipe or meal ideas. Meal kit services like

Green Chef, HelloFresh or Blue Apron will allow you to select a number of meals (the number depends on your subscription level) and ship all the ingredients along with the recipe. A bonus is that most ingredients arrive pre-portioned, ready to be utilized in the recipe and require minimal preparation.

Kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot or slow cookers can be very helpful when preparing meals for busy weeks. The slow cooker is great for chili, soups, roasted meats and stews, and the Instant Pot – which cooks food under pressure – lets you prepare a soup or meal in a matter of minutes. Check out the Instant Pot Lemon Chicken recipe on page 20. Work meals that utilize these kitchen gadgets into nights when you are short on time.

Wishing you the healthiest New Year yet!

Molly Morgan is a registered dietitian and author of three books. She lives in the Southern Tier area with her two children and husband.Visit her website at creativenutritionsolutions.com.

continued on next page

FAMILY TIMES MONTH 2020

19

continued from previous page

INSTANT POT LEMON CHICKEN Serves Six Ingredients: • 6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 3 tablespoons butter • 1 small sweet onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon basil • 1 teaspoon oregano • Juice of 1 lemon and lemon zest • 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth Directions: Use the sauté feature on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Then, add the chicken breasts and cook to sear on each side.

Once the chicken is lightly browned on each side, set aside.

Add the butter to the instant pot and then add the onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes. Then add the basil, oregano, lemon juice, lemon zest and chicken broth.

Add the chicken back to the pot. Seal the lid on the pot and adjust the pressure cook time to 7 minutes (note: it will take about 7 – 10 minutes to heat up). When it is done cooking, allow the steam to naturally release or follow the instructions to carefully quickly release the steam).

Serving suggestion: Serve over cooked brown rice with roasted broccoli.

Sample weekly food plan MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST

Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and banana Oatmeal with dried fruit

LUNCH

PB & J Sandwich, apple, baby carrots, yogurt and juice box

DINNER

20

TUESDAY

Short on Time

Short on Time

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21

A Winter Getaway Ottawa offers hockey, museums, ice skating

BY EILEEN GILLIGAN

E

That’s easier to do when you return to a warm room, and the hot tub and pool are located in the same hotel. Two friends had recommended the Brookstreet Spa Hotel, which features salt water pools – even a separate kiddie pool – and a full-service spa, just three hours from the Syracuse area.

Considering the exchange rate, all Canadian prices are about 25% lower in U.S. dollars, so our $149 hotel room came in at $111 U.S. per night. That’s a good deal. A drawback was the 30-minute ride to Ottawa on a nearby highway and having to pay for parking.

If you aren’t staying at one of the downtown Ottawa hotels, like the Marriott, I recommend using the underground parking lot at the Rideau Centre shopping mall. Street parking was 25 cents for five minutes, and Ottawa is an easily walkable city, even in the snowy cold.

Ottawa is the place to see a National Hockey League game, according to one New Hampshire family I met in the hot tub at my spa hotel while doing “research” for this story. Although ticket prices in Boston were “out of their league,” ticket prices for the 22

TRAVEL

PHOTOS BY EILEEN GILLIGAN

ver since a friend’s family went to Ottawa to skate on the canal one winter, I’ve wanted to go. This is the year. Real outdoor skating, ice sculptures, museums, toboggan hills, hot chocolate and yummy pastry beaver tails; This is how Canadians embrace snowfall.

They celebrate it.

Above: The Old Ottawa Jail is now an international hostel. Right: A beaver tail shop in Ottawa.

Ottawa Senators are comparable to Crunch hockey games in Syracuse. To watch the NHL stars, a family pack of four tickets costs $23 Canadian dollars per person with no additional fees for a Tuesday or Thursday night game (and even a few Saturday games in winter 2020). We met at the Brookstreet Spa Hotel, which offers a school bus ride to the game.

Many other options await your visit.

Christmas lights will shine downtown and as part of a multi-media show outside the capital’s Parliament buildings through Jan. 7 during the Christmas Lights Across Canada program.

The center of the city offers the ByWard Market, indoor and outdoor shops featuring everything from handmade crafts to a variety of food shops, restaurants and coffee bars. We headed straight to Le Moulin de Provence bakery for a sugar infusion to start the day, and were greeted by “Obama cookies.” What might look like a Canadian maple leaf sugar cookie to the uninitiated are named “Obama cookies” in honor of the former president’s visit there in 2009.

We walked toward the National Gallery, a huge, modern building hosting Indigenous and Canadian art. Greeting passersby is Maman, a 30-foot bronze sculpture of a

mother spider. Created by the late French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, the spider holds 32 marble eggs in a sac beneath its belly.

Make sure to take a look at night, too; new lights were added to Maman in October.

Across from that museum is the free Ottawa Art Gallery, which offers five floors of smaller exhibits of Canadian artists with some tables and walls designed for children’s play. Check the listings for children’s play time, adult happy hours and free day care. We took in three exhibits and the gift shop before heading next door to the Old Ottawa Jail. Now an international hostel, the top floor is open for a tour, if you dare. This was to be the lodging for the next night of the New Hampshire family’s visit to Ottawa. Their 11-year-old twins were in for an adventure at the allegedly haunted 150-plus-year-old jail.

Another short walk led to the Victorian-era Parliament buildings, which sit on a hill overlooking the Ottawa River and the city of nearly 1 million people, although it seems smaller and more like Syracuse to me. Free tours are available of the House of Commons and the Senate. Nearby Rideau Hall features a free tour of the governor’s residence. One of several in the city, an outdoor skating rink is also on the grounds, if you prefer that to the natural ice of the canal.

Seven of Canada’s nine national museums are in Ottawa, including the National History Museum. You can also check out the Royal Canadian Mint and the Bank of Canada Museum, which has interactive exhibits about the economy.

But enough about museums! It’s time to venture to the Rideau Canal, which becomes a nearly 5-mile-long outdoor skating rink from early December to March each year. You can bring your own skates or rent there, and the Rideau is free and open to skaters all day and night. Extra hats and mittens can be found on sale there, along with hot chocolate and warm beaver tails (what we might call a cousin of fried dough with cinnamon sugar here in the states). Especially during the three weekends of the annual Winterlude festival, non-skaters can enjoy the ice sculptures and playground made of snow. For more information on the festival, visit ottawatourism.ca/ events/winterlude.

We’re going back for a Winterlude weekend in February and bringing ice skates, extra warm clothes and thick mittens. Another family may join us because they’ve only been there twice. They need one more visit to see it all, the dad says. When we get too cold outside, I hope to duck inside the Hotel Fairmount Château Lautrier for high tea. After all, winter can be celebrated indoors, too.

Eileen Gilligan, an award-winning writer and mother of two, lives in Baldwinsville.

continued on next page

FAMILY TIMES MONTH 2020

23

Tips for traveling to Canada

continued from previous page

Cellphone: Download and/or print out directions, or pick up a map, before heading into Canada. Turns out my new cellphone service did not reach beyond an hour into Canada.

Although we downloaded directions using Wi-Fi before heading home, when I made a wrong turn, the phone froze trying to reroute without data service. Members of AAA can pick up a free map at a local office. Remember, AAA membership extends through Canada as well – just in case.

PHOTOS BY EILEEN GILLIGAN

Gasoline: Of course, they use the same gasoline across the border, but it costs more there.

Try to fill up before heading into Canada and after crossing back into the U.S. to save a few dollars or more on gas. While the average price around Syracuse was $2.50 a gallon during our trip, the average price in Ottawa was $1.16 Canadian and that’s for one liter. Four liters make up a gallon. Even without doing any more math, our kids should know that’s not a good deal for New Yorkers.

Top: Entrance to the Old Ottawa Jail. Bottom: The children’s area at the Ottawa Art Gallery.

24

TRAVEL

Money: Using Canadian dollars and coins will help you save money – once you get them. I like using foreign currency with children because I think it reinforces the idea that we’re in another country. An ATM withdrawal in Ottawa cost me a $5 service charge from my home bank after the ATM’s fee. When I used a credit card, I chose the option to pay in U.S. dollars to avoid a foreign service transaction fee with each purchase.

The exchange rate for U.S. dollars to Canadian is so good right now (25% in our favor) that even a few cents less via the credit card transaction is better than another foreign transaction fee.

Some businesses will accept U.S. currency, but they treat it as Canadian, so you lose 25% of the U.S. value. Local banks and credit unions may get you Canadian currency, but they often charge a fee for that service.

Language: Of course, everyone speaks English in Ottawa, but many also speak French. I enjoy being greeted with “bonjour!” at times, and it’s another chance to practice my French and remind children of other cultures, especially ones so close to home.

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

SATURDAY, DEC. 21 WINTER BEGINS Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m.

or 11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 22. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while the kids share Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and create a holiday craft. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Cost includes zoo admission: $19.95/general; free/age 2 & younger. Reservations required: (315) 435-8511, Ext. 113. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Rice Creek Story Hour. 11 a.m. Elementary-aged children, especially, will enjoy tales of animals’ wild ways and how humans relate to the natural world; all ages are welcome. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/ rice-creek/.

A Syracuse Christmas Carol. 2 & 8 p.m.; also

Dec. 22. Come see the Charles Dickens tale with a Syracuse twist. Redhouse Arts Center, 400 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $37 (including service fee). (315) 3622785. theredhouse.org.

Holiday Fun with Shrek the Halls. 2 p.m.

Attendees off all ages can decorate gingerbread cookies, drink hot cocoa and watch Shrek the Halls.

Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.

26

CALENDAR

Winter Solstice Hike. 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about ancient solstice traditions on a lantern-lit hike through the woods; snowshoes provided. For age 5 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. (315) 673-1350.

Register: baltimorewoods.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22 HANUKKAH BEGINS Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon. See Dec. 21 listing.

A Syracuse Christmas Carol. 2 p.m. See Dec.

THURSDAY, DEC. 26

KWANZAA BEGINS Santa’s Drone Delivery. Noon-2 p.m. See Dec. 23 listing.

Afternoon Tea on Boxing Day. 3-4 p.m. All

ages can enjoy tea and scones in this exploration of British traditions. Wear a fascinator or make one with provided materials. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

FRIDAY, DEC. 27

21 listing.

Santa’s Drone Delivery. Noon-2 p.m. See Dec.

MONDAY, DEC. 23

Make Your Own Gingerbread House. 1-2:30

Santa’s Drone Delivery. Noon-2 p.m. Attendees can fly a drone with holiday packages. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/ adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

Santa’s Drone Delivery. Noon-2 p.m. See Dec. 23 listing.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS SEE ONGOING EVENTS

23 listing.

p.m. All materials will be provided. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 28 Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the

activities of a programmer with hands-on activities.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11.

(315) 425-9068.

Santa’s Drone Delivery. Noon-2 p.m. See Dec. 23 listing.

Painting with a Twist. 2 p.m. Create your own

painting using provided materials. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Pl., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 435-3636. onlib.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 29

Santa’s Drone Delivery. Noon-2 p.m. See Dec. 23 listing.

THURSDAY, JAN. 2 Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Jan. 16 & 30. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by a caregiver, can hear some stories and go on a trail walk. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $5/parking. (315) 638-2519.

MONDAY, DEC. 30

Pokémon Party. 2:30 p.m. Children ages 5-10 can participate in Pokémon-

First Snow Leopard Day. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See snow leopards and other ani-

themed activities and crafts. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale.

Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

mals with discounted admission through Feb. 29. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission January and February: $5/adults; $2.50/age 62 & up; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511.

TUESDAY, DEC. 31

Frozen Party. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Create Frozen-themed crafts

with entertainment, games, crafts, and a sparkling-juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $9/ adults (ages 19-61); $5/over age 62; $5/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511.

Winter Reading Kickoff. 4-7 p.m. Attendees of all ages can learn about the

Noon Year’s Eve Party. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids and parents can ring in

inspiration board. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Noon Year’s Eve at the Zoo. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ring in the “noon” year

the New Year with an event that features music, dancing, crafts, snacks, and a countdown at noon. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

(315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

and play games. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.

Registration required: oflibrary.org. (315) 492-1727.

library’s winter reading challenges and enjoy coffee and cocoa. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

Inspiration Boards. 6-7 p.m. Teens grades 6-12 can learn how to create an

Moonlight Skiing and Snowshoeing. Until 9 p.m.; through Jan. 5. Venture

activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

onto Beaver Lake’s 10 miles of trails (if the snow cover is adequate) lit by the moon. Hot chocolate and other refreshments available at the visitor center. Bring a flashlight and a friend for safety. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

NEW YEAR’S DAY Do Robots see in 20/20. Noon-2

Brewy the Dinosaur. Snacks will be provided. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484.

New Year’s Eve STEAM. 1-2 p.m. Celebrate the New Year with STEAM

p.m.; also Jan. 2, 3, 4 & 5. Visitors can explore how robots see around them.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11.

(315) 425-9068.

Dinosaur Dance Party. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 3-10 can dance with

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Winter Art. 1-2 p.m. Use pencils and chalk to create a self-portrait.

Recommended for grades 2-4. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

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

Dog Man Extravaganza. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Children grades 1-5 can learn how

to draw Dog Man, create a Supabuddy and more. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

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27

Guided Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. 7 p.m.; also Jan. 4. Explore the woodlands and frozen marshes on snowshoes with a guide; space limited. Program is only offered when conditions are acceptable.

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/snowshoe rental; $5/vehicle.

Registration required day of hike: (315) 638-2519.

SATURDAY, JAN. 4 Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/snowshoe rental; $5/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Teen Tabletop Games. 6-8 p.m. Teens can

SATURDAY, JAN. 18

play board games and eat snacks. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

preschool-aged children, accompanied by an adult, can take part in this music and movement class.

Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free.

Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary. org.

Pajama Storytime. 6-7 p.m. Children ages 3-6

Try Snowshoeing. 12:30

Drop-In Craft. Daily through Jan. 15. Stop by

p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, through Feb. 29. In this snowshoe clinic, participants will receive instructions and go on a shore snowshoe hike. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/ snowshoe rental; $5/vehicle.

Call day of hike to register and check conditions: (315) 638-2519.

Puzzle Race. 2-3:30 p.m. Teams will compete to

put together a 500-piece puzzle. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Technology Camp. 2-3 p.m. also Jan. 8, 11, 15, 18,

can wear pajamas, hear a story and make a craft.

Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free.

Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org. during library hours to create a snowman. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse.

Free. oflibrary.org. (315) 492-1727.

FRIDAY, JAN. 10 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

SATURDAY, JAN. 11 Pokémon Open Play. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Learn how

to play Pokémon or bring your own deck. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free.

(315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

SEE ONGOING EVENTS

SUNDAY, JAN. 5

Homeschool Family Fun. 1-2:30 p.m.

26. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $5/child (non-members). (315) 425-9068.

Sunday Funday. 2-4 p.m.; weekly, through April 5.

All ages of visitors can explore the galleries, see art making and hear stories. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $8/general admission; free/ under 12. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

MONDAY, JAN. 6 Gaming for Adults with Special Needs. 1:30-3

p.m. Adults with special needs can play Wii games and board games; caregivers must remain in the room.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.

(315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 7 Tuesday Crafternoons. 3:30-7 p.m.; also Jan.

14, 21 & 28. Children ages 3-10 can drop in to make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Inspire and Create! 4:30-5:30 p.m. Children can

Homeschooling parents and kids can take part in a casual hangout with games and crafts. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free.

(315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Tips for a Low Intervention Birth. 6-7:30

p.m. Discuss interventions and how to avoid them.

Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free. Registration is recommended. (315) 707-8097.

TUESDAY, JAN. 14 Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. Young people in grades

6-12 can take part in a different program each week. This week, it’s hands-on art with the Everson Museum of Art. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib. org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15 Twilight Tales. 6:30-7 p.m.; also Jan. 29. Listen to winter-themed stories and songs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

THURSDAY, JAN. 16 Winter Cornhole League. 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Participants ages 16 and up can compete in cornhole.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 8

FRIDAY, JAN. 17

Weekday Snowshoe Jaunt. 1 p.m.; Wednesdays,

Friday Crafternoon. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Participants

28

CALENDAR

SUNDAY, JAN. 19 Build A Model Rocket - Beginners Class. 1-3

p.m. Members of the Syracuse Rocket Club will show attendees of all ages how to build a model rocket.

Materials will be provided. Walt’s HobbyTown, 2 Dwight Park Dr., Syracuse. $5/person. Reservations required: (315) 453-2291.

MONDAY, JAN. 20 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. 2-3:30 p.m.

Participants can listen to the famous civil rights leader’s speech and make crafts. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

MONDAY, JAN. 13

craft a cardboard creation. Central Library, KidSpace (Level 2), 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

(315) 435-1900.

through Feb. 12. Take a walk around the grounds of

Participants ages 5 and up can make slime that looks like a melted snowperson. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free.

Registration required: oflibrary.org. (315) 492-1727.

SUNDAY, JAN. 12

22 & 29. Attendees ages 8-16 can learn about basic robotics, coding and more. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. (315) 435-3797.

STEM Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also Jan. 12, 19 &

Melted Snowperson Slime Making. 2-3 p.m.

of all ages can create a pencil topper. Salina Library,

Dreamcatcher Craft. 2-3 p.m. Attendees can

create a handprint dreamcatcher. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m.

This month’s topic is New Year’s resolutions and reaching your goals. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21 Family Movie. 6-7:30 p.m. Attendees of all

ages can watch a showing of Mulan. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse.

Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22 Family Trivia Night. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Teams of

six or less can answer questions about pop culture.

Refreshments will be provided. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org.

(315) 446-3578.

THURSDAY, JAN. 23 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

FRIDAY, JAN. 24 Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and

Teen Tabletop Games, Jan. 8 crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist.org/Tots.

Books and Cooks. Noon-2 p.m. Sponsored by Headstart, children ages 3-5 and their families can discover books and recipes. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25 Vex IQ Robotics Competition. 9 a.m. Teams of

students build a robot to solve an engineering challenge.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Registration required: (315) 425-9068. most. org.

Preschool Fair. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Representatives from area preschools will explain their programs. There will also be activities for children. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of a scientist each month

with hands-on activities. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST). 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Family Movie. 2-3:45 p.m. Watch a screening of Abominable. Manlius Public

Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

SUNDAY, JAN. 26 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

MONDAY, JAN. 27 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

TUESDAY, JAN. 28 Chinese New Year Story Time. 6:30-7 p.m. Listen to stories and make a

craft. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

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29

Kidding Around Yoga, Jan. 29

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29 Kidding Around Yoga. 5-5:45 p.m. Children

ages 5-10 can learn basic yoga poses. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

THURSDAY, JAN. 30 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

FRIDAY, JAN. 31 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

ONGOING EVENTS Lights on the Lake. 5-10 p.m., daily; through

Jan. 5. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays, themed sections and a grand finale. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $6/car, Mondays & Tuesdays with Wegmans Shoppers Club card. $10/car, Monday-Thursday; $20/car, FridaySunday. (315) 453-6712.

Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery.

Weekend Walks with a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/ vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails.

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

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking

trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus.

(315) 673-1350.

Wegmans Playground. Boundless Playground

for children (and parents) of all ages and abilities includes accessible swings, slides, bridge and more, including special section just for the tiniest tykes.

Onondaga Lake Park, Route 370, Liverpool. Free.

(315) 451-PARK.

Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; through Jan. 6. (Closed Dec. 25 and Jan.1.) See a fantastical village of houses, boats and more, built with gingerbread, candy, crackers and other edible items. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. $7/adults; $5/ seniors; $2/age 12 & under. (315) 471-0593.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Thursdays, 5 p.m.

Horsedrawn Sleigh Rides. Saturdays &

Barnes & Noble Storytimes. Thursdays, 10

Sundays, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; through Feb. 23. A 20-minute ride into the woods. Highland Forest Park, County Road 128, Fabius. $8/adults; $5/age 5 & under. (315) 683-5550.

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CALENDAR

Members of the community can join in making more than a hundred bagged lunches to hand out to the hungry and homeless in downtown Syracuse. The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free.

(315) 218-6066. wholelygroundsattheroad.org. a.m. Join a storytime for toddlers and preschoolers that features a book, songs and coloring. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. (315) 449-2948.

Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville Storytimes. Call or visit the website for times. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free.

Registration recommended: CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

Fairmount Community Library Storytimes. Little Movers (good walkers ages

1-3): Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. Music is Magic (ages 1-5): Mondays, 11:15 a.m. Preschool Storytime & Craft (ages 3-5): Thursdays, 10:15 a.m.;

Calendar listings are

FREE!

Send information about your family-friendly event to: CourtneyK@ familytimescny.com.

Listings are due by JAN 8 for the February issue.

registration requested: fairmountlibrary.org. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Liverpool Public Library. Lapsit Story Time (ages 2 and under): Tuesdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Sing Along Friends Story Time (ages 2-5): Thursdays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Family Story Time (ages 5 and under): Fridays, 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Maxwell Library Storytimes. Storytimes and book groups

for all ages. Call for dates and times. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661.

Northeast Community Center Library Storytimes.

Preschool storytimes with rhymes and occasional games; youngsters learn group listening and participation skills. Call for times.

Northeast Community Center Library, 716 Hawley Ave., Syracuse.

Free. (315) 472-6343, Ext. 208.

NOPL Brewerton Storytimes. Birth-24 months: Mondays, 9:30-10 a.m. Ages 2 and up: Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. (315) 676-7484.

NOPL Cicero Library Storytimes. Toddler Story Hour: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Preschool Story Hour: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032.

NOPL North Syracuse Library Storytimes. Birth-age 3:

Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5: Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

Onondaga Free Library Storytimes. Baby Storytime (age

2 and under): Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

Family Storytimes (age 2 and older): Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11:15 a.m.

Wiggleworms (toddlers and preschoolers): Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. (no Wiggleworms Dec. 25 & Jan. 1).

Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.

Petit Branch Library Storytimes. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.

Toddler and preschooler storytime for children ages 18 months-5 years and caregivers. Includes stories, rhymes, finger plays and songs. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. (315) 435-3636.

Regional Market Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

(year-round). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paintings and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 2100 Park St., Syracuse. (315) 422-8647.

Parents’ Night Out SATURDAY, JAN. 4 Syracuse Men’s Basketball. 4 p.m. Watch as the

Syracuse men take on Notre Dame in a conference matchup. Carrier Dome, Syracuse University, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse. $18-$195 (plus fees). cuse.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 11 The Chris & Paul Show. 8 p.m. Finalists on the NBC show Bring the Funny this year, the Chris & Paul Show comes to Auburn. Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange St., Auburn. $15-$17. auburnpublictheater.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 25 Symphoria Presents Higdon and Mozart. 7:30 p.m.

Attend a pre-concert talk with the director and listen to music by Beethoven, Mozart and more. Crouse Hinds Theater, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20-$90 (plus fees). experiencesymphoria.org.

Have an event or an idea for Parents’ Night Out? Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com with more information.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Bluebird Music Together........................................................... 25 Canterbury Stables.......................................................................7 Crouse Hospital ...........................................................................2 The Dance Studio CNY............................................................. 25 Faith Heritage School................................................................. 14 Family Times Giveaway.............................................................. 29 Family Times Kids Expo............................................................. 25 Famous Artists...............................................................................5 Flamingo Bowl............................................................................. 9,11 Hematology/Oncology Associates ......................................... 19 Holy Family Catholic.................................................................. 13 Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse......................................................3 Inlet...................................................................................................7 La Fleur De Beaute.......................................................................7 Montessori School...................................................................... 25 The New School............................................................................8 New Hope Family Services.........................................................8 Pediatric Associates......................................................................8 Premiere Promotions................................................................. 15 Red Fox Run B&B........................................................................ 14 Upstate Medical University...............................................Back Cover Upstate Blood Cord Bank......................................................... 21 Wanderers Rest........................................................................... 27 Weiss, Savedoff & Ciccone.........................................................11 FAMILY TIMES MONTH 2020

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CARING FOR KIDS IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO BEST. STEVEN BLATT, MD, DIRECTOR OF THE UPSTATE PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT CENTER, TEACHES TWO PATIENTS HOW TO GET A BETTER LISTEN.

Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital opened in 2009 to provide safe, innovative and family-centered care for children in Central New York. Today, we serve children and families across 17 counties—and beyond—with 100,000 patient visits each year.

Upstate offers more than 50 services just for kids, and also is the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. Our commitment to quality care and an exceptional patient and family experience is evident in our culture and in the smiles of our patients.

We are proud to care for the familes of Central New York for all special birthdays, and for many more to come.