Family Times December 2014

The ‘just right’ holiday • Colorful cranberry cookies • Stepfamilies remake traditions

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Drawing Contest Winner: Kayla Howard, age 12, Syracuse

The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | December 2014

CNY Gift Guide Find unusual presents, support local culture

+115 FUN EVENTS

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family times • December 2014

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Drawing Contest

Roberts Pre-K-8 School students take winter by storm.

8 • Family Matters Stepfamilies must bend traditions to suit their varied configurations.

10 • Recipe Doctor 6

Festive cookies get color from cranberries and “yum!” from cream cheese.

12 • Kids These Days

Maggie Lamond Simone finds the meaning of the season.

14 • Christmas Questions How families make the holiday magical for their children.

18 • CNY Gift Guide

Shops at two museums and a zoo offer unique holiday shopping choices.

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22 • Family Fun Calendar of Events

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Advertiser Index

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Party........................................ 11 Practice...............................15 Learn...................................... 17 Religious Services.................... 23 Backpack Directory................ 33 Wish List............................ 34-35 Family Times December 2014

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4-Editors Note

family times The Parenting

Guide of Central New York

December 2014

Give Peace a Chance

issue No. 152

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod Editor in chief Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Michelle Bowers (Ext. 114) MBowers@syracusenewtimes.com

W

MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp

hile I enjoy the holidays, I have not achieved the degree of serenity that Maggie Lamond Simone expresses in her column on page 12.

For me, Christmas provokes a bit of anxiety. Like Diane Williamson—who writes about different families’ traditions on page 14—I am torn. There’s the fear of overwhelming my sons, ages 6 and 8, with gifts they won’t appreciate and I can’t afford. And there’s the worry that if I fail to get them the “right” gifts, their Christmas will be ruined (ruined!).

I’ve also got a little guilt around the edges for not being with my parents, who live in New Hampshire, at Christmas. (Sometimes I compensate for the distance by overspending on them, also. Or baking them cookies that I send too late to arrive by the 25th.)

I won’t solve my dilemma this year. My only hope is that other parents have transcended these troubles, so I can watch them and learn how it’s done.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a healthier cookie recipe (page 10), an article on the concerns of stepfamilies (page 8), or a bunch of holiday events to put some spark in your season (page 22), we’ve got you covered.

May your December be filled with peace, joy and fun.

Photography editor Michael Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) creative services manager Caitlin O’Donnell DESIGNER Meaghan Arbital DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Ty Marshal (ext. 144) Contributors Deborah Cavanagh,Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Emma Kress, Linda Lowen, Cary Rector, Tonja Rector, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Advertising Sales Manager Jessica Luisi (ext. 139) JLuisi@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Lija Spoor (ext. 111) LijaSpoor@syracusenewtimes.com

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief

Joseph Taranto (ext. 115) JTaranto@syracusenewtimes.com COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) CLASSIFIED SALES Lija Spoor (ext. 111)

Subscribe to Family Times by mail and receive 12 issues for only $20.

Call (315) 472-4669 to order.

On the cover: The winning submission in Family Times’ seventh annual cover drawing contest is by Kayla Howard, age 12, a student at Roberts Pre-K-8 School in Syracuse.

For the honorable mentions in the competition, see page 6.

Meaghan Arbital design

Family Times 1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 www.familytimes.biz

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Advertising deadline for January is Dec. 11. Calendar deadline for January is Dec. 5.

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Family Times December 2014

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6- Cover Winners

Brrrrr-illiant!

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ome 350 students at J.T. Roberts Pre-K-8 School at 715 Glenwood Ave. in Syracuse submitted drawings to their art teachers, who selected the best for Family Times’ seventh annual drawing contest. The artists, in grades 3 through 7, created drawings that celebrated snowflakes, snow people and sledding, among other motifs, in their illustrations of the theme “winter fun,” using either markers or oil pastels. Two designers in Family Times’ Creative Services Department chose the winner, whose drawing is on the magazine’s cover, along with five artworks that earned honorable mentions. Family Times wants to thank art teachers Tina Zhang and Tim Howard and the Roberts students who took part in the competition.

Honorable Mention Wyatt Allers, age 12

Honorable Mention Lily Ryan, age 11

Honorable Mention Dyversyty Amoré Pasha, age 12 6

Family Times December 2014

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Honorable Mention Andrew Serrao, age 11 Honorable Mention Isabella Rose Phillips, age 12 11/20/14 1:28 PM

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Seasonal Compromises

Stepfamilies can find new ways to celebrate | By Cary and Tonja Rector

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hen thinking about the holidays, most people focus on family. Family outings, gatherings and traditions are a large part of the holiday season for many people. For a stepfamily, the “family” aspect of the holidays can bring added stress and pressure.

and this is especially true in a new stepfamily. Communicate about which parts of your usual traditions mean a lot to you (and your kids) and which ones you are willing to change or give up. Realize there will be changes. Keeping things the same as before a remarriage shuts out the new stepparent and stepchildren.

Differing traditions and priorities can collide to make the holidays an especially difficult time for stepfamilies. The couple may disagree about how much to spend on gifts for children, where a holiday meal should be eaten, which households will be visited and any number of things related to “how we do it.”

“Blended” may not happen. Step relationships are fundamentally different than first-time family relationships. Respecting those differences can make the holidays run smoother. Allow for some traditions and activities separately. There is nothing wrong with each parent and his or her children visiting certain family members or attending some events separately. Wednesday Martin, author of Stepmonster: A New Look at Why Real Stepmothers Think, Feel and Act the Way We Do, recounts a family who put up two Christmas trees every year, each with its own set of decorations. This solution honored traditions for all family members and also became a tradition in its own right.

Children can be adamant about keeping their traditions from first families and dismissive of traditions of their stepsiblings.

There can also be stress from outside the household. Friends and extended family may give their two cents. “I would never agree to a holiday meal with his ex-wife.

Didn’t you hear she made a snide comment about you recently?” “You’re Jewish, why would you buy Christmas gifts for your new wife’s kids?” Add in adherence to custody agreements and the holidays can be daunting!

According to the Pew Research Center, 29 million to 30 million adults in the United States are stepparents. This only accounts for households with children under age 18.

Many more have adult stepchildren. If you are one of these millions of adults and harbor a small (or large) amount of trepidation about the holidays, take heart! With a few tips in mind, the holidays can be enjoyable.

Plan ahead. The adults should begin talking about the holidays well in advance, 8

Play down traditional holidays, play up nontraditional ones. Traditional holidays come loaded with expectations.

Differing expectations lead to conflict and stress. Consider giving other dates and events increased importance and fanfare.

Perhaps Halloween can become the stepfamily’s new tradition. Special foods, decorations, pumpkin carving and parties can all be planned and looked forward to year after year. Birthdays can be celebrated with lots of gusto and fussing over the birthday boy or girl. Focusing on nontraditional events frees children from loyalty binds they might feel about traditional holidays. They will often embrace the opportunity to celebrate a “new” holiday.

Remember the reason for the season. Keeping gatherings simple and inclusive promotes a harmonious environment. All kids, regardless of age, want to feel comfortable and like a family when at their parent’s house. Don’t treat older teen or adult stepchildren like guests. When preparing and serving a meal, give them a job and let them pitch in. Plan activities everyone can participate in, such as watching a movie, baking or making a craft. Shared activities promote relationships and create memories.

Resist the urge to create a Norman Rockwell moment. Unrealistic expectations can be a setup for failure. Remember, kids are out of their routines and wound up tight, and adults are often exhausted from shopping, decorating and cooking on top of their usual responsibilities. Kids may cry or bicker with each other and adults may make a short-tempered comment during conversation. That’s what happens in families—all families. Expect moments of disharmony and don’t let it overshadow the entire experience.

Patricia Papernow, author of Surviving and Thriving in Stepfamily Relationships, writes, “Becoming a stepfamily is a process, not an event.” Arm yourself with a welltalked-about plan and a relaxed, realistic attitude. Enjoy the season as part of your family’s process.

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

Family Times December 2014

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Seasonal Stunners Cookies evoke candy cane colors | By Chris Xaver

T

here’s nothing more wonderful than a holiday cookie! Whether I’m participating in an exchange, baking up a few dozen to give as gifts, or the lucky recipient of a gift myself, cookies during the holidays are fantastic to give or get. But for those of us watching our diets (gluten, vegan, low-sugar and more), the cookie platter can leave little to offer.

Well, that changes today. Here’s a cookie redo. And, as with all my recipes, these taste great, don’t hint at being “good for you” and look terrific on the cookie platter.

The cranberries swirl with the white dough to mimic the traditional candy cane.

Speaking of candy canes, did you know there are about 1.76 billion candy canes made each year for the holidays? Want to score some points with the little ones? Ask them: What do elves put on their candy canes? Answer: their tongues!

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Getting back to the recipe, let me share the reasoning behind this particular blend of ingredients. The cream cheese is key; it helps add moisture to the dough. Removing sugar takes away calories but also a source of moisture that keeps cookies soft and chewy. Traditional sugar also contributes to that texture we love.

Sugar even changes a cookie’s color. Remember, if you put a torch on pure sugar, you get the amber-colored topping found on crème brulee.

So when I pulled the sugar from this recipe, I added cream cheese. Whatever you do, don’t use nonfat or reduced-fat cream cheese. It will make the cookies runny.

Also, fresh lemon zest is crucial in this mixture. I use a Microplane, a very sharp, small-holed grater that ensures I only zest the wonderful yellow outer portion of the skin and not the bitter white pith.

Lemon zest is filled with essential oils that provide not only incredible flavor but also a slew of health properties. A natural antioxidant with high levels of vitamin C, lemon brings out the tang of the cream cheese and the tartness of the cranberries.

Most importantly, lemon balances the sweetness normally associated with cream cheese cookies.

And you know there’s nothing like cranberries. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, cranberries are readily available and add a ruby glow to this jewel of a cookie—a ruby glow reminiscent of a certain reindeer’s nose. These could just be the perfect cookie to leave out Christmas Eve. Chris Xaver, Ph.D., is a local TV and radio personality with three children and five grandchildren.

Family Times December 2014

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Party Planner

Cranberry Lemon Cheesecake Cookies (Gluten-free; can be vegan and egg-free too) 1 egg (or, to be egg-free, use 1 tablespoon ground flax seed mixed with 2 tablespoons warm water) 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh (or frozen) cranberries 2/3 cup stevia 1/3 cup coconut oil 1 cup gluten free all-purpose baking mix flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill) 1 teaspoon baking powder Pinch salt 4 ounces cream cheese (you can use dairy-free, but your results may vary) Zest and 2 tablespoons juice of 1 lemon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream egg (or flax seed mixture), coconut oil, cream cheese and stevia in the mixer.

Add flour, baking powder and salt until it is just mixed. Fold in the fruit.

Drop onto either a silicone pan liner or use parchment paper on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until set.

Cool on a rack.

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Glad Tidings, Good Cheer Finally finding the real meaning of Christmas | By Maggie Lamond Simone

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t starts the day after Halloween now: 24/7 Christmas carols, holiday displays and decorations in the stores, toy and gift ads at every turn, catalogs in the mailbox, cookie recipes on Pinterest, and the holiday specials on television. The season is in full swing before the pumpkins are put away.

And that’s all right with me. In fact, I say the earlier the better. I used to keep my tree up until February to wring as much out of the season as I could; I believe I only abandoned that practice when alerted to the potential fire hazard.

Why do I do this? Because the holiday season makes me feel good. From the lights to the pine-scented candles to repeated viewings of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (subsequent debriefs on bullying notwithstanding), the Christmas season wraps itself around me like a blanket of happy. I’m calmer, more content and more hopeful. And although those seeds were planted years ago, that state of mind was a process.

myself to feel, however temporarily, how a “normal” girl might feel. I allowed myself to feel good.

Unfortunately the disappointment when that feeling evaporated post-holiday was often debilitating. I was convinced for many years that the letdown was a result of the inevitable elusive gift—the one that I could never quite identify, the one that would make me whole. Each year that I didn’t get it, the letdown returned.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that the elusive gift isn’t something tangible that can be unwrapped on Christmas Day. The gift is in learning to appreciate the holidays for what they really are, what they mean to us. In so doing, we learn to recognize that they are part of the journey, not the destination—a part of our particular faith’s journey, and a part of our own journey as well.

It started when I was young. Christmases back then harbored a sense of hope that eluded me the rest of the year. Although we didn’t get many presents, the holiday season offered a respite from the crippling shame and sadness that were the hallmarks of my youth.

When my children were smaller, my husband and I spent a lot of time and energy on the holidays, wanting the kids to experience the magic of the season even though they were too young to understand the meaning behind it. I remember their excited faces on Christmas mornings as clearly as I remember my frustrated husband’s on Christmas Eves, standing over a dinosaur racetrack or kitchen set with eight different tools and no more patience.

During the holidays, life was OK, and often even better than OK. My fears, obsessions and self-loathing were put on hold for those few weeks, and I allowed

At times I was conflicted, worried that the volume of gifts would preclude my children from ever appreciating the true meaning of the season. On some level I

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believed the only way to understand it was by not getting a lot of presents; that I was somehow denying them the true beauty of the season by filling it with stuff. I had to learn that there could be many paths, that this was their journey—no better and no worse than mine.

And it has brought them to now, when we no longer make the holidays for the kids, but rather with them. They’re involved in every aspect of the process these days, from decorating to baking cookies to shopping to wrapping, and even more so, to giving and delivering to others. They realize how good it feels to give—sometimes as good as it feels to receive, and sometimes even better.

The first time I hear John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Happy Xmas (War is Over),” the first time I see A Charlie Brown Christmas, it begins for me all over again, even if it starts in October. The season gives me permission that I sometimes still can’t give myself to feel good, to appreciate all that I have and to feel hopeful about what lies ahead. In fact, if it were up to me, we’d still keep our tree up until February.

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and wherever you are on your journey . . . safe travels.

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

Family Times December 2014

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The Christmas Conundrum

When do you say enough is enough?

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By Diane Williamson

But during the holidays another side of me comes out: the side that worries that there are never enough presents for my two children, ages 6 and 3, the side that hopes the excitement of opening presents can make all other conflicts vanish, at least momentarily.

Last year, for example, worrying that there weren’t enough presents, my husband and I ordered two lastminute gifts for rush delivery—one of which didn’t even make it on time.

(The missing present was, of course, not even noticed.) It’s a good thing for me that stores are not open on Christmas morning.

I decided to ask other parents with some children around the ages of mine how they make the holiday joyful. I also wanted to know whether they get as stressed out as I do—going over the gifts for each child multiple times in their heads—and how they know how much is enough.

My friend Kate Hinman, a Manlius resident, mostly has fun buying Christmas presents and often gets it done before Thanksgiving.

She has three kids: Nate, 5, Anna, 3, and Wes, 10 months. The two big kids will get about eight presents each (“It could be reasonable-sized boxes but a $3 puzzle”) with about five that are for both. (Sorry, Wes, you’re getting socks.) She does not feel the need to buy a big present for each of them.

This year, she says, she will make a list for the kids’ presents just like she does with presents for other

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Family Times December 2014

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family members, so it’s easier to remember what each one is getting.

She also wants to be sure they’re getting the right number of gifts, instead of her forgetting about something or shaking presents she already wrapped.

Kate’s family does not participate in the Santa tradition. She believes children should behave well all the time, instead of just as a gambit to get presents. And in trying to teach her kids that they cannot get everything they want, she does not encourage them to have a list, and there are no letters to Santa or hoping Santa will bring something that Mom has already said “no” to.

“Without the Santa factor, we can talk about budget,” she says. “Not that I’m showing them my receipts or something.”

Nate and Anna have birthdays shortly after Christmas, so if Kate regrets not getting them something in particular, she can easily make up for it at birthday time.

Does Christmas gift giving get more stressful as the kids get older and more demanding? Not necessarily. Katherine Saufley, of Syracuse, and her husband have five children: Lucinda, 15, Tristan, 9, James, 8, Bram, 7, and Liesl, 3.

They limit the present buying to $50 per child, plus small, inexpensive stocking stuffers.

She hides toys and clothes bought at sales all year long and avoids the stress of the mall at Christmas time.

The children receive fewer than five gifts each: “one big present and a couple of smaller things.” continued on page 16

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continued from page 14

“I suppose if you have a lot of money, then it’s hard to say ‘no’ to your kids,” she says. “We’re not rich, so we’re not going to be getting all (the kids) want.” Still, she says her children have never yet had a disappointing Christmas.

“I can’t pretend that I haven’t been a child and I know that, yes, of course, (Christmas) is for presents!” Katherine says. Still, opening presents ends up being only a small part of the holiday for her children.

They go to church the night before, and, after opening presents in the morning, they go to their grandparents’ house for brunch, leaving their presents at home.

On Boxing Day, a U.K. holiday celebrated the day after Christmas (Katherine’s father is British), the adults organize an entertaining “White Elephant” gift exchange, and the children get to devour the gigantic gingerbread house piled high with candy.

The weekend after Christmas the family travels to Pennsylvania to visit the other set of grandparents. Of course, all the traveling, baking, cleaning and decorating can be exhausting, but Katherine loves the holidays. “If I didn’t have family around,” she says, “I would probably host something to prolong the whole Christmas season.”

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Since parents of only children might indulge them a bit more, I wondered whether there’s a temptation to overdo.

I asked Michele Westphal, of Syracuse, about presents for her daughter, Ella, age 6. “When Ella was first born, we went a little overboard. Each year I feel like we kind of pull back a little bit.”

Michele, a last-minute shopper, hates the mall, and shops mostly online. If a gift doesn’t make it in time for Christmas or if it’s cheaper after Christmas, she tells Ella that another present is still on its way. “If we get what we intend to get, fine; if not, we can always get some things after Christmas.

It extends the surprise and excitement.”

At their house Santa puts candy canes on the tree, fills the stockings, and brings a “bed present.” When she was a child, “Santa would always leave us a bed present,” Michele recalls. “So if you woke up at any point you could open your bed present and play with that.”

Michele’s daughter gets one big Santa present: “We explain it to Ella as ‘Santa is trying to provide for everyone.’” Making the other presents from Mom and Dad allows the family to talk with Ella about limits. “We do talk about finances and trying to not go overboard and that just because it’s Christmas it isn’t the time to blow the bank.”

“It’s a little bit easier when it’s an only child because she’s not comparing it to

serezniy | Gettyimages

“In 20 years, they might not remember the toys they got for Christmas, but they will definitely remember whether or not we were happy.” another sibling to say, ‘you got more than me!’”

To make the season calmer, the family has aimed to limit their traveling, cooking and other activities. Michele says, “I feel like before we were always on the go and we never got to sit down and just enjoy being a small family.”

For my part, I can accommodate my desire to give my children plenty of presents by hiding away good finds from garage and rummage sales in the summer and fall.

Consignment sales, like the Polka Tot events, consignment stores like Tales and Toys on Burnet Avenue in Syracuse and Wear It Again Kids in Cicero, and thrift store shopping also help limit the costs and consequences of consumerism.

If I squirrel away enough good finds in the summer and fall, maybe I can keep us to just one new last-minute purchase for each child in December. Maybe.

Do these strategies guarantee that Christmas will be peaceful and perfect?

Probably not, but I owe it to my kids to try to relax. In 20 years, they might not remember the toys they got for Christmas, but they will definitely remember whether or not we were happy.

Diane Williamson lives with her husband and two children in Syracuse.

Family Times December 2014

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11/20/14 1:33 PM

Monirae’s Sunday, Dec. 21 1-4 All-you-can-eat

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Family Times December 2014

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Learn

Inspiring creativity to help your child succeed

Gift Shops with a Difference Heading offline and off the beaten track can lead to unusual presents

H

ow can you do a little good with some of your holiday shopping? Make a short trek (or a long one) to a gift shop run by a Central New York cultural, historical or conservation organization. Last year Family Times featured products available at the gift shops of the Onondaga Historical Assocation, the Everson Museum of Art and the MOST (Museum of Science and Technology). This year we focus on the shops of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the Erie Canal Museum and, in Oswego, the H. Lee White Marine Museum. Buying gifts at local shops gives you a reason to check out some terrific local spots and put money in their coffers. —Reid Sullivan

Photographs by Michael Davis

Plush snowy owl (above), $19.99; Rosamond Gifford Zoo shop.

Army tugboat model kit, 10 3/4 inches long (below), $30;

H. Lee White Marine Museum shop.

Dec14_18-36.indd 18

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Elephant necklace and earring set,

$19.99

Veterinary kit, $13.99

Plush fennec fox, 12 inches,

$18.99

Animal Adventures The Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s attractions are numerous during the holidays. Many animals in outdoor exhibits are especially active in cold weather. Asa, the male snow leopard born in July, is now spending some time in the snow leopard exhibit on the Wildlife Trails.

But most of the zoo’s exhibits are indoors, so there are many animals to see when the weather is too beastly for people. The well-stocked gift shop sells roughly 700 items, ranging in price from 10 cents to $59.99. The 30inch plush animals (white tiger, lion, elephant, wolf) are especially popular as gifts.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse.

Open daily, excluding Christmas and New Year’s Day, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for those age 62 and up, $4 for ages 3 to 18, and free for children age 2 and younger.

Half-price admission occurs during January and February. No need to pay if you’re visiting just the gift shop. Call 435-8811 or visit rosamondgiffordzoo.org for information.

Flamingo tumbler, $14.99; tiger mug, $11.99 Family Times December 2014

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11/20/14 1:45 PM

Three-charm necklace, $40 Wooden model sailboat, 14 inches high, $12

Diving helmet clock, $72

Sea Worthy Founded in 1982, the H. Lee White Marine Museum aims to preserve the maritime history of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area with exhibits, galleries and vessels. Visitors to the museum (the former offices and repair shop of a grain elevator, which was torn down in the ’90s), tend to taper off as the wind on Lake Ontario picks up and the temperature drops.

However, the gift shop—called the Treasure Chest—is a worthy destination, with gifts ranging from 25 cents for a candy stick to $190 for a replica of a 1541 globe.

Treasure-map puzzle in a bottle, $14.95

H. Lee White Marine Museum, West First Street Pier, Oswego. Open Monday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission to the museum in December is $3 for adults, free for those under 20. (The rest of the time admission is $7 for adults, $3 for teens, free for age 12 and under.) You can always visit the museum’s shop without paying admission.

Call 342-0480 for information, or visit www.hleewhitemarine museum.com.

Map, $2 20

Family Times December 2014

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11/20/14 1:45 PM

Canal Cruise The Erie Canal Museum is housed in the only remaining weighlock building in America. Exhibits include a full-sized replica of a line boat, a general store, a canal-side tavern, a pottery shop, and a number of model boats. The museum is undergoing some interior and exterior construction and the entrance has been moved to the Water Street side. Paid parking is available on the street in designated areas. In the shop, item prices range from 25 cents for a piece of candy to the most expensive piece, a $600 sterling silver plaque by the artist Norman Dann, with images of the Erie Canal.

Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Entry to the museum is free, but a donation of $5 is appreciated. Admission to the annual Gingerbread Gallery, through Jan. 4, is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, and $2 for children. (If you’re just going to the shop, you do not need to pay.) Call 471-0593 or visit eriecanalmuseum.org.

Box of 10 note cards, $12.95

Rag doll,

$10.95

Handmade soap bar,

Stand, $3.95

$3.99 each

Handmade wooden mule, $8.95 Finger top, $2

Handmade wooden Erie Canal boat, $27.95 Family Times December 2014

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11/20/14 1:45 PM

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

Friday, Nov. 28 First Day Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles.

Noon-4 p.m.; also Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 21 (and Dec. 24, noon-3 p.m.). Lakeside village fills with Victorian characters, horse-and-carriage rides, carolers, live music, roasted chestnuts and more merriment inspired by English author Charles Dickens. More than 50 characters, including the author of A Christmas Carol himself, fill the Village of Skaneateles, Route 20. Free. 685-0552.

Clinton Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6:30 p.m. The annual lighting of the 50-foot-plus Norway spruce takes place after an evening of music by the Brownskin Band and an appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Afterward, there’s a City Hall open house with special treats. Downtown Syracuse. Free. 473-4330. www.syracuse.ny.us.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. The American Hockey League team faces the Binghamton Senators. War Memorial, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. $16-$20, plus applicable processing fees. 473-4444.

Hairspray. 8 p.m.; through Jan. 4. Musical of the John Waters movie features 1960s-era singing, dancing, big hair, and a spunky message about integration and acceptance. (Some mildly suggestive language.) Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$39/adult; $20/age 12 and under.

443-3275. syracusestage.org.

Saturday, Nov. 29 Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Noon-4 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 21. See Nov. 28 listing.

Little Red Riding Hood. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an original version of the fairy tale, in which children in the audience help Little Red and Grandma bring the Wolf to trial, then become judge and jury. Children can dress up as fairy tale characters to enhance their fun. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 449-3823.

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays. Every Saturday, see an interactive presentation on a different aspect of science. Upcoming topics include dog behavior, spacecraft and phases of the moon.

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

(607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8:30 p.m.; also Dec. 6 & 20. Children, who are invited to wear PJs, can take part in movie-themed activities, including a visit with Santa Claus. Then they can see The

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Polar Express in the six-story IMAX theater. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $4/person for party, in addition to movie tickets: $10/adults; $8/ages 2-17 and seniors age 65 and up. Reservations recommended: 425-9068, Ext. 2132.

Sunday, Nov. 30 Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Noon-4 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 21. See Nov. 28 listing.

Monday, Dec. 1 Drop-In Playtime. 10 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 8.

Children from infants to 5 years, accompanied by caregivers, can play with the library’s toys, including the train set. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.

Prenatal Yoga. 2 p.m., Mondays; through Dec. 29. Pregnant women can prepare their bodies and minds for childbirth and meet other mothers-tobe. Chicks & Hens baby boutique, 3150 Erie Blvd.

E., Syracuse. $10-$13/class. Registration required: 632-6110. www.chicksandhens.com/classroom.

Grinch Day. 4 p.m. Kids can hear the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, take part in themed activities and enjoy cookies. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Yoga for Everyone. 6-7 p.m.; also Dec. 8, 15, 22 & 29. Gentle yoga class. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 435-1940.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 Yoga Storytime. 10:30-11:15 a.m.; also Dec. 16.

Kids ages 3-6 and parents can have a full-body experience that builds early literacy skills and healthy bodies at the same time. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Mommy & Baby Yoga. 3 p.m., Tuesdays; through Dec. 30. Mothers can do yoga poses and breathing exercises with their newborn in their arms or at their side. Class emphasizes pelvic health and core strength. Chicks & Hens baby boutique, 3150 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. $10-$13/class. Registration required: 632-6110. www.chicksandhens.com/ classroom.

Books & Brownies. 4-5 p.m. Students in grades 3-6 can talk about Andrew Clements’ book Last Holiday Concert, and enjoy snacks and drinks.

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Craftastic Critters. 4:30-5:30 p.m.; also Dec. 9 & 16. Kids ages 5-10 can drop in to make a different craft each week. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

An Evening on Broadway. 7 p.m. Pianist Mary Sugar performs Broadway music. Temple Concord, 910 Madison St., Syracuse. Free. 475-9952.

Wednesday, Dec. 3 Prenatal Yoga. 1:30 p.m., Wednesdays; through Dec. 17. See Dec. 1 listing.

Creative Discovery for Kids. 4:30 p.m.; also Dec. 10 & 17. Seasonal crafts and stories for ages 5-10.

Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. Registration preferred: 672-3661.

Pajama Storytime. 6-6:30 p.m. Children ages 2-5, with a caregiver, can wear pajamas, bring a stuffed toy, and hear stories, songs and rhymes suitable for nighttime. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m. Kids in grades 7-12 can hang out, play games, eat snacks and create. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 4570310. lpl.org.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Ruby Tuesday, 3220 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

Reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemoms mingle@gmail.com.

Thursday, Dec. 4 Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also Dec. 11 & 18.

Preschoolers and caregivers can take part in a program with stories, songs and rhymes. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-1940.

Yoga Storytime. 4:15-5 p.m.; also Dec. 11. Kids ages 4-8 and parents can have a full-body experience that builds early literacy skills and healthy bodies at the same time. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Friday, Dec. 5 First Day Festival of Trees. Noon-5 p.m.; daily, through Dec. 14. See trees, wreaths and special displays that create a winter wonderland. The event raises funds for the Everson Museum of Art. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $5/adults; free/under 10. 474-6064.

Family Times December 2014

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11/20/14 10:18 AM

Come worship with us at Christmastime

Religious Services

Cicero United Methodist Church Sunday, Dec. 21, at 5:45 pm.

Blue Christmas Service A quiet service of healing

Christmas Eve Services, Dec. 24 6 p.m. Family For children of all ages with Children’s Choir

8 p.m. PraiSe ServiCe

A service of celebration with candlelight and communion

11 p.m. TradiTional

A traditional service of carols and candles Nursery Care available at all services except the 11 p.m.

Our sanctuary is fully accessible

8416 Brewerton Rd. 699-2731 www.ciceroumchurch.org

United Church of Fayetteville AdvENt & ChriStmAS EvE Sundays

Faith By Love

Family Worship Church Service Times: December 25th - 10am

Christmas Day Service December 31st - 10pm

Watch Night Service Join us as we bring in the New Year with singing, dancing & Celebration!

315-475-0162 • 523 West Onondaga St, Syracuse

To advertise your regular services, contact your sales representative for details or call Michelle Bowers at 422-7011 ext. 114 or email mbowers@ syracusenewtimes.com

10:00am - Worship & K-12 Sunday School

december 14 3pm -SU Brass & Bells Holiday Concert

december 24

4-4:45pm - Outdoor Living Nativity in front of church 5pm - The Brand New Original Nativity (All children take a part in the service to tell the Good News!)

9pm-Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship with UCF Choir and instrumentalists handicapped Accessible All are welcome!

310 E Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY 13066 www.theucf.org 315-637-3186 Family Times December 2014

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11/20/14 10:42 AM

College Essay Writing Workshop. 2 p.m.

Syracuse University writing instructor Molly Voorheis helps students develop college application essays at any stage of the process, from drafting to revising. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 435-3636.

AMELIA BEAMISH PHOTO

Calendar

The Nutcracker. 2 & 7 p.m.; also Dec. 7.

Syracuse City Ballet artists perform the tale of a young girl and her dashing Nutcracker Prince.

Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $39.10-$59.60 (with fees). 435-2121. www. ticketmaster.com.

Basics to Potty Training. 2 p.m. Monthly meeting is a chance for parents to get support and advice during the trials of potty training.

Caregivers and little ones welcome. Chicks & Hens baby boutique, 3150 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Free. Registration appreciated: 632-6110. www.chicksandhens.com/classroom.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Rochester Americans. See Nov. 28 listing.

Sunday, Dec. 7 Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9 or 11 a.m.; also Dec. 13, 14, 20 & 21. See Dec. 6 listing.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Dec. 6 listing.

Play Pals Exhibit Opening Celebration.

Noon-5 p.m. See Dec. 6 listing.

Dasher’s Magical Gift, Dec. 13 Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Dec. 19 & Jan. 2. A naturalist reads stories to children ages 3-5 and leads them on a walk to experience what nature has to offer. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4 per vehicle. 638-2519.

Polar Express Storytime. 7 p.m. Kids can put on pajamas and hear the Chris Van Allsburg book read, plus have some hot cocoa and cookies. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Hartford Wolf Pack.

See Nov. 28 listing.

Saturday, Dec. 6 Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9 or 11 a.m.; also Dec. 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21. 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: $14/general; free/age 2 & younger. Reservations required: 435-8511. www. rosamondgiffordzoo.org/santa.

Breakfast with Santa at Beaver Lake. 9 a.m.noon; also Dec. 13. Enjoy a meal of pancakes, sausage and a drink. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Breakfast: $3-$5/person. Admission: $4/vehicle for parking.

638-2519.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Dec. 7. Dozens of crafters, as well as food and music. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Admission: $2/adult; free/ age 16 & younger or 65 & older. 472-5478.

Play Pals Exhibit Opening Celebration. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Dec. 7. Special musical performances (Saturday, 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 & 2:30 p.m.) take place in honor of the new permanent exhibit Play Pals, which lets visitors explore the history of dolls, action figures animals and other toys

24

of the imagination. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13.50/ general; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700.

A World of Puppets. 11 a.m. Mark Carrigan and Michelle Smith-Carrigan—the Puppet People— perform their version of “A Christmas Carol.”

Children as young as 3 and parents can come for an up-close look at the performance at 10 a.m. for an additional $5. International Mask and Puppet Museum, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. $10/adults; $6/children. Reserve: 476-0466.

Little Red Riding Hood. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 29 listing.

Gift Making for Tweens & Teens. 1-3 p.m. Kids ages 8-16 can make tech-based crafts. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free.

Registration required: 446-3578.

Gingerbread House Decorating Party. 1-3 p.m.

Children (those age 6 and under must have a caregiver present) and teens can decorate a gingerbread house. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 435-1900.

Frozen Sing-Along Party. 1-3 p.m. Kids can walk the red carpet (in Frozen outfits, if they have them), watch the movie and sing along, and have a special snack. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Milk & Cookies with Santa. 1-3:30 p.m. Children, accompanied by adults, can visit with Santa, have a cookie and see the Festival of Trees. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $10/ adults & children. Reservations required: 474-6064. www.everson.org.

Moto-Inventions. 1-2 p.m.; Sundays in December. Tinker with recycled materials and electricity to make whirling, moving machines.

Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. First Sunday of the month (through March): Free admission.

Regular admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600.

Chemsations. 2 p.m.; also Dec. 21. High school students demonstrate chemical reactions with color changes, bubbles and light. Sciencenter.

601 First St., Ithaca. First Sunday of the month (through March): Free admission. Regular admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/ under 3. (607) 272-0600.

The Nutcracker. 2 p.m. See Dec. 6 listing.

Home Learners’ Association Film Screening.

3 p.m. HLA of CNY will show the documentary Class Dismissed, about taking the learning out of the classroom, and hold a discussion after the film. St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 5108 W. Genesee St., Camillus. $10. 546-3056.

Voices of Faith Concert Choir. 7 p.m. Carols and classical music with the Voices of Faith Choir and guest artists including the Seneca String Quartet and the John Spillett Jazz Duo. A holiday reception follows the concert. Holy Family Church, 122 Chapel Drive, Fairmount.

Free will offering. 487-1194.

Monday, Dec. 8 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, Dec. 9 Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m. Young mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program.

Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. 569-2542.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 MOMS Club of Syracuse-East. 10 a.m. Gathering for local kids and moms. Manlius United Methodist Church, 111 Wesley St., Manlius.

Free. 466-6033. http://momsclubofcuseeast. webs.com/.

Family Times December 2014

Dec14_18-36.indd 24

11/20/14 10:18 AM

AMELIA BEAMISH PHOTO

Surprise them with a year of discovery.

Join our After School Enrichment Program!

3:00pm - 6:00pm | monday-Friday Safe Hands on with Horses

Experienced Trainers

Horse Care Education

Fun arts & crafts

Time for Homework

Transportation from Caz Schools!

Canterbury Stables CAZENOVIA, NEW YORK

4786 Roberts Rd. canterburystablesny.com

440-2244 for Tour Information

Sciencenter Membership the gift that lasts all year long!

601 1st Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 • 607.272.0600 • sciencenter.org Closed December 25 and January 1

a narrated ballet

The fun, affordable solution for birthday parties and other celebrations

Saturday Dec. 13, 2014

• Arcade • Indoor Bounce House • Homemade pizzas (made in house!)

• Moonwalk Bouncers • Giant Ball Pit • Slides Pizza Party Friday!

11:00am

A narrated ballet produced by CNY Arts Tickets Dec. 13, 2014 at 11am

(315) 435-2154

Crouse Hinds Theater at the Civic Center M-F, 10am-4pm

411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse www.cnyarts.org

Visit cnyarts.org/ dasher for information on how you can help support Dasher’s Magical Gift through our Indiegogo campaign

$10 Kids $5 Adults Bounce & Pizza 6-9 p.m.

See our website for current specials!

Directed by Larry M-W, Crabtree and performed 11am-2pm by students from Dance Centre North Syracuse Opera Box Ofc

sign interpreted

To order tickets by phone: (315) 435-2154 • Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Online: www.cnyarts.org In person: Syracuse Opera Box Office Mon-Wed, 11am-2pm Tickets: $10—$19 Purchase 4 or more and receive a $1 discount per ticket

surfcityfamilyfuncenter.com

(315)-214-8129 • 7380 Thompson Road, North Syracuse Family Times December 2014

Dec14_18-36.indd 25

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11/20/14 10:18 AM

Calendar

Lego Brainstorm. 3:30-5 p.m. Students in grades 3-5 can learn about Lego robotic programming and take part in a team mission challenge. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Anime Night. 6-8 p.m. Teens can watch anime on the large screen, take part in drawing and trivia contests, and more. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Holiday Ornaments. 4 p.m. Children age 3 and up can make ornaments for the library tree. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free.

435-3519.

Hanukkah Storytime. 6:30 p.m. A storytime celebrates Hanukkah. It’s followed by a performance by the Hebrew Day School Chorus. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Thursday, Dec. 11 Drop in for Crafts. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Children from preschool age to grade 6 with a caregiver can make seasonal crafts; all materials provided.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Smart Play. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Children age 5 and under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 6376374. www.fflib.org.

Friday, Dec. 12 Festival of Lights. 6-8:45 p.m.; also Dec. 13, 19 & 20. Families board horse-drawn wagons for rides through the park up to the clubhouse, decorated as the North Pole, where Santa waits to visit with youngsters and treats are provided. Burnet Park, Coleridge Avenue at Burnet Park Drive, Syracuse.

Free. 473-4330.

World of Puppets, Dec. 6

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Toll Free: 888 • 729 • 7290 ext. 303

Web: www.childcaresolutionscny.org Email: parenthelp@childcaresolutionscny.org 6724 Thompson Rd • Syracuse, NY • M-F • 8:30-4:30 34 Wright Ave • Auburn, NY • 13021 • T-F • 8:30-4:00

26

Family Times December 2014

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Oz, The Musical. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 20. Syracuse Children’s Theatre presents a new musical adaptation of the L. Frank Baum story of the adventures of Dorothy and her friends. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $18.50/ adults; $16.50/senior citizens & students; $10/age 12 & younger. 432-KIDS. Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Hershey Bears. See Nov. 28 listing.

Saturday, Dec. 13 Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9 or 11 a.m.; also Dec. 14, 20 & 21. See Dec. 6 listing.

Holidays with the Animals. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch as animals throughout the zoo receive “presents”—new toys that give them a chance to play and demonstrate natural behaviors. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults (ages 19-61); $5/ over age 62; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger.

435-8511.

Oz, The Musical. 10 a.m., 2:30 & 7 p.m.; through Dec. 20. See Dec. 12 listing.

Sensory Friendly Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Children with sensory integration issues or other special needs, accompanied by a caregiver, can take part in a program combining books, songs and activities that promote learning and play at the preschool developmental level. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 435-5320 or 435-3395.

Dasher’s Magical Gift. 11 a.m. In new narrated ballet for children created by local theater professionals and performed by students from Dance Centre North, a crisis arises in the days before Christmas when Santa’s fastest reindeer, Dasher, loses his ability to fly. Presented by CNY Arts. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $10-$19. 435-2154. www.cnyarts.org.

Pictures with Santa. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids can listen to a musical family storytime and get their pictures taken with Santa. Don’t forget your camera! Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

A World of Puppets. 11 a.m. Open Hand Theater performs “Grandfather Frost’s Stories of Russia.”

Children as young as 3 and parents can come for an up-close look at the performance at 10 a.m. for an additional $5. International Mask and Puppet Museum, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. $10/adults; $6/children. Reserve: 476-0466.

Toddler’s Tango. 11:30 a.m. Creative music and dance for little ones. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 4351900.

Animal ABCs. Noon. A Rosamond Gifford Zoo educator introduces audience members to live animals, animal artifacts and more. Best for children from birth to age 5, accompanied by a caregiver.

White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-3519.

Jingle Bell Craft and Storytime. Noon. Hear the Chris Van Allsburg story The Polar Express, make a bell ornament for the tree and see the movie based on the book at 1 p.m. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.

Little Red Riding Hood. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 29 listing.

Sensory Friendly Time at the MOST. 5:308:30 p.m. This chance for children with sensory processing disorders to experience the museum is also a Polar Express pajama party. Doors are left open so visitors who need a break can get away from the stimulation of the exhibits, and during The Polar Express the IMAX sound is turned down.

MOST (Museum of Science & Technology), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. IMAX tickets: $10/adults; $8/ages 2-11 and senior citizens; cost for the event is $4 more per person. Reservations: 425-9068, Ext. 2132. www.most.org.

Calendar

The Fresh Beat Band. 6:30 p.m. Nickolodeon’s preschool music group and stars of the TV series of the same name will perform their greatest hits.

Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $53.15-$63.40 (with fees). 475-7979. www.ticket master.com.

Festival of Lights. 6-8:45 p.m.; also Dec. 19 & 20.

See Dec. 12 listing.

Live Nativity. 6:30 p.m.; also Dec. 14. See life in Bethlehem and watch the Christmas story come to life. There will also be a Christmas carol sing-along, cookies and hot cocoa. Northminster Presbyterian Church, 7444 Buckley Road, North Syracuse. Free. 458-0393.

Star Party. 7-9 p.m. See the Geminid meteor shower, a shower of asteroid debris, as well as bright stars and nebulae through telescopes. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit back and watch the meteors. (Backup date: Dec. 14.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8/person. Register: 673-1350.

Sunday, Dec. 14 Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9 or 11 a.m.; also Dec. 20 & 21. See Dec. 6 listing.

Lightapalooza. 2 p.m.; also Dec. 28. High school students demonstrate optical illusions, bending light and making sound waves visible. Sciencenter.

601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

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th ersary Se Our 20 Anniv

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Scott Simon NPR host & author Oct. 14, 2014

Daniel Handler Mark Bittman y Snicket author & food columnist Nov. 5, 2014

Ticket Information:

Lemon Series Dec. 15, 2014

Julia Alvarez of In the Time Butterflies Mar. 31, 2015

Mary Roach Bonk, Gulp, & Stiff Apr. 21, 2015

Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City May 19, 2015

Friends of the Central Library 2014-2015 Lecture Series

Box Office (315) 435-2121 www.foclsyracuse.org | (315) 435-1832

1

#

Available online at Ticketmaster.com 7:30 PM Performances at Crouse Hinds Theater–Mulroy Civic Center

Great gifts for the holidays!

Holiday Sale Sunday, Dec. 14th 1-5pm

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Family Times December 2014

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Calendar

Live Nativity. 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 13 listing.

Caroling in the Woods. 7-8:30 p.m. Pick up a lantern and a song sheet for this traditional event.

Bring natural treats to hang for the birds and holiday cookies to share with fellow carolers.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Free. Reserve: 673-1350.

Monday, Dec. 15 Signing Storytime. 10-10:40 a.m. Children ages 2-3 (but siblings are welcome) can learn 6-7 signs that correspond to the week’s story. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Holiday Tween Crafts. 4 p.m. Kids ages 9-12 can drop in and be creative, making a gift or something for themselves. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Gingerbread Houses. 5:30-7 p.m. Children ages 6-12 can use provided goodies to make variety of structures, whether churches, libraries or houses.

Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: 435-5442.

Tuesday, Dec. 16 HANUKKAH BEGINS

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.

7 p.m. The international touring ballet company returns to Syracuse for its holiday performance.

Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $36.05-$78.05 (with fees). 435-2121. www. ticketmaster.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 17 Discovery Club. 4 p.m. Kids ages 7-12 can explore aspects of science with videos, experiments and fun facts. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Saturday, Dec. 20 Last Chance Run and Breakfast. 8:30-11 a.m.

An 8-mile trail walk or run and an all-you-caneat breakfast. Highland Forest, Route 80, Fabius.

Registration: $10/general; $5/under 12; $20/family maximum. Admission: $1/person. 449-9615.

Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9 or 11 a.m.; also Dec. 21. See Dec. 6 listing.

Make Your Own Gingerbread House. 1-3 p.m.

Young people ages 10-17 can make a gingerbread house for decoration or to eat. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

Tinker Tots. 11-11:35 a.m. Children ages 3-6 will have hands-on opportunities to learn, explore and invent. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374.

Make a Dreidel. 2:30-3:45 p.m. Kids can make their own clay dreidel and learn to play the game.

Win some chocolate coins! Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

A Christmas Concert. 6:30 p.m. The Wisdom People of St. Daniel, a senior citizen group, performs a concert, along with the Lyncourt Community Band and Harmony Katz. St. Daniel School gym, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. Free. 432-1005.

Oz, The Musical. 10 a.m., 2:30 & 7 p.m. See Dec. 12 listing.

Friday, Dec. 19 Festival of Lights. 6-8:45 p.m.; also Dec. 20. See Dec. 12 listing.

Oz, The Musical. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 20. See Dec. 12 listing.

Holiday Magic. 7:30 p.m.; also Dec. 20. Symphoria, local dancers, and singers Julia Goodwin and Nick Ziobro perform traditional favorites. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $35$79. 299-5598.

Little Red Riding Hood. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 29 listing.

Holiday Concert. 1 p.m. The Stan Colella AllStar Band, made up of high school and college musicians in Syracuse, performs jazz music. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-1940.

The Bubbleman. 2 p.m. See Doug Rougeux perform a bubble-filled program with lots of audience participation. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1900.

Holiday Magic. 2 p.m. See Dec. 19 listing.

Festival of Lights. 6-8:45 p.m. See Dec. 12 listing.

Rothschild Early Childhood Center 450 Kimber Road, Syracuse, NY 13224 www.rothschildearlychildhoodcenter.org (315) 445 - 0049 recc@adath.org

JOIN US FOR WINTER BREAK! December 22, 2014 - January 2, 2015

Care available for children in Kindergarten through age 12 Go sledding!

Take a winter walk in the woods!

Create Snow & Ice Art! Have fun on Pajama Day! Build a snowman!

All activities are weather permitting Make Duct Tape Creations!

Two nutritional snacks and a healthy, hearty lunch are included in tuition.

We are centrally located near downtown Syracuse, Syracuse University, DeWitt, Jamesville, and Fayetteville.

Call us today to schedule a tour!

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Presents A PuPPet workshoP About

Autism For more information: The Margaret L. Williams Developmental Evaluation Center 315.472.4404 KohlsAutism.com

Free

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Calendar

Cirque Dream Holidaze, Dec. 22 & 23

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Albany Devils. See Nov. 28 listing.

Solstice Hike. 7-8:30 p.m. Take a lantern-lit hike through the woods and learn about ancient traditions. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $8/person. Register: 673-1350.

Sunday, Dec. 21 WINTER BEGINS

Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9 or 11 a.m.

See Dec. 6 listing.

Monday, Dec. 22 Cirque Dreams Holidaze. 7 p.m.; also Dec. 23.

A holiday-themed cirque show, Broadway musical and family show all in one. Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $33-$65. 475-7979 or 424-8210.

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Wednesday, Dec. 24 See Ongoing Events

Calendar

Tuesday, Dec. 23 Saturday, Cirque Dreams Holidaze. 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 See Dec. 22 listing.

Little Red Riding Hood. 12:30 p.m.

See Nov. 29 listing.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Worcester Sharks. See Nov. 28 listing.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Thursday, Dec. 25

See Ongoing Events

Monday, Dec. 29

CHRISTMAS

Lego Block Party. 11 a.m.-noon.

Children age 3 and up can play with the library’s Legos. There will also be a video, a craft, games and snacks.

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

Registration required: 446-3578.

See Ongoing Events

Winter Break Extravaganza. 2:304:30 p.m.; also Dec. 30, Jan. 2 & 3.

Each day a new project: Make straw rockets, New Year’s Eve party favors, ice castles, and a 2015 calendar. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Friday, Dec. 26

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Albany Devils. See Nov. 28 listing.

See Ongoing Events

Milk & Cookies with Santa!

At the Everson Museum of Art

Festival of Trees

Nurture your child’s inner musician ... and yours too!

December 6 / 1.00 - 3.30pm Reservations required, space is limted!

Green Lakes Music Together Fun filled music and movement classes for infants through kindergartners, together with the adults who love them.

Meet, greet, and visit with Santa Decorate your own holiday ornament Enjoy a snack of milk (coffee and tea for adults) & delicious holiday cookie

10 week winter session begins January 5.

Take in the sights of the Everson Festival of Trees

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

$10 for children & adults, reservations required!

Call 446-1017 for a free sample class!

Visit greenlakesmusictogether.com for more information.

www.everson.org / (315) 474 6064 EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART Thanks to NewsChannel 9 WSYR, Y94, Syracuse New Times Family Times December 2014

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Calendar

Wednesday, Dec. 31 Noon Year’s Eve. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ring in the New Year at the zoo with entertainment, crafts, games, and a ball drop and sparkling grape juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults (ages 19-61); $5/over age 62; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.

Thursday, Jan. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY

INDOOR, ELECTRIC GO KART RACING The Ultimate Indoor Experience

Now Open in Rochester!!

Adult & Junior Karts (Must be 48” tall) Birthday Parties & Corporate Events Gift Certificates Available for Purchase Kart Speeds Up to 45mph

SFT

Video Games & Sports Memorabilia

MOST. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Exhibits include Dinomania and other science displays and activities. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $10/adults; $8/seniors and ages 2-11. 425-9068.

Friday, Jan. 2 9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13204 315-423-RACE (7223) This location is an independently operated franchise owned by Destiny Raceway, LLC

Happy Holidays from

AAA Abandon Auto 315-428-8008

Towing & Repairs Vehicle & Bike inspections

First Snow Leopard Day. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Half-price admission at the zoo through Feb. 28. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission in January & February: $4/adults; $2.50/senior citizens; $2/children; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511. Ongoing attractions include Humboldt penguins.

Saturday, Jan. 3 See Ongoing Events

Sunday, Jan. 4 Final Day of Dinomania. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kokoro Exhibits’ animatronic dinosaurs, images, sounds and lighting create an immersive experience of the Mesozoic era. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $10/adults; $8/seniors and ages 2-11. 425-9068.

ONGOING EVENTS Festival of Trees. Wednesday, Friday & Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday & Tuesday, closed; Dec. 5-Dec. 14. See trees, wreaths and special displays that create a winter wonderland. The event raises funds for the Everson Museum of Art. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $5/adults; free/ under 10. 474-6064.

Lights on the Lake. 5-10 p.m., daily; through Jan. 4. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays, themed sections, animated scenes and the memorable grand finale. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $10/car, Monday-Thursday; $15/car, Friday-Sunday. 453-6712.

Hairspray. Nov. 28-Jan. 4. Musical of the John Waters movie features 1960s-era singing, dancing, big hair, and a spunky message about integration and acceptance. (Some mildly suggestive language.) Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-$39/adult; $20/ age 12 and under. 443-3275. Consult website for showtimes: syracusestage. org.

Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; through Jan. 4. (Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1.) Street scene from the 1800s features more than 40 gingerbread houses made by amateurs and professionals.

Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. $5/adults; $4/seniors; $2/age 12 & under. 471-0593.

Horsedrawn Hay or Sleigh Rides. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekends through February. Twenty-minute ride into the woods at Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $6/person; $3/age 5 & under. Registration required: 683-5550.

Cross Country Ski Lessons. Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.; Jan. 4-Feb. 23. Onehour introductory lesson, weather permitting. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $25/ lesson & equipment rental; $10/lesson only. Reservations required: 683-5550.

Try Snowshoeing. Sundays, 12:30 p.m.; Jan. 4-March 1. One-hour clinic includes instructions and a short snowshoe hike. Offered when weather permits. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4 per vehicle. Registration required (day of hike, starting at 8 a.m.): 638-2519.

New & Used tires & batteries We buy old junk cars Winter ready check-up with oil change

Call Today!

32

Christmas Trees

Open Nov. 28th 1850 Rte. 91, between Rt. 80 & 20 Pompey, NY • Cut your own and precut trees • Beautiful Fraser and Canaan Firs to 12 feet • $5 per foot, $25 minimum. Over 10 ft. $6/ft.

• Fresh wreaths, roping & tree stands • Free wagon ride • Free baling & drilling • Farm store: Ornaments, gifts, alpaca clothing & socks, local honey, maple syrup, local artisans Fridays: 1-5pm • Weekends: 9-5pm Weekdays by appointment 315-683-5860 www.springsidefarm.net

Memories that will last a lifetime!

Family Times December 2014

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BACK PACK

CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY To advertise call 472-4669 and press 2. January Issue Deadline: December 12, 2014

Activities Samurai Action Class Focus, fitness and fun for ages 4-10!

Taught by Jonathan Reid, MS Pediatric OT 2550 Erie Blvd.,449-2332, aikidoofcny.com

Body Recognition Class

“My child would never gamble.”

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We will explore the motions of our bodies with dance. For children 8 mos.-5 yrs old.

Birthday parties available.

Call Tamar @ 446-2750 or www. toddlerstango.com

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For more information or to (315) 471–1359 schedule a parent www.PreventionNetworkCNY.org presentation contact: PreventionNetworkCNY.org Family Times December 2014

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what’s on this year’s

Rosamond Gifford Zoo Host your next event at the zoo!

Birthday Parties, Family Reunions, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Baby & Bridal Showers, Wedding Receptions!

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Tawn Marie’s Dance Centre Register now for our half year preschool program for 3-4 year olds!

Program starts January 9th.

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Sciencecenter Surprise them with the gift of a discovery that lasts all year long. Sciencenter membership includes free admission to over 325 science museums worldwide. Purchase a gift membership online at sciencenter.org.

601 1st St., Ithaca (607) 272-0600, sciencenter.org

Open Hand Theater Give the Gift of Theater! Winter Break Performances at Open Hand Theater are just $6 / kids and $10/adults. Visit our Gift Shop Saturdays 10am – 1pm. www.openhandtheater.org 34

Family Times December 2014

Dec14_18-36.indd 34

Surf City Family Fun Center The fun, affordable solution for any celebration or event.

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Bricks 4 Kidz Shoppingtown Creativity Center Now Open! * Birthday Parties * After School Classes * Preschool Enrichment * Camps * Kidz Night Out Booking birthday parties now!

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Green Lakes Music Together The Gift of Music! Consider giving a gift certificate for a Music Together session to the special children in your life.

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25-Wish List

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The MOST A gift that keeps on giving, 260 days a year: Membership to the MOST. Gift cards can be used in Science Shop, too. 500 S. Franklin St. Syracuse, NY, 425.9068, most.org Eastview Mall Step into a Higher Form of Shopping this holiday season! Just a short trip down I-90 to Exit 45 in Victor.

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Rothschild Early Childhood Center The RECC offers quality childcare for ages 6 weeks through 12 years. It’s a year-round program, with an exciting summer program – Camp Rothschild.

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For more information contact your sales representative for details or call Michelle Bowers at 422-7011 ext. 114 or email mbowers@syracusenewtimes.com *June 2014 CVC Audit Family Times December 2014

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