Family Times March 2017

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The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | March 2017

ON THE

SPECTRUM What ASD is like for families

Start a garden indoors A life that’s strictly gluten free Talking with the city schools’ special needs chief

Specia Needs l Issue

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Family Times March 2017

FAMILY TIMES • MARCH 2017

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Atypical Family

How a mother started a troupe for adult performers of varying abilities.

8 • Family Faces

The director of special education for the Syracuse City School District talks about helping 4,200 students.

6

12 • Together Times

You can plant seeds indoors to jump start your growing season.

14 • On the Spectrum

What autism is like for some CNY families.

20 • Health 12

Capture a Moment

Matthew, 3 weeks old, is dressed for his first Christmas in this photo taken by his mother, Samantha Crawford, last year.

Handling life with celiac disease has grown easier.

22 • Family Fun Calendar of Events

Advertiser Index.................... 28 Marketplace............................ 29

We welcome reader submissions, whether photos of your kids or their artwork. Send high-resolution photos (jpg format saved at 3-inches-by-5-inches or larger) or color artwork to editorial@ familytimes.biz. Please include the child’s first name, age, hometown, and information about what’s going on in the photo (or art), as well as the parent or guardian’s full name and daytime phone number, for verification.

Family Times March 2017

3

family times The Parenting

Guide of Central New York

MARCH 2017

A Different Way of Thinking

ISSUE NO. 179

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp

A

child with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, can experience numerous difficulties, including intellectual disability, problems with motor coordina tion, and attention and physical health challenges. Some kids on the spectrum have significant strengths as well, but their way of looking at the world is still different from that of the neurotypical population. In this issue, Charles McChesney writes about local families with children who have autism—their lives, struggles and aspirations (page 14).

Also in this issue, Tammy DiDomenico profiles the director of special education for the Syracuse City School District, which serves 4,200 kids with special needs (page 8).

Aaron Gifford, on page 20, explores the situation of people with celiac disease, who have seen huge improvements in the availability of gluten-free foods but who still face misunderstandings about their condition.

And Deborah Cavanagh, in her column Atypical Family, writes about starting a performing arts group for adults of all abilities and putting on the troupe’s first show (page 6).

Also in this issue, we have a perfect spring activity for when gardening is on your mind: Laura Livingston Snyder explains how to start plants indoors on page 12.

Meanwhile, dozens of activities in our calendar of events give you a good reason to get your family out of the house, starting on page 22.

One of those events is Family Times’ annual Summer Fun and Camp Fair on Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the State Fairgrounds. We hope to see you there!

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Robin Turk GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Natalie Davis Greg Minix DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER David Armelino CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh,Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Linda Lowen, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (114) ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Elizabeth Fortune (ext. 116) EFortune@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Lija Spoor (ext. 111) LijaSpoor@syracusenewtimes.com Matt Merola (ext. 146) MMerola@syracusenewtimes.com SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Megan McCarthy (ext. 115) MMcarthy@syracusenewtimes.com

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief

CLASSIFIED/MARKETPLACE Lija Spoor (ext. 111) GENERAL MANAGER/COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) OFFICE MANAGER Christine Burrows

Cover photo by Thinkstock.

Design by Staff Meet Caden and other kids with autism in the story on page 14.

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

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Family Times March 2017

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Matthew McCrohan and Timothy Ranger perform “Gaston” from Beauty and the Beast in the first Front Row Players cabaret.

onus falls on families and caregivers to fill their day, to assist their adult in crafting a life.

I wondered: Wouldn’t it be great if there were a musical theater program for adults of all abilities? A place that would teach, on a consistent basis, the skills needed, such as acting, movement, rhythm and voice. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if these adults had the real possibility of landing a lead role or a solo? And wouldn’t it be in the true spirit of art if the success of the performance was judged not by the perfect recitation of lines or the matching of pitch, but by the connection felt between actors and audience?

Headline Subheadline | BY LINE

F

irst t paragraph drop cap.

Body Copy.

Authors Coat Tail. It includes automatic spacing before.

And so the idea for Front Row Players was formed.

First step: Find a location.

We needed a space that was universally accessible, with a stage, seating and enough room to rehearse dance numbers.

Eastern Hills Bible Church, in Manlius, welcomed Front Row Players with open arms.

Next step: Find the right team to work with a unique group of actors.

KAY PAULSEN PHOTO

Front Row Players is focused on growth in performance, confidence and stage ability. These instructors had to find the talent that was in each actor and bring it forth, and they had to be able to work cohesively to make the first show successful.

Each of our professionals came to us by referral and each is a perfect fit.

Putting on a Show

The birth of a troupe for adult performers of all abilities

E

BY DEBORAH CAVANAGH

xactly one year ago I faced a dilemma. My daughter, Amanda, had participated in a community theater program for years but because she was turning 18, she was about to “graduate.” This graduation was going to leave a great, big hole in her life.

Her best friend, Ellie Knodel, had graduated the year before and was already experiencing this emptiness.

Amanda and Ellie have special needs.

Their challenges do not diminish by one iota their passion for performance. But opportunities to take part meaningfully in professional productions are very difficult to find.

Adults with special needs as a community often struggle to find productive ways to spend their time. When they are younger, activities provided by schools or programs are accessible and often utilized. Once they “age out” of the public school system, the

ATYPICAL FAMILY

6 ATYPICAL FAMILY

Christopher Rogers, the director, is an administrator with Onondaga Cortland Madison (OCM) BOCES. He used to direct musical and dramatic productions for high school and middle school students. With the Front Row group, he got a chance to again work one on one with students.

Shannon Tompkins, assistant director and choreographer, has been teaching dance since she was in high school. She choreographs locally at high schools and community theaters and works as a teaching assistant for students with special needs in the Syracuse City School District.

Kay Paulsen, our music director, has a doctorate in voice performance and pedagogy and more than 40 years’ experience as a professional singer and primary and post-secondary music teacher.

I knew we also needed a business manager, who would remember to submit state

paperwork, get printing done, coordinate fundraising, and keep everyone organized. I found Christine Byrnes, who has assisted other nonprofit organizations in the Syracuse area and also has a daughter with special needs.

Now we needed our actors.

We wanted a group that loved musical theater and would be committed to rehearsals. Working with local Medicaid service coordinators and word of mouth, we found 13 devoted adults.

Starting in September and rehearsing all the way through November, our team of actors and professionals worked on a selection of songs and scenes from various musicals.

Adjustments were made along the way. At first, we planned on 10 numbers but then realized that with limited rehearsal time, five was a better.

We found our actors were able to give more character and feeling to scenes and songs if they were allowed to sing along with the original track instead of performing with accompaniment. We adjusted our music.

We worked on a selection of songs and scenes from Guys and Dolls, High School Musical, The Sound of Music and more. Parts and solos were assigned based on enthusiasm, ability and fairness. All actors were given time in the spotlight.

Every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. our troupe would walk through the doors at Eastern Hills ready to go. They fearlessly learned their parts, unquestioningly worked on their dance moves and excitedly donned any costume piece we handed them.

They also learned to collaborate with their fellow thespians, step out of their comfort zones and grow in confidence.

As Lori Gonzalez, an actor, said, “Our instructors treat us like any other person. They don’t look at us as having a disability.

They treat us like what is ‘normal.’”

Amanda’s friend Ellie had surgery mid-semester. She missed two weeks of rehearsals and, quite rightfully, her mother, Cindy Knodel, was concerned for her safety and comfort. When Cindy asked if she felt ready to return, Ellie replied, “Mom, Front Row Players is letting me live my dream.”

After 14 rehearsals, our show was ready to go! We had more than 250 in the audience for our end-of-semester cabaret. When it was over, the one word repeated over and over—in emails, posts to Facebook and to me personally—was “joy.”

I started out hoping to create a program that would fill a void in the lives of my daughter and her best friend. With help and guidance, Front Row Players has become a registered nonprofit organization. I learned that an idea for good will catch fire with good people. I have been amazed by the help and contributions from the most unexpected places.

Front Row Players’ goal was never to strive for “perfection,” and yet, anyone who attended the show will tell you it was: perfectly wonderful.

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DESTINY USA • 315.401.3700 Deborah Cavanagh lives in Manlius with her husband and two children. She has written for local organizations supporting children and adults with special needs. Front Row Players, a nonprofit organization, is at frontrowplayers.org, on Facebook (Front Row Players) and on Instagram (frontrowplayerssyr).

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Family Times March 2017

7

the student intervention program Promise Zone for helping to establish key support partnerships with the SCSD and families.

“Parents have always been great advocates for their children, but with all these supports in the community, we’ve brought it to another level,” says Evans.

The ever-improving ability to diagnose learning disabilities has kept the demand for services steady. “It is a lot of work,” Evans admits with a smile, “but it’s the right work.”

As parents have become more involved in advocating for their children, homeschool partnerships have improved—to the benefit of students.

“The home-school partnership is so crucial. We only have our students for six to seven hours a day. We look to partner with families because we don’t want the goals to just be ‘school-day goals.’ We want them to really be lifelong goals.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

But parents seeking special education services for their children can face a daunting process, Evans admits. She and the special education staff try to make sure that parents and caregivers feel knowledgeable and empowered through each of the steps. “My goal is to make sure parents are partners in it, and that we are working together.”

A Special Responsibility The Syracuse schools’ director of special education discusses the district’s support services | BY TAMMY DiDOMENICO

A

nyone who thinks of public education as impersonal and excessively bureaucratic prob ably hasn’t met Amy Evans, director of special education programs for the Syracuse City School District. With 22 years of education experience, and an amiable, steady demeanor, she approaches her role serving the city’s special education students as if she were born to do it.

Evans, 44, worked as a special education teacher, a vice principal, a principal, and SCSD’s assistant director of special education before accepting her current position last summer. She earned her master’s degree in special education with a concentration in learning disabilities from Syracuse University. She has three

Evans says much has changed about special education since she started teaching.

“I really believe the most important change has been the level of accountability—for all roles—and how we are held to that higher standard with testing, programming, and quality IEPs (individualized education plans),” she says. “Also, we’ve forged some wonderful community relationships that have helped us to better support our students and families.”

Specifically, Evans cites organizations such as Family-Student Support services, counseling services offered through Arise, Brownell Center for Behavioral Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, and

FAMILY FACES

FAMILY FACES

8

children and lives in Cicero.

Long gone is the stigma that once was associated with special education. “It’s really about individual children, and giving them what they need to be successful,” Evans says. “We are also a very inclusive school district. In all of our buildings, we are educating students with disabilities alongside their general education peers.

We are very proud of that.”

Overseeing the distribution of services in more than 30 different school buildings is no small task. But Evans tackles the challenge head-on.

“One of my goals is to appropriately align programs and services so that children can be in their home quadrant or neighborhood schools, alongside their peers,” she says. “Making sure the continuums are in place so that children do not have to switch schools in order to get the services they need is important to us.”

“I think the biggest challenge is that when you are looking at approximately 4,200 students—individualized programs for each student—that you’re not making sweeping decisions for all kids,” Evans adds. “It’s about individual kids.

Sometimes that’s a challenge when you’re looking at numbers like that. We overcome that challenge by working with individual schools and teachers to make sure students’ needs are met.”

Evans has worked to stay connected to the district’s staff and earn their trust.

Each school in the district has access to an administrative liaison at least once a week.

“They are accessible to them at any time,” Evans says. “They each have an assistant director and clerical staff assigned to their schools, so it’s very easy for them to (get) support. I oversee the administrative staff and make sure I’m accessible to all schools.”

“We feel that communication is so important that we’re having monthly meetings with school administrators, special education teachers, related services staff,” Evans continues. “We have parent council meetings every other month. We rotate between morning and evening sessions, in case parents have daycare issues. We would love to have more parents attend.

We also have some autism support groups set up.”

(The parent council—Special Education Community Advisory Council—next meets on Thursday, April 6, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Meetings are held at the Professional Development Center, 1005 W. Fayette St., Suite 1D, Syracuse.)

Evans, whose father was a teacher with the SCSD for 42 years, says she is always open to hearing from parents on just what they would like in terms of support. “We also partner with Parent University—a school district initiative to increase parent engagement—“to provide information on CSE meetings, or interpreting the IEP. It is important for me to be readily accessible to parents. They can call at any time, and it’s not unusual for them to just stop by.”

When asked how teachers have adjusted to the increasing demands of individualized education plans, Evans admits it’s not an easy responsibility to shoulder.

Supporting teachers in their work is more important than ever.

“Balancing the needs of all students in a classroom is very difficult and it’s very important,” she says. “In July, we will be putting in place a yearlong professional development calendar. So our teachers will know about all the targeted professional development sessions that are available to them for the entire year. My philosophy is, we’ve become wonderful at individualizing programs for our students. We have to do the same for our teachers who are supporting them.”

Evans says while adjusting to the Common Core standards and changes in teacher evaluations has been challenging, the process improved accountability while re-emphasizing the need for educators to focus on what is most important.

“Everyone has realized that if we focus on the curriculum and the IEP goals, we’re doing the right thing. It’s been about aligning those goals to the Common Core.

I think things are moving quicker in the classroom, and sometimes we have to employ methods and strategies to make sure our students with IEPs are getting everything they need.”

Helping students and their families’ plan for life after graduation is another important aspect of SCSD special education services. “We employ two transition counselors who work with students when they get to high school so that they are connected with services post-high school,” Evans says. “We have amazing transition services in the district, including Project Search, and partnerships with Onondaga Community College and Syracuse University.”

our job to teach children how to advocate for themselves. The teenage years can be tough; there’s that balance of the child not wanting to do certain things, and the child needing to do them.”

Overall, Evans says there is plenty for local special education teachers and administrators to be proud of, without being complacent.

“When it comes to accountability and inclusion, I think we are getting it right,” she says. “In this job, you can’t ever settle and say, ‘That’s right. I did it.’ Things are always changing and we always have to do better, and we have to make sure we are meeting every student’s IEP. In the moment, maybe we can say we do some things really well. But we have to do better tomorrow.”

On the national front, a new administration could mean changes from the Department of Education. But Evans is confident that educators will remain committed to the needs of their students, above all else.

“We’ve seen some good changes in the last couple of years about graduation criteria and making accommodations for kids with disabilities, and I just hope that these continue on the national and state level.

But, bigger than that, when educational decisions are made, they account for the impact for all students.”

Award-winning writer Tammy DiDomenico lives in DeWitt with her husband and two sons.

In many ways, everything special education educators and support staff do for students from pre-K onward is in preparation for this transition. “When I speak to special education providers I always say, ‘Your job is to put yourselves out of business,’” Evans explains. “It’s

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11

S

pring may be just around the corner but it will still be a while before we’ll be able to get outside and work the ground. However, getting ready for a summer garden is an activity that can be started now. Let the kids get dirty. Learning to care for what they’ve germinated indoors teaches responsibility, patience and accomplishment. It’s also a lesson in how seeds grow and change into plants that can supply their family with food.

Why inside? The benefits of starting seedlings at home go beyond a school lesson of a bean in a Styrofoam cup. Buying packages of seeds is more economical than purchasing separate plants from the store because each package holds dozens of seeds. There are also more varieties.

And growing your own plants will result in earlier harvests. There is less time maturing and more time spent growing the produce. Whether you are an expert or novice, the process is the same. In addition to attention, starting seeds will require soil (and containers), water, warmth and light.

Buy your seeds. These can be purchased practically anywhere, from grocery stores to the dollar store. They can be organic, generic or name brands like Burpee.

Just be sure they’re packed for 2017. Use seeds that are large and unbroken. The last few years I’ve gone with organic seeds from Seeds of Change, and now I’ll never use anything else. The yield and quality were far better than anything I had used before. They were also less susceptible to disease and bugs.

Start your

Be aware of maturity dates. Some varieties have shorter harvest dates that are friendlier to Central New York’s climate.

For different kinds of tomatoes, for example, I try to stagger when they will be ripe.

This way I can enjoy them throughout the summer instead of all at once.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac (almanac. com) also warns against starting too early.

Most seed packets show zone maps of when seeds can be planted outside. Some packages advise sowing inside four to six weeks before the last frost.

Planting seeds indoors extends your growing season

BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

Prepare your soil. Choose a light and fluffy medium that is specifically for starting seeds, says Burpee.com. Outside dirt is too dense to allow oxygen to flow.

Potting soil may harbor fungi or soil-borne diseases.

Our family friends Jerry and Sue Randall have been starting flower and vegetable seeds indoors for almost 23 years and have the process down to a science.

They use peat pellets, thin discs that are kid-friendly. Just add water and watch

TOGETHER TIMES

TOGETHER TIMES

12

them grow to fill out the container, ready for use. At this point, Jerry Randall says fertilizers aren’t necessary; the seed has all the nutrients it needs. Together the Randalls plant all 1,400 of their seeds one at a time. Their success rate is 95 percent!

Choose a container. Seed starting kits are large trays with several dozen small partitions called cells. They come with a bottom tray for managing water intake and a clear lid to hold humidity for the first few weeks. Some growing systems even have soil pellets included.

If using any other containers, they should be cleaned well first. Cover with a top that can be pricked with a toothpick for ventilation. Clear plastic egg cartons are an inexpensive alternative and have a lid. Cut the top off another to use as a bottom tray.

Be sure to poke a hole on the side near the bottom before filling. Remember to label the container with the plant variety and date! Lots of seedlings look alike. Popsicle sticks work great for this.

Water them. In order for seeds to germinate or grow, they must never dry out.

Some growing systems offer a self-watering tray. Jerry Randall agrees that bottom watering is one of the tricks to successful seedlings. Allowing the soil to absorb the water it needs prevents tiny seeds from being washed out with daily watering.

Provide warmth. Cold soil is usually the culprit when there’s no growth. Soil should be maintained between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating mats are an option, and can be purchased in gardening stores or online. To save money Randall uses the tops of his freezer and refrigerator, where it’s always warm. It can hold up to four big trays, or about 50 seeds.

LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER PHOTOS

Shine light. Once the seedlings appear, remove the lids for good. They will now need upward of 16 hours of consistent light a day. Our spring doesn’t offer that, so putting containers by south-facing windows won’t be enough. Doing so may also be too cold for anything to grow properly.

From top: seed pellets, planting and a seedling.

Artificial lights or “grow lights” are needed. There are ready-made tabletop units, or check online sites to do it yourself with fluorescent lights. Fluorescents offer excellent light without “frying” the plants, as heat-emitting incandescents can do.

Whichever you choose, be sure the lights can be raised to accommodate the growth of the plant. If you plan to start seeds indoors every year, consider investing in lamp timers, which will mimic the sun automatically.

Find bigger digs. Once the plants have about three true leaves, they will need to be transplanted into larger quarters with

potting soil. Cottage cheese or butter containers are perfect. At this point the plants will need food about every 10 days. “In my experience,” Jerry Randall says, “any kind of potting soil works just as good as the most expensive, as long as you feed your plants. That’s the key.” Some websites suggest compost. He uses Osmacote granules.

Little kids may be tempted to touch the new leaves. Encourage it. The Farmer’s Almanac actually suggests that or a fan.

The almanac says studies have proven plants that grow subjected to gentle wind are stronger than those grown in still surroundings.

Moving out. Sometime around the first of May, have the kids help move the plants back and forth outside to “harden off.”

This is like daily field trips for the plants to get used to harsher conditions. Start out with a few hours in an area protected from wind but with partial sun. Gradually lengthen the time outdoors and increase plants’ exposure to full sun and spring breezes.

This is an ideal time for a science lesson on the water cycle. Between transpiration and evaporation, the plants will require more watering. Within a few weeks they can remain outside. Plants can be transferred into a garden when the chance of frost is over. For us, this is usually around Memorial Day. Some plants, like peas, can handle colder weather and can be put in earlier. Refer to the seed packets for suggested timeframes.

Our summers may seem short but by starting vegetable seeds indoors we can fast-forward to awesome harvests grown by the hands of our children.

Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at freshapplesnyder.com.

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Family Times March 2017

13

Melanie Bruce cuddles with her son Caden, age 6.

On the

SPECTRUM

What autism spectrum disorder is like for families

I

BY CHARLES McCHESNEY

saiah Pierce, 14, wants to get a job and an apartment after he graduates from high school. His brother Ethan, 15, wants to get his driver’s license and is planning to go to college. In the meantime, their parents, Samantha and

Jeremy Pierce, are deeply involved in making sure the boys get all the special services they need as students diagnosed with autism.

FEATURE

FEATURE STORY

14

Today, about one in 68 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. The disorder can look very different from child to child. For some, it is characterized by difficulty making eye contact, an inability to understand social cues and a fascination with topics to a point others find off-putting. For others, the severity of autism is profound and affects every aspect of a family’s life.

Melanie Bruce has a video of her youngest son’s first birthday. A happy child who never fussed, Caden can be heard saying “Mama” and “Dada” in the video. But within six months, he stopped speaking, a regression that is sometimes seen with children on the spectrum.

He is 6 years old now and still doesn’t speak. He makes a humming or babbling sound that can get louder or softer depending on his mood. But he does not use words and, his mother notes, is not yet toilet trained, despite great efforts.

Caden can communicate using an iPad app that lets him indicate when he wants something. On a recent rainy afternoon, he wanted to play with a hand-sized ladder toy.

He pressed a finger to the tablet’s screen on the word “ladder” and a colorful picture of a ladder. A male voice from the iPad said, “ladder,” and he was soon playing with the toy, humming happily when his older brother, Cael, arrived home from school.

Melanie Bruce, who works as a physical education teacher in the Baldwinsville school district, moved Caden from one school to another to get him into programs she thought would serve him best. She takes him to the Rochester Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at the University of Rochester Medical Center. It is one of New York’s six regional centers—and the one that serves Onondaga County residents.

When children are diagnosed with ASD, parents have many different questions, says Suzannah Iadarola, an assistant professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

However, she says, there are two questions all parents have: They want to know if their child will get better, and they want to know the best intervention.

Her answer to Question 1 is: “Your child is always going to be on the spectrum. You can help your child be successful and independent.”

To Question 2, she says, “The best intervention is dependent on the individual child, and we always want to choose interventions for which there is evidence.”

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTOS

“It is so worth the drive,” she says, praising the doctors at the center for spending time and remembering to have handy one of her son’s favorite toys, pipe cleaners.

Clockwise from top: Caden rides his bike at home; swings; and is embraced by Megan Stilwell, Caden’s therapist and teacher.

continued on page 17 Family Times March 2017

15

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continued from page 15 out unexpectedly. For a while he took to greeting people by kicking them in the shins. When other parents react to this, Pierce says she’ll make the effort to explain that he is diagnosed with autism and the impulsiveness is just how he is. “I don’t have to acknowledge the negativity in their voice,” she says.

Just a few decades ago, many of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder would have been institutionalized.

Today, it is more common for students with the disorder to be educated in a mainstream school and provided with assistance that can include an aide who stays with the child one on one through the school day. Other adaptations can include extra time for tests and assignments.

“We have to make accommodations, like a wheelchair is an accommodation or like glasses are an accommodation,” says Annegret Schubert, an autism specialist with the Syracuse City School District who has been working with children with autism since 1980.

She says there are about 260 students diagnosed with autism in the city school district. That’s around 6 percent of all the special education students in the 21,000-student district.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

For some of those most profoundly affected by the disorder, there are special classrooms at the Beard School on Kennedy Street in Syracuse. The classrooms have blue cloth over the fluorescent lights to avoid harshness and flickering that can be distracting to students on the spectrum.

Isaiah looks at a tablet with his mother, Samantha Pierce.

Because no single intervention works for every child, parents find themselves researching to find what treatment or therapy or teaching method is most effective. There are books and websites and support groups and consultants and, of course, doctors.

Many parents build a level of expertise on the disorder. Melanie Bruce spends hours on the internet reading about different ideas for helping children with autism, including ones she and her husband, Ronnie, ultimately dismiss as outlandish.

Samantha Pierce is active in the Ed Smith Pre-K-8 School Parent Teacher Organization, as well as the Syracuse City School District’s SPEAK-A program for parents of children with autism. She is also applying to be part of the state Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board, a committee created by state law last fall.

She is so focused on better understanding her sons’ condition that for her birthday one year, Jeremy gave her her own copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic tool used to define, and redefine, autism and other conditions.

Ginger Ott, of Syracuse, has three sons on the autism spectrum. She has tried a variety of methods to help her sons learn and deal with their sometimes-violent outbursts. She has taken parenting courses and developed some methods of her own, based on what has worked with her boys.

The knowledge parents gain comes in handy when others ask about their children. Samantha Pierce fields lots of questions about Ethan and Isaiah. Children will ask, “Why’s he lying on the floor?” or “Why’s he making that noise?” she says. “‘Because it makes him feel comfortable,’ I’ll say.” (Sometimes children under age 10 will ask if they too can lie on the floor.)

Adults can be more challenging, Samantha Pierce says. Isaiah’s diagnosis includes a lack of impulse control, and he sometimes strikes

There are pictures with words to remind students of the day’s schedule and specific tasks. These visual supports once came in binders and were clipped out and photocopied, Schubert says. Today, they are on computers and tablets, devices that many students on the spectrum are quick to adopt.

“A lot of our kids get preoccupied with the technology,” she says. “You have to manage it well.”

Technology has allowed many children with autism spectrum disorder to express things that previously they could only communicate with great difficulty. Parents or teachers once had to guess what was aggravating a child or go through a list of possible irritants. Now a tap on a screen can allow a child to answer right away.

The ability to express themselves has given those with ASD a greater range of ways to express their intelligence. Ginger Ott’s oldest son has graduated from high school and has a job working with computers. Her middle son, who has also graduated, spends much of his day on the computer at home.

Her youngest, 14-year-old Walter, has an Xbox, a Nintendo 2DS and, like his brothers, enjoys computers. “Everything is electronic,” Ott says.

“He is very bright,” she says of Walter. She says he has had a hard time learning in school, despite special programs and a one-on-one aide whom she texts regularly. “I love her dearly,” Ott says.

The Pierces found the special programs and accommodations for their sons in the Syracuse City School District were not quite enough for Ethan to keep up with the other children his age. While Ethan rarely speaks to anyone outside his family and seldom engages in social interaction, his father says, “He can produce grade-level work. Not what A-level students are doing, but grade-level.”

However, last year Ethan fell behind and the only way for him to catch up was for Jeremy Pierce, who teaches philoscontinued on page 18 Family Times March 2017

17

continued from page 17 tests and assistance with other issues, such as receiving financial aid, navigating the dining hall and even getting a bus route changed. Other accommodations can include allowing students to take as few as three classes a semester while still living on campus as full-time students.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO

Last year, Oswego started a program specifically for students on the spectrum, says Patrick Devendorf, assistant director of the Disability Support Services Office.

Eight students took part in monthly programs largely designed to help them cope with social challenges.

Jewel hangs out with her brother Ethan and mother, Samantha Pierce. ophy at Le Moyne College and Onondaga Community College, to homeschool his oldest son during the summer. “I’d have to basically stand over him,” Jeremy Pierce says. “This year, his teacher says he is doing much better.”

Families often have to make changes when they have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The Bruces sold their boat to pay for home therapy for Caden. The Pierces find they are always thinking and planning around their sons’ needs, particularly Isaiah, who is sensitive to crowds and some sights and sounds.

The younger Pierce children, who don’t always get along with their older brothers, nonetheless always think of them. At the store, they will suggest buying something because one of their brothers would like it, Samantha Pierce says.

Ott, who doesn’t work outside the home, can’t count the times outings have been cancelled at the last moment because Walter became upset. And, she says, she turned down jury duty because she has to be home

in case Walter is sick or acts out at school and is sent home. “I have to be here in case there are issues,” she says.

Melanie Bruce’s family doesn’t go out to eat. Caden, she fears, would be too disruptive to others in a restaurant. When Cael celebrated his eighth birthday with a party at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Caden stayed home so she could focus on her older child and his party guests. “This affects every component of our life,” she says.

Like Ethan Pierce, Walter Ott wants to go to college. And there are programs for students with autism who meet the academic requirements.

The Disability Support Services Office at the State University of New York at Oswego aims to help students on the spectrum, among others, achieve success at college.

At colleges across the country, disability support offices provide a range of help.

Starr Wheeler, director at Oswego’s disability support office, says students can be provided with special places to take

At the college level, students identify themselves as needing services and, through the office of disability services, get letters they use to inform professors of whatever accommodations they may need—for instance, bringing a service animal to class to help reduce their anxiety, Wheeler and Devendorf say.

The two suggest that aspiring college students and their parents visit the disability support office of whatever school they are considering, noting that different schools provide different levels of service.

At Oswego, they invite all 353 students who have self-identified as having a disability to stop by whenever they have an issue. “Come and find us,” says Wheeler.

That attitude is important to Samantha Pierce, who says more than anything, she wants people to recognize the humanity of each of her children. “I don’t want him to feel less than because it takes him two hours to do work others do in 40 minutes,” she says.

“I just want him to do what makes him happy,” says Melanie Bruce, looking toward Caden. “I just want him to have a chance.”

Charles McChesney is an award-winning writer who lives in Central New York with his wife and four children.

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THINKSTOCK PHOTO

STRICTLY

Handling life with celiac disease has grown easier

BY AARON GIFFORD

S

o much has changed since Karen Dorazio’s daughter, Mary, was diagnosed with celiac disease 17 years ago. While grocers, restaurant workers and the general public appear to be aware of the increasing demand for gluten-free foods, there is still so much more they need to learn.

“Put it this way,” Dorazio says. “We don’t need to bring the main entrée with us anymore, but we still need to keep a side dish handy.”

At the age of 13 months, Mary experienced severe bouts of sickness. This continued for two months despite a continued diet of bland foods like crackers and toast. Pediatricians initially diagnosed the problem as toddler diarrhea, and then investigated whether it could be cystic fibrosis. By chance, Dorazio had found out that she had a hereditary connection to celiac disease, shared that information with the doctors, and the correct diagnosis was made.

Mother and child were sent home with a thin pamphlet about treating celiac dis-

HEALTH

HEALTH

20

ease and a list of ingredients to use when cooking.

“I was lost,” Dorazio says, “and did a whole lot of crying.”

Celiac disease is a condition where even tiny traces of gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat and other cereal grains, trigger an autoimmune reaction that flattens the villi lining the small intestine. In turn, the gluten that becomes stagnant in the small intestine can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and even osteoporosis. Continued damage to the immune system caused by exposure to gluten can result in chronic fatigue, skin problems, liver damage, neurological problems, diabetes and various types of cancer.

Fast-forward to 2017. Dorazio, who chairs the Central New York Celiac Support Group’s walk-a-thon fundraising event scheduled for April 30 at Jamesville Beach Park, is thrilled to point out widespread accommodations that didn’t exist at the turn of the millennium. There are gluten-free sections in big and small grocery stores, and some of the larger supermarket

chains have a general labeling system (big “G,” for example) for gluten-free products throughout their stores. Many restaurants offer gluten-free meals. There is an abundance of helpful information on the internet, and awareness of the disorder is improving.

Still, Dorazio cautioned, overzealous marketing can put those with celiac disease at risk. She points out the recent antics of a national pizza chain.

“They advertised a gluten-free pizza,” the DeWitt resident says. “But it was made in the same area where there was flour, there were not separate utensils, and the guy making it had flour on his apron. With pizza, there’s still a long way to go.”

For the time being, Mary might stash a baked potato in her mother’s purse before they head out to a popular steakhouse, and she usually brings her own salad dressing to any restaurant. “It’s still not good enough just to take their word for it,” Dorazio says.

Melissa Menon, of Lyncourt, had her first dealings with celiac disease 15 years

ago. She was diagnosed in 2002, while in college. Her twin 10-year-old daughters, Caroline and Myra, also have it. When the girls were little, there were far fewer gluten-free products, and most of those items were expensive. In recent years the variety of cheaper store-brand products has grown, and Menon has learned which foods are inherently gluten-free, including potatoes, rice, corn, fruits, vegetables and non-processed meat products. “I kind of super-simplified my diet,” she says.

Many ethnic dishes are inherently gluten-free, offering an opportunity for kids to try new things and learn about other cultures. For Indian food, there are meat or vegetable dishes that include curries, rice and yogurt. Popular foods from Southeastern Asia (Thai and Vietnamese) also have many naturally gluten-free options. There are also plenty of choices with Mexican (avoid the tortillas, though) and Eastern European foods, which often feature meat and potatoes. As for Chinese and Japanese foods, Menon says, beware of soy sauce, which is typically fermented with wheat. But the nice thing about Chinese food is some places have gluten-free soy sauce, and with wok cooking there shouldn’t be any residue from gluten products.

THINKSTOCK PHOTO

Menon advises others with celiac to be careful of chain restaurants, which use a lot of additives that might contain gluten. With Middle Eastern food, be sure to avoid pitas and any rice mixes that might contain barley. With German food, stay clear of beer brats.

Menon is thrilled with the support her daughters get from the school nurse, teachers and other families. When it comes to events and celebrations featuring snacks and desserts, “My daughters are never left out. The culture has shifted.”

She is teaching her daughters how to be assertive. At a snack bar, they might ask if the deep fryer is used for anything other than French fries. At restaurants, they will ask whether dressings or sauces are gluten-free, and they are not embarrassed to politely walk out if a server can’t offer them a palatable choice.

“You have to be the person who is always asking,” Menon says.

“You feel like a jerk sometimes, but you have to become comfortable with that, and you deserve to be comfortable.”

Mirza Beg, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Upstate University Hospital and a member of CNY Celiac Support Group’s medical board, said the increased awareness of celiac disease has made his job much easier. As celiac is becoming more commonly diagnosed, he has noticed that not all new celiac patients are underdeveloped. Many of them show normal growth and normal body mass indexes, and some are even obese. In the past, obesity was considered a factor for ruling out celiac disease. And not every diagnosis is made after continued bouts with diarrhea. The predominant symptoms can also be iron deficiencies, skin rashes or bad teeth.

“There is better screening and earlier detection,” Beg says.

“Families are taking their concerns to the pediatricians more often.”

Dealing with celiac disease involves more than just changing diets. Amoxicillin, certain acetaminophen products, lip balms, lipsticks and many brands of mouthwash contain gluten.

“Just stopping the bread is not the only way,” Beg says.

But with some research, consultation with a knowledgeable doctor and by working with a support group, parents and others can successfully manage celiac disease. For more information about the CNY Celiac Support Group, visit cnyceliacs.org.

Aaron Gifford is an award-winning writer who lives in Cazenovia with his wife and two children.

Helping Ononadaga County’s

working families with the high cost of child care

You may be eligible for WDI’s Child Care Subsidy Program Funds available for income eligible families who reside in Onondaga County and work a minimum of 25 hours per week.

Subsidy can be applied to licensed, registered or legally exempt day care, after school or summer camp programs.

For more information call 315.426.0378 www.wdiny.org Family Times March 2017

21

Peanut Butter Jelly Time. 5-6 p.m.; every

Thursday. Volunteers of all ages can make bagged lunches to hand out to members of the homeless community. Wholely Grounds at The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 2186066.

Craft Club. 5:15 p.m.; also March 16 & 23. Chil-

dren can use their imaginations and discover new crafting techniques. For age 5 and up. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

(315) 435-3395.

Friday, March 3 Teen Storytime. 3:30-4:30 p.m.; also March

10, 17, 24 & 31. Young people ages 12-18 can hear a story. Participants can bring pillows to get comfortable. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Saturday, March 4 Pancake Breakfast. 9 a.m.-noon; also March

11, 18 & 25. Pancakes, sausage, coffee or juice.

Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3-$5/breakfast; $4/vehicle for admission. (315) 638-2519.

Rice Creek Ramble. 11 a.m.; also March 11 Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event

Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also March 8, 15, 22 &

Saturday, Feb. 25

Baby Storytime with Signs. 10:30 a.m.; also

details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Chil-

dren’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the tale, in which children can attend the royal ball and try on Cinderella’s slipper. Audience members are invited to dress up in their best finery. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: (315) 449-3823.

Wade Live Comedy and Magic. 2-3 p.m.

See a show filled with comedy, magic and tons of audience participation. NOPL at Brewerton Library, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. Free. (315) 676-7484.

Sunday, Feb. 26 See Ongoing Events

Monday, Feb. 27 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, Feb. 28 Homeschool Craft & Storytime. Noon-1

p.m. Homeschoolers ages 4 to 8 and their families can hear stories and make crafts. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

Wednesday, March 1 Preschool Play and Learn. 9:30 a.m.; also

March 8. Kids can hear stories, sing songs, recite rhymes and take part in activities. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

(315) 435-3395.

CALENDAR

CALENDAR 22

29. Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy stories, songs, fingerplays, music and more. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5442.

& 18. People of all ages (kids must be accompanied by a caregiver) can go on an informative, family-friendly walk. Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road, 1 mile south of SUNY Oswego’s main campus, Oswego. Call to check trail conditions the morning of the hike: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/ricecreek.

March 8, 15, 22 & 29. Babies and caregivers can take part in a language-building program that teaches and reinforces six basic signs. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Irish Fest. Noon-3 p.m. Visit with the Go Team

Homeschool STEAM Club. 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Feb. 25 listing.

Young people can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and music through hands-on activities and experiments. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.

Registration required: lpl.org.

Teen Geeks. 6-8 p.m.; also March 15. Teens

can hang out, eat snacks, and play a game or do another activity at each week’s session. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Pajama Storytime. 6-6:30 p.m. Children

through age 6, 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. (315) 4570310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Thursday, March 2 Read, Play, Learn. 11:30 a.m.; also March 9, 16,

23 & 30. Children age 18 months and older, accompanied by a caregiver, can sing, play, read, talk and write. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5320.

Drawing with Lyf Jonez. 2-4 p.m.; also March

9, 16, 23 & 30. Syracuse artist Lyf Jonez teaches an introductory course for age 12 and older, with instruction in grid lines, two-point perspective, figure drawing and other methods. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Therapy Dogs, check out the photo booth or make crafts. The McCarthy Family performs Irish tunes at 1 p.m. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

A Visit with Matilda Joslyn Gage. 2 p.m.

Matilda Joslyn Gage (portrayed by living-historian Renee-Noelle Felice) will talk about women’s suffrage and her work with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3636.

Open Chess. 2-4 p.m.; also March 11, 18 & 25.

Players of all levels can meet up with others and play with provided boards, or bring their own.

Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse.

Free. (315) 435-3636.

Craftastic Critters. 4:30 p.m.; also March 27.

Kids in preschool through grade 2 can drop into the Fab Lab and make a craft. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Sunday, March 5 Shamrock Tea Party. 1-3 p.m. Make crafts,

enjoy tea sandwiches and treats, and see performances by the McDonald School of Irish Dance.

Manlius Village Auditorium, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. $10/adults; $5/children. For advance tickets, email: McDonaldCelticCircle@gmail.com.

Monday, March 6 Lucky Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2-5

can take part in a St. Patrick’s Day storytime, with a craft and green snacks. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Yoga for Everyone. 6-7 p.m.; also March 13, 20 & 27. A class of gentle yoga for all. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1940.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and

expectant mothers of multiples. Tully’s, 2943 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Reserve if you wish to attend: multiplemomsmingle@gmail.com.

Tuesday, March 7 Storytime. 10 a.m.; also March 14, 21 & 28. Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy stories, song, dance and craft activities. White Branch Library, 763 Butternut St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-3519.

“My child would never gamble.”

WANNA BET?

Gambling might seem like harmless fun at first but can become an obsession and can lead to other risky behaviors. More than financial health is at risk.

Stop Motion Animation Lab. 5-7 p.m. Young people ages 12-19 can use

Kids that gamble are:

Coding for Kids. 4-5 p.m.; also March 14 & 21. In this series, participants

• More likely to drink • More likely to smoke • More likely to be in trouble with the law

iPads to create stop motion animated movies with provided supplies, though participants may also bring their own (such as figurines, artwork for backgrounds and photos). Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse.

Free. (315) 435-5326. can learn how to write basic HTML. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Board Game Fun. 5:15 p.m.; also March 14, 21 & 28. Kids age 5 and up can choose a board game to play, including Scrabble, Stratego, Apples to Apples, Uno and more. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

(315) 435-3395.

Wednesday, March 8 Bridge Building Contest. 1:30-3:30 p.m.; also March 15, 22 & 29. Teens

in grades 7-12 can design and build a balsa wood bridge to enter in a competition. Attendance at four weekly classes expected. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Minecraft Unplugged. 6-7 p.m. Kids of all ages can get into Minecraft

PARENTS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IT’S TIME TO HAVE THE GAMBLING TALK...

IT’S NOT JUST NICKELS AND DIMES

For more information or to schedule a presentation contact:

(315) 471-1359

without a computer, with themed stories, crafts and other activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Thursday, March 9 Maker Club. 3:30-5 p.m. Children age 7 and up (under 10 must be accompanied by an adult) can make their own melt-and-mold soaps. Maker Club meets weekly, with a different project each session. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

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Teen Writer’s Guild. 4-5 p.m.; also March 16 & 23. Middle or high school students can participate in writing workshops that emphasize constructive feedback, brainstorming and support. Writers in all genres, from poetry to nonfiction essays, are welcome. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Tech DIY and Little Bits. 5 p.m. Kids age 8 and up can use the Little Bits modular system to create circuits. There’s also a techie craft to make and bring home. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

(315) 435-3395.

Your College Goal. 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about the business of college and

how to target a career that can lead to prompt graduation without crippling debt. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.

Registration required: lpl.org.

Friday, March 10 Full STEAM Ahead Storytime. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children ages 3-5 can

hear a story related to science, technology, engineering, art and math—and then do an experiment. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578.

Baldwinsville Christian Academy Open House. 6-8 p.m. Families

can learn about the school for children in preschool-grade 12. There will also be a science and history fair for grades 7-12, and a live exotic animal show.

Baldwinsville Christian Academy, 7312 Van Buren Road, Baldwinsville. (315) 638-1069. BaldwinsvilleChristianAcademy.com.

We’re your neighborhood

We

Pediatricians

C

Bo Rinn, PNP • Theresa Morse, FNP Celeste Madden, MD • Kristina Hingre, MD Elizabeth Nguyen, MD

Mary Poppins. 7 p.m.; through March 12. See the the Disney and Cameron Mackintosh musical about the magical nanny, performed by the Meadowbrook Harlequins. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $10/adults; $5/students. (315) 435-4380.

475 Irving Ave. Suite 210 • Syracuse, NY • 315-471-2646 • www.mipeds.net Family Times March 2017

23

Saturday, March 11 Fun with Science: The Brain. 10 a.m. Two SUNY Upstate neuroscience graduate students present a program on brain neurology, including hands-on activities; for age 5 and up. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse.

Free. (315) 435-5442.

St. Patrick’s Day Festivities. 10 a.m.-noon. Kids ages 6-12 can make

Irish-themed crafts and hats. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Noon-3 p.m. Celebrate Irish culture with

the moving spectacle of dancers, pipers and floats. Parade begins at Clinton Square, proceeds on South Salina Street and concludes at the intersection with Onondaga Street, Syracuse. Free. syracuseparade.org.

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Feb. 25 listing.

Movie Day. 1-4 p.m. Movies for all members of the community, especially

Children are encouraged to wear costumes, a Purim custom. Free admission; charge for games and activities. Jewish Community Center of Syracuse, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt. 445-2360.

County Chess Championship. 12:30 p.m. Registration concludes at

noon. Four rounds of play with trophies for top three school teams and students. Students in K-12. Southside Academy, 2200 Onondaga Creek Blvd., Syracuse. $12/advance; $15/door. (315) 286-4616.

Mary Poppins. 2 p.m. See March 10 listing.

Monday, March 13 GarageBand 101. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Participants age 12 and up can learn

about GarageBand, including the basics of recording, producing and mixing.

Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. Register in the Makerspace or at onlib.org/events/calendar.

those with special needs and their clients, mentors and families. Wholely Grounds at The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 2186066.

Paws to Read. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Readers can work with therapy dog Mollie

Lego Batman Movie Event. 4 p.m. Kids can make a Lego Batman Speed-

Postpartum Recovery Planning. 6 p.m. Learn about placenta encapsu-

wagon and collect trading cards. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

Free. Registration required: (315) 449-2948.

Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-7:30 p.m. MOST staffers turn down

the noise, turn off the flashing lights and shut off the air compressors so people with sensory issues can enjoy the museum. 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.

for 15 minutes. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

lation and other ways to ease the postpartum transition. Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free.

Registration recommended: (315) 395-3643.

Navigating the Costs of College. 7-8 p.m. Consultant John Decker

Mary Poppins. 7 p.m.; through March 12. See March 10 listing.

talks about the business of college, including ways of negotiating lower tuition. A question-and-answer session follows the presentation. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd.

E., DeWitt. Free. Registration encouraged: (315) 480-1232.

Sunday, March 12

Tuesday, March 14

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS JCC Purim Carnival. Noon-4 p.m. Games and inflatable bounce houses for preschoolers and school-age children, plus prizes, food and raffles.

Drop In Crafts. 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Use provided materials to make

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

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25

Teen MOPS. 4-6 p.m.; also March 28. Pregnant women or 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. Call or text: (315) 569-2542 or (518) 441-3690. LiverpoolTeenMOPS@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 19 SPRING BEGINS See Ongoing Events

Monday, March 20

Wednesday, March 15

Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8 p.m. Parents share their experi-

See Ongoing Events

ences homeschooling children with special needs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Thursday, March 16 Terrific Thursdays for Homeschoolers. 11 a.m.-noon. In a program

for homeschooling students in kindergarten to grade 12, an educator from Beaver Lake Nature Center will talk about how syrup gets from trees and onto pancakes and waffles. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required; list names and ages of those attending: (315) 446-3578.

Tuesday, March 21 Yoga Storytime. 10:30 a.m. Kids ages 3 to 6 and parents can learn yoga

and literacy skills in a session that features puppets, stories, songs and breathing exercises. Participants must wear socks; mats provided. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. fflib.org.

Family Fun Night. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Play with Legos and take part in other

Friday, March 17

fun family activities. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY Rainbow Fairy Party. 11 a.m. Fans of Daisy Meadows’ Rainbow Magic

series, ages 4-12, can celebrate the books with crafts and goodies. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Teen Murder Mystery. 7-9 p.m. Young people age 16 and up can join

fellow sleuths to discover who is killed in the library and why in an original program designed and hosted by Brian Abbott, based on his Syracuse Mystery series. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: (315) 4463578. dewlib.org.

Saturday, March 18

Wednesday, March 22 Financial Aid for College 101. 7-8:30 p.m. Learn about financial aid op-

tions. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.

Registration required: lpl.org.

Thursday, March 23 See Ongoing Events

Friday, March 24

Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. The Technology Alliance of

Central New York presents a talk by U.S. Navy aviator Matthew Sandretto about the science of flight. Talks are aimed at middle school students, who must accompanied by an adult. Attendees can visit the exhibits after the presentation. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: jrcafe@tacny.org.

Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and preschoolers can have fun

Master Ventriloquist Performance. 7 p.m. David Pendleton and his

four quirky characters, including a sweet dog and a misguided vulture, put on a show that will make audiences believe anything can talk. The Gathering Place at North Syracuse Baptist Church, 420 S. Main St., North Syracuse. $10/advance; $12/door. (800) 927-9083. fln.org/tickets.

in this music and movement class. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale.

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

Saturday, March 25

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Feb. 25 listing.

leges will share information about their programs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. Registration required: lpl.org.

Butler-Sheehan Irish Dancers. 1:30 p.m. School-age troupe performs traditional Irish dance in costume. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1940.

College Fair. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Representatives from public and private col-

Wizarding Weekend at the Zoo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; also March 26. Witch-

of the TV show Years of Living Dangerously, about carbon pollution, and take part in a discussion and lobbying activity afterward. For adults and kids age 10 and older. Presented by Citizens’ Climate Lobby. All Saints Catholic Church, 1340 Lancaster Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 403-5440.

es, wizards, house elves and goblins are invited to celebrate all things magical. Kids can dress as their favorite characters and take part in wizarding fun.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $8/person, plus zoo admission: $8/adults; $5/age 62 & up; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger.

Advance purchase recommended: (315) 435-8511, Ext. 180. rosamondgif fordzoo.org/wizarding-weekend.

Irish Dancing. 2:30 p.m. Students from the Francis Academy of Irish Dance

Cinderella. 12:30 p.m. See Feb. 25 listing.

Climate Change Screening and Discussion. 2:30 p.m. See an episode

on Tipperary Hill will perform. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Lego Club. 2-4 p.m. Kids can build with Legos and enjoy snacks and drinks; for ages 6-12. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free.

(315) 435-5326.

NextSale!

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WEGMANS PLAZA TAFT ROAD, LIVERPOOL

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Email polkatotsale@gmail.com for details.

Sunday, March 26

April 1

CNY Science and Engineering Fair. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Students in fourth-

Summer Fun and Camp Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Families can learn about

12th grades conduct experiments and display their results. Projects available for viewing by the public 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. SRC Arena, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 425-9068.

summer camps and programs as well as day-trip destinations and many more warm-weather opportunities. State Fairgrounds, Geddes. Free. (315) 4724669. FamilyTimes.biz.

Wizarding Weekend at the Zoo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. See March 25 listing.

Monday, March 27 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, March 28 Homeschool Chess Club. 1-2:30 p.m. Homeschooling children (or their parents) who love or want to learn to play chess can gather in the Sargent Meeting Room. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

ONGOING EVENTS Try Snowshoeing. Saturdays & Sundays, 12:30 p.m.; through Feb. 26.

Receive instructions and go on a short snowshoe hike. Only offered when snow conditions are acceptable. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $5/program fee; $4/vehicle, admission. Registration required at 8 a.m. the day of the hike; call (315) 638-2519.

Horsedrawn Wagon or Sleigh Rides. Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m.-

3:30 p.m.; through Feb. 26. Twenty-minute ride into the woods at Highland Forest. Rides take place weather permitting. Highland Forest, 1254 Highland Park Road (off Route 80), Fabius. $6/person; $3/age 5 & under. (315) 6835550.

It’s Maple Syrup Time. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sundays, 1-4 p.m.;

Wednesday, March 29 See Ongoing Events

Thursday, March 30 Teen Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join TCGPlayer for an

afternoon of Yu-Gi-Oh and prizes; for young people ages 12-18, all levels.

Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

Friday, March 31 See Ongoing Events

March 4-26. A visit to the demonstration sugarbush will introduce families to the heritage of sugaring and the production of maple syrup at six different stations. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

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: $4/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.

y r u b r e t n a C tables S After School Enrichment Program: M-F 3-6pm REGISTER NOW! Safe Hands on with Horses Horse Care Education Time for Homework

Fun Arts & Crafts Transportation from Caz Schools Canterbury Trainers

315-440-2244 for Tours and Information 4786 Roberts Rd. canterburystablesny.com BOARDING • HUNTER, JUMPER & DRESSAGE LESSONS • SHOWS Family Times March 2017

27

Bluebird Music Together............................................................................. 9 Canterbury Stables ...............................................................................19,27 CareNet of CNY ....................................................................................... 30 Child Health Care Assoc. ........................................................................ 16 Christian Brothers Academy .................................................................. 19 Cornerstone Contracting CNY.............................................................. 13 Cumulus......................................................................................................... 25 Dave & Buster’s............................................................................................. 7 Edge FCU....................................................................................................... 21 EYE Studio ................................................................................................... 16 Family Life Network .................................................................................. 16 Flamingo Bowl........................................................................................... 5,11 Gifford Family Theatre ............................................................................. 19 Jewish Community Center....................................................................... 10 Liverpool Youth Soccer League.............................................................. 25 Madison Irving Pediatrics.......................................................................... 23 Manlius Pebble Hill .................................................................................... 10 Mike Carter’s Cartoon Island...................................................................11

Mike Waite’s Music Studio........................................................................ 19 Montessori School of Discovery ............................................................11 Montessori School of Syracuse .............................................................. 10 Montessori School of the Finger Lakes ................................................ 19 North Syracuse Central School ............................................................. 19 Pathfinder Bank ............................................................................................ 5 Pediatric Associates.................................................................................... 25 Persuasive Communications..................................................................... 2 Prevention Network.................................................................................. 23 Polka Tot Children’s Consignment......................................................... 26 Redhouse Arts Center ............................................................................. 24 Shining Stars Daycare, Inc. ........................................................................ 9 Sew Syracuse.................................................................................................11 St. Vincent De Paul Day Care ..................................................................11 Tigirus Shrine Circus ................................................................................. 31 The Pompey Club ...................................................................................... 24 The Workforce Development................................................................ 21 Upstate Medical University Back Cover Weiss, Savedoff & Ciccone....................................................................... 18

!

Y A W A E GI V Enter to win $50 Gift Certificate to CNY Playhouse Entry deadline is noon on 3/8/17.

TO ENTER:

Send contact info to promotions@familytimes.biz with “CNY Playhouse” in the subject line.

Advertise with us!

Call Lija 315-422-7011 ext 111 lijaspoor@syracusenewtimes.com

28

ADVERTISER INDEX

Marketplace Activities

Body Recognition Class Movement. Music. Instruments. imagination. We will explore the motions of our bodies with dance.

For children 8 mos.-5 yrs old.

Birthday parties available.

Call Tamar @ 480-3975 or www.toddlerstango.com.

Employment Remedy Intelligent Staffing in Syracuse has openings in your area! if you are seeking work, register with us TODAY at www.remedystaff.com or call us at 299-6977 “We Get People!”

Events Family Yoga Classes F-M Area Baby & Me: 6 weeks - crawling Toddler & Me: 1-4 Years Kids & Me: 10 Years For More info: Eva 491-7081 or egiacona5@gmail.com

Child Care

All Saints Elementary of Tipperary Hill 112 South Wilbur Ave Syracuse, NY 13204

Open House

NOW ENROLLING 3 YEAR OLDS Pre-School Program: Ages 3-5yrs & Before & After School Program: UPK-6th Jordan United Methodist Church 63 Elbridge Street, Jordan ** 689-9686**

Discovery Toys Educational books, games, toys & cds for children of all ages and abilities Amy Riou, Consultant ariou@twcny.rr.com 315-935-7080 www.discoverytoys.com/Amy3002954

Pet Services SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE TO RE-OPEN

Wed, March 15th 5:30p-7:00p Pre-K 3 – Grade 6 Before and After School Programs Available For more information, call (315) 422-3140

Jordan Elbridge Country Kids Childcare Center

Online Shopping

Legal Services

The Second Chance Thrift Shoppe of CNY inc. is operated 100% by volunteers and raises funds for local animal rescue programs. The shoppe is incorporated in New York as a nonprofit Charity Corporation and is in the process of applying for Federal status as a 501c3 tax exempt corporation. The thrift shoppe will reopen March 11th for its 5th year of operation and will remain open until Mid December. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday & Saturday.

Second Chance Thrift Shoppe is located on Route 20 just 1/4 mile west of Morrisville in the former Buzzy’s Diner. Volunteers are always needed for 3 hour shifts to wait on customers during business hours or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 until 8 p.m. for general cleaning and restocking merchandise. The homeless puppies and kittens (and other animals) will love you for it. Stop in for volunteer information or contact Gail Smith at rsmith39@twcny.rr.com or call (315) 480-0336.

Services

Dance Instruction CALL James Hartt TODAY: Toll-Free: 1-(888) 425-8682 TheDanceStudioCNY.com In Camillus & Manlius Time to Dance!

Age 1 to Adults thedancestudiocny@gmail.com Call 922-3232 Still Time to Register!

Free Consultations, affordable flat fees for your Employment Discrimination, sexual harassment & Hostile Work Environment case. james@harttlegal.com 290 Elwood Davis Road, Suite 290, Liverpool, NY 13088

HOME IMPROVEMENT Painting, bathroom, kitchen, basement, remodeling. Flooring, door & window installation, plumbing & electrical. Retired teacher, 35 yrs exp. Joe Ball, 436-9008

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Family Times March 2017

84th Annual

TIGRIS SHRINE

CIRCUS

Shows:

Friday, March 31st • 7pm Saturday, April 1st • 10am, 2:30pm, 7pm Sunday, April 2nd • 1pm, 5pm

Tickets:

Each show approx. 2 1/2 hours (includes 1/2 hour intermission)

Tickets $20.00 each (2 & under free) There will be no “Reserved Seating” available. (first come, first served) Purchase Advance Sale tickets at www.TigrisShrineCircus.com Scan for Attendance limited to 4,000 seats per show.

Info!

Disabled Seating Available (East Entrance: I-690 Side)

The two box offices located at the “Toyota Coliseum” will be open one hour before each performance for the sale of general admission tickets at $20.00 each.

Advanced sale tickets can also be purchased at a designated store near you!

FREE Parking!

Tigris Shrine Circus

135 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse Phone: (315) 478-0277 Fax: (315) 760-3067 Family Times March 2017

31

AFTER HOURS CARE

THE REGION’S ONLY DEDICATED PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE WITH A PHYSICIAN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES Upstate Golisano After Hours Care is a walk-in urgent care for patients from birth through age 21.

Pediatric and emergency medicine specialists care for patients who do not require a trip to the ER. We treat a wide range of conditions and illnesses in a setting that reflects the Upstate Golisano standard for excellence. Services include care for simple fractures, minor lacerations, IV rehydration, lab and x-ray.

AFTER HOURS CARE 4900 Broad Road, Syracuse Hours: Monday - Friday, 4 - 10 PM Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 10 PM

Phone: 315-492-KIDS (5437) during after hours care hours www.upstate.edu/afterhours

Expertise • Compassion • Hope

Family Times

Peds After Hours Ad 7.75” x 10”

1.12.2017