Family Times December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

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RING IN THE NEW YEAR AS A FAMILY

Small business spotlight, page 23

MUST-DO HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

FINDING THE PERFECT TREE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Happy Holidays

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM ALL OF US AT Family Times 2

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS FAMILY FUN

28 CALENDAR

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

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315 BULLETIN

12

TREAT YOURSELF

14

ACTIVITIES

17

FEATURE

20

TOGETHER TIMES

23

LOCAL FACES

Enjoy two miles of displays at Lights on the Lake.

These are some of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season in Central New York.

Searching for the perfect tree for the holidays.

Ring in the new year at home with these activities.

Family Times talks to Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co., Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance in our small business spotlight.

DECEMBER 2021 A D V E R T I S E R ’ S

Canterbury Stables................................................. 5 Crouse Health.......................................................... 6 Famous Artists....................................................... 11 Food Bank of Central New York......................21 Glazed & Confused...............................................15 H. Lee White Maritime Museum......................15 Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY...16 Inlet...........................................................................13

I N D E X

La Fleur De Beaute................................................. 9 The Most.................................................................15 New Hope Family Services.................................21 Pediatric Associates..............................................27 Smith Housewares & Restaurant Supply.......... 7 Syracuse Children’s Theatre..............................22 Weiss, Savedoff & Ciccone.................................16

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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FROM THE

THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

EDITOR Happy December!

The holiday season is in full swing – and there are plenty of ways to celebrate locally. From ice skating to decorated trees to a gingerbread gallery, we round up Central New York’s must-do holiday activities (page 14). You can also read about one of my favorite traditions in this month’s Treat Yourself column on page 12 (hint: it involves lights and hot chocolate), and learn about cutting your own Christmas tree on page 17.

In our last few December issues, Family Times highlighted a local business (or, in the case of the December 2019 issue, three).

This year, I talk to Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company and Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance, which is celebrating its 50th season. Turn to page 23 for the full interviews.

Also in this issue: As 2021 comes to a close, we share some ways you can ring in the New Year as a family (page 20); Family Times readers weigh in on their favorite holiday dishes (page 6); and Janelle Davis talks to Megan Paye, an art teacher in the North Syracuse Central School District, in this month’s Educator of the Month feature (page 8).

Happy holidays!

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE NO. 234

GENIUSES AT WORK PUBLISHER/OWNER William Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com CONTENT DIRECTOR Steve Guglielmo PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Karley Harmon CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Karley Harmon GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renate Wood CONTRIBUTORS Neil Davis Jr., Tammy DiDomenico, Eileen Gilligan, Molly Morgan, Janelle Davis, Laura Livingston Snyder, Christy Perry Tuohey, Natalie Davis SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 201) ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Lesli Mitchell (ext. 204) LMitchell@familytimescny.com Anne DeSantis (ext. 203) ADesantis@familytimescny.com

COURTNEY KLESS EDITOR IN CHIEF

CONTROLLER Chris Burton (ext. 202) CBurton@familytimescny.com ADDRESS

9 Albany St., Suite 2e Cazenovia, NY 13035 (315) 422-7011 fax (315) 422-1721 familytimescny.com

INSIDE Are you looking for something to do during winter break? Check out our calendar listings on page 28 for some ideas.

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

Advertising deadline for January is Dec. 10. Calendar deadline for January is Dec. 1.

Design by Renate Wood Cover Photo by iStock

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FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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“Candied sweet potatoes, homemade garlic (from my garden) mashed potatoes, and, of course, sugar cookies!”

– Mandy

tion Ques of the Month

LaFayette

“Coquito and Lebkuchen.”

In the November issue, we shared some of our favorite holiday recipes.

What are some dishes you like to make this time of year?

– Mary Syracuse

“Pumpkin pie.”

– Carol Jamesville

“Sweet potato pudding.”

– Lindsay Syracuse

Visit our social media pages to answer @FAMILYTIMES

the January Question of the Month!

B R E A S T H E A LT H

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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SPIRIT OF WOMEN

HOUSEWARES AND RESTAURANT SUPPLY

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BREAD BAKING • PASTA MAKING • PIZZA CRAFTING COOKWARE & BAKEWARE • CUTLERY (KNIFE SHARPENING)

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN PAYE

f o r o t a c u Ed th n o M the

Megan Paye,

Art Teacher in the North Syracuse Central School District

By Janelle Davis

1. What is your education background and what do you currently teach?

I am a visual arts teacher for the North Syracuse Central School District. This year, I am teaching grades K-6 between Allen Road Elementary and Gillette Road Middle School.

My first degree was not for teaching.

I attended The College of Saint Rose, in Albany, graduating with a BFA in graphic design. I soon started a career in the graphic arts, eventually becoming the art director for a textbook publication company. I enjoyed what I was doing but knew I should have gone into art education to become a teacher. I began taking night classes at Oswego University and started working towards my master’s of art teaching degree.

The degree did not happen quickly. It took me 12 years! During that time, I freelanced, had children, and instructed in a painting studio. I was completing my degree right when our schools went virtual for the first time with the COVID-19 pandemic, making this my second year of teaching in the North Syracuse School Central District.

2. You recently worked on a community art project with students from Allen Road Elementary School. Can you explain the project?

Last year, there were many restrictions we were following, for example separate 8

cohorts on separate days and eating lunch in the classrooms, while staying in your own plexiglass shield. Some students worked virtually the entire year, never stepping into the school. Entering school this year, I wanted to help students reunite with each other in the school setting. I thought a collaborative project that all students could be a part of, and located where all the students passed by, would be a great way to get them excited about being back in school and feeling like they belong.

I set up the project by creating an Allen Road Elementary School illustration on a central hallway wall, along with a ‘road’ that looped and extended down the hall.

On the illustration I wrote, ‘We love our Allen Road Community.’ I started the project by asking the students the reasons why they love the Allen Road community.

We discussed what it meant to be a part of a community, what different kinds of communities there are, and what communities they were already a part of. After giving a quick demo for drawing a full body self-portrait with shapes, the students put their creativity to work designing their own self-portraits. The drawings were then cut out and prepared to be taped to a spot of their choosing somewhere on our hallway display. Some wanted to be flying above the school, coming out of the chimney, or riding our Allie the Alligator mascot that also made an appearance.

EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH

3. Was it easy to get the students to open up for this project?

I would say so. In discussing community, the students talked about sharing spaces throughout the school building, as well as places outside of school like parks and stores. Being respectful of others and taking care of the space you’re sharing were covered at every grade level, even the littles.

Students conversed about what they don’t like seeing in community spaces, like litter or inappropriate words on a playground, but also how good it feels to be surrounded by friends, teammates, and people that care about you. Once creating, students continued chatting with each other about why they were including certain colors, words, and extra objects with their self-portraits.

Visit familytimescny.com to read the full interview.

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

KNOW AN EDUCATOR WHO DESERVES A MENTION? Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com.

Happy H O L I D AY S from all of us at

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FAMILY TIMES MAY 2021

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Hosts Annual

MEMBERS ART EXHIBIT

B

altimore Woods’ annual members art exhibit is back for its 13th year, featuring the work of more than 20 Central New York artists.

Attendees can view drawings, ceramics and more, including: a photograph of the moon by Buddy Belonsoff; a watercolor painting of an Adirondack landscape by Judith Hand; and a mixed media piece, Finger Lakes Vineyard, by Sharon Frost.

“It is always enjoyable to see what members of Baltimore Woods Nature Center contribute to this exhibit,” said Gallery Coordinator Karen Jean Smith in a press release. “Not only is there a variety of media, but the subject matter and sensibility are varied as well, always making the hanging of the exhibit a pleasure.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST SYRACUSE MINOA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The exhibit will run through Dec. 18. For more information, and hours, visit baltimorewoods.org/art-gallery.

DESIATO NAMED NEW YORK STATE

Superintendent of the Year

D

r. Donna DeSiato, superintendent of the East Syracuse Minoa Central School District, was recently named the New York State Superintendent of the Year.

“More than anything else, I want to thank our community, and especially the Boards of Education I have worked with, for giving me the time and patience that is required to lead an effort for transformation and shared success,” said DeSiato in statement from the district. “There is nothing more valuable to an educator than the privilege of time to research, plan, nurture, and live within the continuous improvement that one is a part of making happen.”

DeSiato was hired as the district’s first female leader in 2005. She previously worked in the Syracuse City School District, serving as a teacher, vice principal, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. During her time at ESM, the district has been recognized

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nationally for its STEM programs, also creating partnerships with businesses and higher education institutions (including King & King Architects, Siemens, and Syracuse University) and launching career pathway courses in aviation.

In May, DeSiato will represent the state at the national awards hosted by the American Association of School Administrators.

Congratulations, Dr. DeSiato!

PHOTO COURTESY OF BALTIMORE WOODS NATURE CENTER

BALTIMORE WOODS NATURE CENTER

Santa Claus RETURNS TO DESTINY USA

S

anta Claus is coming to Destiny USA!

From now until Christmas Eve, he will be available for visits and photos in the mall’s Center Atrium (between DSW and FinishLine). Reservations are encouraged.

Destiny USA will also host Santa Cares, an event exclusively for children with sensory disabilities, on Dec. 5 and 12 from 10:3011:30 a.m.

For more information, visit destinyusa. com.

Families can also visit Santa Claus at these other locations around Central New York: • Bass Pro Shops Where: Fingerlakes Mall, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn.

When: Daily through Dec. 24.

More information: basspro.com/shop/en/santas-wonderland.

• Chuck Hafner’s Where: 7265 Buckley Road, North Syracuse.

When: Saturday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5 from noon-4 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 12 from noon-4 p.m.

More information: chuckhafner.com.

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTOS

Turn to page 14 for some other must-do holiday activities in Central New York

Treat Yourself Enjoy two miles of holiday displays at Lights on the Lake

BY COURTNEY KLESS

D

ecember has always been one of my favorite months of the year.

seconds of completing our order – but you also have the option to print a copy.

I love grabbing a cup of hot chocolate and driving around to look at holiday lights – a tradition that dates back to the early days of my relationship with my husband.

This was our second visit to Lights on the Lake. To avoid the crowds, we arrived shortly after the show opened for the night. After a quick stop at the ticket booth, we tuned our radio to Sunny 102.1 and made our way through the eight themed sections, including: Under the Sea, Santa’s Workshop, Wide World of Sports (my husband’s favorite – especially the animated displays), Fantasy Forest, and of course, the Fairytale Magic Grand Finale (my favorite). It definitely got me into the holiday spirit.

Our newest go-to spot is Lights on the Lake.

Held annually at Onondaga Lake Park, the popular holiday show features 300 displays (including its newest additions, a holiday dragon, a winter skyline, and an 18-foot smart light tree) – all stretched across two miles. A total of 56,378 vehicles drove through Lights on the Lake during the 2020/21 season according to its Facebook page, setting a new record.

Like last year, tickets must be purchased in advance on Lights on the Lake’s website, lightsonthelake.com; simply choose the date, time, and vehicle type. A copy of our ticket was sent to my phone within

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Lights on the Lake is on display through Jan. 14 – just don’t forget the hot chocolate.

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

TREAT YOURSELF

IF YOU GO

Lights on the Lake Where: Onondaga Lake Park, 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool.

When: Daily from 5-10 p.m.

Cost: $6 per car, Mondays and Tuesdays; $10 per car, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and $20 per car, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

More information: lightsonthelake.com.

Spring 2022 Classes

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Saturdays 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Sundays 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Performance - Friday, February 25, 2022

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Performance on Friday, April 15, 2022

All Classes held at Syracuse Children’s Theatre

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www.SCTKids.com FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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Dickens’ Christmas (Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19)

Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell Streets, Skaneateles. Admission: Free. skaneateles.com.

Must-Do Holiday Activities in CNY

A

re you looking for a new way to celebrate the holidays?

From light displays to ice skating to a gingerbread gallery, these are some of the best activities in Central New York.

Festival of Trees & Light (Dec. 4-19)

Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Admission: $10/adults; $5/students (ages 13-22); free/children ages 12 and under (except Winter Wonderland – $5). everson. org/connect/fotl2021.

CHRISTOPHER MALONE PHOTO

Extended to three weeks in 2021, the Everson Museum of Art’s annual festival features decorated trees, wreaths, table-top décor, and wall art – all of which are donated by members of the community. Make sure to stop by during Winter Wonderland (Dec. 4, 11 and 18) for art making activities, storytimes, and music.

Holiday Nights (Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.)

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18. Admission is: $8/non-members (advance); $9/non-members (at the door); free/ages 2 and younger. rosamondgiffordzoo.org/zoo-events.

MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTOS

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After a one-year pause due to COVID-19, Charles Dickens and his characters will once again fill the streets of Skaneateles. This annual event features horsedrawn carriage rides, singalongs, and A Christmas Carol trunk shows.

During the first three weekends in December, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will become a winter wonderland. Families can view light displays, visit with Santa, and enjoy performances by carolers. Hot cocoa and s’mores stations will also be available.

ACTIVITIES

Gingerbread Gallery (through Jan. 9)

Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Admission: $10/adults; $7/seniors (65+), $4/children ages 3-17; free/ children ages 2 & under. eriecanalmuseum.org.

Did you know the Gingerbread Gallery began as one-day event in 1986? Today, families can walk through a festive 1800s canal town and view gingerbread creations in storefront windows. Before you leave, make sure to check out the museum’s eight permanent exhibits, including a full-size replica boat and children’s area.

Clinton Square Ice Rink (daily)

W. Genesee St. & S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Admission: $5/ adults; $3/children ages 12 and under. $3/seniors (55+). Skate rental: $5. skatesinthecity.com.

The Clinton Square Ice Rink first opened in 2001, and has become one of Syracuse’s most popular winter attractions. The rink is open daily until midMarch (hours are weather-dependent), but if you visit during the holiday season, you can take in the city’s Christmas tree as you skate.

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Santa Claus arrives at 2pm via US Coast Guard boat (until 3:30pm) While waiting for Santa, make a keepsake at our craft table, hear a festive story, and watch the train.

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FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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FEATURE

ISTOCK PHOTO

THE TREE

in the Forest In search of an evergreen for the holidays

BY LAURA LIVINGSTON SNYDER

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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O

f all the traditions a parent could follow while raising children, getting the annual Christmas tree is probably one of the most memorable. No two seasons are ever exactly the same, and the stages the kids go through change significantly from year to year.

Getting a Christmas tree in Central New York is an ever-changing event. Back in 2004, we tried to wait out the snowless weather. The entry in my journal on Dec. 12 complained if we waited any longer it would be Christmas. The day turned out to be rain-free without any lines.

Generally, I like to stay at places at least as long as the time it takes to arrive there.

So, with about a half-hour to get to Granger’s Christmas Tree Farm in Mexico, I felt we should at least make an effort to walk through the fields. My father-in-law, being a bit older than us, found his tree two rows in and began sawing away. The hubby immediately got excited, but no. I encouraged him to keep searching to get more out of the experience.

The tree we found was perfect and full.

Each year I name our trees and that one was Majestic. Unfortunately, a 150-pound tree is very difficult to drag without snow to glide on, especially since it hung over the plastic sled. And it felt like a quarter-mile from civilization. It was covered in mud by the time we made it back to the barn to pay.

Then, once we were home, we had to prop it up and get out the hose to clean the thing off. Soaking wet, it weighed even more and was impossible to shake dry, especially since it chose then to start raining. So, it froze again while we waited for it to stop dripping.

ISTOCK PHOTO

We were also new to estimating size.

It may have looked modest while outside among other trees, but once we finally got it indoors, we realized either our house was incredibly short, or the tree was impossibly tall. Too late, we discovered Majestic was a nine-foot monster as it left a huge mark across the stucco finish when we pulled it upright on the short end of the cathedral ceiling to the high end. After it was anchored in, it thawed and relaxed, growing wider and wider. It just barely fit in its designated area near the doorway. That was the season we had problems maneuvering each time we came in and left the house.

A ladder was necessary to add the angel, and the mark on the ceiling was a constant reminder of that Christmas adventure for over two decades.

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FEATURE

For the longest time I worked every other weekend, so the month of December was limited for holiday traditions. Mother Nature usually had different ideas for those dates. We’ve been on open wagon rides in minus 10 degrees, bundled up so only our eyes were exposed, looking a lot like Ralphie’s little brother, Randy, from A Christmas Story. Some years had two feet of fresh snow we thought we’d lose the kids in (I think winter hats with red flags on top would really sell in those conditions.) A few mild winters have had us out only in thick sweaters, posing for pictures as if we were advertising for L.L. Bean.

Trimming the tree has also had its challenges along the way. It only takes one time to realize grooming the branches will result in oozing sap where they’ve been cut, so now I only wear old clothes. We also make

sure the tree stand is the appropriate size, and bungee cord our tree to a so it won’t fall. Again.

My biggest challenge used to be allowing the kids to decorate the tree, or more accurately, the same branch. This was done until it was weighed down with silver and gold, crying uncle. I’m particular about spacing and, well, children aren’t. To be fair, they are only so tall. I give a lot of credit to my mother, who appreciates precision, too. I remember when my brother and I were little and would run to her to be given the next bulb or ribbon to be hung.

If she “adjusted” them later, I never caught on. Anyway, I’m much better these days, knowing how quickly the years turn toddlers into teens. Everyone can marvel over the fresh pine smell and perfect needles, and comment on the homemade ornaments from Years Past that will always adorn our family evergreen.

No matter the weather, we’ve strengthened our family as we’ve laughed in the fresh air, searched, and found the perfect tree, and made lasting memories.

long, and it has a citrus scent. These trees have good needle retention.

VARIETIES OF

trees

Balsam fir: The dark green needles are ¾ inch to 1½ inches long and retain their fragrance throughout the season.

One of the best in needle retention.

Blue spruce: This tree has stiff, sharp, bright blue needles from ¾ inch to 1½ inches on firm branches. This spruce can hold heavy decorations, but its needles will drop in a warm room.

Spruce trees last only about two weeks, so time your purchase accordingly.

Concolor (or white) fir: The concolor fir’s small, narrow needles are a bluish-green, about 1 inch to 1½ inches

ISTOCK PHOTO

Then there was the year my husband was on the floor with the baby, Danielle, during tummy time when a huge, black spider awoke in the warm heat of the house and made its way across the floor next to him.

Stomach to sprinting in two seconds flat!

Douglas fir: This tree has one of the best aromas. It has soft, light green needles, 1 inch to 1½ inches long, which radiate in all directions on the branch. The branches will only support light-weight ornaments.

Frasier fir: The strong branches of this tree have good form and needle retention. The branches turn slightly upward, showing off the ½- to 1-inch needles, which are a dark green-blue color with a silvery underside.

Scotch pine: With sharp, dark green needles and strong branches, this variety of tree keeps its aroma and remains fresh throughout the season.

With the best needle retention, Scotch pines hold for four weeks.

White spruce: The white spruce’s bluish-green, stiff needles have better retention than a blue spruce, however, of all the trees they are the least fragrant. The ½-inch to ¾-inch needles have an unpleasant odor when crushed. Spruce trees last only about two weeks, so time your purchase accordingly.

CUTTING AND CARING FOR A FRESH TREE • Be sure to wear boots, gloves, and old clothes. Don’t forget the camera!

• Decide on the best tree for your family.

• Choose a tree with a straight trunk.

• Saw off a straight edge, and remove bottom branches with a saw so the tree will fit firmly in the stand. Avoid trimming the sides of the trunk to fit the stand; have the stand fit the trunk.

• Shake off excess needles and snow before taking indoors.

• If the tree is pre-cut, use a saw to take off about an inch at the base to remove the seal the sap made over the initial cut.

• Once in the stand, secure without overtightening. Fill the water well as soon as possible. The temperature of the water doesn’t matter. The tree will drink the most the first few days, so replenish as needed.

• Keep trees away from heat sources and use low heat producing lights.

• Keeping the tree in a cooler room and using miniature lights will reduce the drying of the tree.

• Evergreens are 100% biodegradable so don’t forget to recycle!

Source: realchristmastrees.org FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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of fun ideas for celebrating New Year’s 2022 in a safe and smart way, despite the coronavirus.

Learn How Other Cultures Celebrate New Year’s American New Year’s Eve traditions – like crowding Times Square, kissing at midnight, and champagne toasts –may not be coronavirus friendly. However, every country has its own New Year’s celebrations and there are surely aspects of their celebrations that you can learn about and implement into your own at-home celebrations this year.

New Year’s in China Chinese Lunar New Year, many families will hang couplets representing well wishes for good health, fortune, and luck. They also fill red envelopes (hong bao) with money and give them out to friends and family.

New Year’s in Thailand In Thailand, celebratory dishes include khao chase (rice soaked in flower-scented water), chicken with green curry, and krayasat (a dessert bar made from peanuts, sugar cane, sticky rice, sesame seeds, and coconut).

New Year’s in Israel

How to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in a Pandemic Here are some ideas for bidding 2021 goodbye and celebrating the start of a new (hopefully more positive) year

BY MELISSA WICKES

This article originally appeared on nymetroparents.com.

2 20

021 has been another tumultuous year to say the least, and there’s no doubt many of us are counting down the days until it’s finally over. Ringing in 2022 may not look like years past, but there are still lots

TOGETHER TIMES

In Jewish culture, the New Year (Rosh Hashana) is celebrated on the first and second day of the Hebrew lunar month of Tishrei. Apples dipped in honey are a classic Rosh Hashana sweet.

New Year’s in India The Hindu lunar celebration, Diwali, was recently celebrated on Nov. 14. Some purchase Diyas, small earthen oil-filled lamps, to light up their homes in celebration of the festival of lights. People also thoroughly clear their homes to welcome the goddess of wealth into their home.

New Year’s in Spain As the clock strikes midnight in Spain, it’s tradition to scarf down 12 grapes quickly while making wishes for the new year.

Have a New Year’s Movie Marathon Common Sense Media has this list of the best New Year’s Eve movies for the family.

Some of the best on it include Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year, High School Musical, and Sleepless in Seattle.

Make a New Year’s Resolution Book Since 2021 canceled many of our plans, this is the best year to make resolutions, goals, and bucket lists for 2022 and stick to them. Here’s to hoping there are no more canceled plans in 2022!

Have a Family Decade Party We don’t know about you, but 2020 was not our favorite decade. Why not pick a different (perhaps more fun) decade and dress up like that year? Throw a 70’s disco alongside the roaring 1920s or bust out the scrunchies (which are totally back in) for a 1980s party.

Watch the Ball Drop on TV Spectators will return to Times Square this year for its annual ball drop.

However, if there’s anything we’ve learned from last year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, many award shows, the Disney Sing Alongs, and more, it’s still fun to watch an event at home! (and it’s warmer.)

Make New Year’s Day Brunch There’s nothing like a delicious brunch to kick off a much-needed restart in 2022.

Take a stab at the Cheesecake Factory’s Cinnamon Roll pancake recipe.

Make a 2021 Scrapbook Looking back on 2021 may be difficult for some of us, but expressing gratitude and being thankful for all of the happy moments is important. Put together a scrapbook of all of the fun you got to have this year, whether it’s a vacation that happened pre-COVID or pictures from a drive-by birthday celebration.

Pick a 2022 Theme Song What song perfectly sums up how 2021 went for you? What song do you hope will represent 2022?

Plan a Family Act Of Kindness End this year and start the new one doing something meaningful as a family. Maybe you want to donate to a food bank or volunteer together.

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN CNY THURSDAY, DEC. 30 New Year’s Eve STEM Ball Drop Challenge.

4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades PreK-2 can design a structure to hold a ping pong ball – then test it. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 31 Noon Year’s Eve at the Zoo. 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Ring in the “noon” year with entertainment, games, crafts, and a sparkling-juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $9/adults; $5/senior citizens; $5/children (ages 3-17); free/ages 2 and younger. (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo. org.

Get Crafty: New Year’s Eve. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Families can stop by the library to create fun and easy crafts. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HAVING ENOUGH TO EAT.

Imagine trying to stay on track at school, even though your family is struggling at home. Your donation can help take the worry out of hunger. Please, give today.

DONATE NOW: FOODBANKCNY.ORG FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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LOCAL FACES

Small Business Spotlight

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CEDARVALE MAPLE SYRUP COMPANY

Cedarvale Maple Syrup Co., Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance reflect on roots, future plans

BY COURTNEY KLESS

Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company

Inspired by a field trip to a local producer, Michael Spicer began making his own maple syrup when he was just 11 years old. He would eventually take over Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company in 2019.

Family Times recently talked to Spicer about the company’s roots, its products, and the process for producing maple syrup.

This interview was edited for length and clarity. continued on page 24 FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021 23

continued from page 23

1. Can you start by telling me a little about the history behind Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company?

The company originated in 1977, and it was started by Karl Wiles.

His family had some land, and after he graduated from college, he wanted to pursue a business of living off the land. That’s kind of how he started Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company. At the time, maple syrup was a little bit different of an agricultural business. He wanted to be able to provide a product directly to customers that they could enjoy, and he could have the fulfillment of providing families with something that they could share and love.

In 2015/2016, around that time, it got to the point where he wanted to retire. He looked to sell the business, but wasn’t able to find the unique buyer that was required. After a couple years of it being on the market, and no one purchasing it, I had reached out to him and asked him if I could take over his online business, his retail business. Then it turned into taking over the whole company.

A little background on myself and maple syrup: I went on a field trip to a local maple syrup producer in fifth grade and started making maple syrup in the backyard as a little weekend project. My ambitions took off from there, and I formed a company. We went to local farmers’ markets. Around the time that I was a sophomore in college (I attended Hamilton College and just graduated in May), I reached out to Karl and started taking over Cedarvale.

So, you were balancing running a business and being a college student. What was that like?

It was very busy. I was a two-sport athlete in college, and I went to a pretty good academic school. It was definitely challenging, but it also opened a lot of doors…I can’t thank everyone who supported me along the way enough.

2. What types of products do you offer today?

What makes them unique?

When the company was first started in the 1970s, it was built off of producing a high-quality product to be enjoyed by families in Syracuse and throughout the country. We’ve kept that going. It’s been top of mind for everything. So, the quality of products is one thing.

As far as product diversity, that’s really where we’ve been able to see ourselves grow. We’ve taken advantage of our location and our energy to be a retail dominant producer, which most aren’t. A lot of producers will make the syrup, and then sell it to big backers and different grocery stores, but we want to be able to connect with consumers more. We do that through product diversification. We have our barbecue sauces and our hot sauces. We do a lot of different maple candies. My sister is a chemistry major at Hamilton College, and she has started doing different infused products. This fall, we rolled out a pumpkin spice-infused maple syrup. We also have cinnamon-infused, coffee-infused. She is also developing different maple spreads, which have been really popular.

You also offer Christmas trees during the holiday season?

That was my first relationship with Cedarvale; that’s where we got our Christmas tree every year. As long as I’ve known Cedarvale, it’s been a source of Christmas trees for families around Syracuse, and we continue to do that today.

3. How is your maple syrup produced?

We’re an open book. I think that’s one of the things that we pride ourselves on. We’re always looking to give tours and bring people into the store, so they can actually see the products being made.

In March, we have a big festival. We try to do some stuff in the fall 24

LOCAL FACES

We have roughly 2,000 taps that we operate, and all of those taps come into one tank connected through miles and miles of tubing system. Then we start the process by putting the sap, which is 2% sugar when it comes out of the trees, through a machine called a reverse osmosis machine. And what this machine does, is it takes the 2% sugar and puts it through a membrane, and when the sap comes out, it’s 10-12% sugar. All of that is powered by solar panels, which is pretty unique.

From there, we have to get it to 66% sugar. We use a wood fired evaporator. A lot of other producers use oil, but we pride ourselves on the ambience and doing it the traditional way and living off the land. We use wood that we source right from the forest where we operate. And that’s how we do the second half, the boiling process.

We think it brings out a flavor that you can’t achieve when you’re doing it with oil or other fuel sources.

4. What do you see in the future for Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company?

I think we’re going to continue trying to build our community presence. We’ve been trying to partner with more restaurants and bring out some maple flavor. Ultimately, we’d like to become known as a predominant brand of tremendous quality and flavor around different maple products.

We’ve really been able to take advantage of new technology and ship across the country. We’ve gotten new customers that way, but we’re also able to provide maple syrup to families that have moved.

We’ve been really fortunate to have those opportunities.

For more information about Cedarvale Maple Syrup Company, visit cedarvalemaple.com.

Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance This season is a special one for Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance. For five decades, members of the Condlin family have been teaching Central New York children how to dance.

Family Times recently talked to Owner/Director Mary Condlin about the milestone – and the impact her business has had on the community.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

1. Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance is celebrating its 50th season this year. How has it changed and evolved over that time?

My mom [Joan Condlin] had her studio in Rochester in the basement of her house, then we moved to Liverpool. She rented the VFW four days a week, just to see how it would work. And it worked out very well, so we immediately had to move. We’ve been all over the village of Liverpool in different areas. We’ve always started at the age of three, and we just recently started at 2.5. And you know, the dance studio business fluctuates like everything else; you have super full years, then you have lighter years, and then you have a ton of kids graduate one year. This year, we don’t have a senior graduating. One year, we had eight. I would say like 50% of them do something in dance at college, whether it’s a dance club or a dance team. Right now, I have three alumni on the staff that have full time jobs during the day, but enjoy dance so much, they come back one night a week to help me and to teach. I think I have five alumni babies. Their parents took classes from us, and now they’re in their early to mid-30s, and their little girls are dancing with us. So, that’s sort of cool that they bring them back.

2. What kind of impact do you think you have had on the community?

We’ve done a ton of stuff. We were part of the dedication for the park in the village. We did the bicentennial. We worked for a good 10-15 years with the Liverpool Community Chorus. The girls always danced with them. We’ve worked with the Heart Association for like 10 years, and we currently work with the Alzheimer’s organization.

We do a lot. We were in nursing homes right up until COVID. We started in 1986, and every Christmas, we would be in at least five or six nursing homes in the area. The kids love it. We used to dance every day at the New York State Fair. We would have a designated spot where we danced with them. Then, over time, they got fuller, which is good for them. They got more people to come in. So, we still try to do that. That’s another thing the kids love doing. We try to stay in the community as much as we can…Anything they need, we’re here for. And the girls like doing different things. We do compete a little bit, but I think if they had to choose, they would choose the nursing homes. They love putting on shows.

This is the first year we don’t have a dance program in school.

We started that in 1986 also, and went into different elementary schools in the city, Baldwinsville, North Syracuse, and Liverpool.

We haven’t been able to do it because of COVID. So, we’re going to take a pause and go back in next year. It’s just for people who can’t afford to get their kids into a studio, or they can’t because of their work schedules. We go into the gym, and we teach right there in the school, which helps.

3. What types of classes and programs do you offer?

We offer ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and pointe. And we do combinational classes. Our younger kids start out with ballet and tap. It’s an hour class, and they learn all the basics. Then as they get older, like in first grade, we add jazz. We don’t use timeframes or testing to move kids up. They move as they’re able to move, as they’re capable...And as they get older, each class gets a little harder. Most of my continued on page 26 FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021 25

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOAN CONDLIN’S LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF DANCE

when we can. Bringing you into the process is what we live on.

continued from page 25 competition kids are here three nights a week. But we move them according to their pace. We’re flat across the board. If you call me, and your kids want to dance, we dance.

But to me, it’s not what plaque I have on the wall. I tell the kids, ‘I want you to do well. If you win, you win. I want you to come off that stage and know that you put 100% in, and you feel good. If you made some mistakes, it’s ok, we’ll fix them.’ We did The Letter by Tim McGraw, and it’s about a soldier. The kids actually had letters in their hands, but they didn’t know what was in them. At the end they opened them, and I had put a soldier’s tombstone in each letter. They were totally caught by surprise. The judges didn’t know what was in the letter, they thought they were doing this big acting thing, but they got an emotional award for that. Those are the ones that mean more. A lot of times, we get what’s called the ‘Backstage Award,’ and it’s just a courteous award. It’s like if someone comes to us and says, ‘Hey, we have a costume-changing problem, could we switch and go first?’ ‘Sure, go first.’ Those are the kind of awards that mean the most because the kids are learning to deal with life…We go to different competitions that are more about stuff like that, rather than just 8,000 kids showing up to dance and trying to win first place. We try to pick the really special ones that take the time with the kids.

We want the kids to learn to dance, to have fun, to love coming.

We made thankful turkeys for Thanksgiving. Each week they came in, they wrote something they were thankful or grateful for. Most of it has turned out to be pizza and the dog…We do things like that. We started that during COVID because I didn’t want the kids to be nervous coming back. Last year, we did chains. Every time, they came in, they put a loop on the chain, and we ended up with like 40 feet. We’re going to hang it all over the building this year…

It’s all about them having something to do. Dance is their sport.

We come in, and they have a moment where they can just unwind.

We take those five minutes, then we get into dance class. It’s more about them learning the terminology and just enjoying themselves.

That’s what’s important. We’re a little tougher on the older kids, but when they’re young, they just need to have a place to be.

4. What do you see in the future for Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance?

I would love to be able to incorporate healthy things for them, like yoga and meditation. We have an alumnus who lives in Virginia, and every once I awhile she’ll Zoom us with a yoga class or some meditational things. The kids really enjoy it, and I think they need it, especially now…We started doing a little bit of yoga with the younger kids right before COVID hit. And they actually liked it. We would do it the last five minutes before they went home, and parents said dinner was a lot calmer…Healthy things that are good for both physical and mental health for kids. And keeping my alumni involved within the studio.

For more information about Joan Condlin’s Liverpool School of Dance, visit liverpoolschoolofdance.com.

Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times.

She lives in Camillus with her husband.

26

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December

28

CALENDAR

Please note: This calendar was up-to-date at

the time of publication. Please call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website to confirm event details.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1 Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery.

10 a.m.-4 p.m..; through Jan. 9. See a fantastical village of houses, boats and more, built with gingerbread, candy, and other edible items. Tickets must be purchased at the door. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Admission: $10/adults; $7/ seniors (65+), $4/children ages 3-17; free/children ages 2 & under. (315) 471-0593. eriecanalmuseum. org/gingerbread.

Matilda The Musical. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.;

through Jan. 2. Watch as Syracuse Stage recreates Roald Dahl’s famous story. Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $25-$60 (plus fees). (315) 443-3275. syracusestage.org.

Breakout Escape Room. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades 2-5 must solve puzzles and riddles to “break out” before time expires. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

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

Lights on the Lake. 5-10 p.m., daily; through Jan. 14. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays, themed sections, and a grand finale. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $6/car, Monday and Tuesday; $10/car, Wednesday and Thursday; $20/car, Friday-Sunday. Tickets must be purchased in advance: lightsonthelake.com.

Teen Trends to Go. 6-7 p.m. Teens ages 13-19 can pick up a kit, then visit the library’s Facebook page to learn how to create a cake candle.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

THURSDAY, DEC. 2 Music is Magic. 10 a.m.; also Dec. 9. Children ages 5 and under can enjoy instruments, dancing, bubbles, and more. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Dec. 9. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by a caregiver, can hear two stories, and go on a themed-hike. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville.

Admission: $5. (315) 638-2519.

Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary. org.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

FRIDAY, DEC. 3 STEM Storytime. 11-11:30 a.m.; also Dec. 10, 17,

24 & 31. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $3/child (non-members). (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8 p.m.; also

Dec. 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18. Activities include: crafts, Polar Express screenings, a hot cocoa bar, and more.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Admission: $12/adults; $10/children ages 2-11; $10/seniors (65+); free/under 12. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Holiday Nights. 5:30-8:30 p.m.; also Dec. 4, 10,

11, 17 & 18. Families can enjoy holiday light displays.

The event will also feature entertainment and holiday treats (including hot chocolate and s’mores).

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $9/non-members. Reservations recommended: (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

SATURDAY, DEC. 4 Create Your Own: Salt Dough Ornament.

10-10:15 a.m. Attendees can make salt dough ornaments. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary. org.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Dec. 5. This event features more than 120 crafters. Visit website for COVID regulations. Science and Industry Building, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. Admission: $2-$5/adult; free/under age 12. (315) 472-5478. peacecouncil.net/plowshares.

Kids Talking Hands with Miss. Windy.

10:30-11 a.m.; also Dec. 18. Join Miss. Windy for an introduction to sign language. There will be a new theme each session. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration required: (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Guided Nature Walk. 11 a.m.; also Dec. 11, 18

Marble Maze. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades

PreK-2 can create their own marble maze.

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

PBS Celebrate the Holidays: The Nutcracker with Jan Brett. 5-7 p.m. Author and

illustrator Jan Brett will discuss her newest book, The Nutcracker, during this event presented by PBS Books. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese

& 25. Attendees of all ages can explore Rice Creek Field Station with a naturalist. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek.

Winter Wonderland. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; also Dec. 11 & 18. Held during the annual Festival of Trees & Light, this event will feature visits with Santa Claus, art making activities, entertainment, and more. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $5/child. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

Syracuse City Ballet Nutcracker. 11 a.m. & 3

p.m. also Dec. 5. Syracuse City Ballet artists and children perform the tale of a young girl who ventures into an enchanted world after saving a dashing prince. The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $20-$75 (plus fees).

(315) 883-0327. syracusecityballet.com.

Sensational Snow Making. noon-2 p.m.

Attendees can create snowballs and sculptures with different types of fake snow. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Brewerton. Free. Registration required: (315) 676-7484. nopl.org/events.

Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. noon4 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 19.

More than 50 Victorian characters, including the author of A Christmas Carol himself, fill the village of Skaneateles, on Genesee, Jordan, and Fennell streets. Free. (315) 685-0552. skaneateles.com.

Festival of Trees & Light. noon-5 p.m.; through Dec. 19. (Open during museum hours: Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) See beautifully decorated trees, wreaths, and other displays, donated by local individuals and organizations. This year, the event will also include performances and a holiday marketplace. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $10/adults (admission for children is free).

(315) 474-6064. everson.org.

DIY Holiday Gifts and Cards. 1-3 p.m.

Children ages 5-12 can make gifts and cards using provided materials. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Matilda The Musical. 2 & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Festival of Trees. 2-8 p.m.; daily through Dec. 24 (Saturdays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.).

View more than 100 decorated trees, miniature trains and more during this annual event. A kids’ play area will also be available. Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum, 6880 E. Lake Road Route 38 A, Auburn. Free. (315) 252-7644. wardwoharaagriculturalmuseum.org.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8 p.m. See Dec. 3 listing.

SUNDAY, DEC. 5 Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival.

10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See Dec. 4 listing.

Syracuse City Ballet Nutcracker. 2 p.m. See Dec. 4 listing.

Matilda The Musical. 2 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. 3 p.m. This performance will feature

characters such as Rudolph, Santa and Mrs. Claus,

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

29

Hermey the Elf, and Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster. Landmark Theatre, 362 S Salina St., Syracuse. $22.50-$60 (plus fees). landmarktheatre. org.

MONDAY, DEC. 6 See Ongoing Events

TUESDAY, DEC. 7 Tuesday Crafternoons. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; also Dec. 14 & 21. Children ages 3-10, and their caregiver, can pick up a craft kit. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 6723661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Ricciardello. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 Papercrafting for Teens. 2-4 p.m. Teens can

learn how to create 3D sculptures from scissors, glue, and paper. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Brewerton. Free. Registration required: (315) 676-7484. nopl.org/events.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8 p.m. See Dec. 3 listing.

Homeschool Hangout. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Families can get together for games, crafts, and activities.

This year, there will be two sessions: one for all ages, and one for tweens ages 10-13. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.

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

Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m.; repeats every Tuesday

through Dec. 21. Teens in grades 6-8 can take part in a different activity each week. This month’s activities are: Ping Pong Snowman (Dec. 7); Cross Stitch Snowflakes (Dec. 14); and Japanese New Year Escape Room (Dec. 21). Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Jan Brett Storytime. 6-7 p.m. Attendees can

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 Teen Holiday Party. 2-3:30 p.m. Teens in grades 7-12 can decorate cookies, listen to Christmas music and make a shepherd’s hook bookmark.

NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 458-6184. nopl.org/events.

Matilda The Musical. 2 & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

enjoy stories by author Jan Brett. This session will also include a craft. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse Free. (315) 4586184. nopl.org.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8 p.m. See

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Pictures with Santa. 10-10:30 a.m.; also 10:30-11 a.m.; 11-11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-noon.

Families can have their photo taken with Santa Claus – and enjoy holiday music and crafts as they wait. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required (for each family): (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8 ONLINE: Teen Gaming. 3:30-4 p.m.; also Dec. 15. Teens in grades 6-12 can play games via Among Us, Kahoot, and more. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 4463578. CLDandJ.org.

After School STEM. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join Miss Patience for fun STEM activities. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Dec. 3 listing.

SUNDAY, DEC. 12

Holidays with the Animals. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Watch animals receive enrichment “gifts” that they can open and play with while demonstrating natural behaviors. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $9/adults; $5/senior citizens; $5/children (ages 3-17); free/ages 2 and younger. Reservations recommended: (315) 4358511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Matilda The Musical. 2 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

THURSDAY, DEC. 9 Winter Wonderland Paintings. 4:15-5

p.m. Children in grades PreK-2 can use paint, glue, and salt to create a winter wonderland scene. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

MONDAY, DEC. 13 Messy Monday. 10 a.m.; also Dec. 20. Families

can join Miss. Karen for sensory play. The session will also include a storytime and a take-home craft.

Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 4878933. fairmountlibrary.org.

2nd Monday Club to Go. 6-7 p.m. Children in Storytime and Author Visit. 5:30 p.m. Enjoy

a reading of Pia the Pine Tree and meet author Irene

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grades 4-6 can pick up a kit, then visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bplchildrenteens,

to learn how to create clay initial containers.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Visit. 6-8 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy holiday stories and songs – and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Brewerton. Free. Registration required: (315) 676-7484. nopl.org/events.

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

Parents of homeschoolers can learn about a new topic each month – December’s topic is a Q&A. A Zoom link is also available. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

TUESDAY, DEC. 14 Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Homeschooling children ages 5-10 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Homeschool STEAM Club+. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Homeschooling children ages 10-13 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Gift Making for Kids. 4-7:30 p.m. Attendees can create a Christmas picture ornament, fabric bookmark, and more. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 4586184. nopl.org.

Young Writers. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Teens can

share their current projects. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org/events.

Virtual Sing-Along. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join the library for a sing-along. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 South Salina St., Syracuse. (315) 435-3395.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15 Preschool Holiday Craft. 10 a.m. Join Miss

Patience for a holiday craft. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free.

Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Robot Snow Plow Challenge. 4:15-5 p.m.

Children in grades 2-5 can use the library’s Dash robots to complete a snow-themed challenge.

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Feliz Navidad! A Spanish Holiday Celebration. 6 p.m. Families can join the library

for a Spanish lesson and holiday celebration.

Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 4878933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Teen Trends to Go. 6-7 p.m. Teens ages 13-19 can pick up a kit, then visit the library’s Facebook page to learn how to create donut bath bombs.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

FRIDAY, DEC. 17 Edventure Academy: Cold Weather Critters. 10:30 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 18. Children ages 3-5 can celebrate the holidays with the zoo’s animals. The session will also include a holiday craft. A parent or guardian must be in attendance.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $25/non-members. $15/each additional child. Reservations required: (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8 p.m. See Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Dec. 3 listing.

THURSDAY, DEC. 16

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Snowflake Science. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in

grades PreK-2 can learn about snowflakes – then use toothpicks and marshmallows to create their own. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.

Holiday Sing-Along. 6-7 p.m. Families can participate in a holiday sing-along. The event will also include a visit from Santa Claus. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

NATIONAL DAYS DECEMBER Dec. 1: National Pie Day Dec. 4: National Sock Day

SATURDAY, DEC. 18 Create Your Own: New Year’s Celebration. 10-10:15 a.m. Attendees can create

a New Year’s celebration. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children ages

5-12 can read to a friendly dog from Paws of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

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

Edventure Academy: Cold Weather Critters. 10:30 a.m.-noon. See Dec. 17 listing.

Dec. 7: National Cotton Candy Day Dec. 9: Christmas Card Day Dec. 11: National App Day Dec. 12: Gingerbread House Day Dec. 17: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Dec. 26: National Candy Cane Day Source: nationaldaycalendar.com.

’ S T N PARE T U O T N IG H FRIDAY, DEC. 3 NightLab: RetroGameCon. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

This event will feature games (including board games and cosplay), contests and more. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $15/person. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 Christmas Craft & Holiday Market. 5-9 p.m.; also Dec. 11 and 12. This holiday features artwork, holiday décor, candles, jewelry and much more.

Horticulture Building, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. $7/adults. countryfolkart.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 11 Nutcracker Twist: An Enchanted Journey. 7:30 p.m. Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and more will perform Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. The event will also feature a performance by Circus Culture of Ithaca. Exhibition Center, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. $44-$68. (315) 299-5598. experiencesymphoria. org.

SATURDAY, DEC. 18 Syracuse Men’s Basketball. 6 p.m. Watch

as the Syracuse men take on Lehigh University.

Carrier Dome, Syracuse University, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse. $30-$80 (plus fees). cuse.com.

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

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

31

A Kwanzaa Karamu: A Community Celebration. 11a.m.-2 p.m. Attendees can learn about the holiday, make art and more. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $5/ person. (315) 474-6064. everson.org.

Edventure Academy: Cold Weather Critters. 1:30-3 p.m. Children ages 6-10 can

celebrate the holidays with the zoo’s animals. The session will also include a holiday craft. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $25/non-members. $15/each additional child.

Reservations required: (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Holiday Crafts. Noon-2 p.m. Attendees can

create ornaments, seasonal decorations, and more.

NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Brewerton.

Free. Registration required: (315) 676-7484. nopl. org/events.

Matilda The Musical. 2 (sensory-friendly performance) & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Polar Express Pajama Party (SensoryFriendly). 5:30-8 p.m. See Dec. 3 listing.

participate in a “snowball fight.” Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

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

THURSDAY, DEC. 23 DIY Snow. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades

PreK-2 can create their own snow. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

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

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

FRIDAY, DEC. 24 Matilda The Musical. 2 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

6:30 p.m. Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/fairmountcommunitylibrarysyracuse, for a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

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

SATURDAY, DEC. 25

Matilda The Musical. 2 & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1

can create winter-themed crafts. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org/events.

See Ongoing Events

Gingerbread House Making. 5-7 p.m. Teens and tweens can create their own gingerbread house. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St. Brewerton. Free. Registration required: (315) 6767484. nopl.org/events.

KWANZAA BEGINS

SUNDAY, DEC. 26

Matilda The Musical. 2 & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

MONDAY, DEC. 27 28, 29 & 30. Children ages 6-11 can meet animals, play games and more. Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $55/child (non-members). Reservations required: (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Family Flick. 3-5 p.m. Families can enjoy a screen-

ing of Raya and the Last Dragon. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required (for each family): (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

listing.

TUESDAY, DEC. 28

Slingshot Snowball Fight. 4:15-5 p.m. Children

10-11 a.m. Children ages 3-6 can enjoy a reading of

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Matilda The Musical. 2 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

2-5 can make their own snow globe. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

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

can answer questions about movies and shows, books, memes, and more during this 2021-themed trivia night. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 4570310. lpl.org.

from a variety of Disney films – including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, as well as characters from Moana, Frozen, and Fantasia – appear in Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Friends.

Upstate Medical University Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $15$85 (plus fees). (315) 435-2121. disneyonice.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 31 Disney on Ice. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. See Dec. 30 listing.

Matilda The Musical. 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1 listing.

Matilda The Musical. 2 & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1

in grades 2-5 can make their own slingshot, then

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29

Disney on Ice. 4 p.m.; through Jan. 2. Characters

can enjoy stories and a seasonal craft. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse.

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22

End of the Year Crafts and Activities. 4-7:30 p.m. Families can play games, including Trouble, Jenga, and Poppa’s Pizza Tumble. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse Free. (315) 458-6184. nopl.org.

THURSDAY, DEC. 30

Holiday Zoo Camp. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; also Dec. Christmas Storytime. 6:30-7- p.m. Attendees

Children in grades 2-5 can discuss a new graphic novel each month. This session also includes a craft.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool.

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

Teen Trivia Night: 2021. 6-8 p.m. Teens

TUESDAY, DEC. 21 can play chess. All levels are welcome. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free.

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

Comics & Crafts Book Club. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

can pick up a kit, then visit the library’s Facebook page to learn how to create a felt letterboard.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

MONDAY, DEC. 20

Homeschool Chess Club. 1:30-3 p.m. Families

listing.

Teen Trends to Go. 6-7 p.m. Teens ages 13-19

listing.

WINTER BEGINS

Matilda The Musical. 2 & 7:30 p.m. See Dec. 1

DIY Snow Globe. 4:15-5 p.m. Children in grades

SUNDAY, DEC. 19

Wintery Crafts for Kids. 2-4 p.m. Attendees

The Library Gingerbread Man, then make their own gingerbread man. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Gingerbread Man Story Time and Crafts.

TURN TO PAGE 21 FOR MORE WAYS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR.

ONGOING EVENTS

a.m. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse.

Free. (315) 435-1900.

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails.

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

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking

trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.

Baldwinsville Public Library Storytimes.

Virtual Storytime: Tuesdays, 10-10:30 a.m.

Community Room Storytime (ages 2-4): Wednesdays (except Nov. 24), 9:30-10 a.m.

Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required for Community Room Storytime: (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.

Central Library Storytimes. Children’s Story Time, Wednesdays (except Dec. 24), 10:30-11:30

Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. Family Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays (except Dec. 2), 10-10:30 a.m. Music & Movement: Wednesdays, 1010:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Liverpool Public Library Storytimes.

Preschool Storytime: Wednesdays and Thursdays (through Dec. 22), 10-10:30 a.m. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Manlius Public Library Storytimes. Jigglebugs Live: Mondays (except Dec. 27), 10-10:30 a.m.

Virtual Toddler Storytime: Tuesdays, 10-10:30 a.m.

Family Story Time with Miss Karen: Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Virtual Pajama Storytime: Wednesdays, 7-7:30 p.m. Virtual Preschool Storytime: Thursdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Family Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius.

Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.

Maxwell Memorial Library Storytimes.

Storytots Story Time: Mondays (except Dec. 20 & 27), 10:30-11:15 a.m. Preschool Pals: Thursdays

(except Dec. 23 & 30), 10:30-11:15 a.m. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free.

(315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

NOPL Cicero Storytimes. Family Storytime: Thursdays (except Dec. 23 & 30), 10-10:30 a.m.

NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free.

Registration required: (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

NOPL North Syracuse Storytimes.

Storytime with Miss. Sarah: Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458- 6184. nopl.org.

Petit Branch Library Storytimes. Read, Sing and Play Story Time (ages 1.5-5): Tuesdays, 10:3011 a.m. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. (315) 435-3636.

Regional Market Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round); Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (May through November only). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paintings, and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.3 p.m. 2100 Park St., Syracuse. (315) 422-8647.

Holidays

HANUKKAH

KWANZAA

BOXING DAY

Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” Hanukkah lasts for eight nights, and falls in November or December, depending on the year. It commemorates the miracle of the temple lamps staying lit for eight days after the end of the war, despite having only enough oil for one day. Families celebrate by lighting a menorah, exchanging gifts, playing a game of dreidel, and eating foods fried in oil (such as latkes, potato pancakes, and sufganiyot, jelly-filled donuts).

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African heritage (it is adapted from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili), and often includes dancing, storytelling, gift giving, and a large feast, a Karamu. Each night, families light a black, green, or red candle in a kinara, a special candle holder – the seven candles represent Kwanzaa’s seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Held the day after Christmas, Boxing Day is celebrated in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand (and has nothing to do with gloves or rings). There are a few theories about the origin of the holiday, but they all have charity and gift-giving in common. Today, Boxing Day is known for its post-holiday deals (similar to Black Friday in the United States).

(NOV. 28-DEC. 6)

(DEC. 26-JAN. 1)

(DEC. 26)

FAMILY TIMES DECEMBER 2021

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