OCTOBER 2020
fall
FREE
Activities Guide Apple orchards, pumpkin patches and more
Best Halloween
games, movies for families
the
Healthy Halloween treats
Fall issue
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
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EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH
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315 BULLETIN
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LOCAL FACES
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Celebrate Halloween at these socially-distanced events.
TOGETHER TIMES
14
HEALTH
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We round up the best Halloween games, movies for families.
During a month full of candy, these Halloween-themed treats are low in sugar.
CREATE
20
TREAT YOURSELF
23
Get your house ready for Halloween with these easy-to-make spooky glow lanterns.
CONTENTS
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OCTOBER 2020
EDITOR’S NOTE
Treat yourself to a corn maze, more at Critz Farms this fall.
ACTIVITIES
the
l l Fa issue
Looking for something to do this month? Check out our list of apple orchards, pumpkin patches.
Autumn leaves and pumpkins please . 2
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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31
FAMILY FUN CALENDAR
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Monday-Friday
PRIVATE LESSONS
Tuesday-Sunday
Following Covid Regulations - Keeping Riders & Employees Safe.
ENGLISH & DRESSAGE LESSONS, BOARDING & TRAINING
Canterbury Stables C A Z E N O V I A,
NEW YORK
Call 315.440.2244 For a safe-socially distanced tour and for details on our 2020 After School Enrichment Program
Syracuse School of Dance Training healthy dancers … mind and body
• Creative Movement • Musical Theater • Hip Hop • Modern • Ballet • Jazz • Tap Beginner thru Advance 315.472.0235 for class information
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www.syracuseschoolofdance.com | All CDC Covid 19 safety guidelines in place
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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FROM THE
THE PARENTING GUIDE OF CENTRAL NEW YORK
EDITOR
Happy Fall! For me, there is nothing quite like pumpkins, apple cider and changing leaves. Are you looking to take advantage of the fall weather? Turn to page 24 for a list of the area’s family-friendly apple orchards and pumpkin patches. You can also read about my afternoon at Critz Farms (spoiler: it included a trip through the corn maze) on page 23, and see what Family Times readers like most about fall in Central New York (page 6).
OCTOBER 2020 | ISSUE NO. 222
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 (ext. 134) CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER Karley Harmon
With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year (and a recent recommendation by the CDC to avoid traditional trick-or-treating), you may find yourself looking for some family-friendly activities you can do at home. The San Diego Family Magazine Staff outlines 13 games you can play – including mummy bowling and pin the tail on the black cat (page 14), and Pamela Perry breaks down the best Halloween movies, by age group, on page 16. Natalie Davis also shows you how create a spooky glow lantern in three easy steps (page 20). Looking to get out of the house? We round up the area’s socially-distanced events on page 12.
CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh, Neil Davis Jr., Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Molly Morgan, Tami Scott, Janelle Rozzano, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Christy Perry Tuohey, Chris Xaver
Are you worried about your family eating too many sweet treats this month? Tina Pratt shares some simple (and healthy) Halloween-themed recipes you can make with your children (page 18).
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@familytimescny.com
This month we will be bringing back our Educator of the Month feature (page 7). Do you know an educator that deserves a mention? Email me at courtneyk@familytimescny.com or fill out the form on our website. Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween!
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Renate Wood
SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 114)
Anne DeSantis (ext. 111) ADesantis@familytimescny.com CONTROLLER Chris Burton (ext. 147) CBurton@familytimescny.com ADDRESS
COURTNEY KLESS
WHAT’S NEW?
EDITOR IN CHIEF
INSIDE For community news, turn to page 9. Advertising deadline for April is March 16. Calendar deadline for April is March 3. Advertising deadline for November is Oct. 13. Calendar deadline for November is Oct. 7. Design by Renate Wood Cover Photo by iStock
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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 familytimescny.com
We’ve Got What It Takes to Keep You Safe. At St. Joseph’s Health, we’ve watched these past few months bring out the best in our community. And we continue to work every day to keep you healthy as we emerge from this crisis. Here are some of the measures we’ve got in place to bring you a higher level of safety and care.
Screening
Enhanced Cleaning
We’ve got temperature and symptom screening for everyone who enters our facilities.
We’ve got increased frequency and intensity of cleaning — using robust disinfecting processes.
Required Masking
COVID-Free Zones
We’ve got masks, and we require that staff and visitors wear them at all times.
We’ve got COVID-Free Zones in many of our facilities where we provide care only for people known to not have COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms.
Separate Staff We’ve got separate staff to treat patients in each zone — so you won’t be treated by doctors and nurses who are treating patients with COVID-19.
A HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE
WeveGotThisSJH.org © 2020 St. Joseph’s Health. © 2020 Trinity Health. All rights reserved.
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9/16/20 9:16 AM FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020 5
Question of the Month “Festivities.”
What is your favorite part of fall in Central New York? “Football/weather/apple picking/pumpkins.”
– Alisia Chittenango
– Ryan
“Football season.” – Shaner Oneida
Oneida
“Putting on a few layers, maybe a nice sweater, and going to pick out pumpkins.” – Justin
“Change of colors in trees and leaves.”
“Apple cider and changing leaves.” – Nick
– Tiff
“The leaves changing.” – Kathie
– Chris
– Lori Cicero
“Fishing.” – Nate Oneida
Oneida
Oneida
“Pumpkin picking!”
Sherrill
Texas
Sherrill
“Color change.”
Corpus Christi
Mexico
“Weather.”
– Zach
– Hayley
– Alba
Oneida
“Salmon fishing.”
“Times Square.”
“The whole season is aesthetic for picture taking.”
“Football.” – James Utica
– Beverly Texas
“Comfy sweaters!”
“Halloween.”
– Emily
– Joe
“Cool crisp temperatures.”
“The local craft breweries and the Octoberfest beers that come out during this time. Fun to take a drive to them on weekends to check them out.”
– Steve
– Joey
Canastota
Alexandria, VA
REMINDER: 6
Sherrill
Liverpool
@FAMILYTIMES
@FAMILYTIMESCNY @CNYFAMILYTIMES
Visit our social media pages to answer the November Question of the Month!
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
Educator of the Month
Amy Klymkow, Kindergarten Teacher at Palmer Elementary School By Janelle Rozzano
1. What is your background and what do you teach? I graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education. I continued on to earn my master’s degree in literacy from Syracuse University. This is my ninth year teaching, and my sixth year teaching at Palmer Elementary School in Baldwinsville. Before teaching at Palmer, I taught first and second grade. At Palmer, I taught third grade for three years before moving to kindergarten. Ever since elementary school I knew that I wanted to be a teacher, specifically a kindergarten teacher. The summer before I started teaching kindergarten, I found an old sixth grade reflection page. One of the questions asked what I wanted to be when I got older and I said, “In six years when I graduate, I hope I go to college to become a kindergarten teacher.”
2. What has it been like starting this 2020/2021 school year off? It is definitely an interesting time to be in education. I didn’t know what to expect, but it is nice to be back into a routine and in the classroom seeing my kids every day. Our kids have quickly adapted to wearing a mask, staying six feet apart, and washing hands often. We are making the
best of a very different school year. If my kids go home smiling each day and eager to come back the next day, that is a successful day!
All precautions in place, In our wonderful dance space! To TDS, come now, Let’s DANCE, we’ll show you how!
3. What has been the most challenging thing about this uncertainty in education and what did you learn from it? I think the most challenging thing has been all of the unknown and uncertainty. I am a planner, but this year I have learned to take a step back and go with the flow. I realize that my students’ health, happiness, and well-being come first, no matter whether we are in the classroom environment or learning virtually at home. Building relationships and connections with my kids is the most important thing in any year, but this year it is especially important. This is a year to really dig into our character strengths and persevere through the uncertainty together. Visit familytimescny.com to read the full interview.
Janelle Rozzano is a freelance writer living in Fairmount with her family.
• Dance Shoppe • Birthday Parties • Call or Text (315) 922-3232 for Info
TheDanceStudioCNY.com thedancestudiocny@gmail.com
KNOW AN EDUCATOR WHO DESERVES A MENTION? Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com.
EDUCATOR OF THE MONTH
Camillus & Manlius FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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fly fly
WE’RE READY TO
DANCE CENTRE NO RTH
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR CLASSES CONTACT US AT
315.455.8641
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dancecentrenorth@gmail.com • 101 W Molloy Rd., Syracuse 8
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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PHOTO COURTESY OF AKIDSBOOKABOUT.COM
Q&A with I N A L E J , Y R O M ME About A Kids Book
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series of books is encouraging parents to talk to their children about challenging and important topics – Racism, belonging and voting, to name a few.
Family Times recently talked to Jelani Memory, the co-founder and CEO, about the inspiration for A Kids Book About, why it’s so important for children to be exposed to these topics, and the response the books have received.
1. Can you start by telling me a little more about how A Kids Book About got started? It all got started with one book, A Kids Book About Racism. When I wrote it back in 2018, it was meant just for my kids. I spent a handful of weeks writing and designing it, then only printed one copy. I showed my little book to my kids and they loved it. But when I showed it to other parents, their response was through the roof. They thought it was amazing. That spurred me on to think more broadly about what I could do both with my book, but also with more challenging, empowering, and important topics. That’s really where I realized that this could be so much more than my book, it could be a whole collection designed to help start meaningful conversations with kids.
2. What is your goal? To start the most important conversations kids have with their grownups.
315 BULLETIN
3. What are some of the topics these books address? Racism, cancer, depression, change, anxiety, money, optimism, emotions, belonging, gratitude, and so many more.
4. Why is it so important for children to be exposed to these topics? Kids are so much smarter and aware than we give them credit for. We also don’t always respect their experiences or the complexity of their internal lives. We believe that introducing these topics to kids allows for them to be validated, understood, and seen. Sometimes these topics are new, but often times kids have feelings and experiences attached to them that they don’t quite understand.
5. What kind of response have the books received? The response has been incredible. Here is a customer review we received yesterday: “A Kids Book About Disabilities: So amazingly written! My little and I really enjoyed reading this so well written and easy for her to understand! Her uncle is autistic and has down-syndrome so this book helped answer a lot of questions and talk about thoughts she had that she was too afraid to talk about. So amazing! Love it!”
6. Where are they available for purchase? akidsbookabout.com.
7. What is next for A Kids Book About? More books! We think there are hundreds if not thousands of conversations that kids should be having with their grownups.
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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BALTIMORE WOODS HOSTS VIRTUAL ART EXHIBIT
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altimore Woods Nature Center recently launched a free video art gallery. Held through October 30, ‘Autumn: A Visual Feast of Images’ features fall images by the Syracuse Camera Club. For more information, visit baltimorewoods. org/art-gallery.
SYRACUSE STAGE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 2020/2021 SEASON
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WONDERWORKS SYRACUSE OFFERS FALL PROGRAMS
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re you looking for ways to enhance your child’s learning? WonderWorks Syracuse will be offering several programs for families this fall. Students in grades 3-5 can learn about topics such as severe weather, states of matter and the solar system during its Virtual Learning Labs. Those interested in art can participate in the CNY Art Contest – the theme is “Time to Think” and the winners’ work will be displayed at WonderWorks Syracuse. The deadline for submissions is December 21. Once it has been cleared to open, WonderWorks Syracuse will also offer Homeschool Days. “In a time where life has been turned upside down, we are thrilled to continue offering our popular educational programs while also introducing new ones to meet the needs of the community while adapting to our new normal,” said Nicole Montgomery, general manager of WonderWorks Syracuse, in a press release. For more information, visit wonder worksonline.com/destiny.
o you have a theater fan in the family?
Syracuse Stage will present six virtual shows during its 2020/21 season – Talley’s Folly (November), Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (December), Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (January/February), Yoga Play (March), Our Town (April/May) and the world premiere of salt/city/blues (June). Families can also check out Syracuse Stories, virtual conversations and performances that explore issues impacting Central New York. The season will begin late this month and run through July 2021. “While we’re saddened by the fact that we can’t create the season we had planned, we are thrilled to announce our ideas for a newly reimagined Syracuse Stage season,” said artistic director Robert Hupp in a press release. “Especially now, in this time of national reckoning, we need the transformative power of theatre more than ever. We’ll create fully realized virtual work, and with ‘Syracuse Stories,’ we’ll put our community front and center through a series of exciting multi-discipline projects.” For more information, visit syracusestage.org.
communityguide.familytimescny.co
m.
315 BULLETIN
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hinking about enrolling your child in the Girl Scouts?
FOR MORE COMMU NITY NEWS, VISIT
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LEARN ABOUT THE GIRL SCOUTS Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathway will be hosting several ‘Animal Dance Parties’ this fall, where girls in grade K-3 and their parents can learn more about the program. The virtual event is free, and will be held from 5:30-6 p.m. on October 1, 15 and 29. To register, visit gsnypenn.org/events.
State-of-the-Art Studios
Ballet Classes Pre-Ballet to Advanced levels.
Wholesome Costumes, Choreography & Staff VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR
Fall
Registration Information
315-396-1886 www.lightoftheworldballet.com 3537 James St. Eastwood Plaza 13206 Ashley Rollinson Sunada, Director
Following Covid-19 Guidelines FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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Halloween Happenings Celebrate the holiday at these socially-distanced events
A
fter a recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to avoid traditional trick-or-treating, Halloween may look a little different this year. With that in mind, we compiled a list of some socially-distanced events in Central New York. You can also turn to page 15 for some games and movies that you can enjoy with your family – from home. Happy Halloween!
BEETHOVEN’S GHOST
DAYTIME TRICK OR TREAT, THE WILD ANIMAL PARK
Get in the Halloween spirit with music by Beethoven. During this virtual Symphoria performance, families can enjoy music from the famous composer and learn about the influence of his music during a visit from his ghost. When: October 31 at 10:30 a.m. Where: The concert will be livestreamed. Cost: $15/adults; $10/senior citizens; $5/college students; free/age 18 and under. More information: ExperienceSymphoria.org.
Visit candy stations around the zoo and enjoy a bounce house. Don’t forget to also check out Flashlight Safari & Halloween Nights every weekend through Halloween. When: October 31 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Cost: Adults $13.99; Seniors/$11.99; Children (up to age 12) $11.99; free/age 2 and under. More information: thewildpark.com.
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LOCAL FACES
DRIVE-THRU TRICK-OR-TREAT, OSWEGO SPEEDWAY Families can drive around the track and collect candy from local businesses and organizations – more than 75 will be in attendance, according to the event’s Facebook page. Families can also enjoy inflatables and Halloween-themed music. Make sure to arrive early; the event only lasts as long as the candy. When: October 31 from 1-4 p.m. Where: Oswego Speedway, 300 E. Albany St., Oswego (enter at City Line Road). Cost: Free. More information: facebook.com/ events/680893379166738.
HALLOWEEN AT THE PARK, JAMESVILLE BEACH PARK This October, local families can visit a spider forest, pumpkin patch, skeleton graveyard, and more – all from the comfort of their car. Held nightly at Jamesville Beach Park, the drive-thru event will feature light displays, characters and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance on Halloween in the Park’s website. When: 7-10 p.m. daily Where: Jamesville Beach Park, 3992 Apulia Road, Jamesville. Cost: $10/car Monday-Thursday; $15/car FridaySunday. More information: halloweenatthepark.com.
TRICK OR TREAT IN THE CORN MAZE, WAGNER FARMS Children ages 16 and under and their parents can walk through the farm’s corn maze and collect candy. Costumes are encouraged. From 7-10 p.m., Wagner Farms will also offer a haunted corn maze for those 17 and older ($10). When: October 31 from 12-4 p.m. Where: 5841 Old Oneida Road, Rome Cost: Free. More information: wagnerfarmseventcenter.com.
WICKED WOODS, GREEN LAKES STATE PARK Wicked Woods is returning this fall as a drive-thru event. Families can view more than 40 decorated sites at Green Lakes’ campground, according to the event’s Facebook page. When: October 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville. Cost: Free. The donation of an unperishable food item is encouraged. More information: facebook.com/Wicked-Woods-atGreen-Lakes-275390629246429.
David’s Refuge HOSTS
Halloween Spooktacular BY DAVID’S REFUGE
L
ocal non-profit David’s Refuge has joined hands with Symphoria to provide a live streamed Halloween performance for families who have a child with special needs or with a life-threatening medical condition. With the help of Sun Auto Cicero, Northridge Church in Rochester, and Sound Right Audio Visual, guests will be treated to a ‘drive in’ family-friendly Beethoven concert followed by a Halloween-themed event on Saturday October 31 starting at 10:30 a.m. Families interested in learning more can go to davidsrefuge.org/events. Registration is required. “Symphoria is honored to share the joy of music with the wonderful families who are a part of David’s Refuge,” says Pamela Murchison, Executive Director of Symphoria. “We are grateful to be able to bring smiles to faces through this event. Music is for sharing and for brightening lives, and we couldn’t be more proud of this partnership!”
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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ISTOCK PHOTO & ILLUSTRATIONS
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Halloween Party Games for Kids BY SAN DIEGO FAMILY MAGAZINE STAFF This article originally appeared on sandiegofamily.com
P
lanning a Halloween party for the kids? Here are fun party games that thrill trick-or-treaters of all ages. Need an extra set of hands to help monitor games? Hire a babysitter for a few hours.
FISHING GAME Set up an area with a short curtain or barrier that hides a helper sitting behind it. Have small toys or party-themed items to use as prizes. Give each child a “fishing pole” (a bamboo stick with string and a clothespin will work!). Kids cast their
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TOGETHER TIMES
lines over the curtain and the hidden helper attaches a prize to the end of the string for each child to reel in.
HALLOWEEN TREASURE HUNT Buy a thrift store dollhouse, decorate it in Halloween colors and call it a “Fairy House.” Then hide it in the yard or other party location and fill it with bags of treats. Decorate the area with Halloween items like jack-o’-lanterns, fake spiders,
owls, fairies, elves and wreaths hanging on trees, and make up clues to direct the children from place to place as they solve riddles. Gather the kids and explain that the fairies have hidden a treasure in the house – and hidden the house, too! Have them find the first clue and start the hunt; the final destination is the dollhouse and the treats.
EYEBALL HUNT Instead of an Easter egg hunt, throw an eyeball hunt! Purchase bags of plastic eyeballs from a party or discount store and hide them in a room or your backyard. The child who finds the most eyeballs wins a prize.
GREEDY GHOSTS
Make this awesome Greedy Ghosts game with paint and a cardboard box (find instructions here). Toss pieces of candy or small beanbags into the ghosts’ mouths.
PIN THE TAIL ON THE BLACK CAT Some old-fashioned games are timeless and still provide tons of entertainment. Take Pin the Tail on the Donkey, for instance. It never goes out of style. It can be adapted to any favorite movie or book character. Blindfold and spin each child at their turn and let them attempt to pin the tail on the black cat (or chosen item on the chosen character). Try Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin, Pin the Eyeball on the Monster, Pin the Spider on the Spiderweb, Pin the “Boo” on the Ghost, etc. The child who gets closest to the target wins!
MUMMY BOWLING Get instructions for a fun game of Mummy Bowling from Giggles Galore.
TABLETOP CORNHOLE Learn how to make your own tabletop cornhole game in advance of the party HERE. This one is inspired by the book character, Pete the Cat, but use your imagination and come up with your own characters. Put your completed tabletop cornhole game out at the party to help entertain the kids. So fun!
HALLOWEEN CHARADES Choose Halloween-themed movies or books and well-known sayings for a round of spooky charades. Give the winners a small treat bag.
SLIMY MONSTER SNACK ATTACK Make homemade slime by combining green mint or apple jelly with water. Watered-down lime Jell-O also makes a great, slimy substitute. Once the consistency of your slime is sufficiently gross, throw in orange slices, gummy worms, raisins, candy corn or other unwrapped yummies. (You can also include plastic bugs like spiders and other crawly, icky things.) Have the children close their eyes and reach in to grab what the slime monster left behind and guess what it is. Chowing down on the found goodies is optional, but make sure there are no chokable pieces floating in the slime if small children are playing.
GUESSING GAME Decorate a small, clear jar and fill it with candy corn or other small Halloween candy. Have children guess how many are in the jar. The child who comes closest to the correct number wins the jar and the candy inside.
FOOD FUN! Hands-free food games are always fun. Hang donuts from strings (one per string) and see who can finish his donut first – no hands allowed! An apple pie eating contest is sure to be a hoot during the fall – let parents compete, too! Bobbing for apples may be best for teens. For younger kids, try Pass the Apple, where children have a relay race with an apple tucked under their chins.
MINI PIÑATAS Kids will love making mini piñatas — a fun party activity that doubles as a take-home party favor. Find instructions HERE.
Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids (and the young at heart). Get friends and neighbors together for unique games like the lucky (or unlucky) 13 activities above — and turn your get-together into a memorable party that is guaranteed to “raise everyone’s spirits”! It’s not bingo, and it’s not a traditional scavenger hunt, it’s a Halloween bingo scavenger hunt! Get the kids together for a Halloween party and walk (or drive) the neighborhood, looking at Halloween decorations. The first person to find five items in a row, wins! Completed rows can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. Can be done with your family or a group of friends or neighbors. Super easy, so fun – and gets the kids off their phones. We are offering the game to you as a free printable because we love our readers and followers. Happy Halloween! continued on page 16 FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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continued from page 15
10 Family Friendly
Halloween Movies BY PAMELA PERRY
This article originally appeared on hvparent.com.
B
oo! It’s just about Halloween, the finishing touches are getting put onto costumes, the neighborhoods are being scouted out and the kids are oozing with excitement of the big day. Staying up late has a whole new meaning when you get to go door to door collecting as much sweet treats as your arms can carry back. But after all that walking in the dark (and occasionally rain or snow) it is always nice to change into something comfortable and settle down for some family time. There is nothing better than ending a night of trick or treating snuggled up on the couch with a good Halloween movie. So, grab some cider and popcorn we have a great list of 10 movies your family will love.
FOR THE LITTLEST TRICK OR TREATERS, THESE MOVIES ARE RATED G. 1. It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown – A family favorite since 1966 and a true Halloween classic! We have all watched as Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin, your kids will love it too. 2. The Worst Witch – Mildred is one of the young girls at a prestigious witch academy. She can’t seem to do anything right and is picked on by classmates and teachers. The headmistress of the school, Miss Cackle, has an evil twin sister (Agatha) who plans to destroy the school. Can Mildred foil the plan before the Grand Wizard (Tim Curry) comes to the Academy for the Halloween celebration you’ll never forget. (www.imbd.com) 3. Room on the Broom – This parent choice award winner is based on the popular Julia Donaldson book, The Gruffalo. The story is of a friendly witch who much to the frustration of her cat, invites a group of animals onto her broom.
FOR THE PRESCHOOLERS AND ELEMENTARY AGED KIDS, THESE MOVIES ARE RATED PG. 4. Casper – We love a good Halloween movie starring Christina Ricci from the 90’s. From IMBD, a paranormal expert and his daughter bunk in an abandoned house populated by three mischievous ghosts and one friendly one. (www.imbd.com)
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TOGETHER TIMES
5. The Witches – The special effects are amazing in this film about a 9-year-old boy who stumbles onto a witch convention and tries to stop them from their plan to turn children into mice. 6. The Addams Family – From the popular sixties sitcom, The Addams Family is a comedy filled with creepy and kooky characters who are sure to become a staple every Halloween. 7. Halloweentown – This Disney made for TV film takes place on Halloween in a place called Halloweentown where a young family must battle evil as they discover family secrets and special magic powers.
FOR THE LITTLE BIT OLDER CROWD, THESE ARE ALSO PG BUT MAYBE A LITTLE BIT SCARIER. 8. Beetlejuice – A couple of recently deceased ghosts contract the services of a “bio-exorcist” in order to remove the obnoxious new owners of their house. (www.imbd.com) 9. Hocus Pocus – We love the storyline and bit of Halloween history that can be found in this great Halloween film. The three witch sisters that are resurrected on Halloween are both comical and spooky and it is up to two teen-agers, a young girl, and an immortal cat to put an end to the witches’ reign of terror once and for all. 10. The Nightmare Before Christmas – The Halloween list wouldn’t be complete without a Tim Burton film. Per IMDB, Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.
-COUNTRYMAX’S 4TH ANNUAL-
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OCTOBER 1 - 25!
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Invest in what matters. Academic excellence from a Biblical mindset
We’re planning a 5-day return to the classroom— with remote learning options for this September. A safe, loving environment where teachers can teach, and students can learn. Check out our reopening plan on our website.
Christian Education grades Pre-K through 12
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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Healthy
Halloween Treats Apple Monster Mouths texanerin.com/healthy-halloweenmonster-mouths
Ingredients: • Banana (firm) • Blueberries • Toothpicks • Large apples • Natural peanut butter • Strawberry jam • Dried cranberries or other dried berries • Slivered almonds Instructions: Cut apples into slices. Use toothpicks to hold the slices together for the mouth (the toothpicks) can be used for the eyeballs, too! Spread peanut butter on the insides of the apples. Use slivered almonds for teeth, and put some jam around some of the teeth for a creepy effect. You can sprinkle cranberries or other dried berries in the mouth if you like! Next, cut the banana into small pieces, and push blueberries into the banana pieces. Place eyes on top of the monster and enjoy!
Halloween can come with lots of tricks and sometimes, too many sweet treats. Cut out the sugar and whip up some healthy treats with the kids they will love making, and eating! BY TINA PRATT
This article originally appeared on cincinnatifamilymagazine.com.
M
y kids LOVE when the calendar switches from September to October. Why? Because they know that only 30 days stand between them and copious amounts of candy. However, I feel like the entire month is filled with candy from class parties, trunk or treats and neighborhood “Boo” Buckets. I love to get into the holiday fun, but I worry about filling my kids with too much sugar. So, I tasked my kids, 6 and 8 years old, to search the internet for a few fun, HEALTHY, Halloween snacks they could make on their own – with my supervision of course! We are going to spend the month of October testing out their kitchen skills! My kids are big, “Nailed It!” fans, so they are hoping to “Nail It” with these treats. Here is what they came up with: 18
HEALTH
Spider Grilled Cheese rachelcooks.com/2017/10/16/hallow een-grilled-cheese
Ingredients: • Bread • Cheese • Pretzels • Dried fruit or berries • Butter • Cookie Cutters Instructions: Butter bread. Place cheese in break and grill in pan. Use cookie cutter to make circle shape. Place pretzels in between slices of bread for legs. Use dried fruit or berries for eyes and enjoy!
RACHELCOOKS.COM
Tangerine Pumpkins
brendid.com/tangerine-pumpkin-8-healthy-halloween-snack
Ingredients: • Tangerines (clementine or mandarin oranges) • Celery
BRENDID.COM
Instructions: Peal tangerines. Cut celery into small pieces and then place celery into the top of the clementine. Devour! Yum!
Pumpkin Sandwich Rolls cestmamanquicuisine.com
Ingredients: • Bread • Slices of cheddar cheese or Colby jack cheese • Toothpicks
Instructions: Flatten out the bread. Place bread on top of the cheese slice. Roll up the cheese and bread with the cheese on the outside. Cut into small rolls and secure with toothpicks. Dig in!
Four Quick & Easy Lunch Box Treat Ideas • Draw a jack-o-lantern face on the outside of a mandarin fruit cup. • Place green grapes in a clear cup with a lid and draw a Frankenstein face on the cup. • Draw a ghost face on a string cheese wrapper. • Unwrap a Baby Bell Cheese and cut “teeth” into the wrapper and add eyes!
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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MICHAEL DAVIS PHOTO
DIY Halloween CONJURE YOUR OWN
SPOOKY GLOW LANTERNS BY NATALIE DAVIS
O 20
MATERIALS • 1 bag of cotton balls • 1 package of spider rings or fake spiders, snakes or anything spooky you find in the Halloween section of your local store • 1 bag of cotton balls • Mason jars • 1 package of glow sticks
STEPS • Start by dropping a few cotton balls into the bottom of the mason jar.
ctober is the perfect time of year to create some homemade spooky glow lanterns with some affordable supplies and just a few easy steps.
CREATE
• Bend and crack your glow stick to turn on and place it in the middle of the jar. Use some more cotton balls to prop up the stick and add your spooky props as you fill the jar. • Pause every so often and turn off the lights to see if you are achieving the desired effect with your jar.
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bi-monthly newsletter
TINY BABY
AMAZING GIFT If you are expecting, all hospitals in Onondaga County now accept donated cord blood. Donated units can be used for life-saving treatment and medical research to find new cures. There is no cost to donate. Collection takes minutes and there is no risk to you or your baby.
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL
WWW.UPSTATECORDBLOODBANK.COM 315-492-2600 OR 1-855-492-2600
LOCATED AT 4910 BROAD ROAD, SYRACUSE, NY
22
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
Treat Yourself Embrace fall at Critz Farms BY COURTNEY KLESS
IF YOU GO:
Critz Farms
Location: 3232 Rippleton Road, Cazenovia. Hours: Daily from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. More information: (315) 662-3355. critzfarms.com.
The theme of this year’s maze is “Animals of Africa,” and it features an elephant, a rhinoceros, a zebra and a lion. We found the maze to be fairly challenging, but there are maps along the way that you can consult if you get lost. You will know you have almost reached the end when you see the tower with a bell. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!
COURTNEY KLESS PHOTOS
I
Next, we visited the gift shop and cider mill, where we purchased some apple cider and mini cider donuts. Both were delicious. Critz Farms is also home to Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co – visitors can sample a variety of beers and hard ciders. My husband and I grabbed a drink — a beer/hard cider mix for me, an IPA for him — and sat outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. It was the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon.
love fall.
For me, there is nothing better than changing leaves, pumpkins, and of course, apple cider. So, I thought what better way to embrace the season — and treat myself — than a visit to a local apple orchard. One September weekend, my husband and I headed to Critz Farms. Located off Rippleton Road in Cazenovia, Critz Farms was founded in 1985. Each year, it hosts a Fall Harvest Celebration, offering activities such as wagon rides, cider making demonstrations and a corn maze. That was our first stop.
TREAT YOURSELF
Please note: Due to COVID-19, masks are required, and tickets must be purchased in advance on the farm’s website, critz farms.com/admission. Courtney Kless is the Editor in Chief of Family Times. She lives in Jamesville with her husband.
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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family Guide fall Area apple orchards, pumpkin patches and more
A
re you looking to get out and enjoy fall in Central New York? These area apple orchards and pumpkin patches have no shortage of family-friendly activities.
Please note: Visit each website for more information about COVID-19 guidelines.
Apple Orchards
Apple orchards and pumpkin patches with a leaf next to their name require visitors to purchase tickets in advance.
Abbott Farms
Behling Orchards
Abbott Farms has something for every member of the family. On weekends during the Fall Festival, Children can enjoy tube slides, an apple cannon, a jump pillow and a corn maze (which you can also visit on Friday and Saturday nights – bring a flashlight), and there is a cider and wine bar for adults. Families can also pick their own apples and pumpkins throughout the month. Where: 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. More information: abbottfarms.com.
Founded in 1947, Behling Orchards has more than 70 varieties of apples. After a visit to the orchard, stop by the barn, which includes a candy room and donut room, or take a trip through the corn maze. Visitors can also grab a bite to eat the Apple Cook Shack. Where: 114 Potter Road, Mexico. More information: behlingorchards.com.
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard Recently named the country’s top apple orchard in a USA Today poll, Beak and Skiff offers u-pick seven days a week. Its grounds also include a tasting room, a general store and a kids’ area – this year, it features a playground and a “straw mountain.” Where: 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette. More information: beakandskiff.com.
Burrell’s Navarino Orchard Burrell’s Navarino Orchard features dwarf apple trees, making it easy for all members of the family to participate. Make sure to stop by the fritter shack on weekends to pick up hot apple fritters, apple fritter sundaes and other apple-based treats. U-pick pumpkins are also available. Where: 3655 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Syracuse. More information: navarinoorchard.com.
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ACTIVITIES
Critz Farms During the Fall Harvest Celebration, families can take a walk through the corn maze (this year’s design is “Animals of Africa”), watch a cider making demonstration, see farm animals, take a ride on the cow train, pick apples and pumpkins and more. Critz Farms is also home to Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co., where those of age can sample beer and hard cider. Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13, Cazenovia. More information: critzfarms.com.
Owen Orchards Located on Route 5 in Weedsport, Owen Orchards offers u-pick apples – and pumpkins – throughout the month of October. Wagon rides are available on weekends (don’t forget to bring a mask), and families can also pick up cider, donuts and locally made products at the farm market. Where: 8174 Grant Avenue, Weedsport. More information: owenorchard.com.
Need a recipe for all those apples? Turn to page 28 to learn how to make apple monkey bread muffins.
Pumpkin Patches
Cicero “Pumkin” Patch Families can take a ride through Candy Lane, a creepy graveyard, a ghost crossing and more on the Hermit Hayride. After you find the perfect pumpkin for carving, don’t forget to also check out Cicero “Pumkin” Patch’s three-acre corn maze and nature trail. Where: 7169 Island Road, Cicero. More information: ciceropumkinpatch.com.
Our Farm Looking for somewhere on the east side of town? Our Farm has wagon rides, a petting zoo and corn maze – this year’s maze is shaped like a crab, and it features fun facts about the crustacean. The farm’s pumpkin catapult, known as Boris, is another must-see. Where: 1590 Peth Rd, Manlius. More information: our-farm.squarespace.com.
Penny’s Country Farm Penny’s Country Farm has activities for all ages: a children’s fun zone, ghost train rides, animals, pumpkin cannons and corn mazes (with options for adults and children). You can also walk through Tombstone, a Western town complete with a sheriff’s office and a saloon. Where: 1540 Gray Road, Union Springs. More information: pennyscountryfarm.com.
ISTOCK PHOTO
Springside Farm Open Friday-Sunday throughout October, Springside Farm offers more than 35 different types of pumpkins. Families can also check out zip lines, human foosball, pedal cars, wagon rides, a corn maze and more with the purchase of a ‘Maze Park Pass.’ Where: 1850 NY-91, Fabius. More information: springsidefarm.net.
The Pumpkin Hollow Children will enjoy the corn maze, animal area, hay jump and Ice Cream Shoppe. On weekends, fresh apple fritters and hayrides are also available. The Pumpkin Hollow is open seven days a week through Halloween. Where: 3735 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. More information: thepumpkinhollow.com.
Tim’s Pumpkin Patch Visitors can take advantage of numerous family-friendly activities: animal barn, hay fort (outside this year due to COVID-19), fossil dig, grain tables, tractor wagon rides and of course, u-pick pumpkins. If you visit on a weekend, make sure to try a pumpkin funnel cake. Where: 2901 Rose Hill Road, Marietta. More information: timspumpkinpatch.com. continued on page 26 FAMILY TIMES ACTIVITIES 2020
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continued from page 25
October Events & Outings
Families can visit a socially-distanced farmer’s market, as well as the local restaurants and businesses on the Apple & Cider Trail. When: October 1-4. Cost: There is no admission fee. More information: facebook.com/ events/2780823558799968.
Fall Fun Festival, Fort Rickey Children’s Discovery Zoo Feed animals, take a tractor pull ride and walk through the hay maze. Food will be available for purchase. When: Daily from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $7 per person; free for children under 2. More information: (315) 336-1930. fortrickey.com/ fall-festival.
FARM FUN 26
ACTIVITIES
See the zoo’s animals when they are most active. Costumes are encouraged. When: Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. Cost: Adults $13.99; Seniors/$11.99; Children (up to age 12) $11.99; free/age 2 and under. More information: (315) 510-3347. thewildpark.com.
Nature’s Ninjas, Milton J. Rubinstein Museum of Science & Technology The interactive exhibit will explore the self-defense mechanisms (venom, size and more) of animals. When: Beginning October 3, there will be shows every weekend from 11-11:30 a.m.; 1-1:30 p.m.; and 3-3:30 p.m. Cost: Free with museum admission ($12/adults; $10 children (ages 2-10) & seniors). More information: most.org/natures-ninjas.
ISTOCK PHOTO
Apple Festive, Downtown Ithaca
Flashlight Safari & Halloween Nights, The Wild Animal Park
Looking for outdoor activities for the family this fall?
Check out Baltimore Woods Nature Center Where Nature Education = Outdoor Fun! Trail School Weekly outdoor explorations and nature play.
Preschool Programs
Saturday Day Camps Set aside a weekend day for outdoor play and adventure for K-8 kids.
Virtual naturalist check-ins and self-guided activities for nature’s littlest explorers.
Homeschool Adventures
SAILOR SAM’S CANAL TO SHORE CHALLENGE A great way for you to get outside & explore the hidden history along our local waterways and earn an exclusive Sailor Sam Canal to Shore patch! (Kit $15.95)
Weekly themed activities supporting homeschool curriculums.
Visit baltimorewoods.org for our fall calendar and so much more!
Discover
Inlet, NY
Working together, planning and preparing, and as we each open our doors to welcome you, we feel confident that we will be ready to do this in a way that makes you comfortable.
InletNY.com We look forward to seeing you, when you are ready!
– Inlet Area Business Association Like us on
inletny
Follow us on
inletny
315.342.0480 hlwmm.org facebook.com/hlwmm facebook.com/canaltoshore This program is sponsored in part by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation
FAMILY TIMES ACTIVITIES 2020
27
ISTOCK PHOTO
Apple Monkey Bread Muffins BY ANNE JOLLY
A
This article was originally published on upstateramblings.com.
pples are one of my favorite fruits and not just during the fall but all year long. Around here apples are easy to get year-round so even when it is not apple season, they are good quality fruit that is abundant and inexpensive. My family and I love fresh apples and always make lots of delicious apple desserts, like these quick and easy monkey bread muffins.
Monkey Bread is tasty, but a traditional recipe makes too much for my family. Well, really too much for me because I am frequently home all day. If a dessert is just sitting in the kitchen it is like it is calling my name and I have a hard time resisting! And when you have something like a Bundt pan full of monkey bread the serving size can be pretty subjective. It is easy to cut a piece way too big and the next thing you know I have over indulged.
Monkey Bread
Muffins
So I like to make individually sized desserts where the serving size is obvious, because then I am more aware of how much I am eating. In addition, a standard monkey bread recipe uses 2 or 3 tubes of biscuits and makes enough for 15 people, way too much for a family dessert, at least for my small family. So I decided to reduce a basic monkey bread recipe and make individual servings by baking it in muffin tins. This makes the recipe perfect for my family because it makes 6-8 muffins, enough for everyone but not enough to leave leftovers for days. I added an apple to the recipe just because I love apples and had some in the refrigerator. You could leave the apple out of the recipe and it would still be delicious! Alternatively, you could add some pecans or walnuts to the muffins to complement the apple flavor even more.
How to Make Monkey Bread Muffins Theses muffins are simple to make, since they use refrigerated biscuits as a base. I used Pillsbury Grands biscuits, but any type of buttermilk biscuit would work well in the recipe. I took the eight refrigerated biscuits out of their tube and divided each of the biscuits into six pieces. Then I mixed cinnamon and sugar in a gallon sized bag and threw all the biscuit pieces into the bag. I cored, peeled and chopped an apple and added it to the bag and shook the bag to coated biscuits and apples with a tasty mixture of cinnamon sugar. This is a fun recipe for kids to help with, since they can easily do things like breaking the biscuits apart and shaking the bag. Kids as
28
ACTIVITIES
young as 3 or 4 should be able to help with parts of this recipe and feel like they are really involved in making the recipe. Once everything was well mixed divided it up into muffin tins. How many muffins this makes recipe makes depends on the size of your muffin pan. I used a standard size muffin pan which fit about six pieces of biscuit and a few pieces of apple in each. You could also use a larger muffin pan and make six muffins if you prefer bigger, bakery sized muffins. Then I melted some butter and mixed in brown sugar. I topped off the monkey bread muffins with the butter and brown sugar mixture. The topping caramelizes and drips down into the muffins as they bake, and makes a gooey, delicious muffin. The individual pieces of biscuit puff up and meld together with apple bits in between.
Apple Pie monkey Bread These muffins are miniature monkey bread. The addition of the apples gives the muffins the cinnamony taste of apple fritters or apple pie with less fuss. The muffins pull apart into bite sized goodness. Some muffin recipes like ham and cheese muffins or peanut butter muffins are excellent as a side dish for dinner a simple breakfast. These apple monkey bread muffins are definitely more of a dessert muffin! But for a special occasion, like Christmas breakfast or Easter I’d serve them for breakfast. They are also excellent for making for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, because they are simple enough for kids to do a lot of the work! Leftover muffins can be stored in an airtight container for two or three days – but I doubt that your family will leave them sitting around for that long.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UPSTATERAMBLINGS.COM
Apple Pie Monkey Bread Muffins These apple monkey bread muffins are delicious and easy to make with only six simple ingredients. Refrigerator biscuits are turned into a gooey treat with caramelized apples.
YIELD: 8 PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 15 minutes TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes Ingredients: • 1/3 cup white sugar • 2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 can refrigerated biscuits • 1 apple • 1/2 cup butter • 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. Grease the cups of a muffin tin with cooking spray. 3. Mix the white sugar and cinnamon in a gallon sized re-closeable bag. 4. Separate the biscuits, and cut or break each into 6 to 8 pieces and add to the bag. 5. Peel, core and dice the apple, and add the apple pieces to the bag. Shake it well to distribute the cinnamon and sugar over the pieces of biscuit and apple. 6. Melt the butter in the microwave, and stir in the brown sugar. 7. Add a spoonful of the butter mixture to the bottom of 8 muffin cups. 8. Add the biscuit and apple pieces to the 8 muffin cups and press them down. 9. Spoon the remaining butter mixture over the top. 10. Bake for 15 minutes, until the biscuit pieces start to brown. 11. Invert the muffin tin onto a plate and serve the monkey bread muffins.
Notes:
You might want to put a cookie sheet under the muffin tin in case the butter and brown sugar mixture drips.
FAMILY TIMES ACTIVITIES 2020
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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
COMMUNITY GUIDE
OCT BER 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.
THURSDAY, OCT. 1 Decorative Fun at Home. 2-2:30 p.m.; repeats every Thursday through Oct. 29. Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bplchildrenteen, each week to learn how to create a craft. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.
A Book and a Craft. 4:15-5 p.m. Attendees
can enjoy a picture book and a hands-on activity or craft. Recommended for children in grades K-2. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.
Nature Club. 6-7 p.m. Children ages 5-12 can learn about insects. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Halloween at the Park. 7-10 p.m.; through
Oct. 31. The drive-thru event features a spider forest, pumpkin patch and more. Jamesville Beach Park, 3992 Apulia Road, Jamesville. Tickets: $10/car Sunday-Thursday; $15/car Friday-Saturday. Tickets must be purchased in advance. halloweenatthepark. com.
CALENDAR
FRIDAY, OCT. 2 First Friday. 9-10 a.m. Teens and tweens can join
Lorie each month for an activity. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.
Take a Dip in a Pond. 7 p.m. Learn about the
invertebrates that live in Beaver Lake’s ponds in this virtual program. Visit facebook.com/beaverlakenaturecenter for more information. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 638-2519.
SATURDAY, OCT. 3 Create Your Own: Carnival Games. 10-
10:30 a.m. Families can learn how to create their own games from recycled materials or items from the Dollar Store. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.
Weekend Walks with a Naturalist. 2 p.m.; repeats
every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/vehicle. Advance registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Flashlight Safari & Halloween Nights. 6-10
p.m.; repeats every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31. See the zoo’s animals when they are most active. Costumes are encouraged. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Adults $13.99; Seniors/$11.99; Children (up to age 12) $11.99; free/age 2 and under. (315) 510-3347. thewildpark.com.
SUNDAY, OCT. 4 See Ongoing Events
MONDAY, OCT. 5 Fall Learning with Miss Jessica. 2 p.m. Join
Miss Jessica for STEM lessons and apple experiments. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.
Books, Balls & Blocks. 6:30-8 p.m. Do you have
children ages 5 and under? Learn activities you can do to enhance their fine motor skills, problem-solving skills and more during this event presented by Help Me Grow Onondaga. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.
TUESDAY, OCT. 6 Tuesday Crafternoons. 10 a.m.; also Oct. 13, 20 & 27. Children ages 3-10 and their caregivers
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
31
can drop in each week to pick up a grab and go craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.
session, learn how to use canva.com to design a resume, flyer and more. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.
Homeschool Hangout in the Garden. 1:30-
2:30 p.m. Homeschool families can play games and do crafts. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 4570310. lpl.org.
Live Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. Young people in
grades 6-12 can take part in a new activity each week. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.
Young Naturalists. 4:15-5:15 p.m. Attendees
can learn about the local environment during this weekly Zoom session. Recommended for ages 7-12. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 Sharing Nature with Your Child. 1 p.m.
Preschoolers, accompanied by an adult, can take part in outdoor and nature-related activities. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $7/session; $20/3 monthly sessions. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.
Book Club. 3-3:45 p.m.; also Oct. 14, 21 & 28.
Live Zoom Storytime. 9:30-10 a.m. Join
2nd Monday Club to Go. 6-7 p.m. Children in
Miss Karen as she visits a local pumpkin patch. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 4878933. fairmountlibrary.org.
Trail Tales. 1 p.m.;
also Oct. 22. Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, can hear two stories and then head out on a hike led by a naturalist. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Rd., Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
Sciexcites! 4:15-5 p.m; also Oct. 22. Students
in grades can K-5 can join Fayetteville-Manlius High School students on Zoom for science experiments using household ingredients and supplies. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
STEAM Team. 3-4 p.m.; also Oct. 14, 21 & 28.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10
14, 21 & 28. Teens in grades 6-12 can play board games online. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ. org.
Homework 911. 4-5 p.m.; also Oct. 14, 21 & 28.
Miss Windy will offer tips for organizing your work area, time management and more. Recommended for children in grades 2-5. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. Registration required: (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.
Teen Life Hacks Online. 6-7 p.m.; repeats
every Wednesday through Oct. 28. In this week’s
Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration. 2-2:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 8
FRIDAY, OCT. 9
ONLINE: Teen Gaming. 3:30-4 p.m.; also Oct.
COLUMBUS DAY
Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ NOPLibrary, to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.
Attendees will discuss I Survived Books during this weekly Zoom session. This week’s book is I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic. NOPL. Free. Registration required: nopl.org. Join Mike and Kristen each week for a hands-on STEAM activity. Recommended for children in grades 2-5. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.
MONDAY, OCT. 12
See Ongoing Events
ONLINE: Music with Donna B. 10:30-11:15
a.m. Children of all ages can enjoy music, rhythm instruments, puppets and more. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.
Art Project with the Everson Museum: The Mixed-Up Chameleon. 3-4 p.m. Children
grades 4-6 can pick up a kit, then visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bplchildrenteen, to learn how to create chocolate truffles. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. bville. lib.ny.us.
Tips for a Low Intervention Birth. 6-7:30
p.m. Learn about interventions and how to prevent them. Photographer Heather Yerden will also speak. Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free. Registration is recommended. (315) 707-8097.
TUESDAY, OCT. 13 Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Homeschoolers ages 5-12 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities in the garden. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
School Survival for Parents. 7-8 p.m. Parents
of pre-school and elementary-aged children can learn helpful tips for the new 2020 learning environment. This month’s topic is “Math is fun - no lie!” Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 14 See Ongoing Events
THURSDAY, OCT. 15 Nature Club. 6-7 p.m. Children ages 5-12 can
ages 6-10 can make their own chameleon with air dry clay. All supplies will be provided. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fair mountlibrary.org.
learn about nocturnal animals. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
SUNDAY, OCT. 11
Fall Constellations. 6-8 p.m. Observe plan-
See Ongoing Events
FRIDAY, OCT. 16 ets and learn how to identify constellations. Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $5/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.
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LIVERPOOL 8086 Oswego Rd. • 652-1070 CAMILLUS 270 Township Blvd. • 487-1541
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pregnancy tests options counseling first trimester ultrasounds adoption planning parenting programs baby clothes & supplies post-abortion counseling medical referrals
3519 James St Syracuse, NY 13206 (315) 437-8300 newhopefamilyservices.com
ONLINE: Teen Virtual Murder Mystery.
6:30-8 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12 can participate in a virtual mystery based on the game of Clue. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.
SATURDAY, OCT. 17 Create Your Own: Friendship Bracelets.
10-10:30 a.m. Attendees can learn tips for creating friendship bracelets, finding inspiration for designs and more. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary. org.
LGBT History Month Story Time and Craft. 10-11 a.m. Attendees can learn how to cre-
SATURDAY, OCT. 24 ages 3-5 accompanied by one parent or guardian can learn how mammals, amphibians and more perform visual tricks. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $20 members per child/adult pair; $25 non-members per child/ adult pair. (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Zoo-per Heroes! 1:30-3 p.m. See Oct. 23 listing. Drive-Thru Harvest Festival. 6:30-8 p.m. The event will feature lights, decorated theme areas, candy and more. New Testament Baptist Church, 1235 Old Stonehouse Road, Jamesville. Free. 315449-2354. ntbaptistsyracuse.com
ate a pride heart and more. NOPL. Free. nopl.org.
SUNDAY, OCT. 25
Sensory Friendly Time. 4-8 p.m. The museum
See Ongoing Events
turns down the noise, turns off the flashing lights, and makes other accommodations so people with sensory processing challenges can explore the exhibits. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. (315) 425-9068. most.org.
SUNDAY, OCT. 18 ONLINE: Mandala Rock Painting. 2-3 p.m.
Children ages 5-10 can create a mandala rock painting with provided materials. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 4463578. CLDandJ.org.
MONDAY, OCT. 19 Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8 p.m. This
SATURDAY, OCT. 31
Dazzling Disguises. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Children
MONDAY, OCT. 26 See Ongoing Events
TUESDAY, OCT. 27 See Ongoing Events
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28 See Ongoing Events
THURSDAY, OCT. 29 Live Zoom Storytime. 9:30-10 a.m. Join Miss
Create Your Own: Indoor Camp Site.
10-10:30 a.m. Learn how to create a blanket tent and more. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary. org.
Beethoven’s Ghost. 10:30 a.m. Kids and par-
ents can enjoy music from Beethoven, and a visit from his ghost, during this virtual performance. Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse. $15/adults; $10/senior citizens; $5/college students; free/age 17 and under. (315) 299-5598. ExperienceSymphoria. org.
Halloween Drive-In. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children of all ages can wear a costume and pick up a bag of treats in the library’s parking lot. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org. Saturday STEAM: Halloween. 2-2:30 p.m.
Learn how to make a self-inflating ghost balloon, paper plate bat craft and more. NOPL. Free. nopl. org.
ONGOING EVENTS: 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.
month’s topic is homeschooling with special needs. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Karen for a costume party. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.
TUESDAY, OCT. 20
FRIDAY, OCT. 30
Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.
See Ongoing Events
ONLINE: Halloween Party. 4-5 p.m. Children
Baldwinsville Public Library Storytimes.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 See Ongoing Events
age 2 and up can enjoy stories and crafts. Costumes are encouraged. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ. org.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. 7-8 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 22 See Ongoing Events
FRIDAY, OCT. 23 Zoo-per Heroes!
6:30-8 p.m.; also Oct. 24. Children ages 5-10 accompanied by one parent or guardian can learn which animals have super speed, strength and more. The event will also include a snack and craft. Costumes are encouraged. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $20 members per child/adult pair; $25 non-members per child/adult pair. (315) 435-8511. rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Facebook Live Storytime: Tuesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310. bville.lib.ny.us.
Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville Storytimes. Virtual Storytime
Children ages 8 and up can join Miss Sarah for stories from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Costumes are encouraged. NOPL. Free. Registration required: nopl.org.
with Miss Briana: Wednesdays, 10:30-11. Virtual Storytime with Miss Jenny: Thursdays, 10:30-11. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.
Owls of Beaver Lake. 7 p.m. Learn about
Fairmount Community Library Storytimes.
owls in this virtual program. Visit facebook.com/ beaverlakenaturecenter for more information. Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 638-2519.
Outdoor Storytime & Sing-a-Long (weather permitting): Mondays (except Oct. 12), 6-6:30 p.m. Birth to Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays (except Oct. 8 & 29), 9:30-10 a.m. Fairmount
FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2020
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Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.
Fayetteville Free Library Storytimes. Virtual Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: (315) 6376374. fflib.org.
Liverpool Public Library Storytimes. Family
Story Break (ages 5 and under): Tuesdays, 10:1510:25 a.m. Sing Along Friends Storytime: Thursdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.
Maxwell Memorial Library Storytimes.
Virtual Storytime (ages 3 and up): Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. Virtual Storytime (under age 3): Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Visit the library’s Facebook page, facebook.com/maxmemlib, for more information. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.
Manlius Public Library Storytimes.
Jigglebugs: Mondays, 10-10:30 a.m. Virtual Toddler Storytime: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-9:30 a.m. Virtual Pajama Storytime: Wednesdays, 7-7:30 p.m. Virtual Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10 a.m. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Free. (315) 682-6400. manliuslibrary.org.
DIGITAL RESOURCES Baltimore Woods Nature Center
Onondaga Free Library
Corning Museum of Glass
Redhouse Arts Center
Erie Canal Museum
Rosamond Gifford Zoo
Everson Museum of Art
Symphoria
Liverpool Public Library
The Sciencenter
Website: baltimorewoods.org/ nature-in-your-hands-at-home.
Website: visit.cmog.org/resources.
Website: eriecanalmuseum.org/exhibitions/ digital-exhibits.
Website: everson.org/virtual-programming.
Website: lpl.org/research/online-resources/ to-take-your-mind-off-corona-virus.
NOPL Storytimes. Baby Storytime: Mondays,
9:30-10 a.m. Storytime with Wanda (ages 3-6): Mondays, 10:30-11 a.m. Story Time with Miss Sarah: Wednesdays, 10-10:15 a.m. Virtual Storytime with Wanda: Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. NOPL. Free. nopl. org.
Regional Market Farmers’ Market. Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paintings and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. 2100 Park St., Syracuse. (315) 422-8647.
NOPL
Website: nopl.org/ free-fun-things-to-do-online-during-coronavirus.
Onondaga County Parks
Website: onondagacountyparks.com/about/ family-fun.
Website: oflibrary.org/programs/ virtual-storytimes-and-kids-activities.
Website: theredhouse.org/virtual-redhouse.
Website: syracusezooevents.org/education/ learn-at-home.
Website: experiencesymphoria.org/media.
Website: sciencenter.org/programs.
The Strong Museum of Play
Website: museumofplay.org/education/ play-at-home-activities.
Utica Zoo
Website: uticazoo.org/kazoo.
YMCA of Central New York Onondaga County Public Libraries
Website: ycny.org/virtualy.
Website: onlib.org/while-youre-home.
Calendar listings are FREE!
Send information about your family-friendly event to: courtneyk@familytimescny.com Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication.
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