Family Times June 2016 by Family Times

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The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | June 2016

Ticks, mosquitoes, and protecting our families Guide to upstate amusement parks What parents pass on, despite themselves

Two Dads and a Son At home with the Galvezes

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Family Times June 2016

FAMILY TIMES • JUNE 2016

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Kids These Days

A mother reflects on what she’s inherited from her father.

8 • Health Qs

Ticks and mosquitoes don’t have to prevent you from enjoying the outdoors.

10 • Been There

Her sons do not love to read books.

12 • Two Dads and a Son Five-year-old Luke is growing up with two fathers and sees nothing unusual about that.

14 • The Fun Guide

Amusement and water parks across upstate New York.

Capture a Moment

Deekshana, age 3 years 10 months, holds a bouquet of dandelions in this photo by Sindhuja Muthu of Liverpool.

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

23 • Family Fun Calendar of Events Advertiser Index Learn................................. 16-17 Party Planner...........................18 Summer Activity Planner........20 Backpack................................27

Family Times June 2016

family times Day of Dads

ather’s Day is June 19, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride is also celebrated in June, so for this issue we decided to feature a family with two dads, Jason and Eric Galvez, who are parents to Luke, age 5. What is striking in Renée Gadoua’s story (page 12) about the Galvez family is how ordinary they are, almost traditional in some respects: One parent is the main breadwinner and the other is their son’s primary caregiver. The family goes to church; Luke attends pre-K. A different kind of father, of an older generation, is described in Maggie Lamond Simone’s column this month (page 6). Maggie’s father is someone who doesn’t suffer fools but at the same time demonstrates kindness and generosity toward all, even those very unlike himself. We also have an article about protecting our families from insect-borne diseases, in Health Qs (page 8); an essay about a mother’s relationship with books and reading (page 10); and a guide to upstate recreation, water and amusement parks (page 14). We hope you find plenty to inform and entertain you. Happy Father’s Day!

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief Corrections: The interview with Michelle Arrindell in the May 2016 issue contained several errors, which we correct here. Arrindell raised her four children as a single mother. Her grandson’s name is Shyne, age 19 months. When asked if she is raising her granddaughter Jordyin the same way as she raised her own children, she said: “I used to go downstate to visit my parents” (not grandparents). And in the story about her brother disliking how her grandmother made sandwiches, she said: “My grandmother used to take the crusts off my brother’s sandwiches with her hands, and he hated that. He cried and cried, and she said, ‘Do it yourself.’ So he learned to do it himself with a knife.”

On the cover: Luke Galvez, age 5, stands with his fathers. Inside photo: Luke lives in Manlius with his parents, Eric and Jason.

Michael Davis photos Natalie Davis design

Advertising deadline for July is June 16. Calendar deadline for July is June 3. 4

Family Times June 2016

The Parenting

Guide of Central New York

JUNE 2016

ISSUE NO. 170

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Michael Davis CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Natalie Davis Greg Minix DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER David Armelino CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh,Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Linda Lowen, Cary Rector,Tonja Rector, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Chris Xaver ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Lija Spoor (ext. 111) LijaSpoor@syracusenewtimes.com Mike Banks (ext. 115) MBanks@syracusenewtimes.com CLASSIFIED/BACKPACK Lija Spoor (ext. 111) GENERAL MANAGER/ COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) OFFICE MANAGER Christine Burrows

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Lessons in Living Passing on what I learned from my dad BY MAGGIE LAMOND SIMONE

hen I tell stories about my father from the old days, one of the most popular is about the time I broke a milk bottle in the sink and decided to stick my hand in to pull out the glass. Standing in the kitchen with my bloody hand wrapped in a dish towel, I listened to my father give a lengthy explanation of the downside of that decision. Then he took me to the hospital for stitches. That’s what I usually remember. Fast-forward to last week, when I was teaching my son to drive. I offered instruction and patient advice, never flinched or yelled, calmly pointed out traffic rules and driver courtesies, and overall was a perfect driving instructor. While I congratulated myself later, he brought up my limited patience when behind someone driving under the speed limit. “Seriously?” I said to my husband in private. “I have one flaw, and that’s his takeaway? After years of modeling kindness, empathy, compassion, integrity— after trying to teach all of those values, what he remembers is that slow drivers tick me off?” My husband, still processing the “one flaw” part, said, “I don’t think so. I think the other stuff is more subtle. But that doesn’t mean it’s not there.” Later that same week, as we were waiting to board a bus for college visits in New York City, my son noticed a toddler leaving the bus completely unattended. He saw the danger, dropped his bags and ran over to the boy before he could run into traffic—or worse. Suddenly a relative emerged from the bus and claimed him. In the moment it took for that entire 6

Family Times June 2016

event to transpire, I couldn’t have been prouder of him. And I realized my husband was right: My son might remember my flaws, but it doesn’t matter, because he is living our values. That brought me to my father, and sticking my hand in the sink. As I thought more about growing up around him, I realized all that he had shown me about kindness, empathy, compassion and integrity, simply by living those values regardless of what life threw his way. I thought about when my uncle became ill with the AIDS virus, at a time when coming out of the closet carried the risk of rejection and outright danger, and my father invited him into our home to care for him. I thought about when my brother, in his 30s, told my parents he was gay, and my dad’s reaction was sadness that he had been afraid to tell them for so long. I realized that I had never once heard my father—who does not suffer fools quietly—utter a disparaging word about another human being’s race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. My dad taught me how to live an authentic life, flaws and all, and it occurs to me that neither of us has ever stopped to consider that impact. He wouldn’t because he’s too humble, and I wouldn’t because I’m too self-centered. But intentionally or not, he has shared with me all of the qualities I’ve hoped to instill in my own children.

So when we shared the same type of cancer recently, I wasn’t even afraid. My dad had thyroid cancer several years ago. His thyroid was removed, he was treated with radioactive iodine, and he was fine for a long time. Last year it returned in his lungs; while he was preparing to undergo his second treatment, I was diagnosed with it. My thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes were removed the day he had his radioactive treatment, and my treatment followed after that. We talked to each other on the phone almost daily to check in and, in my case, get confirmation about side effects and how to manage them. Once again he created a path for me to follow as he has done since the day I was born. I am only now seeing how much the unspoken lessons of our parents affect who we are, and how those lessons then affect how we behave around our own children. I may remember the milk bottle and the kitchen, just as my son might remember the slow drivers, but I’m hopeful that my dad knows the lessons have not been lost. His grandchildren are living them. Maggie Lamond Simone is an award-winning writer and mother of two living in Baldwinsville. Reach her at maggiesimone@ verizon.net.

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Family Times June 2016

The Bugs of Summer

County health chief Quoc Nguyen explains the local tick and mosquito situation BY TAMMY DiDOMENICO

uoc Nguyen, M.D., has professional and personal motivations for his diligence in tracking local trends in the spread of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses. As Onondaga County medical director, he fields questions about and advises local physicians on preventing exposure to, and treatment of those illnesses—which become more common during the warm weather months. An avid outdoorsman and father of five grown children, Nguyen also wants to make sure he does what he can to protect his own health. With Eastern equine encephalitis, Lyme disease, the Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses so frequently in the local and national news, Family Times recently checked in with Nguyen to find out what Onondaga County residents should know and how they can minimize their risks for exposure. Central New Yorkers have become increasingly aware of tick-borne illnesses in recent years. But has there been an actual rise in cases of Lyme disease? Quoc Nguyen: The official number we have for reported cases in Onondaga County last year is 130. It was an increase from 2011-2012, when there were 86 8

Family Times June 2016

reported cases. We do keep moving up a bit, but the real answer is we don’t know. It seems incremental, but it definitely depends on location. Our county is averaging 15 cases per 100,000 residents, while in Tompkins County, it’s 100 per 100,000.

of the trails when they are hiking, or in parks. Don’t go off the trails into tall grass. Long pants and light-colored fabrics are good ideas, and tick repellants are more widely available now. Those cannot be used on very young infants.

Since we had a relatively mild winter, should we be more vigilant about checking ourselves, and our children, for ticks?

If we do find a tick on ourselves, or our children, what should we do?

QN: The tick cycle is actually two years. It’s during that second year of their lives— in the spring and summer—when they are nymphs, that’s when they feed and can transmit the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. They are also small, and can be hard to detect. The mild weather may contribute a little bit, but it’s more just the fact that we, and our pets, are outside more. That’s the risk. What about mosquitoes? Does a mild, damp winter lead to more in the spring? QN: Every year we put out traps in May. We keep a close eye on them during the spring. The Environmental Protection Agency provides clear guidelines on removing potential breeding sites, and preventing exposure. When we get the data from those traps, we develop a plan. Puddles and other standing water sites are treated, and mosquitoes are tested for disease. The treatments we use are good for up to three months. All the larvicides and treatments we use are approved by the EPA. What is the proper way to check for ticks after spending time outdoors? QN: We have to be careful to check the scalp and the skin folds. Also, the ticks that bite us are not the adults: They are the nymphs, which are the size of a sesame seed. You need to check young children every day, and you need to check as soon as you come in. An extra pair of eyes helps! What is the best way to teach children to check themselves, without alarming them? QN: You can mitigate some of that by encouraging children to stay in the middle

QN: The first thing you should do is think about how long it may have been attached. If you’ve just come in and it’s lying flat, just flick it off. If it’s engorged, the time limit before treatment is recommended is usually 36 hours. You can still remove it, but if more than a day elapses, or you know it’s been more than 36 hours since it attached, be on the safe side and see your doctor. They may want to prescribe antibiotics. It is not necessary to save the ticks. If you are not sure how long the tick may have been attached, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Is the appearance of rings around the bite site a good indicator of Lyme exposure? QN: The rings occur in about 60 percent of cases, so it is a good sign, but it is not the most reliable indicator of Lyme. If the bite is on your scalp, you wouldn’t even see the rings. Fever and a generalized achiness, those are common symptoms. The blood test will tell you if you’ve been exposed to Lyme. The problem is, if you have 100 people bitten by ticks carrying Lyme disease, only five of them would have any obvious symptoms. All 100 would test positive for exposure. For example, I’m an outdoorsy person, so I would probably test positive. I’d have the antibodies, but I don’t have Lyme disease. Many of the diseases we are exposed to pass us by. Probably 95 percent of us have already been exposed to Lyme. West Nile, probably 80 of those exposed have not had the disease. Now with Zika, 85 percent of those exposed do not get it. We all deal with diseases differently, and none of them have a 100 percent attach rate. The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) continuously monitors the links between

health Qs exposure and illness.

night-flying mosquitoes. We know how to avoid it, but even when we conduct the aerial spraying, it is hard to control. It looks like the environment in certain areas of the county is conducive for harboring EEE. The best thing you can do is to be vigilant about exposure and use repellant judiciously.

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West Nile is something we commonly find in Central New York when we test mosquitoes. Most people get West Nile without knowing it. They have fevers, headaches and joint pain. Only a very small percentage develops signs of meningitis. The majority of people have no symptoms at all. Are there other tick-borne illnesses that we should be mindful of? QN: We follow them all. Babesiosis, the Powassan virus, we are always looking out for those. And we always test ticks for these viruses. The numbers for these, nationally, have been very low and there have been no spikes locally. Mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus were found in both Onondaga and Madison counties last summer. What symptoms should parents be aware of if they think their children have been exposed? QN: It is a serious disease. For the past few years, we’ve always had mosquitoes with EEE. For humans, there is no vaccine. We do know that the virus is carried by

For the last two to three years, we have had a few very ill people; it’s a bad disease. We always issue press releases when mosquitoes test positive for it. Being proactive is the best thing we can do. The Zika virus has been in the news, internationally, for months. Southern states are preparing for possible outbreaks, as well as illnesses such dengue and chikungunya. Could these illnesses eventually be spread here?

at addressing patient concerns about these illnesses and picking up on early symptoms? It wasn’t long ago that local patients with Lyme disease had trouble finding effective treatment. QN: There has been a lot of attention on Lyme disease, locally. It is not easy to diagnose. The blood test is not much help beyond determining exposure. The symptoms are the important thing. The more information you can give your health care provider, the better. With EEE, you become very, very sick and physicians are getting better at addressing the early symptoms. Award-winning writer Tammy DiDomenico lives in DeWitt with her husband and two sons.

QN: We are tracking them because of the people who travel south and are exposed. But we do not have the mosquito that carries Zika here in Central New York. We do worry about the cases of sexually transmitted Zika—the exchange of infection. Are local family physicians and general practitioners becoming better

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been THERE

My relationship with reading has evolved over the years | BY TAMMY DiDOMENICO

or much of my childhood and early adulthood, there was little I enjoyed more than reading. I learned to read very early, inspired by my parents’ nightly ritual of reading the newspaper. I wanted to know why they spent so much time reading those large, noisy pages. This made the transition into school pretty smooth. And there was a library there! I devoured science and Judy Blume books alike. When I got bored with the daily neighborhood kickball games played in the street in front of my house, I would grab a book and sit under the tree in our front yard, happy as can be. Through middle school and high school, books were my main source of self-education; no computer searches in those days! I was hopelessly inept at advanced math, but I was happy to tackle anything on the suggested reading lists. If my friends were busy, I would ride my bike to our community library, scouring obscure reference books and other volumes. In high school, I decided on journalism as a potential career because I figured it was the only way I would be able to find work in the art of putting words together. Years later, when I was finally employed in the field, I volunteered as a reading tutor. I couldn’t imagine not having the skills that are so important for navigating the real world, yet alone those that fueled my vast inner world. For several years, I worked with an older gentleman. He could not read the labels on his heart medication bottles, but he was a hard worker and a proud grandfather. He wanted to be a role model for his kids and grandkids. Boy, was he! By the time we ended our collaboration, this man had learned to read his mail, the signs he saw while driving, and the ingredients in his food. 10

Family Times June 2016

He had changed his life by learning skills that he had not had the chance to learn when he was young—skills most of us take for granted. Although he died long ago, I think of him often and consider my hours spent helping him to be some of the most enriching of my life. The patience I honed as a tutor came in handy when I became a parent. There was much less time for me to engage in my own love of books, and my focus turned to making sure my kids became readers. With my older son, I thought I had succeeded. I read to him as much as I could, and soon he was bringing books with him everywhere he went. As a preschooler, his nap times evolved into quiet reading times. My second son was much less enthralled with reading. He had a few favorites (thank goodness for Stella Luna and Where the Wild Things Are). But he was rarely, if ever, one to pick up a book to amuse himself. He was more of a small car or Lego guy, always wanting to move his hands, or re-enact something going on in his curious mind. And learning to read was not a priority for him when he started school. My son’s early elementary years were peppered with “serious” talks with teachers and reading specialists. During those years, I would spend my evenings trying to help my son strengthen his reading skills. Several of his summers included reading “camps” at local colleges. Thankfully, some the more creative educators he encountered supported and broadened his interest in science and nature. They, as I had, steered him toward non-fiction books and encouraged him to practice applying the information he read by creating projects. We still have some posters that he made during those years: One, a blood-tinged opus comparing salt and freshwater sharks, still hangs in our

house. These projects ended up being good preparation for the critical reading skills children are now required to show on Common Core tests. These days, my older son reads little for fun—unless a computer or smartphone is involved. But his honors English class ensures he spends many nights immersed in the classics. My younger son has finally learned that, while reading may never be his first choice of activity, he can now tackle his grade-level assignments with confidence. He has also continued the nightly reading ritual required by teachers during the school year. My heart still sinks if, say, I decide to make an unplanned stop at my favorite used bookstore and he is with me. Inevitably, I’ll hear the groans, tinged with panic. The sheer disappointment in his voice puzzles me, and reminds me that not everyone has that deep-down passion for books. This is, after all, the guy who walks around with a field guide when we visit the seashore or go on long hikes. He has obviously found where reading fits into his life—just not the same place it does in mine. I, too, read less than I used to for my own interests. And I accept that my guys do not need the same kind of retreat a good book gives me. But my day job, as a special education teaching assistant, now sometimes includes helping students get closer to reaching their own potential in reading. There is, usually, a lot of ground for these young people to make up, and there are many things that make each student different. But I have the benefit of hindsight to know that when it comes to reading, it’s worth not giving up. Award-winning writer Tammy DiDomenico lives in DeWitt with her husband and two sons.

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Family Times June 2016

Practice

Summer is here, and so are head lice...

Eric, Luke and Jason Galvez at their Manlius home.

A Home with Two Dads The Galvezes honor family, faith and love | BY

n a warmish late-April evening, Jason Galvez was home with his 5-year-old son, Luke, when a car pulled into his Manlius driveway. He’d promised his niece he and his husband, Eric, would watch her toddler for a few hours. “Take your time,” Jason said as the young woman handed over Ryan and a bulging diaper bag. Luke was sprawled in front of the television with a snack, and Ryan started inspecting the toys on the floor. Jason’s cell phone rang; it was Eric, saying he’d be home soon from work. “Don’t be long,” Jason said. “Love you,” he added as he hung up the phone and grabbed Ryan just before he banged his head on the coffee table. Luke dumped a bin of toys and squealed when his cousin reached for a plastic airplane. “Share,” Jason told him. Within moments, Luke had arranged the cars, trucks and pieces of track into a crooked 12

Family Times June 2016

RENÉE K. GADOUA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL DAVIS

row he declared a pile of snow. Then he turned the toy bin on its side and called it a snow blower. “You’re on the snow!” he shrieked at Ryan. About 20 minutes later, Eric arrived, walking through a door under a sign that reads, “Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much.” He tossed his bag in the dining room as Luke ran to greet him. Eric kissed his husband, surveyed the pile of toys, then headed to the kitchen for a quick dinner. Just another night in the Galvez household. Jason and Eric met online in 2002. Jason wasn’t sure he wanted to meet in person, but Eric kept pushing for a date. They finally met for a cup of coffee at a New Jersey Dunkin’ Donuts. Their first date turned into an overnight gab session, in which they discovered that both dreamed of being parents and both considered their Christian faith important.

The couple married on November 14, 2009—exactly seven years after they met. Eric, 37, is Filipino and was brought up Roman Catholic. Jason, 42, graduated from Fowler High School and grew up in a Pentecostal Christian family. He’s been in the military, worked as a teacher and performed as a singer and actor. Eric, a lawyer, works at Barclay Damon’s Syracuse office. Jason is a stay-athome dad, shuttling Luke to pre-K, play dates, the Y and horseback-riding lessons. Their schedules are hectic, and their hearts are full. There’s nothing especially unusual about an interracial, same-sex, Christian couple raising an adopted son, they say. Luke is still too young for the birds and the bees talk, but they feel no need to make a big issue about either adoption or gay marriage with their son. “If it’s just a part of your family life, there’s no reason to have this big sit-down about it,” said

Jason, who’s called Papa. “From a spiritual perspective, we’re all adopted. It’s not a big deal. We just have a loving family.” Luke has never asked why he has two dads while other kids have a mom and a dad. For now, he’s perfectly content with their attention and unconditional love, they said. The family attends Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manlius. The congregation belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which ordains LGBT clergy and welcomes LGBT people “to participate fully in the life” of the church. That welcome differs from what they experienced in their churches of origin. According to the catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, homosexual acts are “intrinsically disordered” and “contrary to the natural law.” Protestant churches hold a variety of views of homosexuality; Jason describes his as “the ‘you’re going to burn in hell for being gay’” type of church. Jason struggled with that as a teenager, but now, “I don’t care what the church says,” he said. “I don’t care what the pastor says. I have a relationship with God and nothing can take that away.” Jason, who serves as secretary for CNY Pride, a gay advocacy group, sometimes gets hateful comments on his blog, where he writes about his faith and his family. He resists the temptation to take on the haters. “If (gay rights activist) Harvey Milk can take a bullet to his head, I can respond to a few nasty emails,” he said. The couple said they’ve received nothing but welcome from their neighborhood, where they’ve lived since 2012. They recently attended an event at Enders Road Elementary School, where Luke will start kindergarten in the fall. When Jason asked if other students had same-sex parents, the principal shrugged off his concerns. “She acted like it was no big deal,” he said. Despite last year’s Supreme Court ruling making gay marriage legal nationwide, and rapidly growing acceptance of gay rights, the men know their son will likely face discrimination about his family at some point. They got a small taste of it at this year’s St. Patrick’s Parade, the first time CNY Pride members marched in the Syracuse event. When one man shouted at the group and called the participants names, Jason was tempted to confront him. But he decided not to, choosing to keep the event positive for his son. Jason and Eric were living in Washington, D.C., when Luke was born. They met his mother through a gay-friendly adoption agency. They went with her to her doctor’s appointments and were in the delivery room when Luke was born. Eric cut the umbilical cord. “She gave us the gift of life,” Jason said.

They’re ready whenever the call comes. Luke’s baby room awaits, while Luke has moved down the hall to a room with a big-boy bed. The couple has no preference on the baby’s race or gender. They say they’re prepared for the chaos a second child will create. And, based on how Luke behaves with his cousins, they’re prepared for the jealousy Luke is likely to display with an infant in the house.

They loved the city’s pace and cultural life. But they wanted to raise Luke in a more family-friendly community, so they moved to Central New York, where Jason grew up and many of his relatives live.

“Parents do the best they can,” Jason said. “It’s trial and error. You just love them and keep them safe.”

“There’s trade-offs, but ultimately it’s for Luke,” said Eric, who’s Daddy. “Luke is very loving and playful. His innocence is amazing. He likes to be helpful.” Luke is also skilled at playing his parents off each other to get what he wants, he added.

About 90 minutes after Eric got home, Luke and his cousin were getting cranky. Eric comforted Ryan, while Jason snuggled with Luke.

A perfect day, Eric said, involves hanging out with his son and husband, watching movies or playing. “We can tell knock-knock jokes for hours,” he said. The couple is waiting to adopt a second child. They’re taking foster-to-adopt classes with Onondaga County and are working with a private agency “to cover all the bases.”

Asked if he wants a brother or sister, Luke responded, “Both.” His dads looked at each other and laughed.

“Did I tell you what happened in school?” Jason asked his husband as the boys settled down. “His teacher asked all the kids to share a wish. Luke said his was ‘to always love Daddy and Papa.’” Renée K. Gadoua is a freelance writer and editor. Follow her on Twitter @ReneeKGadoua. Family Times June 2016

Upstate’s recreation, water and amusement parks Enchanted Forest Water Safari Bristol Mountain. 5589 South Hill Road, Canandaigua. (585) 374-1180 bristolmount ainadventures.com. More than seven challenge courses placed throughout the forest canopy consist of 12 to 15 elements including tight rope walks, ziplines, ropes and bridges. The adventure areas are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, June 10 to 19; starting June 24, hours are daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Sept. 5. Tickets to the aerial adventure park are $49 for those over age 7, $25 for those ages 4 to 7; admission is $39 after 3:30. The zipline canopy tour costs $109 per person. Reservations are recommended. Darien Lake Amusement Park. 9993 Allegheny Road, Darien Center. (585) 5994641. darienlake.com. The amusement and water park, about two hours’ drive west of Syracuse, features rides of all sorts, including 11 thrill rides like the Ride of Steel—billed as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in New York state; 17 family rides graded by thrill as “mild,” “moderate” or “high”; 10 kids rides; and three wet rides. Hours in June vary, but generally the park is open Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; June 24 through Sept. 4, it’s open daily 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. One-day admission prices range from $29.99 (for children under 48 inches tall and senior citizens age 62 and older) to $38.99 for adults. Parking for one day costs $9 per vehicle. Purchasing and printing tickets online saves $8 off the gate-price admission. 14

Family Times June 2016

Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 3183 Route 28, Old Forge. (315) 369-6145. The park is about two hours’ drive northeast of Syracuse in the Adirondacks. It will celebrate its 61st season this year, and features more rides and attractions than most people can take advantage of in a day, including classic amusement rides, and water tubes and slides with varying levels of speed, surprise and steepness. Storybook Lane (where tales like The Three Bears come to life), a petting zoo, a wild west town and a family circus are among the park’s other features. Admission is $32.95 for age 12 and older, $29.95 for ages 3 to 11, and free for age 2 and under. The park opens June 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and expands its hours as the season progresses. From July 2 to Aug. 21, it’s open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Its last day is Sept. 5. Olcott Beach Carousel Park. 5979 Main St., Olcott. (716) 778-7066. olcottbeachcarouselpark.org. The nonprofit amusement park on the shore of Lake Ontario, northeast of Buffalo, is a delight for preschool-age children and their families; it features an old-fashioned two-row carousel, five vintage kiddie rides and a 1931 Wurlitzer band organ in a setting that evokes a 1940s-era attraction. Rides cost 25 cents each. Open weekends from Memorial Day, a Wednesday-through-Sunday schedule begins in July and continues through Labor Day. Roseland Waterpark. 250 Eastern Blvd., Canandaigua. (585) 396-2000. roselandwaterpark.com. The giant wave pool

is a 27,000-square-foot ocean simulator. A splash factory, for visitors under 48 inches tall, features six small water slides, water cannons, and a 1,000 gallon bucket of water that dumps every minute. There’s also a raft ride and thrill rides for those over 4 feet tall, including several steep and twisting water and tube slides. Admission is $27.95 per day; $22.95 for those under 48 inches tall. After 3 p.m., admission is $18.95. Season passes cost $79. The park opens for the season the last week in June; hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., extending to 7:30 p.m. in July. The season ends after Labor Day. Santa’s Village. 324 Whiteface Mountain Memorial Highway, Wilmington. (518) 9462211. northpoleny.com. Fans of Santa Claus know no season, and the Adirondacks park, 150 miles north of Albany, offers chances to get a flavor of the North Pole with such sights as the Reindeer Barn, Saint Nicholas’ Chapel and the post office, where postcards and envelopes can be postmarked North Pole, NY. Rides and attractions are mostly devoted to young children and include Santa’s Sleigh Coaster, the Christmas Carousel and the Peppermint Swing. Santa’s Village’s summer schedule is June 28 through Sept. 5, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (The park is also open weekends in the fall and late November through Dec. 18.) Day passes cost $22.99 for ages 2 to 64, $20.99 for those age 65 and up.

Seabreeze Amusement Park. 4600 Culver Road, Rochester. (585) 323-1900. seabreeze.com. A few miles north of Rochester, on the shore of Lake Ontario, Seabreeze is a medium-sized park with six kiddie rides, seven “thrill rides” (one of these is bumper cars), seven family rides, four roller coasters, and a water park with a wave pool, a lazy river for tube riding and other methods of getting wet. Ride and slide day passes cost $31.99 for those 48 inches and taller ($3 less if bought online); $25.99 for under 48 inches ($24.99 online). Night rider passes are $22.99 ($20.99 online); spectator passes (no rides or slides; age 21 or older) are $12.99. Single-ride tickets cost $3.25. Park hours expand after school lets out, with regular summer hours starting June 23, with rides open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the water park open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, through Aug. 7, after which the water park begins closing at 7 p.m. Sterling Renaissance Festival. 15385 Farden Road, Sterling. (800) 879-4446. sterlingfestival.com. Rides, games and attractions reflect the theme, with costumed entertainers and musicians filling the mock village of Warwick with all manner of street theater. One of the highlights is a recreation of a 16th-century tournament joust, with knights on horses. Stage shows are tremendously varied, with acrobats, jesters, knife artists and more on display. The festival is open Saturdays and Sundays, July 2 through Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $27.95 for age 12 and up, $16.95 for ages 5-11, free for age 4 and under. Sylvan Beach Amusement Park. 112 Bridge St., Sylvan Beach. sylvanbeachamusementpark.com. Sylvan Beach’s attractions are of the classic boardwalk and midway variety, including arcade, video and carnival games; miniature golf; bumper boats, a roller coaster, scrambler, tilt-a-whirl and super slide. There are 10 rides in Kiddieland. All-day wristbands cost $24.95 for adults, $14.95 for children. The park opens May 27 and extends its days and hours to its full schedule starting July 1, when it’s open noon to 10 p.m.; most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays it’s open until 8 p.m. It’s closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The summer season ends Sept. 5. Thunder Island. 21 Wilcox Road, Fulton. (315) 598-8016. thunder-island.com. With entertainment and water park attractions of all sorts, Thunder Island tries to offer something for everyone, including two enclosed body flumes, an extreme body slide (for good swimmers only) on which riders achieve speeds up to 40 mph—but also two kiddie slides and a kiddie mini river as well as a tube river ride. There are three go-kart courses ($6 to $7) and a two-person zipline ride ($5). Water park admission costs $20.95 for those age 5 and older, including playing 17-hole miniature golf all day, and with a $23.95 extra value pass you also get a two-trip zipline ticket. Season passes cost $63.95. The park is set to open June 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the water park closing at 5 p.m. The water park closes during cold and stormy weather.

Thunder Island

Sterling Renaissance Festival

Seabreeze Family Times June 2016

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Family Times June 2016

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JUNE 25, 2016: OPEN HOUSE AT MYSTICAL ACRES WHEN: 1 PM - 5 PM WHERE: 2709 BRENNAN ROAD, POMPEY, NY •• Come Come join join us us for for free free wagon wagon rides rides with with CNY CNY Carriage. Learn about drum circles with E’Najja Carriage. Learn about drum circles. You can Grayson. You can watch and join in with the watch and in with the drum circle. drumjoin circle. •DAlso, of fun activities, activities, including ashthere ttohare efeedDa number onkhisefavorite being ablebeing Dash including able to feedyDash histreats. favorite • If you register your child for camp during the treats.

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Family Times June 2016

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for grades one through available  Four supervised,  exciting All groups optional are led by certified And much more much more  the And  overnights Four supervised, exciting optional teachers throughout summer  through Recreational outdoor activities throughout the summer overnights for grades one seven  through Weekly special for much gradesmore one sevenevents  And  Extended hours & breakfast  And much more

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www.bascol.org 22

Family Times June 2016

Sheila C. Brittain, Director

Fayetteville, New York 13066

C.E.D.S. is accredited by the Email: ceds1@verizon.net NYS Education Department and licensed by NYSOCFS Our Summer Day Camp Program is licensed by Onondaga County. Website: School year program runs September - June for 18 mo. - Kindergarten, www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com Before and After School Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade

For more information/tour call

For more

637-6071 information/tour call

Sheila C. Brittain, Director

C.E.D.S. is accredited by the NYS Education Department and licensed by NYSOCFS Our Summer Day Camp Program is licensed by Onondaga County. School year program runs September - June for 18 mo. - Kindergarten, Before and After School Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade Email: ceds1@verizon.net

531 E. Genesee Street Fayetteville, New York 13066

Website: www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com

637-6071 For more information/tour call

531 E. Genesee Street Fayetteville, New York 13066 C.E.D.S. is accredited by the

Sheila C. Brittain, Director

For 637-6071 informa

531 E. Genesee Street Email: ceds1@verizon.net NYS Education Department and licensed by NYSOCFS

Our Summer Street Day Camp Program is licensed by Onondaga County. 531 E. Genesee School year program runs September - June for 18 mo. - Kindergarten, Website: 531 E. Before Genesee Street Fayetteville, New York 13066 E.School Genesee Street and After Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade Fayetteville, New531 York 13066 www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com Fayetteville, York 13066 Fayetteville, New YorkNew 13066 ForFor more Email: ceds1@verizon.net Email: ceds1@verizon.net Sheila C. Brittain, Director more Email: ceds1@verizon.net For more Email: ceds1@verizon.net

For morec information/tour information/t information/tour callcall 637call call

Website: Website: the Website: Website: C.E.D.S. is accredited by information/tour www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com NYS Education Department and licensed by NYSOCFS www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com www.creativeenvironmentdayschool.com Summer DayDirector Camp Program is licensed by Onondaga County. Sheila C. Brittain, Director SheilaOur C. Brittain,

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School year program runs September - June for 18 mo. - Kindergarten, C.E.D.S. the is accredited by the C.E.D.S. is accredited Beforebyand After School Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade NYS Education Department and licensed by NYSOCFS NYS EducationC.E.D.S. Department andCamp licensed by isNYSOCFS is accredited by the Our Summer Day Program licensed C.E.D.S. is accredited by the by Onondaga County. Our Summer Day Camp Program isand licensed by Onondaga NYS Education Department licensed by - NYSOCFS School year program runs September June forCounty. 18 mo. - Kindergarten, NYS Education Department and licensed by County. NYSOCFS School program - June for 18 - Kindergarten, Before and After School Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade Ouryear Summer Day runs CampSeptember Program is licensed by mo. Onondaga Before and After School Programs: Kindergarten through Grade County. Our Summer Day runs Camp Program is licensed Onondaga School year program September - June for 18 mo.by -Fourth Kindergarten, Beforeyear and After Schoolruns Programs: Kindergarten School program September - Junethrough for 18Fourth mo. Grade - Kindergarten,

637-6071 637-6071 637-6071 637-607

Before and After School Programs: Kindergarten through Fourth Grade

Calendar

Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event

Kids in Motion. 11 a.m.; also June 2, 8, 9, 15 &

Friday, May 27

Wagging Wednesdays. 3:30-7 p.m.; also June 22.

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

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 7 p.m.; through June 18. Gifford

Family Theatre performs a music-filled show that turns classic fairy tales on their heads, based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. Coyne Center for the Performing Arts, Le Moyne College, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse. $15/adult; $10/child. 445-4200. giffordfamilytheatre.org

Saturday, May 28 North Syracuse Family Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual festival features crafters, music, and games for children, among other activities. Lonergan Park, 524 S. Main St., North Syracuse. Free.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 2 p.m.; through June 18. See May 27 listing.

Turkish Cooking Contest. 6-9 p.m. Taste the

best food that the Turkish community has to offer. Turkish Cultural Center Syracuse, 148 Sanders Creek Parkway, East Syracuse. $15/adults; $5/children. women@tccsyracuse.org.

16. Children ages 1-5 will have a ball playing with maracas, shaker eggs and more in this video-guided activity. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. 492-1727. The Go Team Therapy Dogs visit the library. Visitors of all ages can read with the dogs or just hang out. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. 699-2032. nopl.org

Creation Club Junior. 4 p.m.; also June 15.

Students in grades 3-5 can learn skills for using technology for everything from 3D printing to game design. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. fflib.org

Thursday, June 2 Ice Cream Social. 4-8 p.m. Enjoy a strawberry or chocolate sundae at this annual party. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. $1.50/sundae. 699-2032. nopl.org.

Friday, June 3 Taste of Syracuse. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; also June 4.

Paige’s Butterfly Run. 9-11 a.m. Annual event

features Caterpillar Crawl, a 40-foot scramble for children age 5 and younger; as well as a 3K walk/run; and a McLane 5K certified and timed race. Proceeds benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Hanley Federal Building Plaza, 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Free/Caterpillar Crawl; $40-$45/other day-of registrations. 635-0099. paigesbutterflyrun.org

Family Fishing Day. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Kids and

adults can learn the basics of freshwater fishing from volunteers and staff; bait, rods and reels provided, but bring a rod if you have one. Carpenter’s Book Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. Free. Registration required: 689-9367.

Little Kids Big Trucks. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Children

of all ages can climb into trucks—including a fire truck and a big rig—and talk to the people who operate them. Lysander Town Park, 8439 Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville. $3/adults; free/under 18. 635-5999.

World Oceans Day. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See feed-

ing demonstrations and keeper talks about aquatic residents, and learn how you can help protect the world’s oceans. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults; $5/senior citizens; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.

Sample foods from area restaurants and wineries and hear live music. A family zone features a bounce house, face painting and magic (until 8 p.m.). Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Free admission; $1/ samples. 471-9597. tasteofsyracuse.com

Free to Be. 10 a.m.; also June 11, 18 & 25. Ear-

and non-veterans gather for a watchfire ceremony and lighting of a pyre to honor those who have served the nation. Watchfire Park (between Routes 690, 695 & State Fair Boulevard), State Fairgrounds, Geddes. Free. www.cnyvva103.org/watchfire.html

Life with Your New Baby. 11:30 a.m.; every

Friday. Support group for pregnant and postpartum mothers and significant others; babies welcome. Topics include baby blues, mother guilt, and anxiety and breastfeeding. Chicks and Hens, Empire Plaza, 3150 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Free. 470-7940.

learn how to fish with Spider Rybaak. Live bait and lures will be used; bait and tackle are provided. Those over age 16 must have a valid New York state fishing license. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. srybaak@yahoo.com

Monday, May 30

Stinky Cheese Man Storytime. 4:30 p.m. Cast

Paws and Books. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also June 18.

Sunday, May 29 Memorial Day Watchfire. Dusk-8 p.m. Veterans

MEMORIAL DAY Benefit for LaFayette Outreach. 8 a.m.-noon. Silent auction, plant sale, bake sale, ice cream sundaes, kid’s craft area. Proceeds benefit food pantry. Columbian Presbyterian Church, Routes 11 & 20, LaFayette. 677-3293.

of the Gifford Family Theatre’s production of The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales takes part in a special musical storytime. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Saturday, June 4 Rocket Team Challenge. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Rockets

Wednesday, June 1

designed, built and launched by teams of students in grades 4-12 blast off and compete for awards. Sponsored by the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and Syracuse University’s L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. Skytop Field, South Campus, Syracuse University, Syracuse. Free. 425-9068. most.org

Early Learners Storytime. 11 a.m.; also June 8,

National Trails Day Activities. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tuesday, May 31 See Ongoing Events

15, 22 & 29. Children ages 2-4, with accompanying adult, can take part in a storytime featuring rhymes, songs, crafts and more. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. 454-4524. salinalibrary.org.

Scheduled events include a scavenger hunt, a guided walk on Three Meadow Trail (9 a.m.) and a guided walk about beavers (2 p.m.). Beaver Lake Nature Center, East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/vehicle. 638-2519.

ly-childhood music and acting class for ages 3-6. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org

Fishing Class. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids of all ages can

Children ages 6-12 can read to Cooper, a trained dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Toddlers’ Tango. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Toddlers and

preschoolers, accompanied by an adult, can have fun in this music and movement class. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: 454-4524.

Reading to Rover. 11 a.m.-noon. Children ages

6-10 can read to and get their pictures taken with a dog from Paws of CNY in a 10-minute session. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; through June 18. See May 27 listing.

Taste of Syracuse. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. See June 3 listing.

Family Times June 2016

Calendar

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. The Magic

Circle Children’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the story of mermaid who falls in love with a human. Children in the audience can dress as a fairy tale character and help the Little Mermaid win the Prince’s heart away from the Seawitch. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $6. Reservations recommended: 449-3823.

Oz-Stravaganza Parade. 2 p.m. Costume con-

test and parade through the center of town, from Sullivan Free Library to Oneida Savings Bank. Kid’s fun runs at 11 a.m. ($10 registration), at Chittenango Fire Department, 417 Genesee St., Chittenango. Other Oz-Stravaganza events on June 3 and 5. Various locations, village of Chittenango. 687-7772 or 333-2286. oz-stravaganza.com

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays.

Learn about a different topic each week, including dry ice, insects, veterinary science, and dog behavior. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600.

Sunday, June 5 AIDS Walk/Run. 8:30 a.m. (registration); 10

a.m. (walk/run). 5K fund-raising walk and 10K timed run, plus food, drinks and prizes. Event benefits ACR Health’s programs. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $25/minimum funds raised. (800) 475-2430. acrhealth.org/events.

Moto-Inventions. 1-2 p.m.; Sundays in June.

Tinker with recycled materials and electricity to make whirling, moving machines to take home. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/ adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600.

Monday, June 6 Little Mermaid Preview. 6 p.m. Cast members

from the Redhouse’s production of The Little Mermaid perform selections from the show. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly

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

Tuesday, June 7 Yoga for Families. 10:30 a.m.; also June 21. Kids ages 3-6 and their parents can take part in a full-

body experience that features puppets, stories, songs, yoga poses and breathing exercises. Mats provided; participants must wear socks. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org

rides, parade (Saturday, 11:30 a.m.) and fireworks Saturday (10:15 p.m.). Behind Sacred Heart Church, 8229 Brewerton Road, Cicero. Admission fee (Friday): $3/public; $7/show cars. Saturday: free admission. 622-2249. cicerofestival.com.

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. 5-10

Wednesday, June 8 Design for 3D Printing. 4 p.m.; also June

22. Students in grades 3-5 can learn how to use Tinkercad to build a virtual 3D model, and eventually turn the digital model into a physical object. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. fflib.org.

Thursday, June 9 Art Lab. 10:30 a.m. Children ages 1-6 can

explore colors, textures and different mediums while making original words of art. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Art Masters. 4 p.m. Children in grades K-2 can explore the art of major artists and make their own works inspired by the masters. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. 5-9

p.m.; through June 12. Learn about Hellenic culture with festival food, music, dancing, a children’s booth and more. Sample delicious Greek pastries, some of which are only available for the festival, or tour the church. St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, DeWitt. Free admission. 446-5222. syracusegreekfest.com.

Spring Concert. 6:30 p.m. The Lyncourt Community Band and the Harmony Katz barbershop chorus perform. St. Daniel school gym, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. Free. 432-1005.

Friday, June 10 Shrink Plastic Mobile. 2-3:30 p.m. All ages can create a mobile using shrink plastic, markers and imagination. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: 454-4524.

Syracuse Polish Festival. 4-10:30 p.m.;

through June 12. Live music, dance performances, Miss Polonia and Polish food. New this year: pierogi-eating contest, on Sunday, 2 p.m. Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. Free admission. polishscholarship.org.

Cicero Community Festival. 5-11 p.m.; also

June 11. Annual event features live entertainment, a cruise night (Friday); and a kids zone, midway

Gifford Family Theatre Presents

p.m.; through June 12. See June 9 listing.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 7 p.m.; through June 18. See May 27 listing.

Star Party. 9-11 p.m. (Backup date: June 11.) Sky

watchers of all ages can get a chance to see Saturn, Venus and Jupiter, through telescopes. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

Saturday, June 11 Syracuse Regional Soap Box Derby. 9

a.m.-3 p.m. Boys and girls ages 7 to 17 compete to qualify for the International Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. 2100 block of South Geddes Street, at Stolp Avenue, Syracuse. Free for spectators. 382-7629. soapboxderby.org/syracuse.

Seneca River Day. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Festivi-

ties including classic cars, live music, alpacas and ponies, Tumble Bus play, Anything That Floats contest (4 p.m.), the Great Seneca River Duck Race (7 p.m.), and fireworks (9:30 p.m.). Mercer Park, North Street, Baldwinsville. Free admission; fee for some activities (duck tickets $5 each). baldwinsvillerotary.org.

Peterboro Civil War Weekend. 10 a.m.-5

p.m.; also June 12. Experience the mid-1800s, with re-enactors filling the village, period music, children’s games, and a wealth of historical detail. Hamlet of Peterboro, Peterboro Road, Peterboro. $8/adults; $3/ages 6-12; free/age 5 and under. 2808828. civilwarweekend.sca-peterboro.org.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.; through June 18. See May 27 listing.

Cicero Community Festival. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. See June 10 listing.

Duck Race to End Racism. Noon-4 p.m.

Lots of children’s entertainment and games, and a harbor filled with rubber ducks bring attention to cross-cultural understanding. A benefit for the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue. Inner Harbor, Solar and Kirkpatrick streets, Syracuse. Free admission. 449-3552, Ext. 119.

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. Noon10 p.m.; through June 12. See June 9 listing.

Syracuse Polish Festival. Noon-10:30 p.m.; through June 12. See June 10 listing.

Sensory Friendly Time. 5:30-7:30 p.m. MOST staffers turn down the noise, turn off the flashing lights and shut off the air compressors so people with sensory issues can enjoy the museum. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Cost: $5. 425-9068, Ext. 2143.

Sunday, June 12 and other FAIRLY STUPID TALES BY JOHN GLORE BASED ON THE BOOK BY JON SCIESZKA AND LANE SMITH

Peterboro Civil War Weekend. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See June 11 listing.

May 27 – June 18

St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival. Noon-

(315) 445-4200 www.giffordfamilytheatre.org

Syracuse Polish Festival. Noon-5 p.m. See

Family Times June 2016

4 p.m. See June 9 listing. June 10 listing.

Birth Information Night. 6 p.m.

CNY Doula Connection explains several aspects of the birth process, including delayed cord clamping and planning for the postpartum period. Light snacks provided. Simpson Family Wellness, 309 Kasson Road, No. 1, Camillus. Free. Registration recommended: 447-4343.

Tuesday, June 14 First Day Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market. 7 a.m.-3 p.m.;

Tuesdays through Oct. 11. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. 422-8284.

Signing Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; also

June 28. Parents and toddlers can learn six to seven signs that correspond to the week’s story. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

PJ Storytime and Special Guest.

6:30-7 p.m. Author Mylisa Larsen reads from her picture book How to Put Your Parents to Bed. For ages 2-5. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 458-6184.

Wednesday, June 15

Central New York presents a talk by psychology professor Corey Nathan White about the human brain. The talk is geared toward middle school students, who must be accompanied by an adult. Attendees can visit the exhibits after the presentation. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Free. Register by email: jrcafe@tacny.org.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. See May 27 listing.

Juneteenth. Noon-10 p.m. Celebra-

tion of African-American culture and the end of slavery includes live music, dance troupe performances, a kid’s area, an education center, and more. R&B star Chante Torrane Moore is scheduled to perform. Clinton Square, Downtown Syracuse. Free. 863-0808. syracusejuneteenth.org.

Calendar

Monday, June 13

No more school, relaxing with friends... And on an average day in June and July over 11,000 adolescents will use alcohol for the first time.

The Little Mermaid. 12:30 p.m. See June 4 listing.

Black Light Hike. 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Participants age 5 and up can go on an evening hike through the forest and use a UV flashlight to search for glowing insects, algae, flowers and fungi. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. Registration required: 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

Sunday, June 19

Homeschool Book Club. 1-2:30

p.m. Teen and tween members of the club will read and discuss Lois Lowry’s The Giver; elementary-age students will read and talk about Tom Angleberger’s The Strange Case of Origami Yoda. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310.

Thursday, June 16 Smartplay. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Children

age 6 and under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Sharpie Tie Dye Socks. 3:30-5

p.m. Kids age 7 and up can bring clean white socks to dye using Sharpies and rubbing alcohol. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Registration required: 699-2032. nopl.org.

Friday, June 17

Father’s Day Canoe Tour. 8:30

a.m. Fathers, grandfathers, favorite uncles or even mothers will enjoy this early morning paddle to look for beaver lodges, blue herons, painted turtles and other wildlife. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $20/program (including canoe rental); $4/vehicle. Registration required: 638-2519.

Father’s Day Strawberry Fest.

Noon-4 p.m. Enjoy ice cream, homemade biscuits, whipped cream and strawberries. Fathers accompanied by kids eat free. Take a tour of the 1856 building on your visit. Prices not set at press time. Wilcox Octagon House, 5420 W. Genesee St., Camillus. 4887800. octagonhouseofcamillus.org.

Monday, June 20

For tips on keeping your teen safe and sober this summer call or visit our website. Prevention Network 315-471-1359 or PreventionNetworkCNY.org

SUMMER BEGINS

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. 7 p.m.; through June 18. See May 27 listing.

Saturday, June 18 Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-

11 a.m. The Technology Alliance of

See Ongoing Events Family Times June 2016

Calendar

Tuesday, June 21 Harry Potter Book Club. 6 p.m. Harry

Potter fans of all ages can discuss the books and the forthcoming film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (November release). June’s book is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Wednesday, June 22 Author Storytime. 11 a.m. Mylisa Larsen,

author of How to Put Your Parents to Bed, teams up with illustrator Babette Cole for a special storytime for all ages. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. 492-1727.

Drop in Legos. 3-8 p.m. Legos and Duplos available for kids to play with. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Teen Baking and Trivia. 6-8 p.m. Groups

will compete to see who can make the most delicious-looking pancake dish, followed by trivia games. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 4570310. lpl.org.

Thursday, June 23 Leon Festival. 5-10 p.m. A family-friend-

ly festival (halfway to Christmas! “Leon” is “Noel” spelled backward) with games, activities, performances by national recording artists and fireworks. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool. Free. 472-9111.

Friday, June 24 Jamesville Balloonfest. 4-11 p.m.; through

June 26. Amusement rides daily; flights of more than two dozen special shape and hot air balloons, weather permitting. Live music acts and arts and crafts fair. Jamesville Beach Park, Apulia Road, Jamesville. Free admission; some attractions additional cost. General information: 703-9620. syracuseballoonfest.com.

Saturday, June 25 Jamesville Balloonfest. 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; through June 26. See June 24 listing.

Calendar listings are free!

Send information about your family-friendly event to: Family Times calendar, 1415 W. Genesee St., Syracuse; Fax to 422-1721; or email to editorial@familytimes.biz. Listings are due by June 3 for the July issue.

Cherry Festival. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; also June 26. Twelfth annual festival’s activities include picking of cherries (sweet and sour); apple chuckin’; live music; and crafts for sale. Varick Winery, 5102 Route 89, Romulus. Free admission. 549-8797. varickwinery.com.

Frog Catching Party. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Look for frogs

Family Times June 2016

Jeff the Magic Man. 11 a.m.-noon. Jeff takes kids on a journey through Magical Storyland; a mini magic workshop follows. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Registration required: 699-2032. nopl.org.

at Phillips Pond, accompanied by naturalists. For age 3 and up. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9. Register: 673-1350. baltimorewoods.org.

Betts Summer Reading Party. 11 a.m. All ages of

Children’s Digital Production Club. Noon-2

Stamp-a-Bag Craft. 2 p.m. Kids age 3 and up can make

p.m. Kids ages 8-16 can learn digital audio recording, performance and podcasting. Each performance will be recorded and made available on the library’s SoundCloud webpage. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

Sunday, June 26 Jamesville Balloonfest. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. See June 24 listing.

Cherry Festival. 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. See June 25 listing. Weedsport Ecumenical VBS. 6-7:30 p.m., registra-

tion and program. June 27-30, 9 a.m.-noon, Vacation Bible School. Age 4 and up, with Bible stories, music, crafts, science, snacks and more. United Methodist Church, 2744 E. Brutus St., Weedsport. Free. Registration required. 834-9212. weedsportpresbyterianchurch.org.

Monday, June 27 Teen Get Fit Club. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Teens can join per-

sonal trainer Joseph Labbate to improve their fitness level with personal assessment and goal setting. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442. Registration required: dmcgregor@onlib.org.

Tuesday, June 28 Giant Games. 10 a.m.-noon. Children age 6 and up can

kids can enjoy treats from the ice cream bar and sign up for summer reading. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940. a customized bag in which to carry library books and crafts. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Box-Top Maze. 2 p.m. Kids can come to the library

and make something. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

Sidewalk Art. 2:30 p.m. Kids of all ages can create

sidewalk art, play sidewalk games, and eat ice cream sundaes. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. 454-4524.

LittleBits. 5:15 p.m. Tweens and teens can snap together Bits and see what they can do. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

ONGOING EVENTS Webster Pond Fishing. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon (kids);

Sundays, 8 a.m.-noon (adults); through Sept. 26. Seasonal fishing sponsored by the Anglers Association of Onondaga. Webster Pond, 2004 Valley Drive, Syracuse. $15/ age 16 and older, season; $10/ages 7-15, season. 727-2922. websterpond.org.

Canoeing & Kayaking. Through June 26: Saturdays

& Sundays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 27-Sept. 5: Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekdays: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Paddle around Beaver Lake searching for beaver lodges, turtles and herons. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $10/hour of rental. Admission: $4/vehicle. Call for current weather conditions: 638-2519.

Onondaga County Beaches. May 28-June 12: Fri-

yoga poses. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

days-Sundays and Memorial Day, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 17Aug. 14: Fridays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Mondays-Thursdays, noon-6 p.m. Aug. 20 & 21: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Jamesville Beach Park, 4110 West Shore Manor, Jamesville. Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton. $7/vehicle. 435-5252 (Jamesville) or 676-7366 (Oneida). onondagacountyparks.com.

Tie-Dye. 2:30-4 p.m. Teens going into grades 6-12

Animal Demonstrations. Saturdays & Sundays, 10

Wednesday, June 29

Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market. Tuesdays,

play giant versions of classic games, coming for one game or staying the whole time. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Registration required: 699-2032. nopl.org.

Yoga for Beginners. 2 p.m. Kids can learn some basic

can bring a plain, white cotton T-shirt and turn it into a tie-dye creation. Salina Free Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: 454-4524.

Summer Reading Opening Ceremony. 2 p.m. Stan

a.m.-4:30 p.m.; May 28-June 26. “In the Wings” bird show, penguin feedings, keeper talks, Elephant Encounter and more animal demonstrations. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults; $5/senior citizens; $4/children; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.

Colella’s all-Star Band performs and there will be lots of Olympic-themed activities and fun. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3797.

7 a.m.-3 p.m.; June 14-Oct. 11. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. 422-8284. downtownsyracuse.com.

Juggling Bubbles on the Lawn. 3-4 p.m. Doug “Bub-

Horseback Riding. Through June 26: Fridays-Sundays,

STEAM Session. 3:30 p.m. Children age 8 and up will

Weekend Walks With a Naturalist. Saturdays

bleman” Rougeux will perform, and there’ll be face painting and other activities. (If it rains, it will all take place inside.) Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math while finding out about New York’s official bird, the Eastern Bluebird, and building a bluebird box. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Teen Taco Night. 6:30 p.m. Teens can grab a taco, sign up for summer programs and take part in tech activities. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

Thursday, June 30

10 a.m.-5 p.m.; June 27-Sept. 2: Daily except Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Highland Forest on an hour-long guided horseback ride. Highland Forest Park, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $35/hour. Reservations required: 289-3775. and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle. 638-2519.

Salt Museum. Saturdays & Sundays, 1-6 p.m.; through

Oct. 9. Learn about the industry that created the city of Syracuse and supplied the nation with salt. See kettles, barrels and other gear used in the process that ended in the 1920s. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. Free. 453-6712.

ACTIVITIES

BACK PACK CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY

Body Recognition Class

Movement. Music. Instruments. Imagination. We will explore the motions of our bodies with dance. For children 8 mos.5 yrs old. Birthday parties available. Call Tamar @ 446-2750 or www.toddlerstango.com

CAMP DIRECTORY

MISCELLANEOUS

SERVICES

YANKEE CANDLE FUNDRAISING

Register your spring 2016 or fall 2016 sale NOW! www.MQ-Connect.com/register/ No minimums, No upfront cost, 40% profit Call 315-530-7906 for details

PET SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Painting, Remodeling, Flooring, door & window install./plumbing & electrical bathroom, kitchen, basement Retired teacher, 35yrs exp. Joe Ball 436-9008 (Onondaga County only)

CONGRATS! Kara From Syracuse! WINNER of our May Giveaway!

SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOPPE TO RE-OPEN

Open Hand Theater’s Circus Camp

Acting, art, dance & circus arts day camp 3 magical 2-week sessions ages 8-14 Visit www.OpenHandTheater.org

TheDanceStudioCNY.com Camillus & Manlius Classes for Age 1 & Up! Spring & Summer Class Schedules Coming Soon! 682-7877 or thedancestudiocny@gmail.com*

CHILD CARE

The Second Chance Thrift Shoppe of CNY inc. is operated 100% by volunteers and raises funds for local animal rescue programs. The shoppe is incorporated in New York as a nonprofit Charity Corporation and is in the process of applying for Federal status as a 501c3 tax exempt corporation. The thrift shoppe will reopen March 11th for its 5th year of operation and will remain open until Mid December. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday & Saturday. Second Chance Thrift Shoppe is located on Route 20 just 1/4 mile west of Morrisville in the former Buzzy’s Diner. Volunteers are always needed for 3 hour shifts to wait on customers during business hours or Wednesday evenings from 6:30 until 8 p.m. for general cleaning and restocking merchandise. The homeless puppies and kittens (and other animals) will love you for it. Stop in for volunteer information or contact Gail Smith at rsmith39@twcny. rr.com or call (315) 480-0336.

FOR SALE

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

80” Designer Sleep Sofa, made by Vanguard Furniture Co, Hickory NC, pull out queen bed mattress, off white color, excellent condition with one small tear in the surface of the mattress - $200. 315427-5866 cell.

TO ADVERTISE IN BACK PACK DIRECTORY Call 472-4669 and press 2. July issue deadline: 6-14-16

BACKPACK GIVEAWAY THE STRONG

MUSEUM

4Tickets! TO ENTER:

Send contact info to promotions@familytimes.biz with “Strong” in the subject line. Entry deadline is noon on 6/14/16.

Summer is here! Don’t forget to pick up your Family Times every month to see what fun and exciting events are happening in Central New York!

Family Times June 2016

EXPERTS

FOR KIDS

Upstate is the only children’s hospital for 700,000 families from Pennsylvania to Canada and the only nationally verified pediatric trauma center in New York state.

WE OFFER PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY & URGENT CARE... PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Downtown Campus, 750 East Adams St. Open 24/7

UPSTATE GOLISANO AFTER HOURS CARE

Community Campus, 2300 Broad Rd. Hours: Mon. thru Fri: 2 to 11 p.m. & Sat. / Sun: Noon to 11 p.m.

...AND MANY SPECIALTY SERVICES FOR KIDS FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIALTY SERVICES: 800-464-8668, WWW.UPSTATE.EDU/GCH

CARING FOR PATIENTS. SEARCHING FOR CURES. SAVING LIVES.