Family Times October 2019 by Family Times

DISCOVERING

HER VOICE

Young singersongwriter thrives in local music scene

AUTUMN TIMES

EXPLORE CENTRAL NEW YORK THIS FALL

BOOK CLUB Membership goes beyond books CLUB OF THE MONTH Program helps boys find their purpose

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

PERSONAL ESSAY

Book club membership brings camaraderie, wisdom for one mom.

FEATURE

Teen singer/songwriter Ella Drotar joins the local music scene.

CLUB OF THE MONTH

Building Men Program inspires boys in the Syracuse City School District.

TRAVEL

Baldwinsville offers several family-friendly activities.

FALL ACTIVITIES Check out our guide to October festivals and outings.

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2019

EDITORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NOTE

PARTY

PRACTICE

FAMILY FUN CALENDAR

LEARN

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

FROM THE

EDITOR Happy October!

Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore Central New York. Check out our guide to this month’s festivals and outings on page 24. Looking to take a quick day trip? Eileen Gilligan breaks down the park and dining options in Baldwinsville (page 20). In our cover story on page 12, Tammy DiDomenico talks to Ella Drotar, a teen singer/songwriter who is flourishing in the local music scene. Thinking about joining a book club? Lisa Barnes Dolbear reflects on her experience and offers tips for those thinking about taking the plunge (page 8). You can also read about our October Club of the Month, the Building Men Program, which is inspiring students in the Syracuse City School District (page 18).

A QUICK HELLO

As you may have read in our September issue, there have been some changes at Family Times. This issue is my first as Editor in Chief. Though I started my career locally as an editor and reporter, I have been working in higher education for the last three years, and I am excited to get back into doing what I love most – journalism. I look forward to sharing your stories and covering the issues that Central New York families care about most. And I want to hear from you, our readers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email – courtneyk@familytimescny.com – or by phone at (315) 4227011 (x124) with story ideas or magazine feedback. I hope you enjoy the October issue.

OCTOBER 2019 | ISSUE NO. 210

GENIUSES AT WORK PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EDITOR IN CHIEF Courtney Kless CourtneyK@familytimescny.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Karley Harmon CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Tom Tartaro (ext. 134) CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Barnes SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Greg Minix GRAPHIC DESIGNER Karley Harmon CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Cavanagh, Neil Davis Jr., Tammy DiDomenico, Aaron Gifford, Eileen Gilligan, Molly Morgan, Tami Scott, Maggie Lamond Simone, Laura Livingston Snyder, Christy Perry Tuohey, Chris Xaver SALES MANAGER Tim Hudson (ext. 114) ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Anne DeSantis (ext. 111) ADesantis@syracusenewtimes.com CONTROLLER Jeff Friedman (ext. 118) ADDRESS

COURTNEY KLESS EDITOR IN CHIEF

1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 familytimescny.com

ON THE COVER

Fourteen-year-old Ella Drotar talks about being a musician on page 12.

INSIDE PHOTO

Ella Drotar with her parents Josh and Melanie Drotar. The family lives in DeWitt.

Advertising deadline for April is March Calendar deadline April is March Advertising deadline for November is Oct. 10th.16. Calendar deadline forfor November is Oct.3.4th. Design by Karley Harmon Cover Photo and Design by Greg Minix

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

Books Beyond

Book club brings wisdom, camaraderie

BY LISA BARNES DOLBEAR

few years ago, I commented to a friend that I’d recently finished a book and was surprisingly exhilarated with how good I felt having made it through something that was purely mine. Over the course of a slow week in the winter, I found myself turning pages, unraveling a story, getting into the heads of the characters and feeling momentarily transported to a different world. When it was over, I immediately looked for another one to start. As a mother of two young children and with a demanding job working at an advertising agency, carving out time for myself in the form of reading was not an easy task. It always feels indulgent to spend time alone, with peace and quiet, when surely there must be something “productive” I could be doing with the family or around the house. My friend felt the same and was looking for the encouragement she needed to make reading a habit again. She suggested that I come with her to her first meeting. I didn’t have anything to lose and I’d heard book clubs were fun (because, you know, all the wine). What took place over the next few years was one of the most impactful changes in my life. The club not only exposed me to dozens of books I never would have known about, let alone had the motivation to try and read, it exposed me to a wonderful group of thoughtful and empowering women to boot.

personal ESSAY

There was wine, but there was also so much wisdom. At 40 years old, I’m one of the youngest ladies in our small group (we hover around ten people on a regular basis). I regularly yuk it up with women in their 60s and it feels like we’re all ageless when we’re together. The women in this group are teachers, endurance athletes, counselors, hall of fame runners, cancer survivors, corporate executives, moms and all-around strong people who live their lives with purpose and drive. Our unique backgrounds and generational differences often spin our conversations about the books we read into multi-faceted, deep discussions touching on all the “things you shouldn’t talk about with company” (sex, religion and politics), but somehow with this group it is always an uplifting narrative and we all leave with new perspective on things. One woman commented, “The dynamic of the group makes me pause and sometimes just sit and take it all in. Having these special people in my life that are passionate about a book often leads to a great conversation about the relative nature of our lives.” Another shared, “The fun and honesty of our book club is what brings us together and I am so glad I am a part of it.” Not only is there wine, there is food (and I’m not talking about a pizza delivery from around the corner, these ladies roll out the good china and prepare a feast to fuel our conversations). I’ve learned from them that you should always make an occasion feel continued on page 10

iSTOCK ART ELEMENTS

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

continued from page 8 special. Book club is a special occasion. Let there be salad forks and multiple plates. Break out the recipe you’ve been dying to try. Savor dinner, dessert and an extra glass of wine. I believe part of the reason we’re able to have candid and honest discussions about hard topics is because we break bread together. We’ve kept our group small so we are able to fit around each other’s tables, protecting the chemistry we’ve created over the years. For anyone out there that is feeling inspired to start a book club, or is on the fence about joining one, I offer this advice: go in with an open mind. You will read books you might not like, but you will have conversations about them that you’ll never forget. Look for people to be involved in your club that aren’t like you — different life situations, professional experiences and world views will only enrich your time together, whether you’re talking about the book, or as we so often find ourselves doing, using the book as the backdrop to talk about our lives.

Lastly, don’t take it too seriously. Yes, try to finish the book so you can be part of the discussion, but remember, you’re an adult with a life full of tasks and uncertainty. There will be times when you can’t get to the book or you can’t get through it on time. Let it go and pick up the next read! Many of the ladies in our club enjoy audiobooks so they can listen while commuting or out on a walk. Even if you only catch a few chapters before it’s time to meet, show up and be part of the group. Book clubs aren’t all about the books; they’re about a camaraderie fueled by literature. A reason to get together, a reason to share, a reason to do it all again with another book a month or two down the road. Book club is about discovery — new stories that are printed on pages, but also the ones that are spoken by the company around you.

Lisa Barnes Dolbear lives in DeWitt with her husband and two children. She is a three-time Ironman finisher, fitness instructor and lifestyle writer. She blogs at lisadolbear.com.

iSTOCK PHOTO

If you find yourself stumped on choosing a book for the group (it can be daunting), consider going with a theme. We’ve had times when everyone had to choose a biography and keep it secret, so we could start the discussion with a round of questions to try and guess who everyone read about. We scour sites like goodreads.com to see what books were trending ten years ago, then pick something from the top 20. There’s a better chance the book will be available in libraries or discounted in stores when

you pick an older title. Sometimes we think about books that we know will become movies, because everyone knows, “the book is always better than the movie.”

personal ESSAY

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r i e n v g Her V o c s i D oic nger/soDniDgOwMrENitIeCOr flour ishes in loca i s n e e T Y l spotl BY TAMM

ight

PHOTOS BY GREG MINIX

ourteen-year-old Ella Drotar says she was never the kind of girl to seek attention. But music has brought the young acoustic singer/songwriter into the local limelight. Ella’s cool on-stage presence and hopeful original songwriting quickly drew attention from local music fans – and has since kept her schedule full.

instrument that I could play while singing. You can’t do that with the flute.”

Music has always been an important part of life for Ella. Her dad, Josh Drotar, has manned the drum kit for various local acts (most recently, The Smoking Loons). Mom, Melanie Drotar, knows her way around the cello, and twin older brothers Ryan and Brendan could frequently be heard practicing guitar, bass or drums around the house (they are now in college and are not playing as much). But Ella didn’t think music would become so important for her.

Ella’s guitar instructor Dave Brown, who also fronts and manages the local band Grit N Grace, encouraged her to start singing along to what she was learning on guitar.

“I started taking piano lessons when I was in second grade,” Ella recalls. “I joined [my school] band and started playing flute in fourth grade. I wanted to start taking guitar lessons about three years ago because my brothers played. I wanted to have an

F eature

Ella had been in her school choir, but singing on her own required confidence that she wasn’t sure she had. “I didn’t even know I could sing until my parents heard me one night, like in my room,” she says.

“I remember being really scared to sing at first, because I am kind of a shy person,” Ella says. “That was a big step for me.” Brown recalls hearing Ella sing for the first time. “I told her, ‘You’ve got a nice voice. You just have to project more,’” he says. “She kept going from there. She just took the bull by the horns.” As Ella has continued to perform and become more interested in writing music, Brown has focused on teaching Ella how to make her guitar sound fuller. By fingerpicking, or switching up

the chord structure from the verse to the chorus, a single guitarist can develop a more textured sound, he says. Brown, a classically trained guitarist who has taught at various colleges in the region and privately for more than 25 years, says he is “nothing but proud” of the progress Ella has made. He says she has achieved as much as she has because she works incredibly hard. “I just give her the tools and it’s up to the student to utilize the tools that I give them,” he says. “She does. She utilizes everything and comes back for more.”

I just give her the tools and it’s up to the student to utilize the tools that I give them. She does. She utilizes everything and comes back for more. –

Dave Brown, Ella’s guitar instructor

Ella says she began writing songs about two years ago, inspired, in part, by a poetry assignment for her English class. “That class helped me a lot,” she recalls. “My teacher gave me the freedom to write what I wanted to write about. That got me into writing songs.”

Ella says she draws inspiration for her songwriting from just about anything, but does try to offer a hopeful spin on whatever she writes about. In one case, Josh Drotar says he shared her song “Rise Above” – a song about persevering through hardship – with a friend who had recently experienced a personal loss. The song resonated with him. Feedback like that makes Ella think a lot about the impact her music can have. “I think there are many different ways people can think what a song means. That’s kind of what I try to do,” Ella says. “A song can hit somebody in a very emotional way, but also hit someone else in a totally different way – and still help them.” Ella has written about ten songs over the past two years. On stage, she performs those original songs along with covers by diverse artists such as Echosmith (the group’s song ‘Bright’ was the first song Ella ever performed live), Chris Stapleton and Greta Van Fleet. Ella has flourished in the supportive local music scene. Her first performance was an open mic night at Maxwell’s in Hanover Square. There, she caught the attention of Jess Novak, a Syracuse-based artist who, after seven years of performing, knows a thing or two about stage presence. Novak has been a source of support ever since, keeping in touch and even sharing the occasional gig. After participating in the teen summer Rock Camp at the Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse in 2018, Ella began to feel more comfortable in front of the mic. She credits Danielle Mitchell, one continued on page 14

Ella Drotar’s parents, Melanie and Josh, watch as she perfor

ms.

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

continued from page 13 of the voice instructors for the camp, with helping her become a more confident singer. Ella finished a second Rock Camp session this past August. While Ella listens to plenty of major-label musicians, she cites local songwriters such as Mike Powell, Joe Altier (Just Joe) and Charley Orlando as some of her biggest influences. Some of her favorite shows have been gigs with other teen girls — Caitlin Barry and Sydney Irving, to name a few. “I feel like local musicians are very supportive and it has been interesting to see how other people do things,” Ella says. “I always learn a lot from them.” Josh Drotar does much of the interfacing between Ella and the venues. Both he and Melanie carefully monitor the social media aspects of being a modern performing artist (you can visit Ella on Facebook). Asked if he had any reservations about Ella playing in locations where she may be exposed to feedback and/or behavior typically associated with older acts, Josh Drotar says that he and Melanie are always in the crowd when she is performing. And so far, all the musicians she has worked with have been gracious. “When we start thinking of all the local people who have really been just amazing with her, treating her like a colleague instead of a little kid who is out playing music… there’s just so many,” Melanie Drotar says. That’s not to say they aren’t mindful about how things might change down the road. “There’s always that worry, you know, when your daughter gets older and she is out playing in the bars… when she becomes an older teen,” Josh Drotar says. He sometimes accompanies Ella at gigs on the cajón – a boxlike percussion instrument played with the hands – and jokes that Ella is now playing venues that his bands have yet to play. Unlike some teens that may scoff at the idea of their parents being so involved in their creative endeavors, Ella appreciates all the support she gets from her family. And she’s pretty surprised by how quickly interest has grown in her music. “I didn’t think I was doing anything that different in my family, because of (my dad’s) past,” she says. “With my dad knowing lots of local musicians, that helped me get into it.” But for Ella, a freshman at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, academics take priority over gigs. So far, she has been able to juggle her studies, participation in her school’s music programs and participation on her school’s cross-country and lacrosse teams.

I feel like local musicians are very supportive and it has been interesting to see how other people do things. I always learn a lot from them. –

Ella Drotar

“I like how right now everything is pretty chill,” Ella says without a trace of irony. “I feel like I’m never looking for a place to play. They come to me. I can play out when I want to and I can still have time to work on my own songs at home.” While Ella is embracing the attention her music is getting, she doesn’t see it as a means to a career – at least not now. continued on page 16 14

F eature

Catch Ella at an upcoming performance: Oct. 11

Villa Verona Vineyard, Verona Opening for Jess Novak and Ben Wayne. Nov. 8

Funk n Waffles, Syracuse

Performing with Caitlin Barry. Nov. 12

Maxwell’s, Syracuse

Co-hosting open mic night with Jess Novak.

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continued from page 14 “Math is my favorite subject,” she says. “So, I might go into engineering. But I know music will always be a part of my life. It’s always going to be important to me. I think I will always want to play out. It’s just fun. And every time I do it, I meet more and more people and make a connection.” As for her immediate future, Ella says she has been asked by a local friend to start a band – an idea she says “could be cool” – but she plans to continue to perform solo acoustic shows. She has also been approached about recording some of her original songs. Ella’s parents say that as fun as it has been seeing Ella perform at various venues, what they really want is something closer to home. “I would love it if one day I could play with all three of my children,” Josh Drotar says with a laugh. “A family band kind of thing.” Award-winning writer Tammy DiDomenico lives in DeWitt with her husband and two sons.

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Donations can be made on our website or by check. Please tag ‘Archie’s Fund’ on your check or email so we can direct the funds appropriately. "They have amazing instructors who provide a safe, positive environment for their students. They offer candid, constructive feedback and tons of support. My daughter has only had positive experiences and keeps asking for more!" --PS SOTA Parent Classes, workshops, and lessons in Visual and Performing Arts with a focus on social skills and giving back to the community! Learn more and register now at: www.peacefulschools.com Peaceful Schools Training Center * 161 Intrepid Lane * Syracuse NY, 13205 315.558.4219

F eature

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

PHOTOS BY KARLEY HARMON

Building Men Program

he idea for the Building Men Program came, in part, from a book.

Joe Horan, the program’s founder, was running an intramural basketball program at Levy Middle School when he read “Season of Life,” a book about former NFL player Joe Ehrmann. That led to an epiphany, and the intramural program soon evolved into the first chapter of the Building Men Program. “I liked how he infused character into his football team that he coached, so I started to infuse character talks and different things like that into the program,” Horan says. “I have just been blessed with amazing men that have been in and out of the Building Men Program for the last 14 years. Each person has left a little footprint.” Since the creation of the program in 2006, it has expanded to include eight middle schools and five high schools in the Syracuse City School District (and Horan isn’t ruling out more expansion in the future). He said that over 200 students participated in the program during the 2018-19 school year. When creating the Building Men Program, Horan says he had two goals in mind: to help local boys find their purpose in life and to help them stay away from negative influences. “We want them to make a connection with what’s there in the heart, their passion to education,” he says. “We want to help them make a plan to get to that passion, and along the way, we teach them the importance of having integrity and building relationships…We don’t have a magic pill, we don’t have any magic potion. Our staff just loves and 18

MR. HORAN

loves the boys to the point where we try to get them to see that their greatness and their passion are important and we need to work together towards that.” The Building Men Program holds a variety of events throughout the year, including college trips, a basketball tournament, leadership days and a “rite of passage” ceremony. The program also stresses involvement in the community, and has partnered with the Vera House to hold a Men of Strength Club, where Horan says they “talk to the boys about healthy masculinity.” In September of 2016, following an initiative by former president Barack Obama in 2014, the Building Men Program received a grant from New York State called My Brother’s Keeper. It has allowed them, among other things, to receive more funding for transportation and to send two My Brother’s Keeper Fellows to Albany for additional training and leadership opportunities (and they will get to select four more fellows this year). But Horan is hoping the impacts of the grant will stretch beyond the Building Men Program and the Syracuse City School District, and lead to more collaboration with resources and services in the community. “The mayor and superintendent both signed that Syracuse is a My Brother’s Keeper community, and we had a conversation on July 27 where we got about 100 people together,” Horan says. “We’re in the process of getting that ball rolling, and I think that’s just going to help our community and help these kids because they’re amazing, they just OF THE need the opportunities to become successful.”

CLUB OF THE MONTH

Club

Month

In their words: “Building Men has brought out a better character in me that I never knew I had. It also made more social, not with just people I know, but with the community.”

YASIN HASSAN

CABDISALAN SHEEKH NUUR “Building Men is a program that I have been a part of for the last five years. It has taught me how to carry myself as a man, how to give respect before earning it, and above all else, a strong sense of brotherhood due to the program’s values.”

RE’MIR RATCHFORD KENDELL BATTLE

“Building Men is a program where we learn to build bonds, bonds not just with each other but with our community and the rest of the society.”

OMAR HUSSEIN FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

Autumn Adventure

Baldwinsville offers dining, family-friendly parks BY EILEEN GILLIGAN | PHOTOS BY KARLEY HARMON

Travel

ow far would you drive your kids to visit a good park? As long as the kids can stand it? Trick question. How about 25 minutes from Syracuse to Baldwinsville, where three parks with woods and a river view will call children to spend time outdoors? And then you can head to the local cafĂŠs or diner for an indoor treat.

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the town of Baldwinsville. Many may think of Beaver Lake Nature Center as the main draw to B’ville, as the locals call it, but other parks await your kids closer to the quaint village center. For a quick start, stop in Mercer Park, located in the center of the historic village, right next to the Seneca River where Charlotte and North Streets meet. A renovated boat launch draws a few kayakers and canoers, while the modular park equipment draws youngsters and parents. The ducks and geese, well, they pretty much stick to the river. A sand beach makes it easy to try to skip rocks into the river or just run around when not playing on the swings or basketball courts. Parents will be glad to know the two bathrooms are clean and open during the day, along with benches and a gazebo. Across the river, you can spot boats slowing down to go through Lock 24 on the Erie Canal as they head north on the river. A block up from the lock is the Canal Side Café & Bistro, which offers indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast and lunch next to the river. The village of Baldwinsville actually sits within the Town of Lysander, which is significant because Lysander Park opened a new spray park this year and now allows dogs on leashes to join their human playmates on the park grounds. Can dogs play checkers? This is the place to find out. A Boy Scout project led to the creation of a life-size checkerboard near the butterfly garden; simply sign out checkers in the park office. You can also sign out pickleball racquets to give the new pickleball courts a try – or bring your own. Tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball and other fields – even a gaga ball pit (ask the kids) – are right by the park equipment, swings and big sandbox. A .75-mile walking trail goes through the surrounding woods and out by the gazebo. Another Boy Scout project helped extend the trail to one mile with markers located around the parking area. “We have loved Lysander Park,” says Christi Jureller, a B’ville mother of twin 8-year-old girls and a 5-year-old boy. “That was our go-to place when they were little. We also like Mercer Park since it’s got bigger equipment and it’s on the water. We’ve found cool stuff at the water’s edge.” Try the park at night, if you dare, from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, during the Park at Dark Halloween celebration and fundraiser. For $5 a car, costumed participants may take a

flashlight walk on the wooded trail, stop at the bonfire and hear spooky stories before ducking into the candy tent. The fundraiser will benefit phase two of the spray park, which Recreation Supervisor Tony Burkinshaw said would include changing rooms and another pavilion. The park is located off Smokey Hollow Road, between Routes 48 and 631. For a more low-key park experience, visit B’ville’s Community Park, which is located on the south side of town off Route 48. This park is bound by the Seneca River on one side and woods on the other. Children and dogs love the walking trails, just feet from the river. There’s also a boat ramp, picnic tables and grills, softball fields, swings and other park equipment and bathrooms. With plenty of room to run and explore, this park is a hidden gem. Thirsty or hungry visitors often stop at Shamballa Café and Coffee Roasters on West Genesee Street in the center of town. Freshly roasted coffee beans make up delicious drinks for grown-ups, while kids can try the hot chocolate or juice. Bagels and muffins also are available during café hours. Longtime B’ville residents treasure the 1950s-style B’ville Diner, located on East Genesee Street in the center of town. Milkshakes and French toast are among some teen and youngster favorites at this open around-the-clock restaurant. If you want to keep walking after a snack, consider the Northeast Trail along the river behind the B’ville Diner. Follow it right, out of the parking lot to Route 48/Oswego Street and turn left. Walk over one bridge and down to the left on Marble Street. Keep walking straight along the river and into Volunteer Park on the peninsula that juts out into the water, separating the river from the Erie Canalway. Careful walking there; it’s easy to take many short side paths that lead right into the river. It’s probably better to walk back to the car for the quick ride home. Eileen Gilligan, an award-winning writer and mother of two, lives in Baldwinsville.

From left to right: The gazebo at Lysander Park; Mercer Park sits next to the Seneca River; The B’Ville Diner is open around the clock; The owner of Shamballa Café and Coffee Roasters prepares a drink. FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

Parks

If You Go

Mercer Park Location: North Street, Baldwinsville. More information: www.baldwinsville.org/ about/parks. Community Park Location: Lions Parkway, Baldwinsville. More information: www.baldwinsville.org/about/parks. Lysander Park Location: Smokey Hollow Road, Baldwinsville. More information: www.townoflysander.org/ departments/parks-and-recreation.

Diners &Cafes

B’ville Diner Location: 16 East Genesee Street, Baldwinsville. Hours: Open 24/7. More information: www.bvillediner.com. Shamballa Café and Coffee Roasters Location: 7 West Genesee Street, Baldwinsville. Hours: Tuesday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 2p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Sundays and Mondays. More information: www.shamballacafe.com. Canal Side Café & Bistro Location: 23 Syracuse Street, Baldwinsville. Hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. More information: https://canalsidecb.business.site. 22

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OCTOBER FAMILY GUIDE Check out these area festivals and outings

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

ith fall well underway, there is no better time to get out and explore Central New York. Whether you’re into festivals or picking pumpkins and apples, you’ll find something for every member of the family in our guide to October festivals and outings.

The Great Cortland Pumpkinfest – Kick off the Halloween season at the annual Great Cortland Pumpkinfest. From local crafts and live music to a Kids’ Zone, there is no shortage of family-friendly activities. The two-day festival also includes a pumpkin decorating contest where participants can recreate their favorite character in pumpkin form. When: October 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and October 6 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Courthouse Park, Cortland. Cost: Admission to the event is free, but some activities cost extra. More information: www.cortlandpumpkinfest.org. LaFayette Apple Festival – With apple season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head to LaFayette for the annual LaFayette Apple Festival. The 47th edition offers something for every member of the family: craft vendors, a midway with rides and, of course, a variety of apple-themed foods. David Knapp, the head of the event’s board, said festival-goers will notice a few changes this year, including the return of balloon rides. When: October 12 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and October 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Where: 5330 Rowland Road, LaFayette. Cost: Admission is $6. Ages 12 and under are free. More information: www.lafayetteapplefest.org. Zoo Boo – Zoo Boo is back at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Trick-or-trick stations will be set up around the grounds, and attendees can attend a dance party or meet some of the zoo’s creepiest animals. Remember to wear a costume and bring a bag for your treats. When: Oct 19-20 and 26-27 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Syracuse. Cost: $8 per child (plus the cost of zoo admission for non-members). More information: http://syracusezooevents.org/event/zoo-boo-oct-19-2019. Wizarding Weekend – Interested in magic or fantasy? Head to Ithaca for Wizarding Weekend. Returning for its fifth year, the event will feature live entertainment, a costume contest (dressing up is encouraged), interactive games and activities and more. When: October 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and October 27 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Where: Downtown Ithaca. Cost: There is no admission fee, but some events cost extra. More information: http://wizardingweekend.com.

FALL ACTIVITIES

MICHEAL DAVIS PHOTO

BY COURTNEY KLESS

APPLE ORCHARDS

Abbott Farms – Running every weekend in October, Abbott Farms’ Fall Festival offers activities for kids of all ages. Check out the cider press, then take a ride down the slides or try out the apple cannon. Abbott Farms will also offer U-Pick apples and pumpkins throughout the month. When: Monday – Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Where: 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. Cost: There is no admission fee, but some events cost extra. More information: www.abbottfarms.com. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard – The LaFayette area is home to several apple orchards, including Beak and Skiff. The orchard offers apple picking seven days a week, and Director of Brand Development Marianne Brennan says their grounds feature many family-friendly activities: a playground, pony rides and a bakery with a variety of apple-based treats, just to name a few. For those of age, Beak and Skiff also offers a tasting room with cider, wine and spirits crafted from the orchard’s apples. When: The orchard is open daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Where: 2708 Lords Hill Road, Lafayette. Cost: There is no admission fee, but some activities cost extra. More information: http://beakandskiff.com. Critz Farms – Mark your calendar for Critz Farms’ annual Fall Harvest Celebration. Several ongoing activities will be offered during weekends in October, including a playground, animal area, corn maze (this year’s design is a butterfly garden) and cow train rides. Those 21 and over can also sample beers and ciders in the Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Co. tasting room. When: Open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: 3232 Rippleton Road, State Route 13, Cazenovia. Cost: On weekends during the Fall Harvest Celebration, admission is $8.50 per person (with a maximum of $34 per car). More information: www.critzfarms.com. Owen Orchards – If you’re just looking to pick apples, Owen Orchards offers a family-oriented U-Pick experience. “We have families that have been coming here for three generations,” says Tina Vincent, who has been working at Owen Orchards for the past 13 years. Start with a wagon ride (offered on weekends only), then pick up some cider and donuts at the farm market. When: Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Where: 8174 Grant Avenue, Weedsport. Cost: There is no admission fee. More information: http://owenorchard.com.

ISTOCK PHOTO

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

MICHEAL DAVIS PHOTO

PUMPKIN PATCHES 26

Cicero “Pumkin” Patch – Featuring what co-owner Linda Dudzinski dubs “the best children’s hayride in Central New York,” Cicero “Pumkin” Patch offers a lot more than just pumpkins. Make sure to check out the free corn maze. Thousand Islands Winery will also be on hand every Saturday in October to offer free tastings. When: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Wednesday – Friday from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Where: 7169 Island Road, Cicero. Cost: There is no admission fee. More information: www.ciceropumkinpatch.com. The Pumpkin Hollow – Join The Pumpkin Hollow as it celebrates its 20th year. Offering a hay jump, haunted barn, animal area and more, The Pumpkin Hollow is a must-visit destination for families this fall. Don’t forget to check out the three-acre corn maze. When: Open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Halloween. Where: 3735 West Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Cost: There is no admission fee, but some activities cost extra. More information: http://thepumpkinhollow.com. Tim’s Pumpkin Patch – Open seven days a week, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch gives families a taste of farm life. Head to the pumpkin patch to choose the perfect pumpkin for carving, then feed a variety of farm animals or spend some time in the hay fort. If history is more your thing, Tim’s Pumpkin Patch also offers a fossil dig. When: Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Where: 2901 Rose Hill Road, Marietta. Cost: There is no admission fee, but some activities cost extra. More information: www.timspumpkinpatch.com. Plumpton Farms – Have you always wanted to become a pirate for the day? Plumpton Farms has you covered. Hunt for hidden treasure and win a prize during the farm’s annual Pirate’s Weekend, held October 12 and 13. Plumpton Farms will offer numerous other activities for families throughout the month of October, including crafts, a barn with various farm animals, pumpkin painting and a haunted silo, which owner Cindy Plumpton recommends for children ages 10 and under. Where: 3990 Coye Road, Jamesville. When: Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Cost: There is no admission fee. More information: www.plumptonfarms.com.

FALL ACTIVITIES

Pick A Pumpkin! Paint one or two... Meet our Barnyard Buddies, Mr. Giant Hayman and glow in our Haunted House!

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Adirondack Kids Day

Free family fun! Featuring the French Louie Fishing Derby and a Children’s Authors & Illustrators Fair.

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Join The Kia Foundation,Inc. For their book signing! Destiny USA 10/5 AND 11/30

Table Location: 1st level between Disney Store & Victoria's Secret

Nov. 29-Dec, 1, 2019

12pm - 4pm

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The Kia Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit pet food pantry in Syracuse, NY. All contributions go toward the organization's continued efforts to bring supplement pet food and resources to pet owners, fosters and rescuers in the community.

Candy Cane Hunt, Pet Parade, Tree Lighting, Live Music, Shopping & More!

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Visit Chenango for a Bounty of Autumn Activities!

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PEILA FAMILY CORN MAZE

Every Saturday September 15 - October 19 9 am - 1 pm

Every weekend September 7 - October 27, 2019 11 am - 5 pm

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FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

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

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Education playgroup for children ages 18 months-5 years and their caregiver. Stories, songs, arts and crafts, and more. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 8131 Soule Road, Liverpool. $3/family. Registration recommended: (315) 622-2843. NYCrossofChrist. org/Tots.

Apple Festival. 5-9 p.m.; through Sept. 29.

Annual event features rides and food (only) on the first day. Other days of the festival include live demonstrations, a DJ, an apple pie contest—and rides and food. Presented by the Lioness Club of Central Square. Brewerton Speedway, 154 Route 11, Central Square. Admission: $5 per carload. (315) 675-8232. www.centralsquareapplefestival.com.

Front Row Players Fundraiser. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Local artists perform acts. Wine, beer, appetizers and desserts will be served. A benefit for the program that welcomes performers of all abilities. Eastern Hills Bible Church, 8277 Cazenovia Road, Manlius. $50. www.frontrowplayers.org. (315) 663-8390.

Harry Potter Interactive Movie. 6-8:30 p.m.

Participants will receive a bag of snacks, props and prompts to turn a Harry Potter movie into an interactive event; for children in grade 3 and older. Manlius Public Library, 1 Arkie Albanese Ave., Manlius. Registration required: (315) 682-6400.

Moth March. 6 p.m. Learn about the habits of

moths; then spread some fruit-and-molasses mash on tree trunks, and see what insects come to feed on it. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $2/person. Admission: $4/ vehicle. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; through Sept. 29. See Sept. 27 listing.

Paws and Books. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages

5-12 can read to Cooper, a certified Canine Good Citizen, and make a dog-related craft. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-5326.

Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Visitors of all ages can try their hands at outdoor pursuits including skeet shooting, turkey calling, archery, fly fishing, BB gun, canoeing and more. Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge. $5/vehicle. (315) 689-9367.

Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of an anthropologist. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315) 425-9068.

Chocolate Train Wreck Tours. 2:30 p.m.;

also Sept. 29. Take a bus tour to the historic site of the 1955 chocolate train wreck. Festival activities include live music, children’s activities and more. Good Nature Farm Brewery and Restaurant, 1727 Route 12B, Hamilton. www.goodnaturebrewing.com.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 27 listing. National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. 9:30 a.m. (registration); 10:30 a.m. (walk).

At the annual event, individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families promote acceptance and advocacy with a two-mile walk; picnic lunch and festivities follow. T-shirts available for purchase. Event is now sponsored by GiGi’s Playhouse Syracuse. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. Preregistration recommended: (315) 288-7529. syracuse@gigisplayhouse.org.

Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Sept. 28 28

CALENDAR

listing.

Chocolate Train Wreck Tours. 2:30 p.m. See Sept. 28 listing.

MONDAY, SEPT. 30 Family Movie. 10-11:30 a.m. Children of all ages will enjoy The Secret Life of Pets 2. Free popcorn! Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. fflib.org. (315) 637-6374.

TUESDAY, OCT. 1 Nature on Wheels Tour. 1 – 2:30 p.m.; also

Oct. 8 Visitors with mobility limitations can ride an electric tram while a naturalist describes areas of interest. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $3/person; $4/parking. Registration required: (315) 638-2519.

Tuesday Crafternoons. 3:30-7 p.m.; also Oct.

8, 15, 22 & 29. Children from age 3-10 and caregivers can drop in to make a craft. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 6723661. www.maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

Homeschooling 101 for Parents. 7-8:30 p.m. This month’s topic for homeschooler parents will cover high school transcripts and how to best prepare your student for the future. Baldwinsville Public Library, 33 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville. Free. (315) 457-0310.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2 Read, Sing, Play Storytime.

10:30-11 a.m.; also Oct. 9, 16, 23 & 30. Share the love of books with children of all ages. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

We Are Builders. 2-5 p.m.; also Oct. 14.

Children can play with innovative toys and building kits to develop STEM skills. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. (315) 4878933. www.fairmountlibrary.org.

iSTOCK PHOTO

Teen Writer’s Guild. 4-5 p.m.; also Oct. 9,

16, 23 & 30. Students in grades 6-12 can take part in a creative workshop, writing in a variety of genres. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Register: ffl.org. (315) 637-6374.

THURSDAY, OCT. 3 Free to Be. 10:30-11:15 a.m. Children ages 3-6 (though younger siblings are welcome) can sing along to a live guitar and explore early acting techniques. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. fflib.org.

Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Oct. 24. 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: $4/vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

FRIDAY, OCT. 4 Flashlight Safari & Halloween Nights. 6-10

p.m.; also Oct. 5, 11, 12 & 18. Check out the zoo’s animals when they are most active and bounce in the bounce houses. The Wild Animal Park, 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Adults $12.99; Children (up to age 12) $10.99; free/age 2 and under. No reservations required. (315) 510-3347.

SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Great Cortland Pumpkinfest. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.;

also Oct 6. Check out local crafts, live music, the Kids’ Zone, and more. Courthouse Park, Court St., Cortland. Free. cortlandpumpkinfest.org.

CNY IS the Land of Oz! Bus Tour. 10 a.m.-1

friends from Oz. Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 East Onondaga St., Syracuse. $15/person. (315) 200-6129. Lfrankbaumfoundation@gmail.com.

p.m. Solve the mystery with the help of the characters. Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 East Onondaga St., Syracuse. $15/person. (315) 2006129. Lfrankbaumfoundation@gmail.com.

STEM Storytime. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Oct. 13,

20 &27. Children ages 2-6 can take part in a session that encourages the scientific spirit through stories, music, and play. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $5/child. (315) 425-9068. most.org.

Paws to Read. 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Oct. 12,

19 & 26. Kids can read to a friendly dog from Paws Inc. of CNY. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org.

Peila Family Corn Maze. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Running every weekend in October, check out the corn maze shaped like the Wizard of Oz. Peila View Farm, 144 Kilroy Road, Oxford. Admission: $7/ person (free ages 2 and under). peilaviewfarm@ gmail.com.

Rice Creek Story Hour. 11 a.m. Elementary-

aged children, especially, will enjoy tales of animals’ wild ways and how humans relate to the natural world; all ages are welcome. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/rice-creek/.

Wizard of Oz: Welcome Back to Rose Lawn. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Visit L. Frank Baum’s child-

Great Cortland Pumpkinfest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See Oct. 5 listing.

Special Needs Gaming. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.;

also Oct. 14, 21 & 28. Young adults and adults with special needs can play on the Wii and with various board games; caregivers must remain in the room. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Quick Craft. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Teens and adults

can create a twine pumpkin. Salina Library, 100 Belmont St., Mattydale. Free. Registration required: (315) 454-4524. salinalibrary.org

hood home and meet characters and special guests. 2619 Brewerton Rd., Syracuse. $10/person. (315) 200-6129. Lfrankbaumfoundation@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

MONDAY, OCT. 7

TUESDAY, OCT. 8 Homeschool STEAM Club. 1:30-3 p.m.

Homeschoolers ages 5-11 can learn about science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities on the Dinosaur Garden Lawn. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. lpl.org

S.T.E.A.M. Boats. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Children ages

Wizard of Oz: 80 th Ruby Anniversary Character Breakfast. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Have breakfast with Dorothy and all her

5-12 can create their own boat and see if it will float in water. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD ANIMALS as reflected in THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

Short film, speaker, followed by discussion.

Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Onondaga Free Library 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga Hill

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Sponsored by People for Animal Rights (315)488-PURR people4animalrightscny@gmail.com peopleforanimalrightsofcny.org

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

Teen MOPS. 5-7 p.m. Young mothers, ages 13-21, with children under 6 enjoy a faith-based program with fun, food and activities while their children are cared for by the childcare program. Liverpool First United Methodist Church, 604 Oswego St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 569-2542.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

THURSDAY, OCT. 10

5330 Rowland Road, LaFayette. $5/person; free/age 12 and under. lafayetteapplefest.org.

Rice Creek Rambles. 11 a.m.; also Oct. 19

& 26. Explore trails, woods and wetlands with a naturalist on a family-friendly hike. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Rice Creek Field Station, SUNY Oswego, Thompson Road, 1 mile south of Route 104, Oswego. Free. Call day of to check trail conditions: (315) 312-6677. oswego.edu/ rice-creek/rice-creek-rambles.

Autumnal Fairy Festival. Noon-4 p.m. Meet

FRIDAY, OCT. 11

the fairy queen, explore the enchanted trails, stroll through the labyrinth, and make fairy houses in the gardens. Costumes are encouraged. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $15. (315) 673-1350. Register: baltimorewoods.org.

Teen Dungeons and Dragons. 4-5 p.m.; also

Homeschool Family Fun. 1-2:30 p.m.

SEE ONGOING EVENTS

Oct. 25. Young people ages 11-18 can play (or learn to play) with a teen Dungeon Master. Players must bring: a full Character, a players handbook, and a dice set. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032. nopl.org.

Cirque du Soleil AXEL. 7:30 p.m.; also Oct. 12

& 13. Check out one of five performances of Cirque du Soleil AXEL, a combination of ice-skating and acrobatics. Oncenter War Memorial Arena, 515 Montgomery St., Syracuse. Tickets start at $49. Cirquedusoleil.com/AXEL.

SATURDAY, OCT. 12 LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; also

Oct. 13. Watch cider being made; buy apples and apple treats; and enjoy entertainment, the midway rides and games, a scarecrow contest, and more.

Cirque du Soleil. 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. See Oct. 11 listing.

SUNDAY, OCT. 13 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. 8:30 a.m., registration; 10 a.m., walk.

Walk raises money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. SRC Arena, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Donations. (315) 433-5635. cancer.org/ stridesonline.

LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. See Oct. 12 listing.

Developed by Carnegie Science Center and produced in partnership with the Sciencenter.

sciencenter.org 601 1st St. Ithaca, NY 607.272.0600

Weekday Mornings 5:30 -10AM

CALENDAR

p.m. Learn about edible and poisonous mushrooms, see a cooking demonstration, discover how to grow mushrooms, and take part in other activities with members of the CNY Mycological Society. Guided hikes at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. (315) 638-2519.

Cirque du Soleil. 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. See Oct. 11 listing.

MONDAY, OCT. 14

Homeschooling parents and kids can take part in a casual hangout with games and crafts. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661. www.maxwellmemoriallibrary.org.

One of 3 new exhibits at the Sciencenter this fall!

Vince Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil Wild Mushroom Festival. 1-4

COLUMBUS DAY Trivia Night. 6-7 p.m. Play birth-related trivia and win prizes. Presented by CNY Doula Connection. CNY Healing Arts, 195 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse. Free. Registration is recommended. (315) 707-8097.

TUESDAY, OCT. 15 Teen Tuesday. 4-5 p.m. Young people in grades

6-12 can make a Halloween mask. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

MICHEAL DAVIS PHOTO

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

THURSDAY, OCT. 17 Wizards Unite. 7-8 p.m. Play

Wizards Unite, solve riddles and spin the trivia wheel. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310. www.lpl.org.

Conservation Place, Syracuse. Zoo Boo participation (for children only): $12/age 3 and up (includes zoo admission); $8/age 2 and under (includes zoo admission). (315) 435-8511. www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Family Halloween Party. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kids and parents can enjoy a party with themed stories, crafts, indoor trick-or-treat stations, and a chance to take photos with costumed characters including Cinderella and Beauty. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. (315) 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Pokémon Open Play. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Children

FRIDAY, OCT. 18 Interactive Movie. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Kids of all

ages can watch Hocus Pocus and enjoy refreshments. Costumes are encouraged. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 4463578. CLDandJ.org.

Halloween Drop-In Crafts. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kids can make a witch, vampire or ghost. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

SATURDAY, OCT. 19 Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; also Oct. 20, 26 & 27.

The zoo becomes a kid-friendly haunt with themed treats, creepy-crawly animal encounters, keeper talks, games and more. Costumes are encouraged! Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1

ages 8-12, of all interest and experience levels, can play with other kids and learn from the experts of TCGPlayer. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. (315) 446-3578. www.CLDandJ.org.

MONDAY, OCT. 21 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

TUESDAY, OCT. 22 Monster Bookmarks. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Children

ages 5-12 can create a creepy monster bookmark. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315) 435-1900.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23 Drop-In LEGO Challenge. 2-8 p.m. Children of all ages can test their building skills through a series of LEGO building challenges. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. (315) 487-8933. www.fairmountlibrary.org.

Family Day. Noon-3 p.m. Take part in art making; watch dance performances; and more. Everson Museum of Art. 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Free. (315)474-6064.

Syracuse Crunch Hockey. 7 p.m. The city’s

AHL team takes on the Charlotte Checkers in the first home game of the season. War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. $18-$25. (315) 473-4444. www.syracusecrunch.com.

SUNDAY, OCT. 20 Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. see

THURSDAY, OCT. 24 SEE ONGOING EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCT. 25 Time for Tots Playgroup. 9:30-10:45 a.m.

October 19 listing.

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

NOAH AND HIS PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST, IRENE CHERRICK, MD

Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital opened in 2009 to provide safe, innovative and family-centered care for children in Central New York. Today, we serve children and families across 17 counties—and beyond—with 100,000 patient visits each year. Upstate offers more than 50 services just for kids, and also is the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center. Our commitment to quality care and an exceptional patient and family experience is evident in our culture and in the smiles of our patients. We are proud to care for the familes of Central New York for all special birthdays, and for many more to come.

FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

SUNDAY, OCT. 27

Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. see October 19 listing.

Halloween Spells & Magic. 10:30 a.m. Kids and

parents can enjoy a Symphoria performance with music on a Halloween-appropriate theme, including a piece by John Williams composed for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The orchestra’s Instrument Discovery Zone opens at 10 a.m., before all Kids’ series performances. Costumes are encouraged for this concert. Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse. $15/adults; $10/senior citizens; free/age 17 and under. (315) 299-5598. ExperienceSymphoria.org.

Pumpkin Carving. 11 a.m.-noon; 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Kids of all ages can drop in to carve and decorate a pumpkin. Pumpkins, decorations and tools provided. There’ll also be cider and doughnuts. Children under 8 must to accompanied by an adult. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315) 446-3578. CLDandJ.org.

Be the Scientist. Noon-4 p.m. Explore the activities of a forensic scientist. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Museum admission: $12/adults; $10/seniors and ages 2-11. (315)425-9068.

Fall Festival. 2-6 p.m. Features Trunk or Treat,

SEE ONGOING EVENTS

TUESDAY, OCT. 29

for its first pumpkin carving contest. Drop off your pumpkin by 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 30, then return Oct. 31 for the Great Pumpkin Walk. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. www.lpl.org. (315) 457-0310.

ONGOING EVENTS

Spooky Pipe Cleaner Spiders. 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Horseback Riding. Through Oct. 27: Friday,

Children ages 5-12 can make a spider out of pipe cleaners and beads. Central Library, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. (315)435-1900.

Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See Highland Forest on an hour-long guided horseback ride; age 8 and up. Highland Forest Park, Route 80, 3 miles east of Fabius. $35/hour. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance: (315) 289-3775.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30

Downtown Syracuse Farmers’ Market.

Halloween Party. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Children age 2

and up can come in costume, hear spooky stories, make crafts, eat snacks, and go trick-or-treating through the library. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration required: (315)446-3578. www.CLDandJ.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

Halloween

Tuesdays, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; through Oct. 8. Farmers and produce dealers offer vegetables, fruit, nuts, flowers, baked goods and more for sale. Clinton Square, Syracuse. (315) 422-8284. downtownsyracuse.com.

Weekend Walks with a Naturalist. Saturdays and Sundays, 2 p.m. Nature discovery hike with different topics each weekend. Beaver Lake Nature Center, Route 370, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/ vehicle. (315) 638-2519.

Great Swamp Conservancy Nature Trails. Daily, dawn to dusk. Throughout the year, visitors can grab their walking shoes and explore 4.5 miles of well-groomed, flat trails. Trails feature a 900-foot boardwalk, osprey nesting platform, and

MICHEAL DAVIS PHOTO

games and more. Costumes are encouraged. New Testament Baptist Church, 1235 Old Stonehouse Road, Jamesville. Free. (315)449-2354.

MONDAY, OCT. 28

Great Library Pumpkin Patch and Jack-OLantern Contest. 6-8:30 p.m. Join the library

Zoo Boo, October19-20, 26-27 FAMILY TIMES OCTOBER 2019

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wetland and grassland restoration areas. The area is a stop for many migratory waterfowl and songbirds; other wildlife include muskrats and beavers. Great Swamp Conservancy, 3.5 miles off I-90, Exit 34, 8375 N. Main St., Canastota. Free. (315) 697-2950.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Hiking

trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. Interpretive Center open MondayFriday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed Sundays. 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. (315) 673-1350.

Wegmans Playground. Boundless Playground

for children (and parents) of all ages and abilities includes accessible swings, slides, bridge and more, including special section just for the tiniest tykes. Onondaga Lake Park, Route 370, Liverpool. Free. (315) 451-PARK.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time. Thursdays, 5 p.m.

Members of the community can join in making more than a hundred bagged lunches to hand out to the hungry and homeless in downtown Syracuse. The Road, 4845 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. (315) 218-6066. wholelygroundsattheroad.org.

Barnes & Noble Storytimes. Thursdays, 10

a.m. Join a storytime for toddlers and preschoolers thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s features a book, songs and coloring. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. (315) 449-2948.

Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville Storytimes. Call or visit the website for times. Community Library of DeWitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Road, Jamesville. Free. Registration recommended: www.CLDandJ.org. (315) 446-3578.

CALENDAR

Fairmount Community Library Storytimes.

Little Movers (good walkers ages 1-3): Mondays, 10:15 a.m. Music is Magic (ages 1-5): Mondays, 11:15 a.m. Stories at the Splashpad (ages infants to 5 years): Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Preschool Storytime & Craft (ages 3-5): Thursdays, 10:15 a.m.; registration requested: fairmountlibrary.org. Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse. Free. (315) 487-8933. fairmountlibrary.org.

Liverpool Public Library. Lapsit Story Time

(ages 2 and under): Tuesdays, 10:15-11 a.m. Sing Along Friends Story Time (ages 2-5): Thursdays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Family Story Time (ages 5 and under): Fridays, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Studio B Dance Company, 318 First St., Liverpool. Free. (315) 457-0310.

Maxwell Library Storytimes. Storytimes

and book groups for all ages. Call for dates and times. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. (315) 672-3661.

Northeast Community Center Library Storytimes. Preschool storytimes with rhymes

and occasional games; youngsters learn group listening and participation skills. Call for times. Northeast Community Center Library, 716 Hawley Ave., Syracuse. Free. (315) 472-6343, Ext. 208.

NOPL Brewerton Storytimes. Birth-24

months: Mondays, 9:30-10 a.m. Ages 2 and up: Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. NOPL Brewerton, 5440 Bennett St., Brewerton. (315) 676-7484.

NOPL Cicero Library Storytimes. Toddler

Story Hour: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Preschool Story Hour: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11

a.m.-noon. Family Storytime: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. NOPL Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. (315) 699-2032.

NOPL North Syracuse Library Storytimes. Birth-age 3: Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5: Thursdays, 11 a.m.-noon. NOPL North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. (315) 458-6184.

Onondaga Free Library Storytimes. Baby

Storytime (age 2 and under): Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Family Storytimes (age 2 and older): Wednesdays & Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. Wiggleworms (toddlers and preschoolers): Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. (no Wiggleworms Sept. 18 & 25). Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: (315) 492-1727.

Petit Branch Library Storytimes. Tuesdays,

10:30 a.m. Toddler and preschooler storytime for children ages 18 months-5 years and caregivers. Includes stories, rhymes, finger plays and songs. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. (315) 435-3636.

Regional Market Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market. Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. (year-round); Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (May through November only). Shop seasonal produce, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, specialty foods and more on display throughout covered sheds; heated shops of Regional Market Commons feature gift and unique items including jewelry, paintings and home decor. Also, flea market, Sundays, 7 a.m.3 p.m. 2100 Park St., Syracuse. (315) 422-8647.

Parents’ Night Out

Josh Blue at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. 7:30 p.m.; also Oct. 26.

Josh Blue, best known for his time on Last Comic Standing and Mind of Mencia, will perform four shows at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. Destiny USA, 9090 Destiny USA Dr, Syracuse. Tickets are $20. syracuse.funnybone.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 26

FRIDAY, OCT. 4 The Syracuse Bavarian Oktoberfest. 3-10 p.m.; also Oct. 5. The event features authentic German food, live entertainment and more. Lewis Park, South Main Street, Minoa. Free. germanamericanscny.com.

First Fridays. 5:30-8 p.m. Join the Everson Museum

of Art for art, music and work by Yoko Ono. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison Street, Syracuse. $8 for non-members. everson.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 5 The Syracuse Bavarian Oktoberfest. See Oct. 4 listing.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Watch as the Crunch take on the Rochester Americans. War Memorial Arena, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. $18-$25. (315) 473-4444. syracusecrunch.com.

Josh Blue at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. See Oct. 25 listing. Syracuse City Ballet presents Dracula. See October 25 listing. Have an event or an idea for Parents’ Night Out? Email courtneyk@familytimescny.com with more information.

FRIDAY, OCT. 18 Mike Powell. 8 p.m. Known for his song “Twenty One Rounds,” the former

Syracuse lacrosse player turned musician will take the stage in Auburn. Auburn Public Theatre, 8 Exchange Street, Auburn. Advance Price: $15.00; Door Price: $20.00. auburnpublictheater.org.

Discover the power of family music making

SATURDAY, OCT. 19 Syracuse VegFest. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Watch cooking demonstrations; sample

vegan cuisine; check out vendors and more. Time Warner Science & Industry Building, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse. Free. vegancny.org/syracuse-vegfest.

FRIDAY, OCT.HORIZONTAL 25 MILY TIMES

Syracuse City Ballet presents Dracula. 7 p.m.; also Oct. 5” WIDE X 4.9” HIGH 26. Celebrate Halloween with Syracuse City Ballet as they pres-

ent three shows of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Oncenter Carrier Theater, Syracuse. Tickets start at $39. syracusecityballet.com/dracula.

Now enrolling for fall classes!

Offering early childhood music and movement classes for families all over Central New York www.bluebirdmusictogether.com • (315) 427-6985

Discover the power of family music making Offering early childhood music and movement classes to children, and the adults who love them. Classes located all over CNY. To find the one nearest you, call or visit our website

OPEN HOUSE

www.bluebirdmusictogether.com (315) 427-6985

NOVEMBER 17 2-4 PM

www.mssyr.org 315.449.9033

A world-class Montessori education for children ages 3-12.

LEARN

NEW ARRIVAL

The Upstate Family Birth Center offers a safe, comfortable place to welcome your baby into the world. We work with you and your doctor to provide the birth experience you seek, and further support you with physicians, neonatal and family nurse practitioners, specialty trained nurses, and access to anesthesia on site, around the clock. Our newly updated unit adds to that experience, with comfortable, private, suites. Each suite is a familyfriendly space with a pullout couch, so loved ones can stay close by.

TO LEARN MORE, GO TO UPSTATE.EDU/BIRTHCENTER

ASK FOR THE EXPERTS. ASK FOR UPSTATE. LOCATED AT 4900 BROAD ROAD, SYRACUSE, NY