Family Times December 2015

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The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | December 2015

Young adults, home for the holidays Books for celebrating many occasions Soup, tied up with a bow

Drawing Contest Winner: Brooke Matthews, age 12

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FAMILY TIMES • DECEMBER 2015

4 • Editor’s Note 6 • Storytime Parents have to get used to their adult children leaving home, returning and leaving again.

8 • Views & Reviews

6

Offbeat books illustrate unexpected views of the holidays.

10 • Drawing Contest Huntington Pre-K-8 students sketch and paint a winter full of snow—and fun!

12 • CNY Gift Guide Distinctive presents can be found in the shops of three local cultural institutions.

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16 • Recipe Doctor Give the gift of comfort with soup in a jar.

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Your Kid’s Photo or Artwork Here!

We welcome reader submissions, whether photos of your kids or their artwork. Send high-resolution photos (jpg format saved at 3inches-by-5-inches or larger) or color artwork to editorial@family times.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.

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19 • Family Fun Calendar of Events Advertiser Index Party...................................22 Learn.................................17 Backpack Directory................ 27

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Experience this holiday classic in IMAX®

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MILTON J. RUBENSTEIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 500 S FRANKLIN ST • ARMORY SQUARE, SYRACUSE • 315.425.9068 • most.org facebook

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4 - Editor’s Note

family times The Parenting

Guide of Central New York

DECEMBER 2015

Heaps of Snow

W

ISSUE NO. 164

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod EdItOR IN cHIEf Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EdItOR Bill DeLapp

hat does “winter fun” mean to you? Is it about skiing or ice skating or making snowmen?

(Or is your idea of winter fun being bundled up in a blanket, drinking hot chocolate and binge watching House of Cards?)

Every year for the past eight, Family Times has worked with art teachers at various local schools to encourage students’ participation in our cover art contest. Each year, the theme is winter fun, so we typically get drawings of people and animals playing in the snow.

After seeing all of the drawings and paintings, my enthusiasm for winter and snow is stoked. I’ve got shovels and sleds ready to go!

December’s issue of Family Times is full of ways to enhance your enjoyment of the month. Chris Xaver offers a project—a chance to make a beautiful and healthy soup mix in a jar that you can give as a gift (page 16). Merrilee Witherell suggests some offbeat Christmas and Hanukkah books to read with your kids (page 8). Linda Lowen describes how she and her daughters have learned to navigate the comings and goings of young adulthood (page 6).

And we’ve chosen some items from the shops of local nonprofits to highlight in our CNY Gift Guide. To see a sample of what you can buy at the Everson Museum of Art, the MOST and the Schweinfurth Art Center, turn to page 12. Shop local!

We wish you all the joy and fun of the season.

PHOtOGRAPHy EdItOR Michael Davis cIRcULAtION dIREctOR Tom Tartaro (Ext. 134) cREAtIvE SERvIcES MANAGER Meaghan Arbital dESIGNER Renate Wood 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 Matt Romano (ext. 116) MRomano@syracusenewtimes.com cOMPtROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118)

Reid Sullivan Editor in Chief

On the cover: The winning submission in Family Times’ eighth annual cover art contest is by Brooke Matthews, age 12, a seventh-grader at Huntington Pre-K-8 School. For the honorable mentions in the competition, see page 10.

Inside: This drawing is by Allan Yang, also a Huntington seventh-grader.

Meaghan Arbital design

cLASSIfIEd/BAckPAck Lija Spoor (ext. 111)

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6 - Storytime

Rebounding Adult Children Kids leave, they come home, they leave again | BY LINDA LOWEN

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ust before my older daughter, Jaye, left for college, we established an accidental, unspoken ritual: falling asleep together while watching late-night TV, Jaye on the loveseat, me on the couch. Quiet companionship was something we hadn’t shared since she was a baby.

In the daytime, however, we fought about what she’d take to school in Chicago, how much money she’d need to live on, and all the tiny details that time, distance, and a 12-hour car ride amplify into major concerns.

When the big day came, our goodbyes happened quickly, the two of us at the corner of a busy intersection in the shadow of skyscrapers. Crowds streamed past us.

Car horns blared. Exhaust fumes made my eyes water.

Jaye wrapped her arms around me, her lips brushing my ear. “Don’t worry, Mama. I’ll be OK.” I hugged her tighter than I’d ever held her, but the tug of her 6

pulling away told me it was time. I let go, watched her run across the street as the light turned green. Dozens of cars closed the space between us.

Em—my younger daughter, my baby— realized she needed to drive a wedge between us in the week before she left for college so I wouldn’t mourn her absence.

Her school was only an hour away, so there was less stress over her departure, but we fought more.

On freshman move-in day she drove her own car to school—a vehicle she’d bought three months earlier with money she’d earned from a part-time job. I followed, glued to her back bumper, not willing to let any cars get between us.

This goodbye was in a basement hallway as we waited for an elevator. She submitted to a crushing hug from me, stiffening when it went on a little too long. A chime sounded. Sliding doors opened. I got in, and she escaped down the hallway, not one for dramatic scenes. But when I walked

into an empty, dark house an hour later, I stopped holding it together and wept.

Before I became pregnant, a co-worker 15 years older advised, “Don’t go for more than two children. Cars have leftand right-side windows. Most homes have three bedrooms. You only have two hands.”

I followed her advice, not by choice but circumstance. When I thought about my two daughters going off to college, I pictured letting go of their hands, first one, then the other. But now I understand: That image is too final, too abrupt. Instead of dropping their hands, I release my grip just enough to allow them to spin away.

First one, then the other.

If you know how to handle them, your kids come back, like yo-yos, again and again and again.

Holidays bounce them back, Thanksgiving and Christmas have enough pull for their return. The first two years Jaye rode

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XIXINXING | GETTY IMAGES PHOTO

the train, but soon learned Amtrak was frequently delayed. By junior year she had a part-time retail job and decided to fly instead. I couldn’t blame her. Chicago-Syracuse airfares were as cheap as a train ticket. But there was a catch.

“Mom, I’m scheduled until 4 o’clock Christmas Eve. If I leave right from work, O’Hare’s only 90 minutes away, but I really shouldn’t book a flight earlier than 7:30. So I won’t get to Syracuse until 11 p.m. Is that OK? And I’ve only got two days home because I have to go back to work.”

No, that’s not OK, I wanted to say, but I’d take whatever time I could get.

Outside the exit doors of the terminal, I almost didn’t recognize my own daughter. She wore an ugly Christmas sweater, red skirt, green tights and a Santa hat with bangs peeking out.

When did you get your hair cut and highlighted? Why didn’t you tell me? Instead of complaining, I focused on her bubbly chatter. “It’s fun to travel Christmas Eve. We all sang holiday songs and everybody was in a good mood.”

At least Jaye let us in on her plans. Em decided at the last minute when she’d come home. I’d been bugging her for weeks: “Just tell me what time you’re leaving so I know when to expect you!” I hated the thought of her driving on dark roads covered in black ice. “Pay attention to the weather report. Leave while it’s still daylight.”

She was casual—read “inconsiderate”—about my feelings until a snowstorm turned her hourlong drive into two hours. After that, she gave me plenty of warning and made sure my cell phone was charged so she could reach me in an emergency. That Christmas I gave her an AAA membership, more than happy to pay for the peace of mind.

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This year, one daughter has returned; Em’s back home, working a part-time job until she decides what to do with the next phase of her life. Jaye’s on the West Coast after a summer job turned into full-time work with the California Conservation Corps. She’ll be flying home for the holidays, staying two weeks, grateful for every moment with us. Me, too.

Whether it’s a holiday visit or a prolonged stay at home, I hold my daughters knowing our time together is short. Being a parent of young adults is nothing more than a catch-and-release game.

To truly master it is to learn to let go.

Linda Lowen teaches at the Downtown Writer’s Center and is co-producer and co-host of Take Care, a health and wellness radio show on WRVO. She lives in Syracuse with her husband. Her two daughters go by Jaye and Em in her writing.

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8 - Reading/books views & REVIEWS

Offbeat Holiday Stories

S

hake up your holiday traditions this year with children’s books that greet the holidays in a style all their own. These books are not versions of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, nor do they serve to add to the merchandising of well-known television or movie characters. Each of these books stands on its own as a unique tale, and possibly the beginning of a new holiday tradition for your family.

Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet and Andrea Troyer speaks to the longing for Christmas sometimes felt by children who celebrate other holidays at this over-the-top time of year. While Rachel makes surreptitious attempts to lure Santa to her house on Christmas, her parents (and Santa) remain steadfast in their respect for her Jewish traditions. The book boasts beautiful watercolor illustrations and a dose of humor, such as the statement, “Jesus was Jewish— at least on his mother’s side.” In the end, Rachel eventually takes solace in the beauty of her own tradition, the company of friends who celebrate Diwali and Chinese New Year, and reaches the end of the book feeling only “a tiny bit bad.”

Simon and the Bear: a Hanukkah Tale by Eric Kimmel is a compelling story in which the holiday serves to complement and enhance a narrative that could easily stand on its own. In this story, Simon makes a great sacrifice, expecting nothing in return. Hanukkah miracles, in many forms, arrive one by one, leading to unexpectedly wonderful things for Simon.

The picture book is enhanced by beautiful,

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wintry illustrations by Matthew Trueman.

This would make a great gift for any child, Jewish or otherwise.

very small Earth, separated from his home and family. Only then does he begin to appreciate that smaller may in fact be better.

Ten Thank-You Letters by Daniel Kirk is not a holiday book, but if encouragement to express gratitude for the bounty of the season is needed, look no further. This charming tale features one character who is too busy to play because he is writing a long, thoughtful thank-you letter to his grandmother. The other character, initially frustrated by waiting for his friend, decides to write a thank-you note, and thinks of reasons to write many of them, not only for material gifts, but for the wonderful everyday things that most kids (and adults) take for granted.

For something entirely different, Christmas in the Trenches by John McCutcheon offers a fictionalized version of the Christmas Truce of 1914.

The story is told from the perspective of a character, present at the World War I truce, telling his grandchildren how German and Allied soldiers stopped fighting on Christmas Eve, eventually singing and playing soccer together. The book includes a CD with an audio version of the story, recordings of “Silent Night” and its German translation, “Stille Nacht,” and an original song by the same title as the book. The moving story is accompanied by sepia-toned oilon-canvas illustrations. Parents should note that guns and cannons are depicted in the opening pages, and there is only one intimation of injury or death, the illustration of two soldiers carrying someone on a litter. The story ends on a speculative note, with soldiers wondering who will make the first move the day after Christmas.

Christmas with the Mousekins by Maggie Smith features a simple story interwoven with poems, rhymes, crafts and recipes drawn from the story itself. This is a great choice to get children involved in hands-on activities, ranging from simple mitten bookmarks to gingerbread mice cookies. The book has an old-fashioned feel, and the story centers on Norman Rockwell-esque holiday traditions: cutting down a tree, making decorations, Christmas caroling, baking cookies and making handmade gifts. If you’re prepared to hear, “Mom, can we try that?” this may be the book you’ve been looking for.

A cautionary tale is the central message in The Smallest Gift of Christmas by Peter H. Reynolds. When Roland wants a bigger gift than those he’s been given, he eventually finds himself on a large rocket ship, looking down at a

Robert Frost’s poem becomes a book in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, lavishly illustrated by Susan Jeffers.

It’s the perfect choice for a celebration of the Winter Solstice. The illustrations are primarily gray-toned, with color only on the highlighted images of horse, driver and a few other featured drawings. Animals such as rabbits and deer are hidden among the snow-covered trees, providing the opportunity for a game of “I Spy.” This comforting, cozy book is the perfect choice for “the darkest evening of the year.”

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OLARTY | ISTOCK ILLUSTRATION

Lovely illustrations grace books about Christmas and more | BY MERRILEE WITHERELL

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My favorite pick for the holiday season is a rare gem indeed. Sardonically witty author Lemony Snicket (best known for his Series of Unfortunate Events) has crafted a story for the season that resonates with hope and meaning, without even the slightest hint of saccharine. Because of the wit and occasional sarcasm, this book is not ideal for the youngest children, but is well-suited to the 9-and-up set.

The Lump of Coal features a main character who is . . . a lump of coal. This lump has hopes for the future, a willingness to settle for less than his ideal, and a nearly indefatigable “try, try again” attitude.

The lump meets with a cast of well-drawn but unpleasant characters on his journey, including an art gallery manager, a faux-Korean restaurateur and a store Santa, each forcing him to continue his quest for something that’s “better than nothing.” The drugstore Santa, exposed as something of a fraud, assures the lump that the real Santa is at the mall, making this a safe choice for believers and non-believers alike.

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Eventually the Lump of Coal’s hopes are more than realized, proving the author’s point that “Miracles are like pimples, because once you start looking for them you find more than you ever dreamed you’d see . . .” Hold the acne cream. This one’s a keeper.

OLARTY | ISTOCK ILLUSTRATION

Merrilee Witherell is the K-12 librarian at Red Creek Central School District. She lives in Cayuga County with her husband, daughter and dogs, all of whom love a good story.

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Hoping for Snow

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Honorable Mentions

hat does “winter fun” mean to Central New York kids? It’s all about the snow, at least according to students at Syracuse’s Huntington Pre-K-8 School who submitted works to Family Times’ eighth annual cover art contest. The artists, in grades 5, 6 and 7, favored sledding and snowpeople in their drawings and paintings.

Two designers in Family Times’ Creative Services Department chose the winning artwork, by Brooke Matthews, which is on the magazine’s cover.

Five additional drawings, pictured here, earned honorable mentions. Family Times wishes to thank art teachers Terry Cameron and Tim Howard and all the Huntington students who participated in the contest.

Julia Petersen, age 12

Ehlanna Brinley, age 12

Ammar Allaw, age 12

Row Dee, age 13 10

Isabella Pascale, age 9

Family Times December 2015

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Tune in Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 9:15 a.m., for columnist Maggie Simone’s preview of what’s in the next edition of Family Times!

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The Cool and the Colorful Gift shops at three Central New York cultural institutions offer items to delight those on your list Photos by Michael Davis

Schweinfurth Art Center 205 Genesee St., Auburn. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Two exhibits—Quilts=Art=Quilts and Traditions Made Modern: Wedding Ring Quilts

by Victoria Findlay Wolfe—are up through Jan. 3. Admission to exhibits is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and free for those under age 12. (There is no admission charge to visit the gift shop on its own.) For more information, call 255-1553 or visit SchweinfurthArtCenter.org.

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Schweinfurth Art Center Kikkerland Samu Windup Toy, $24

Playing Card Set, $15 Backgammon, $25 Checkers/Chess, $25

The Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. Open Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (and also Mondays and Tuesdays during school vacations). Admission to the exhibit hall costs $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 2 to 11, and $8 for age 65 and older. To learn about special holiday events in December, such as the Polar Express Pajama Party, see the calendar in this issue. For more information, call 425-9068 or visit MOST.org.

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Todd Conover Necklace, $175

Everson Museum of Art 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Open Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested donation for the galleries is $5. Admission during the Festival of Trees, Dec. 4 through 13, is $5, free for children under 10. Call 474-6064 for information, or visit Everson.org.

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Colorful Soup in a Jar Give the gift of winter comfort | BY CHRIS XAVER

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othing is more wonderful in the midst of winter than a pot of soup simmering on the stove. In fact, that might be the only part of winter I look forward to! OK, not quite, but close.

A pot of soup certainly makes it inviting when you come in from the outside. The aromas invite you in. The moisture added to the house (when the constant heat on tends to dry things out) makes the house feel more comfortable.

Imagine giving that gift to someone else. That’s right, with this soup in a jar recipe you can give the gift of comfort this holiday season. And this jar of soup not only looks and tastes great, it’s good for you, too.

Filled with red kidney beans, this soup is a fiber all-star. Beans lower cholesterol and also help moderate blood-sugar levels.

Bean fiber helps prevent problems like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis. Not bad for a humble little dried staple.

A study of 16,000 middle-aged men from seven countries over a period of 25 years found the men’s consumption of 16

legumes was associated with a reduction in their risk for coronary heart disease by 86 percent.

Now, onto the next reason I adore the humble and inexpensive bean: protein. As a person who battles hypoglycemia, I need protein to avoid hunger between meals. I try to eat 30 grams of protein at each of my meals. A cup of cooked kidney beans has 15 grams of protein, which is 31 percent of the recommended daily allowance.

This soup is good all by itself and the beans in the mix make it a complete meal.

However, in the instructions you write and include with the gift, you can let the recipient know she or he can add more protein to this soup. Ground meats would give it an American chili feel. Cubed pork or chicken would take the flavors more TexMex. Kielbasa would be a great, too, and would change up the taste considerably.

So now onto the gifting process—layering the ingredients in a clean jar. A mason-type jar works well, but if you don’t have one, don’t run to the store. Look in your recycling bin. I’m the queen of recycling. If you’ve got an empty jar, soak off the label and dry the jar thoroughly.

To make the layering pretty, use a funnel (or a piece of paper folded into a cone) to help you place the beans easily. Tip the jar to create unique patterns if you like that better than simple layers. Place the spices in the top in a zippered bag. If you’d like, you can keep them all separate, or mix them together for ease. That’s up to you.

This soup needs a can of crushed tomatoes for acidity and flavor. You can give that with your jar, or simply put a note in the instructions.

Spend a few minutes and go online for a host of inspirations as to how to decorate the jar to give away. All you need to do is type in “soup in a jar” and click image with a Google search. You’ll find inspiration enough for 15 Pinterest boards. Give this a try! And keep in mind soup in a jar makes a great hostess gift, too.

Chris Xaver, Ph.D., is a newly remarried local TV and radio personality with a blended family consisting of five children ranging in age from 13 to 28.

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Sunny Winter Soup Legumes ¾ cup dried red kidney beans ¾ cup dried lentils (brown, red, or yellow if you’d like color in your jar) ¾ cup dried split peas ¾ cup dried black beans Flavor packet

Write out the instructions for your recipient on a recipe card or a piece of brown paper bag, punch a small hole in the paper and attach it to the jar with a ribbon. Make sure to give an ingredient list, too, in case your recipient would like to make it again!

2 tablespoons dried onion flakes

Instructions

2 tablespoons dried parsley

Rinse the beans and pick out any stones. Place in a large heavy bottomed soup pot with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Stir in the seasoning and one 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes. Cover and simmer two hours, or until the beans are tender (which will depend on the hardness of the water and the age of the beans). Serve.

2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon oregano 3 beef bouillon cubes (low sodium) 3 chicken bouillon cubes (low sodium) 1 single-serving packet True Lemon granules (optional) 1 bay leaf (optional—looks great in the jar!)

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Family Times December 2015

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Calendar

2015 Please note: Mistakes happen. To confirm event details, call the sponsoring organization’s phone number or visit the website.

Friday, Nov. 27 IMAX Polar Express. Noon & 3 p.m.; through

Jan. 3. Annual screenings of the movie about a boy on the edge of not believing in Santa Claus until he takes a wild train ride to the North Pole. Additional screenings on Fridays and Saturdays. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $10/adults; $8/ages 2-11 and seniors age 65 and up. 425-9068.

Opening Day Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Noon-4 p.m.; also Saturdays & Sundays

through Dec. 20, plus Dec. 24 (noon-3 p.m.) More than 50 Victorian characters, including the author of A Christmas Carol himself, fill the village of Skaneateles, on Genesee, Jordan and Fennell streets.

Free. 685-0552.

Clinton Square Tree Lighting Ceremony.

6:30 p.m. The annual lighting of the 50-foot-plus Norway spruce takes place after an evening of music and an appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Downtown Syracuse. Free. 473-4330. www. syracuse.ny.us.

Saturday, Nov. 28 Family Train Day. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Trains run on

a large indoor model railroad and in loops on the floor; also a children’s play area. Presented by the Central New York Large-Scale Railway Society. The Commons, Driver’s Village, 5885 E. Circle Drive, Cicero. Free. Ghdavis81@verizon.net.

Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Noon-4 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 20, plus Dec. 24 (noon-3 p.m.). See Nov. 27 listing.

Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s

Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the tale, in which children in the audience can dress as a fairy tale character and help Aladdin find the magic lamp and win the princess’ heart. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 4493823.

Peter Pan. 2 p.m. (preview); through Jan. 3. Musical

adaptation of the show delivers an adventurous treat, with songs such as “I’m Flying” and “I Won’t Grow Up.” Syracuse Stage, 820 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. $30-39/adult; $35/age 40 & under; $20/age 12 & under. 443-3275. SyracuseStage.org.

MaKey MaKey Design Workshop. 2-4 p.m.

Kids ages 8-16 can work with the kit that allows them to turn everyday objects—like Play-Doh and bananas—into a computer keyboard. Materials are provided. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

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

also Dec. 5 & 19. Children, who are invited to wear pajamas, can take part in activities, including making crystals, whistles, and liquid nitrogen ice cream.

There will also be a visit with Santa Claus. Then they can see The Polar Express in the six-story IMAX theater. Museum of Science and Technology (MOST), 500 S. Franklin St., Armory Square, Syracuse. $4/ person for party, in addition to movie tickets: $10/ adults; $8/ages 2-11 and seniors age 65 and up. Reservations required: 425-9068, Ext. 2132.

Sunday, Nov. 29 Dickens’ Christmas in Skaneateles. Noon-4 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays through Dec. 20, plus Dec. 24 (noon-3 p.m.). See Nov. 27 listing.

Peter Pan. 2 p.m. (preview); through Jan. 3. See

Nov. 28 listing.

Monday, Nov. 30 See Ongoing Events

Tuesday, Dec. 1 Coding Club. 4-5 p.m. Students in grades 3-6 can

learn code and build websites, games and more. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

Free. 637-6374. fflib.org.

9 & 16. Children ages 2-5 can take part in stories, songs, fingerplays, music and more. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442.

Wagging Wednesdays. 3:30-5 p.m.; also Dec. 16.

Go Team Therapy Dogs visit the library, where kids can read to and hang out with them. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. 699-2032.

Creation Club Junior. 4-5:15 p.m. Kids can learn skills for using technology for everything from 3D printing to game design. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www. fflib.org.

Teen Geeks Lite. 6-8 p.m. Teens can hang out,

play games, eat snacks, and create—video-game free, in this version of Teen Geeks. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl. org.

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.

Meadowbrook Harlequins. 7 p.m. See a musical performance by Nottingham High School’s theater organization. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Matilda the Musical. 7:30 p.m.; through Dec. 6.

See Dec. 1 listing.

Thursday, Dec. 3 Trail Tales. 1 p.m.; also Dec. 17 & 31. A naturalist

reads two nature-themed stories and then leads a hike whose theme matches the stories; for children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult. Beaver Lake Nature Center parking lot, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $4/parking. 638-2519.

Matilda the Musical. 7:30 p.m.; through Dec. 6.

Based on the Roald Dahl story, the musical tells the story of a young girl with a sharp mind who takes a stand in order to shape her own destiny. Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. $35-$65 (plus fees). (800) 745-3000. MatildaTheMusical.com.

Hanukkah Storytime. 6:30 p.m. Come to a storytime celebrating Hanukkah, followed by a performance by the Syracuse Hebrew Day School Chorus. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt.

Free. 449-2948.

Wednesday, Dec. 2

See Dec. 1 listing.

Childhood Matters Conference. 8:30 a.m.-4

p.m. Conference sponsored by It’s About Childhood & Family Inc. Storer Auditorium, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. $55/person. 382-0541. mgilbert@iacaf.org.

Read, Sing, Play Storytime. 10 a.m.; also Dec.

Matilda the Musical. 7:30 p.m.; through Dec. 6.

Friday, Dec. 4 First Day Festival of Trees. Noon-5 p.m.; through Dec. 13. See trees, wreaths and special displays that create a winter wonderland. The event raises funds for the Everson Museum of Art. Everson Family Times December 2015

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Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 28 listing.

The Nutcracker. 2 p.m. See Dec. 5 listing.

Puppet Making Workshop. 12:30 p.m. Open

The Nutcracker. 1 & 6 p.m.; also Dec. 6. Syracuse

City Ballet artists perform the tale of a young girl and her dashing Nutcracker Prince. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $17-$55 (plus fees). 435-2121. www.ticketmaster.com.

Christmas Snap N Play. 3 p.m. Open play hours and a chance to get a photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids can play while waiting their turn.

For children up to age 8. KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $12/child. 6952211. www.kidzclubfun.com.

Hand Theater staffer teaches children ages 8-14 to make simple jointed puppets that can be manipulated through scenes and stories; supplies provided. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free.

435-5320.

Hour of Code. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Kids from

first-graders through high school students can use a self-guided tutorial to learn how to code. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free.

Registration required: 435-5442 or dmcgregor@ onlib.org.

Matilda the Musical. 8 p.m.; through Dec. 6. See

Dec. 1 listing.

Gift Making for Teens and Tweens. 1-4 p.m.

Kids ages 8-16 can make tech-based crafts. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

Santa Visits the Library. 5-7:30 p.m. Santa will

Christmas Radio Hour Play Preview. 2 p.m.

Local students perform in an all-new installment of the Appleseed Productions favorite. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.

Voices of Faith Choir Concert. 7 p.m. Carols

Matilda the Musical. 2 & 8 p.m.; through Dec. 6.

Saturday, Dec. 5

See Dec. 1 listing.

Breakfast with Santa. 8:30-11 a.m. Families can

Aire ensemble will perform music from Bach to the Beatles, with some discussion of the history of handbells thrown in. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse. 435-3636.

eat a hearty breakfast and visit with Santa. Presbyterian Nursery School, 64 Oswego St., Baldwinsville. $6/adults; $3/children; free/age 3 and under.

635-7391.

Soule Road Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Crafts, raffles and food. Soule Road Elementary School, 8338 Soule Road, Liverpool. srecraft@yahoo.com.

Beaver Lake Breakfast with Santa. 9 a.m.noon; also Dec. 12. Have pancakes, sausage and a drink, and meet Santa. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3-$5/breakfast; $4/parking. 638-2519.

Breakfast with Santa at the Zoo. 9-10 a.m. or

11 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while the kids share Christmas wishes with the jolly old elf, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus and create a holiday craft. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Cost includes zoo admission: $17/general; free/age 2 & younger. Reservations required: 4358511, Ext. 113. www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 10

English Handbell Concert. 2:30 p.m. The Belle

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m.; Saturdays. Every Saturday, see an interactive presentation on a different aspect of science. Upcoming topics include: the human brain, snakes, chemistry, and more. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/ seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Make a Dreidel. 2:30-4 p.m. Kids ages 5-12 can

make their own clay dreidel, learn how to play the game, and win foil-wrapped chocolate coins. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-5326.

Polar Express Pajama Party. 5:30-8:30 p.m.; also Dec. 19. See Nov. 28 listing.

Sunday, Dec. 6 HANUKKAH BEGINS

a.m.-5 p.m.; also Dec. 6. Dozens of crafters, as well as food and music. Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Admission: $2/adult; free/age 16 & younger or 65 & older. 472-5478.

Exhibit Opening Weekend. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Dec. 6. With the Build, Drive, Go exhibit, explore vehicles of all sorts, from trucks and trains to planes and boats. During opening weekend, see cars from the soap box derby, view a display by the local Lego group, and hear special story readings. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $14/general; free/younger than 2.

(585) 263-2700. museumofplay.org.

Sensory Friendly Storytime. 10:30 a.m. All ages

of children and families can take part in a storytime presented at the preschool level of development that is gentle and toned down. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. 435-5320.

Pictures with Santa. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids can

listen to a musical family storytime and get their pictures taken with Santa. Don’t forget your camera!

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374.

Family Gift Making Workshops. 12:30-3:30

p.m. Choose from among three workshops: Mason jar cookie kits (1:30 or 2:30 p.m.); evergreen wall art (12:30 or 1:30 p.m.); or make your own terrarium (1:30 or 2:30 p.m.). Workshops recommended for grade 4 up through adults; kids in grades 1-3 will need adult help. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. $10/workshop. Registration recommended: 637-6374, Ext. 2.

listen to kids’ Christmas wishes and hand out candy canes. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. 458-6184. and classical music with the Voice of Faith Choir and guest artists including the Seneca String Quartet and the John Spillett Jazz Duo. A holiday reception follows the concert. Holy Family Church, 122 Chapel Drive, Fairmount. Free will offering. 487-1194.

Monday, Dec. 7 Drop In and Play. 10 a.m.-noon; also Dec. 14.

Kids from birth to age 5, with caregivers, can drop in and play with the library’s toys. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.

Yoga for Everyone. 6 p.m.; also Dec. 14, 21 & 28. One-hour class of gentle yoga for all ages. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-1940.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 Signing Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m. Children ages 3-6 can learn six to seven signs that correspond to the week’s story. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Teen MOPS. 4-6 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. Call or text: 569-2542, (518) 441-3690 or 412-4054.

Tween Techtorials. 5-6 p.m. Come learn about

the latest technology. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 4570310. lpl.org.

Breakfast with Santa at Blessed Sacrament.

8 a.m.-noon. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, meet Santa Claus (8:30-11:30 a.m.) and raise money for the church’s food pantry. Blessed Sacrament School, 3129 James St., Syracuse. $6/adults; $4/ages 4-12; free/age 3 & under. 463-1261.

Plowshares Craftsfair and Peace Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See Dec. 5 listing.

Teddy Bear Tea. Noon-2 p.m. Children can have

Workshop on Emotion Control. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Participants will learn from community activist Christine Quinn how to control emotions and regain rationality in challenging situations. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

Make a Financial Plan for College. 6-8 p.m.

Parents can join Nick Meskos of AmeriCU Credit Union as he outlines the steps to planning for a child’s college education. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org

a magical afternoon, including tea, treats, crafts, music and activities with their teddy bears. Admission to Festival of Trees included with each Teddy Bear Tea ticket. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $25/adult; $20/child. Reservations required: 474-6064. everson.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 9

Exhibit Opening Weekend. Noon-5 p.m. See

Drop in for Crafts. 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Children

Dec. 5 listing.

Matilda the Musical. 1 & 6:30 p.m. See Dec. 1

listing.

Chemsations. 2 p.m. Local high school students

demonstrate chemical reactions with color changes, bubbles and light. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca.

Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/ under 3. (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

See Ongoing Events

Thursday, Dec. 10 with a caregiver can make seasonal crafts; all materials provided. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Green Lakes Music Together Demo. 10:30 a.m. Children from birth to age 5, with caregivers, can sing, dance and play for 45 minutes. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

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Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $5/ adults; free/age 10 & under. 474-6064. everson.org.

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Party Planner

Smart Play. 1-1:30 p.m. Children

age 6 and under can explore in 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. www.fflib.org.

Art Masters. 4-5 p.m. Children in kindergarten through grade 2 can explore the art of Pablo Picasso and make their own works inspired by the masters. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Friday, Dec. 11 Festival of Lights. 6-8:45 p.m.;

also Dec. 12, 18 & 19. Families board horse-drawn wagons for rides through the decorated park up to the clubhouse, decorated as the North Pole, where Santa waits to visit with youngsters and treats are offered.

Burnet Park, Coleridge Avenue at Burnet Park Drive, Syracuse. Free.

473-4330.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7

p.m.; through Dec. 20. In this puppet version of the popular television special, the Peanuts gang gets together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Open Hand Theater, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. $15/adults; $10/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and under.

476-0466.

Birthdays!

Give the gift of a party to grow on!!

Have a party the kids & parents will love organized by our Lego® experts!

Private Party Packages are fully customizable!

Call: (315) 632-8592 email: mmoore@bricks4kidz.com Located in Shoppingtown Mall

www.bricks4kidz.com/cny

Christmas Snap-N-Play “Pictures with Santa without the wait!”

Sunday, December 6 • 3pm Register Online Today: www.kidzclubfun.com 219 Rt. 57, Phoenix • (315) 695-2211 • info@kidzclubfun.com

22

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Holidays with the Animals. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch as animals throughout the zoo receive “presents”—new toys that give them a chance to play and demonstrate natural behaviors.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse.

Admission: $8/adults (ages 19-61); $5/ over age 62; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger. 435-8511.

Make Pong. 10 a.m.-noon. Children age 10 and up can use the Kano computer system in teams to create their own version of the classic game Pong.

Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 435-5442 or dmcgregor@ onlib.org.

College Essay Writing Workshop. 10 a.m.-noon. Syracuse Univer-

sity writing instructor Molly Voorheis helps students at all stages of the essay-writing process, from thinking about topics to drafting. Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place, Syracuse.

Registration required: 435-3636.

Dasher’s Magical Gift. 11 a.m. In a narrated ballet for children performed by students from Dance Centre North, a crisis arises in the days before Christmas when Santa’s fastest reindeer, Dasher, loses his ability to fly. Presented by CNY Arts. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $10-$19. 435-2154. www. cnyarts.org.

Grandfather Frost’s Stories of Russia. 11 a.m. In this adven-

ture, puppets perform the parts of Grandfather Frost, Baba Yaga and her mischievous cat, and a lost girl. Open Hand Theater, 518 Prospect Ave., Syracuse. $10/adults; $6/children.

476-0466.

Free to Be. 11-11:45 a.m.; also Dec.

19. Children ages 3-6 can take part in this early childhood music and acting class with live guitar music, creating unique lyrics. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free.

637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 28 listing.

DIY Button Maker. 2 p.m. Kids age 5 and up can use the button maker to make a custom button; all materials provided. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free.

435-3395.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2

& 7 p.m.; through Dec. 20. See Dec. 11 listing.

Sensory Friendly Time at the MOST. 5:30-8:30 p.m. This chance

for children with sensory processing disorders to experience the museum is also a Polar Express pajama party, with hot chocolate, activities and a visit with Santa. Doors are left open so visitors who need a break can get away from the stimulation of the exhibits, and during The Polar Express the IMAX sound is turned down. MOST (Museum of Science & Technology),

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500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. IMAX tickets: $10/adults; $8/ages 2-11 and senior citizens; cost for the party is $4 more per person. Reservations: 4259068, Ext. 2132. www.most.org.

Calendar

Saturday, Dec. 12

Caroling in the Woods. 7-8:30 p.m. Pick up a lantern and a song sheet for this traditional event. Bring natural treats to hang for the birds and holiday cookies to share with fellow carolers. Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. Free. Sign up: BaltimoreWoods. org.

Sunday, Dec. 13 Free Sunday at the Sciencenter.

Noon-5 p.m. Enjoy interactive exhibits that demonstrate principles involving construction, air flow, water, sound and more. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Free (Dec. 13 only). (607) 2720600. www.sciencenter.org.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. 1 & 5 p.m. The interna-

tional touring ballet company returns to Syracuse for its holiday performance. Mulroy Civic Center, 411 Montgomery St., Syracuse. $28-$68 (plus fees). 435-2121. www.ticket master.com.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2 p.m.; through Dec. 20. See Dec. 11 listing.

Star Party. 7-10 p.m. See the Geminid meteor shower, a shower of asteroid debris, as well as bright stars

Winter Break

Vacation camp

December 24-31, 2015

Grades K–6

• Half day 12/24, closed 12/25

Open 7 am – 6 pm Half-day options available

• Arts and crafts, games, field trips, sports and more!

• JCC membership not required • Early registration pricing through Dec. 16 • Call today to reserve your child’s spot!

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

5655 Thompson Rd., DeWitt 315-445-2360 • www.jccsyr.org

Family Times December 2015

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Calendar

and nebulae through telescopes. (Backup date: Dec. 14.) Baltimore Woods Nature Center, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. $9/person. 673-1350.

science facts with a hands-on experiment. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Monday, Dec. 14

Music and Santa. 6-7:30 p.m. A

Craftastic Critters. 4:30-5:30 p.m.;

You and your favorite teddy bear are invited to a...

also Dec. 14. Kids ages 5-10 can drop in to make a craft. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville.

Free. 637-6374.

Kids Create Gingerbread Houses. 6-7 p.m. Kids ages 6-12 can create

Sunday, December 6 • Noon-2pm Oncenter Ballroom Musical Entertainment by Peggy Lynn Special MC Amy Robbins of 93Q Magic & Balloons by Jeff the Magic Man Tea Party Refreshments Children’s Arts & Crafts Children’s Raffle Baskets

Tickets: $25/adult • $20/child

Admission to the Festival of Trees is included with ticket

Reservations Required.

Visit everson.org or Call (315) 474-6064

EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART

their own house from edible materials. Materials provided. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse.

Free. Registration required: 435-5442.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 Yoga for Families. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

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.

Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Family Movie Night. 5 p.m. See the film Minions and enjoy free popcorn.

All ages. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 4353395.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 Minion Madness Party. 4 p.m. All

ages of kids can come celebrate Gru and the Minions with crafts, snacks and more. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

Discovery Club. 4:15-5 p.m. Fun

facts, science videos and experiments for budding scientists, ages 7-12.

Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Thursday, Dec. 17 Fun With Science. 3-8 p.m. Kids

and families can drop in and discover

night of music and a chance to spend time with Santa and Mrs. Claus. NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane, Cicero. Free. 699-2032.

A Christmas Concert. 6:30 p.m.

The Lyncourt Community Band and barbershop chorus Harmony Katz perform holiday music and songs. St. Daniel School gym, 3004 Court St., Syracuse. Free. 432-1005.

Friday, Dec. 18 Toddler Dance Party. 10:30 a.m.

Children age 18 months to 5 years can dance, play musical instruments, play with bubbles, and more. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.

The Shimmering Winter Sky.

6-7:30 p.m. A naturalist will talk about constellations, major stars and the Ursid meteor shower. Bring a flashlight with a red filter. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $4/vehicle for parking. 638-2519.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. 7 p.m.; through Dec. 20. See Dec. 11 listing.

Saturday, Dec. 19 Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11

a.m. The Technology Alliance of Central New York presents a talk by Damian Schofield of SUNY Oswego, who will discuss the future of artificially intelligent machines. 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.

Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 28 listing.

Digital Reader’s Theater. 2-4 p.m.

Children ages 8-16 are introduced to the world of dynamic storytelling,

Christmas Trees

Open Nov. 27th 1850 Rte. 91, between Rt. 80 & 20 Pompey, NY • Cut your own and precut trees • Beautiful Fraser and Canaan Firs to 12 feet • $6 per foot, $25 minimum. Over 10 ft. $6/ft.

• Fresh wreaths, roping & tree stands • Free wagon ride • Free baling & drilling • Farm store: Ornaments, gifts, alpaca clothing & socks, local honey, maple syrup, local artisans Fridays: 1-5pm • Weekends: 9-5pm Weekdays by appointment 315-683-5860 www.springsidefarm.net

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Memories that will last a lifetime!

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Saturday, Dec. 26

Calendar

learning about digital audio recording, performance and podcasting. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578.

KWANZAA BEGINS

A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2 & 7 p.m.; through Dec. 20. See Dec. 11 listing.

Polar Express Pajama Party.

5:30-8:30 p.m. See Nov. 28 listing.

Sunday, Dec. 20 Sundays with Fido. 2-4 p.m. Go

Team Therapy Dogs visit and are available to spend time with kids. NOPL at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane, North Syracuse. Free. 458-6184.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. 2 p.m. See Dec. 11 listing.

Monday, Dec. 21 WINTER BEGINS

through Jan. 3. During school break week, visit the science-centric exhibit based on the PBS Kids TV series character, and meet and take photos with Sid (Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sundays, 1-4 p.m.). For daily exhibit hours, visit the website. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $14/ general; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700. museumofplay.org.

Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 28 listing.

Sunday, Dec. 27 See Ongoing Events

Monday, Dec. 28 Teen Holiday Party. 5:30-7 p.m.

Teens can make snowflake decorations, embellish cookies, play games and eat snacks. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free.

435-5442.

Tuesday, Dec. 22 See Ongoing Events

Marshmallow Towers. 2 p.m.

Teams of kids age 5 and older compete to create the tallest tower using toothpicks and marshmallows. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

Music and Facepainting. 2:30-4:30

p.m. Singer and artist Donna Butterfield performs some wintry songs. Kids can get their faces painted following the concert. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Wednesday, Dec. 23

Tuesday, Dec. 29

Preschool Play and Learn. 9:30 a.m.; also Dec. 30. Celebrate favorite characters and authors with books, songs, rhymes and more. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

a.m.-noon; teens, 2-4 p.m. Experiment with magnetic blocks that snap together to make tiny robots or toys.

Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.

Christmas Party. 2 p.m. Come for stories, crafts and a visit with Santa.

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

Friday, Dec. 25 CHRISTMAS

See Ongoing Events

Crouse Hinds Theater

John H. Mulroy Civic Center 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse

Produced by CNY Arts Directed by Larry Crabtree

Performed by students from Dance Centre North

Tickets $10-$19 $1 off per ticket with the purchase of 4 To order, call (315) 435-2154 Mon-Fri: 10am-4pm or visit cnyarts.org/boxoffice for details It’s a few days before the big day and Santa is going to choose an extra reindeer to help pull the sleigh. Dasher has just returned to the North Pole, but he has lost his ability to fly!

Can Peppermint, his biggest reindeer fan, save the day?

Maybe, with the help of a couple of very lost penguins, the Spirit of Christmas will prevail!

A Charlie Brown

Cubelets for Children and Teens. Two sessions: children, 10

Meet Orchestra Musicians. 2 p.m. Meet a real viola duo. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

Thursday, Dec. 24 Wednesday, Dec. 30 Holiday Craft. 2 p.m. Kids age 5

and up can stop by to make a holiday-themed craft. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse.

Free. 435-3395.

Saturday, Dec. 12 • 11am

Break Week with Sid the Science Kid. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; daily

Christmas Join the Peanuts Reserve Your Tickets Today!

Gang to learn the true meaning of Christmas

Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. See Nov. 28 listing.

Meet Orchestra Musicians. 1-2 p.m. A viola duo performs. NOPL at Brewerton, 5437 Library St., Brewerton. Free. 676-7484.

Puppet Making Workshop. 5 p.m.

Open Hand Theater staffer teaches children ages 8-14 to make simple jointed puppets that can be manipulated through scenes and stories; supplies provided. Mundy Branch Library, 1204 S. Geddes St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3797.

Teen Decoupage. 6-8 p.m. Teens

December 11, 12 & 13 December 18, 19 & 20

www.OpenHandTheater.org

can learn the art of decoupage and make something to take home; materials provided. Liverpool Public Library,

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310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

NOW AVAILABLE

Making It Count:

F ROM A

TO Z The Life and Times of Art Zimmer An exciting new book commissioned by Shirley Sherburne Zimmer Edited by Lois Gridley Available from LOG CABIN BOOKS

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Thursday, Dec. 31 Noon Year’s Eve. 10:30 a.m.-12:30

p.m. Ring in the “noon” year with a dance party, a ball drop and a sparkling juice toast at noon. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission: $8/adults (ages 19-61); $5/over age 62; $4/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger.

435-8511.

Saturday, Jan. 2 First Snow Leopard Day. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. See snow leopards, Humboldt penguins, red wolves and other animals for half price through Feb. 29. Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. $4/adults; $2.50/age 62 & up; $2/ages 3-18; free/age 2 and younger.

435-8511.

Make a Calendar. 2:30-4:30 p.m.

New Year’s Craft. 2 p.m. Kids age

Kids ages 5-12 can make their own 2016 calendar and keep track of birthdays, holidays and more. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Teen Mug Cake Bake. 3 p.m.

ONGOING EVENTS

5 and up can make a holiday-themed craft. Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-3395.

Teens can make mini cakes in a mug; supplies and mugs provided. Betts Branch Library, 4862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940.

Friday, Jan. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY

2016

See Ongoing Events

Lights on the Lake. 5-10 p.m.,

daily; Nov. 11-Jan. 3. Drive through the annual light extravaganza featuring two miles of life-size displays.

New displays include the Itsy Bitsy Spider, additions to the Land of Oz and an animated soccer scene. Onondaga Lake Park, Onondaga Lake Parkway, Liverpool. $10/car, Monday-Thursday; $15/car, Friday-Sunday.

453-6712.

Erie Canal Museum Gingerbread Gallery. Daily, 10 a.m.-5

p.m.; Nov. 20-Jan. 3. (Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1.) Imaginative uses of ice cream cones, candy and, yes, gingerbread abound in dozens of

creations, including some referencing the Erie Canal and its boats. Erie Canal Museum, 318 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. $5/ adults; $4/seniors; $2/age 12 & under.

471-0593.

Festival of Trees. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Dec. 4-13. See trees, wreaths and special displays that create a winter wonderland. The event raises funds for the Everson Museum of Art. Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. $5/adults; free/age 10 & under. 474-6064. everson.org.

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.

Include date and time of event, location with numbered street address and town, price, and phone number for publication. We give priority to low- or no-cost events aimed at parents, kids, or parents accompanied by kids. For consideration, listings are due by Dec. 4 for the January 2016 issue.

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Order your personalized gifts now and be ahead of the rush!

DESIGNATE A DRIVER PreventionNetworkCNY.org or 315-471-1359

Family Times December 2015

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BACK PACK CLASSIFIED DIRECTORY Activities

dAnce instructions

Body Recognition Class

TheDanceStudioCNY.com

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

Camillus & Manlius - Classes for Age 1 & Up! Fall Schedule & Classes Coming Soon!

682-7877 or thedancestudiocny@gmail.com

BirthdAy PArties

emPloyment

What’s in our Backpack Giveaway?

Flamingo Bowling Party Up to 10 people includes pizza, wings & soda

TO EnTER:

Send all contact information to promotions@familytimes.biz with “Flamingo” in the subject line. Entry deadline is noon on 12/10/15.

BALLOONS OVER SYRACUSE We Make Memories 425-0001 syracuseballoons.com Free Delivery w/this Ad!

child cAre

The Central Square Gymnastics Center Has Immediate openings for Team Coaches with spotting abilities Competitive Salary Call Sonya 315-668-7912

services

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**

Painting, Remodeling, Flooring, Door & window install./plumbing & electrical bathroom, kitchen, basement Retired teacher, 35yrs exp.

Joe Ball 436-9008 (Onondaga County only)

To advertise in the Back Pack Directory

Call 472-4669 and press 2 • January issue deadline: 12/10/15

Dec15_Backpack.indd Dec15_Layout.indd 27 1

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LITTLE ONE

Jim and DeDe Walsh Family Birth Center

The Jim and DeDe Walsh Family Birth Center provides a safe, quiet, comfortable, and relaxing environment to welcome your new baby into the world. Should your doctor or midwife not be available, we have physicians and neonatal nurse practitioners available in house 24/7 to care for you and your baby. Anesthesia is on site round the clock.

The Family Birth Center has six beautifully furnished private labor, delivery and recovery suites that include: • Large Jacuzzi bath tubs • Cable TV with DVD/CD player • Wireless internet access • Comfortable sleeper chair for a guest who wishes to stay overnight After you deliver your baby, you will move to one of 18 private rooms in our mother-baby unit.

There you will continue to experience wonderful, personalized care. At Upstate, we support the practice of couplet care, which means mother and baby remain together while in the hospital. The couplet care method promotes stronger family bonding and attachment.

To learn more, go to upstate.edu/birthcenter

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