Family Times October 2013 by Family Times

A Fall Food Combo • Parents vs. Teens • Back-to-School Looks

FREE

The Parenting Guide of Central New York www.familytimes.biz | October 2013

Dazzling Party Fun Mask Making & More

Family Times October 2013

THE â&#x20AC;&#x153;NEW KID, NEW HOME, NEW TAX BRACKETâ&#x20AC;? CHALLENGE A Prudential financial professional can assess your situation. Draw up a plan. And help you build a secure future. To learn more, call me today. Matthew Champion, Manager, Financial Services The Prudential Insurance Company of America 5786 Widewaters Pkwy Dewitt, NY 13214 Office 315-350-2445 Matthew.Champion@Prudential.com www.prudential.com/us/matthew.champion

INVESTMENTS

INSURANCE

RETIREMENT

Insurance and annuities issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates. Securities products and services are offered through Pruco Securities, LLC. Neither Prudential nor its sales professional offer tax or legal advice. Consult with your own Attorney or Accountant regarding your particular situation. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. 0223059-00002-00 Family Times October 2013

contents

october 2013

Climbing walls, ropes courses and other adventures beckon those seeking a thrill.

10 Together Times

Moments 24 14 Teachable Set the stage to encourage

Height Challenges

Editor’s Note

School Pictures

Syracuse parents and kids sported a variety of looks in honor of the first day’s dropoff.

The Recipe Doctor

Kids These Days

Organizing a Halloween party can be fun for the whole family.

your child’s imagination.

RE CAPTU a moment Razi, then age 5, feeds blueberries to his mother, Nelly Kazzaz, in this photo shot by his father, John Marshall, at Abbott Farms. To submit a photo for our Capture a Moment feature, visit www.familytimes.biz and click on the “Submissions” tab.

This fall entrée combines apples, squash and sausage.

It’s not easy to raise teenagers and maintain your self-respect.

Fall Weekends

Opportunities for outings are plentiful this month.

Family Fun Calendar Events

Advertiser Index Party....................................... 8-9 Practice.............................. 12-13 Backpack Directory................ 38 Family Times October 2013

Editor’s Note

family times The Parenting

Guide of Central New York

October 2013

Getting Creative

issue No. 138

PUBLISHER/OWNER Bill Brod Editor in chief Reid Sullivan editorial@familytimes.biz MANAGING EDITOR Bill DeLapp

ctober brings many opportunities to engage your kids’ imaginations, since getting into costume is the month’s highlight. Halloween is a great time to host a party with a tailor-made theme, as Laura Livingston Snyder writes in her article on page 10. A good party requires planning and plenty of activities—including mask making. And we have many more ideas as well. This month, Emma Kress discusses strategies for helping kids think creatively, an important aspect of problem solving and other building blocks of school success (page 14). Though the weather will grow chillier, there are still ways of getting some exercise, and Eileen Gilligan describes several in her article on climbing walls, ropes courses and other Central New York adventure setups (page 16). Just for the fun of it, Family Times sent a photojournalist to a Syracuse school on the first day to talk to parents and kids about what they were wearing for the occasion. Check out the looks on pages 6 and 7. Meanwhile, The Recipe Doctor, Chris Xaver, focues on fall produce, with a filling entrée that uses squash, apples and sausage (page 20). And Maggie Lamond Simone writes about one challenge of parenting teens (page 22). As usual at this time of year, there is a lot going on, including a slew of fall weekend activities (page 24). We hope you have time to check some out.

Photographer Michael Davis OFFICE COORDINATOR/CIRCULATION MANAGER Christine Scheuerman SENIOR DESIGNER AND WEBMASTER OF FAMILY TIMES Briana Viel DESIGNERS Meaghan Arbital, Caitlin O’Donnell, Briana Viel DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER Ty Marshal (ext. 144) Contributors Deborah Cavanagh, Tammy DiDomenico, Eileen Gilligan, Emma Kress, Linda Lowen, Cary Rector, Tonja Rector, Maggie Lamond Simone, Chris Xaver ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Gina Fortino (ext. 115) GinaFortino@syracusenewtimes.com Lesli Mitchell (ext. 140) LMitchell@syracusenewtimes.com Joseph Monkofsky (ext. 112) Jmonkofsky@syracusenewtimes.com Kimberly Rossi (ext. 116) KRossi@syracusenewtimes.com

Reid Sullivan Editor in chief

Holly Timian (ext. 139) Htimian@syracusenewtimes.com COMPTROLLER Deana Vigliotti (ext. 118) CLASSIFIED SALES Lija Spoor (ext. 111)

Subscribe to Family Times by mail and receive 12 issues for only $20. Call (315) 472-4669 to order.

On the cover: Daejah Dandrich, age 8, gets into the Halloweenparty spirit. For tips on throwing your own seasonal shindig, see page 10. Inside: Daejah and her mother, Danielle Frazer, of Camillus, are resplendent in red. Michael Davis cover photo. Briana Viel design.

Advertising deadline for November is Oct. 17. Calendar deadline for November is Oct. 4. 4

Family Times October 2013

Family Times 1415 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 (315) 472-4669 fax (315) 422-1721 www.familytimes.biz

PARENTING PARENTING PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATIONMEDIA ASSOCIATION MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2013 Gold2013 Silver 2013 Award Award Winner Award Winner Finalist Editorial and Design Editorial and Design Editorial and Design Awards Competition Awards Competition Awards Competition

More than 100,000 readers each issue.

RIBBIT ING News! PIGGIE b o o k ! & T N A H P E L E ew n A from the New Y ork T imes bes t sell ing a uthor

Mo Wil lems!

Don’t miss Let’s Go for a Drive!, A Big Guy Took My Ball!, and all the other Elephant & Piggie books!

Mo’ Mo at

Flashlight Safari and Trick or Treat Night Wear your Halloween costumes!

Fri. & Sat. Oct. 18 & 19 • October 25 & 26 • 6-10pm Experience animals at night when they’re most active & our bounce house under the lights! Food & Refreshments available.

7621 Lakeport Rd., Chittenango • 727-5587 thewildpark.com • Hrs: 10:30AM-6PM on Weekends including Columbus Day Family Times October 2013

Dressed for Back to School City parents and kids look sharp on their first day By A l e jand r a A c u na

hether they’re students in college, high school, or elementary school, everybody is trying to make a good impression, especially on the first few days. On Sept. 5, the first day at Edward Smith K-8 School in the Syracuse City School District, one third-grader with smooth braids hopped out of her car, shut the door and looked at her reflection in the side of the vehicle. “I look so fly, I look so fresh!” she sang out. Her favorite part of her outfit was her pink Jordan shoes. First-day impressions can also be important for parents—especially if they are interviewed and get their pictures taken by a Family Times reporter.

Parent: Destiny Martin Huddlesto n Kids: Dionne Trav er, sixth grade, an d Sheena Huddlesto n, third grade The look: Desti ny Huddleston, a nurse and student, dres sed in her everyd ay work ensemble. Dionne wore his favorite color on his first day. “H e’s my money ba by, always about the green,” said Hudd leston.

Family Times October 2013

Parent: Kirstin Esposito Kids: Paige Esposito, fifth grade, and Reese Esposito, second grade The look: Kirstin Esposito wore an ensemble from Loft for comfort because she walks to her job at Syracuse University. She matched outfit s with her two Gymboree-dressed daughters. “We went back-to-school shopping together,” Esposito said. “They both wanted hats.”

Parent: Stephanie Fay Kid: Julia Fay, seventh grade, and Evelyn Fay, fifth grade The look: Stephanie Fay wore a Loft blouse, paired with comfortable brown pin-striped trousers for work, because she wanted to be comfortable but look professional, too. Fay is a teacher at Erwin Nursery School.

Parent: Reem Alpakistan Kids: Youssif Ridha, third grade, and Aamiran Ridha, preschool The look: Reem Alpakistan wore a blue scarf, brought from her home in Iraq, with a matching cotton cerulean shirt, and open-toed shoes with a navy blue fabric flower (a fabulous feminine accent, in this reporter’s view). Alpakistan chose blue to look professional because it was the first time she was encountering the school system at Ed Smith.

Parent: Diana Ca stro Kid: Daiana Castr o, fifth grade The look: Diana Castro rocked a sporty outfit to walk Da iana to school. Sh e paired her Nike sh oes with skinny dark-washed jeans and a cotton swea ter to match her atte ntion-grabbing pu rple nail polish.

s teve Feike venth Parent: S enter), se (c s e ik e F e li Kid: Nata d a friend to stay grade, an es dressed ith ik e F e v te :S ol w The look de to scho , chose the bike ri ile n h o w n a rm e a w atalie, m N r. cluding te h in g nd out, his dau a st r e h lp he clothes to top. t n ra ib v a

Parent: Tederrell Grant

Parent: Alyssa Taylor Kid: Aliza Taylor, sixth grade The look: Alyssa Taylor wore Levi’s and a mermaid green Old Navy sweater. “It seemed like a good back-to-school mom outfit,” said Taylor. The day was a lot colder than the mother and daughter expected, but that did not stop Aliza from showing off glittery shoes.

Kid: Taday Grant, first gra de The look: Tederrell Grant sported a denim outfit. With the une xpected drop in temperature, he said the cold weather “turned him around in the morning.” Taday is just as fashionable as her father, in beads, bra ids and pink.

Alejandra Acuna is an arts journalist and master’s degree candidate in the Syracuse University Goldring Arts Journalism program. Family Times October 2013

Happy Halloween! May tHe Face paint be witH you!

Miss Ronnie

(315) 214-3432 • fantasyfaces.org

ELECTRIC GO KART RACING

The Ultimate Kids Birthday Party LOCATED ON 3rd FLOOR IN DESTINY USA Kart Speeds Up to 45mph Adult & Junior Karts (Must be 48” tall) Video Games & Sports Memorabilia Company Outings and Personal Celebrations Gift Certificates Available for Purchase

9090 Destiny USA Drive Syracuse, NY 13290 315-423-RACE (7223) This location is an independently operated franchise owned by Destiny Raceway, LLC

Family Times October 2013

Syracuse Tents & Events and a private party for Parties Plus Have 20 or more kids for 2 full hours!

YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY HEADQUARTERS YOU BRING THE KIDS & CAKE... WE’LL DO THE REST !

Introducing Flexikids! Parent & Child yoga on Tuesdays at 9:45am

Bring your own refreshments! Visit our website for photos & pricing!

New location directly across from Lamacchia Honda.

923 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13204 • 468-2332

Dinner P’Arty Wednesdays

NEW!

from 5-8pm. Dinner, playtime & art projects all for one great price!

Extended open play hours in October!

Don’t forget us when planning your birthday party!

(See website for details.)

$1 OFF ADmISSION

exp. 10/31/13 • Not valid on classes or special events. Must present coupon.

kidzclubfun.com • (315) 695-2211• 219 Rt. 57, Phoenix

votEd #1 kids saloN By NiCkElodEoN magaziNE

ICE CREAM & BOUNCE HOUSE BIRTHDAY PARTY SPECIAL!

Weekday Pa rty Package 149

+tax

199

+tax

nd Weeke Party e Packag

(Monday - Thur sday) 2 Hour Private Party!

Summer Savings!

3485 EriE Blvd. East, dEWitt 315-446-4386 (446-4FUN) or sharkEysCUtsForkids.Com/dEWittNy to Book appoiNtmENts aNd partiEs.

day) ay & Sun d r u t a S rty! (Friday, rivate Pa 2 Hour P

vings! a S r e m Sum

Availability is limited, time slots fill up fast! Call to book your reservations today! 2265 Downer St., Baldwinsville • 315.303.5550 LIKE merlinsicecreamandbouncehouse.com US!

Family Times October 2013

Together Times

By L a u r a L i v i ng s t on Snyd e r

Frightful Festivities Halloween is the perfect occasion for a party

oes the prospect of Halloween strike fear into your heart? Don’t be afraid; be prepared—to have fun. What makes the spookiest holiday so suitable for a celebration? Your theme is all ready for you. And hosting the ultimate costume party is not difficult if you let your imagination run wild. One of my daughters was born on Halloween, so I know how to have a great get-together without stress. I’ve discovered children of all ages can help out and enjoy these activities and games. Here’s how to get started.

A day or two before the party, have little ones make decorations out of molding clay—such as the Fimo brand—that,

Family Times October 2013

when baked, turn into practical art. Most craft stores have this inexpensive dough, in every imaginable color. Make spiders, pumpkins and witches’ hats freehand, or use Play-Doh molds or even cookie cutters. Or press the clay over their palms to make creepy disembodied hands to hold candy. Glowing eyes. Save a stash of empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Have your helpers cut out eyes and maybe a mouth or two. Just before the party starts, break a colored glow stick (purchased from the dollar store) for each and place inside. Put these decorations in dark places such as outside in a shrub, by the front door, in the bathroom (like a night light!) or in a dimly lit corner of the party room.

The day of the event, have your kids make pretzel wands. Buy large pretzel rods and roll one end in chocolate frosting, then in mini M&Ms or sprinkles. Set the “loaded” side up in a heavy festive glass. (Just be sure the wand makers don’t scarf them all down before the party starts.) Edible eyeballs. These can be made a day ahead. Deviled eggs are simple enough for the most inexperienced cook. (I saw this recipe on The Today Show.) Mix hard-boiled egg yolks with mayonnaise to taste, then add one or two drops of green food coloring before spooning the dollop in the egg white. Place a green or black olive slice in the middle and use a tooth-

Laura Livingston snyder photo

pick to draw red squiggles with food coloring on the sides. Gross and yummy at the same time!

Keeping kids busy allows adults at the party to mingle, at least for a little while. Items for activities should be purchased a week or more in advance, to make sure you have everything you need. And if you want to order things online, you need to allow for shipping time, so you should let your fingers do the searching right away! In late September and October, various stores such as Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft, and even Target typically stock Halloween craft kits such as masks kids can decorate with foam stickers. Usually a kit includes a dozen or so masks--or sheets of foam—and some stickers for less than $10. Offer more options by buying additional stickers at a dollar store. (Other foam sticker kit possiblities are bats, spiders or pumpkins.) Last year a mask-making kit kept my four kids, their cousins and friends, ages 3 to 15, busy for more than an hour, with no messy glue or scissors. (The only problem with this activity might be finding the little stickers on the bottom of your socks later. I had them on mine for weeks, but it was totally worth it.) Get the kids moving with a short M&M relay race, and encourage the parents to join in. Split the group into two teams and equip each with a plastic straw. Place two chairs about eight feet apart with an empty bowl on one end and a bowl with regular sized M&Ms on the other. Have each person “suck” up the candy at the end of the straw (it’s impossible to actually inhale the candy—so no worries) and—while keeping the suction—run to drop it into the empty bowl. Set a timer or have the teams race against each other. Give out inexpensive prizes such as Hot Wheels cars or hair accessories. Next, have a contest to decorate small pie pumpkins or gourds with permanent markers such as Sharpies. Pumpkins make great canvases for creativity. Don’t forget ribbons or other prizes for everyone. Halloween is a time for entertaining and enjoying the season with the kids. Take off the grown-up mask for a little while and get your spooky on. p

A New Hands-on Exhibit • Slip on an orange vest and head to the interactive construction site. • Create, learn, and play at 20 interactive building stations. • Build giant structures with jumbo-sized materials.

Laura Livingston Snyder is a writer and mother of four who lives north of Syracuse. She blogs at nestingdolll.blogspot.com. Send email to her at editorial@familytimes.biz.

Media sponsors

Proudly serving CNY since 1975 FREE estimates www.JandBseamlessgutter.com 315-487-8993

• Gutters and Downspouts • 5-Year warranty on workmanship • .032 Gauge Aluminum Gutters • 20 Custom Colors Available • 20-year warranty on Manufacture Finish

Little Builders was created and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

One Manhattan Square Rochester, NY 585-263-2700 www.museumofplay.org Syracuse Family Times 3.7 X 10 October issue

Family Times October 2013

OPEN HOUSE October 20, 2013 • 4-7PM • Meet Coaches & Staff! • See our Indoor Center! • Bring the Kids! • Refreshments! • Entertainment! • Drawings & More!

We Offer

NEW PROGRAM! Kids Muay Thai Kickboxing! Call for a FREE Trial Class!

• Flexible Class Schedule • No Exam Fees or Registration Fees • Traditional Training with a Modern Approach • Meet Our Professional Staff of Adult Instructors

Karate

• Little Dragon 4-6 • Youth Karate 7-11 • Teen and Adult Karate • Cardio Kickboxing • Kali Training • MMA Fitness • Muay Thai Kickboxing

SSA Skills Center, LLC 333 Pulaski St., Syracuse Phone: (315) 378-4403 Email: info@syracusesocceracademy.com

www.SyracuseSoccerAcademy.com

Martial Arts

Preschoolers is more than just games:

It’s Lessons For Life!

Located in the New Aldi’s Plaza Rt. 31 • Cicero • 699-3866 (Right next to CNS High School) • neamartialarts.net

Only $29

Only $49

Cardio Kickboxing & MMA Fitness

Youth or Adult Karate

With this coupon. New students only. Not valid with other offers. Expires 11-1-13 .

For 2 Weeks • Unlimited Classes Includes Boxing Gloves! North East Academy Of Martial Arts Cicero • 699-3866

family times the parenting

Guide of central New york

Jump! Laugh! Learn! Grow!

For 4 Weeks Includes Uniform North East Academy Of Martial Arts Cicero • 699-3866

2 FREE WEEKS AND FREE UNIFORM ($99 Value)

DeaDlines

november issue

calendar deadline: october 4th advertising deadline: october 17th published: november 1st place your ad today 315.472.4669 12

Family Times October 2013

for

CELEBRATING

50 Years! 1963 - 2013

CNY Karate & Kobudo Schools The Recognized Leader Of Traditional Martial Arts Since 1963. 437-9417

E. Syracuse

For more information visit our website: www.cnykarate.com

33139

NORTH EAST ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS

My child would never gamble

wanna BET? It’s not just nickels and dimes...

ent enions v n Co cati Lo

Gambling is dangerous. What might seem like harmless fun at first can become an obsession; it’s addictive and can lead to other risky behaviors. More than financial health is at risk.

CLAY/BALDWINSVILLE RT. 57 MOYERS CORNER HAMILTON Route 12B- Newly renovated 7,000 sq. foot facility! ParrysGymnastics.com • 458-5365

Creating the dancers of tomorrow...today! Excellence in dance training for over 25 years. Professional and experienced teaching faculty. Sprung marley studio flooring. A Training School committed to nurture, develop and enrich the lives of each student as an individual, in the numerous benefits of Dance!!

Now Enrolling for the 2013-2014 School Session New classes forming now for ages 5 through 9, Call for information!

101 W. Molloy Rd., Syracuse • 455-8641 dancecentrenorth.com • dancecentrenorth@gmail.com

In Onondaga County 46% of students in grades 7-12 reported gambling last year.

Kids that gamble are: more likely to drink more likely to smoke more likely to be in trouble with the law For more information contact:

(315) 471–1359

www.PreventionNetworkCNY.org Family Times October 2013

Teachable Moments

By Emma K r e s s

Leave the Door Open How to offer space and tools for imagination

n last month’s column, I made a case for saving our children’s imagination—the mother of creativity and essential academic skills. While imagination is innate, we must exercise it just as we do our muscles and intellect. Unfortunately, the time and tools for that are under attack and the threats are real and persistent. Increased state testing and mandates have chipped away at the curricula of districts and the choice of teachers. Outside the classroom, our children’s time is stretched thin by sports, music lessons, religious commitments and other activities. As a result, our children have limited time to play and imagine. Parents, too, are busier than ever. It’s overwhelming to think of adding one more task to our overflowing plates. Perhaps, however, nurturing imagination is something we can slip easily into our everyday life. Let them invent the tools. You do not need to buy an expensive princess tent or motorized Jeep in the name of role play. In fact, that may allow someone else’s imagination to do the work for your children. Instead, repurpose what you already have. My daughter’s diaper boxes became the building blocks of forts, castles and tunnels. Old tablecloths draped across piles of cushions become an archaeologist’s home base. Paper plates become burners on a stove or wheels on a bus. Socks become puppets. Dried beans in sealed containers become instruments. Ditch right-answer toys. Phones that screech numbers and tablets that cheer when a “right” letter is pressed are just managers. Still, there are toys that spark imagination: building blocks; trains with flexible tracks; play dough; dress-up clothes; instruments; cameras; binoculars and magnifying glasses; and kid-sized versions of hammers and construction hats, doctor’s kits, garden gloves and trowels, and play food (or empty food containers). Turn off screens. I love a good movie, and when we’re sick, we can definitely log impressive hours in front of the television. Still, overall, I try not to let it become the “go-to” in small pockets of time or moments of boredom because what we watch is the result of someone else’s imagination, not ours. And when you do watch, ask questions: What are some other ways you might try to sell that product? What if this show was from the mother’s perspective? 14

Family Times October 2013

Read. When we read, we construct the images that the author creates and become inspired to create our own stories as well. When we talk about books with our children, we can raise questions about the author and story: What are some reasons she chose this beginning? What are some other endings we could invent? Tell stories together. On your next car ride, tell a tale where each person says a sentence to build a story. On your next lazy Sunday, pile onto the couch and each person whispers a word to a storyteller who attempts to weave the words into a single narrative. Afterward, try and guess the given words. At dinner, try telling a moment from the day as a story. On a rainy afternoon, play Paper Telephone: Each person folds a paper accordion-style and writes a strange sentence. You then pass the paper to the right, and that person draws an illustration of the sentence. When he passes to the right again, he folds the paper so only the illustration shows. Then the next person writes a sentence to go with the illustration and so on. The tales you create together are sure to lead to laughs and memories. Mimic masters. Show paintings by artists who weren’t afraid to

see the world their way. Van Gogh shows us that skies don’t need to look still and Picasso proves that faces don’t need to appear symmetrical. Perhaps your child will see the grass as purple and feet as wheels. Create imaginative zones. Paper a hallway, and watch graffiti bloom. Hang a

We’re your neighborhood Start your children off by showing how you use your imagination. Use a funny accent as you get the kids ready for school. Place a hard hat on your head when you clean.

clothesline, tack up a sheet, and create a curtained stage. A friend emptied a closet, hung Christmas lights, and lined the floor with pillows to create a reading nook. Are there underused areas in your house you might reimagine? Flip it. One day when I was driving with my daughter, a man drove through a stop sign. I threw up my hands, the man stopped, I moved, and the man pulled out again. Throughout, I ranted about his horrible driving. A few minutes later, however, I realized this wasn’t what I wanted to teach my daughter. We talked about how we never know what’s going on for someone else. We made up stories about why he might be in a rush and laughed when we decided he probably had an octopus in his back seat. Now, when we see someone behave poorly, we don’t excuse it but we do invent explanations. This builds empathy as well as imagination. Model. Start your children off by showing how you use your imagination. Use a funny accent as you get the kids ready for school. Place a hard hat on your head when you clean. Translate the conversations between the trees when the wind blows. Many of these suggestions are ones that your children can—and should—do independent of you. Invite your children to imagine with you but also encourage them to enjoy it without your direction, intervention or even praise. In their over-structured worlds, it’s good for kids to direct the fun. When they imagine, they develop the skills they need to be articulate, thoughtful, confident, resilient, independent and creative problem solvers. And the world could always do with more imagination. p

Pediatricians Meet our new doctor!

Dr. Elizabeth Nguyen formerly of MCHC at St. Joseph’s Hospital Dr. Nguyen and her colleagues would be delighted to have your child as their patient!

Drs. Kathleen Shefner, Nick Massa, Kristina Hingre, Celeste Madden and Elizabeth Nguyen

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

Children With Type 1 or 2 Diabetes?

In the 6 – 16 age range? Wondering if there is anybody out there that wants to help?

Emma Kress, a teacher at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, has held a variety of educational posts at levels from pre-K to 12th grade. Send comments about this article to editorial@familytimes.biz.

h Children’ t r s o

nter

Co u n ty

Lion’s Camp Hickory, Inc.

Call For n Informatio Packet!

Caring, qualified qualified staff ••Caring, staff •• Breakfast, Breakfast, lunch and lunch and snack served snack served ••66 weeks weeks--12 12years years • Open Open 6:30am 6:30amtoto6pm 6pm Monday-Friday Monday-Friday

Accredited by NAEYC

countynorth.com 451-8520 countynorth.com

Wants To Help We are hosting an open forum for parents Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7:00pm Lion’s Community House 1 Lions Parkway Baldwinsville Come and tell us what activities you want to see for children, parents, grandparents Limited Seating, Attendance by RSVP by 10/5/13 questions or RSVP to josinski120@gmail.com Family Times October 2013

Climbing walls, ropes courses and other adventures beckon Central New Yorkers By Eileen Gilligan

Family Times October 2013

michael davis photoS

Adams Eden:

The LaFayette camp specializes in teambuilding experiences for clubs, Scouts, churches and businesses. Wesley Adams, 17, is on the ropes course.

old and snowy weather doesn’t have to mean an end to climbing adventures for the year. Central New York offers both inside and outside climbing facilities to answer the call of the wild climber—even when two feet of snow has piled up outside. “Rock climbing is an evolving sport with an individual person learning how they can climb and learning new techniques,” says Aaron Gross, manager of The Ledge, a climbing center located in the new Pacific Health Club in Liverpool. Uninitiated parents may think climbing is just about scampering over rocks or trying to reach the top of a wall. And much of it is. But it’s also a sport that can last one’s whole life “working every part of your body, including your mind,” Gross says. Some of us may just watch the kids from the sidelines. But Gross says, “It’s a great way for a whole family to be in one place working to accomplish something. And (it’s a) good way to break a fear of heights.” The Ledge’s wall is 27 feet tall at its highest point. In Oswego, The Wall— designed for bouldering, which means no safety harness—reaches 14 feet tall. And in LaFayette, the outside wall at Adams Eden Camp stretches roughly 40 feet. Climbing facilities offer options for beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers of all ages.

Up you go: The outside

wall at Adams Eden Camp stretches roughly 40 feet. Phoebe Adams, 12, and Abby, 16, tackle the climb.

Essentially the hand and footholds are bigger and located nearer each other for novice climbers. The degree of difficulty increases as the holds become smaller and are placed farther apart, requiring more dexterity and planning by the climber. The Ledge offers a shorter wall for inexperienced children to try climbing; the minimum recommended age is 8. But it also has a wall for bigger beginners to try. This wall slants forward, making it easier to stay on, and the larger holds are placed more closely together, creating almost a ladder or staircase path to the top. With practice, climbers start to follow color-coded paths to the top, and this is where the challenge comes in. “The younger the child starts rock climbing, the earlier they can figure out what their body can do and how it works,” says Gross, who started climbing at 17 in his gym class after wrestling season ended. While upper-body strength is important, so is lower body strength and flexibility. Part of the challenge is determining how to get one’s body to the top, and that differs for each climber. Climbers at The Ledge use auto-belays: safety ropes attached to each climber’s harness, controlled by the climber. Twelveinch crash pads on a one-inch foam mat that runs through the whole area provide a cushion for falling. The Ledge also has a bouldering wall, about 30 feet long. In bouldering, the climber does not wear a safety harness and climbs with just climbing shoes and chalk to dry sweaty hands. The Wall, on West First Street in Oswego, is devoted to bouldering only. “The main goal of this place is to have this place in the community,” says owner Mike Taber. Bouldering was invented to give climbers something to do while they waited for a

rope-and-harness spot to open up on a rock wall, Taber says. “It gets you strong,” and does not require a partner to work a traditional belay rope and harness system. “It opens the door for more people.” The multisided wall is surrounded by 14-inch crash mats for safe drops. Rolled ankles are the most common injury, according to Taber. When people get up high, self-preservation seems to kick in and they become more safety conscious, he notes. The starting age at The Wall is also 8 and parents can provide positive reinforcement by trying it, too, Taber says. Individual and group lessons are available, along with shoe and chalk rentals. “The main benefit of climbing for kids is that it never goes away,” says Taber. “I played lacrosse in high school, but the teams go away once you get out of college. But climbing you can do for life (and it’s) not weather-dependent.” The indoor facilities are training grounds for climbing the mountains in the Adirondacks and other locations around Central New York, he adds. Climbers can compete as well from the local level to international. Many children in Central New York may get their first taste of climbing on the traverse wall at the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Armory Square in Syracuse. Some schools have turned one gymnasium wall into a climbing wall and some fitness centers, like the Jewish Community Center in DeWitt, provide a climbing wall for members. continued on page 18

Family Times October 2013

Height Challenges continued from page 17

In addition, those looking for a high-level thrill can try the ropes course at WonderWorks at Destiny USA. Families, schools, church groups and clubs seeking group challenges can venture onto ropes, ziplines and a climbing wall (in warm weather) at Adams Eden Camp in LaFayette. WonderWorks, which opened about a year ago, offers a ropes course for small children and what it bills as the “world’s largest indoor suspended ropes course” for adventurers age 4 and up. Wearing a harness, which is attached by rope to a safety wire, participants walk and climb through three levels up to 70 feet high. The course offers entertainment for mall visitors, too, who can watch ropes course participants from lower levels. At Adams Eden visitors in groups can try a zipline and a climbing wall, which intersect with one of two ropes courses. Participants can practice in “ground

school”: It mimics the higher ropes courses but is only about two feet high. When participants reach the end of the zipline at the top of the 40-foot climbing wall, they rappel down the back of the wall. Linda Adams helps manage the family-owned camp. She recommends that climbers, who use a harness and Australian belay on the wall, start at age 12, although 5-year-olds can do the zipline and there’s even a smaller “flying squirrel” for 3-year-olds. Adams Eden offers other outdoor attractions as well, for the whole family—including dogs. Hilly trails feature two waterfalls and an overlook point that offers views of Tully and Pompey. Hayrides are also available to groups, who can ride to the overlook where they can try to find their way out of the 10-acre maze, which features 30 check-in points that can be part of a GPS search as well.

SyracuSe Neurofeedback • Trouble concentrating • Hyperactivity • Mood swings • Difficulty falling asleep • Poor reading comprehension... Sound like your child? Neurofeedback can reduce symptoms of ADHD without using medications We’ve had tremendous success working with children with ADHD: Improved grades, behavior and self-esteem. Syracuseneurofeedback.com to learn more 170 Intrepid Lane, Syracuse • 492-3789 18

Family Times October 2013

The climbing wall is usually closed during winter because climbers’ hands get too cold to grab the holds well enough, Adams notes. But everything else is available, even a cabin and a lodge for overnight groups of guests and snowshoes for rent in the winter. Adams Eden specializes in team-building experiences for clubs, Scouts, churches and businesses. “You will be amazed who will rise up to be a leader or who has the best strategies” on the ropes or obstacle courses, Adams says. Just looking for fun? All of these climbing locations host birthday parties for children—and even their adventurous parents. p Eileen Gilligan, an award-winning writer and mother of two, lives in Baldwinsville.

michael davis photoS

The Ledge: At the facility on Old Liverpool Road in Liverpool, climbers use auto-belays: safety ropes controlled by the climber. Pictured climbing (opposite page) are Aaron Gross (left) and Jim Schefcick, who work at the center.

The Ledge at Pacific Health Club 604 Old Liverpool Road, Liverpool. 396-0455. Student day pass (ages 8-17): $12. Adult day pass: $15. Multiple-visit and monthly passes available. The Wall 77 W. First St., Oswego. 343-9255. www.topthewall.com. Day youth pass (under 18): $7. Day adult pass: $9. Shoe rental: $2-$3. (Climbing shoes must be worn to climb.) Always check the website before heading in to make sure the wall is available and to get answers to frequently asked questions. Adams Eden Camp 4812 Cook Road, LaFayette. 677-5121. www.AdamsEdenCamp.com. Hiking day pass (includes trails, boating and maze): $4, individual, $8, family. Gravity zipline rides, for a minimum of three people, cost $20 each. The zipline group rate for one hour (maximum of 10 people) is $120. See the website or call for additional climbing wall and zipline rates, which vary based on group size, time spent, etc. WonderWorks Destiny USA, Syracuse. 466-7700. http://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/. SkyTykes for children under 48 inches tall: $7.99. Canyon Climb Adventure for age 4 and up: $14.99.

Tune in Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, at 9:20 a.m., for columnist Maggie Simone’s preview of what’s in the next edition of Family Times!

on the air with

Ted & Amy in the Morning on

Caring for CNY children for more than 40 years. www.PediatricAssociatesNY.com

LIVERPOOL 8086 Oswego Rd. • 652-1070 CAMILLUS 601 North Way • 487-1541

FREE PRENATAL CONSULTATION STAFF ON CALL 24 HRS. A DAY

Family Times October 2013

RECIPE DOCTOR By Ch r i s X av e r

CHRIS XAVER PHOTO

The Taste of Fall Squash and apples make an enticing entree

love fall. I mean love it. It’s the time I fire up the oven and dig into both harvest and comfort foods. And this main dish takes two of my favorite fall foods— apples and squash—and combines them into a brand-new taste sensation. This recipe started out completely different from what you’ll see here. Ever taken a recipe out of a magazine (like this one) and start playing with it? I do it all the time. I can’t seem to help myself. When I found this recipe 20-plus years ago, it had sour cream and fatty pork sausage. This version is guilt-free. But it will look and taste like it came from a fancy restaurant. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, and the kids will like, too. New York is the second-largest apple-producing state in the United States. And for good reason: Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva has blended root stems to create apples exclusive to our state— apples we have grown to adore. The Empire is a mixture of the McIntosh and the Red Delicious. The Jonagold is a blend of the very tart Jonathan and the supersweet Golden Delicious. While I would consider myself an apple connoisseur, I don’t keep bowls of them out on my kitchen table. Instead they are tucked in the fridge. Apples need to stay cold to keep from getting soft, and I love nothing more than an ice-cold, crisp apple. The New York Apple Association has a fantastic chart on their website that shows which apples are best for eating, sauce 20

Family Times October 2013

and baking: http://www.nyapplecountry. com/appleusage.htm. I prefer the Cortland or the Jonagold for this recipe. You can use your favorite variety. The Jonagold is a sweet but tart apple that holds up well to the spicy notes found in my turkey sausage. My cooking show and cookbook focus on low-glycemic index foods. And apples do have sugar. But they can be part of a low-carbohydrate diet. The reason? They are very high in fiber while still low in calories. The glycemic rating for most apples comes in between 28 to 44 (on average, a 38). They are high in vitamin C and have flavonoids, which help your body neutralize free radicals. Think of apples as the ultimate detox food. And, since about a third of the fiber in apples is soluble, they help with weight management. Soluble fiber attracts water into our intestines. You see products like the “full bar” in weight-loss advertisements, but the apple is the original “full” food. The inside of the apple forms a gel-like substance in our tummy, slowing digestion and making us feel fuller. An apple before a meal really does act like a “full bar.” But the reason I love apples is that they help to stabilize my blood sugar. Because of how our bodies digest the fruit, the connoisseurs like me lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. With an apple coming in at about 5 grams of dietary fiber, a single apple provides almost a third of our daily fiber recommendation.

And the fiber doesn’t stop there. I couple my apple with another fall favorite, the acorn squash. A half-cup serving of squash has three more grams of fiber for just 42 calories. The glycemic index for squash is averaged at 41 (55 or less is considered desirable). Plus, acorn squash also have beta-carotene and are a good source of vitamins B6, C and A; iron; magnesium; and thiamin. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty. Squash take time to bake. And busy parents don’t always have that time. Cut this baking time down by 75 percent. Simply put your whole squash in the microwave for five minutes; it will soften and be much easier to cut. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and head back to the microwave. Pull out your squash and cut it in half (like you would a cantaloupe) and scoop out the seeds. Then you’ll fill the cavity with our stuffing mixture and bake for 20 minutes or until the egg is set. And next time, change this recipe up. Add cranberries, nuts or whatever you’d like to make this recipe your own. This serves four and would go nicely with a small salad and a piece of crusty bread. To make it vegetarian, use tofu sausage. p Chris Xaver, Ph.D., is a local TV and radio personality with three children and five grandchildren. Her healthy lifestyle show, The Sweet Life, is airing on public television stations nationwide.

RECIPE

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apples and Sausage

2 acorn squash 1 pound poultry sausage (spicy or breakfast sausage work equally well) 1 teaspoon sage ¼ teaspoon thyme ½ cup grated onion 1 finely chopped celery rib 2 apples, cored and diced 1 cup cooked quinoa 1 egg (or egg substitute), beaten Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese to top (if desired)

“Like” us on Facebook and share pictures of you and your family trying our recipes!

Find this Chris Xaver recipe and others on our Pinterest page at: pinterest.com/familytimescny

Gifts as sweet as a baby

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Brown the sausage in a sauté pan. When it’s about three-quarters of the way cooked, add the grated onion, celery, apples and spices. Drain. Mix with the cooked quinoa and taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the beaten egg. Meantime, place your whole squash in the microwave for 5 minutes. (It will soften and be much easier to cut.) Pull out your squash, cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Fill the cavity with stuffing mixture and bake for 20 minutes or until the egg is set. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Baby clothes handrolled to resemble sweet treats and packaged in mini keepsake suitcases. Makes a fabulous baby shower gift! Free shipping during the month of October!

www.sweetarrival.com

It’s Apple Picking Time at

Join us for our Admissions Open House Enjoy a family fun time with us!

Weekends in october

Sunday November 17, 2013 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Bounce house, face painting, wagon rides, tube slide, apple slingshot, apple cannon & corn maze

Friday Fun Night in Oct!

5:30-6pm: wagon ride & pick a kiddie bag of apples. 6-9pm: Flashlight Corn maze $5/person. pumpkin carving too!

For more info. and prices:

Everyday in October!

U-pick Apples, Apple Cider, Sweet Corn, Potatoes, Pumpkin Patch, Barnyard Animals, Ice Cream & More!

3275 Cold SpringS rd. Baldwinsville • 638-sPUd (7783) www.aBBottfarmS.Com receive oUr email newsletter!

Family Times October 2013

Kids These Days

By magg i e lamond s i mon e

The Teen Years When your kid thinks you’re weird

icking my daughter up at cross-country today, I thought I’d get out of the car and say hello to a few of the girls. My daughter met me midway and, as I took her hand, she pulled it back and said—a little hysterically, I thought— “What are you doing?!” “I want to say hi to some of the girls,” I said. Mental note: no more holding hands in public. “How about you say hi to them when you don’t look quite so. . . funny?” she said, trying to sound sweet. Failing, I might add. I looked down at my outfit of choice, hung my head and walked back to the car. “So this is what it’s come down to,” I thought sullenly. As loving and awesome as my children are, I’m beginning to see hints of what other parents have foretold all these years: the dreaded teen year attitudes. “Oh, that won’t happen in our house,” I always said, so glibly. What a doofus those other parents must have thought me. Not unlike when I said I’d never drive a baby around in the car to get her to sleep. And while I’m happy that I haven’t experienced flat-out disrespect and anarchy (which I know can come from even the nicest kids—right, Mom?), I do admit that I was flummoxed. Used to be, I could lick my thumb and use it to clean around their mouths. Now I have to be sensitive to the fact that pretty much everything I

Summerwood Pediatrics Robert A. Dracker, MD, MHA, MBA, CPI Medical Director

do in public may embarrass them, including standing quietly. I’ve found that teenagers also don’t like it when we:

• Sing along to the car radio, particularly 1970s music, and even more particularly when there is a friend in the car with them. • Chair-dance in the car. Evidently our role in the vehicle arena is strictly that of chauffeur. • Remind them the activity they’re attempting is one we’ve been performing for 40 years and therefore we might know something about it. • Offer opinions on their clothes, hair, jewelry or skin care. Or anything, really. • Start any sentence with “When I was your age. . . ” As far as they’re concerned, that was 600 years ago. • Kid around with—well, pretty much anyone. Again, parents at this stage are in the “to be seen and not heard, and rarely seen at that” category. Shelve the personality. You can reclaim it when they leave for college.

• Caring for children from birth - 22 years of age • Open evenings Mon-Thurs • Open Sat/Sun mornings for sick visits at our Liverpool office • All major insurances accepted • Onsite certified full service laboratory • Only local Certified Medical Home • Home Visits for first time parents

www.summerwoodpediatrics.com

Two Locations:

4811 Buckley Rd., Liverpool, NY 13088 • 457-9966 5700 W. Genesee St. Ste 1, Camillus, NY 13031 • 488-2868 22

Family Times October 2013

Curtain Climbers Consignment We buy & sell Baby Furniture & Toys Clothes: Preemie to Pre-teen HALLOWEEN HEADQUARTERS! 1288 w. genesee st., syracuse • 428-1153 • curtainclimbers.biz

FAMILY FUN ADVENTURES The first time my typical banter with a restaurant host embarrassed my kids, I was angry, hurt and defensive, and said, “If my personality embarrasses you, children, it’s going to be a long puberty.” It’s hard on the ego to realize these people—for whom you would give up your life without hesitation—think you’re an idiot. It was at that restaurant I vowed to continue being myself. These kids are figuring out where they fit in the world. And that’s a good thing, a natural thing, a healthy thing. They’re pulling away because they know it’s a safe time and a safe place to do so, to try out this thing called “independence.” They’re too old for juice boxes and too young to drive, and that’s a really confusing, anxious time for a lot of kids. I need to respect them and their struggle, while continuing to respect myself. If my selfrespect evokes their occasional embarrassment, well, so be it. I’ll never again be allowed to wipe their mouths with my thumb, but if I can hang in there for the next few years, then maybe, just maybe, they’ll hold my hand once again. No matter how funny I look. p

Walk-in Activities:

(only $8 for a family access pack)

• Fall Foliage from the Overlook • Hiking Trails • Waterfalls • Mountain Meadow Maze • Boating

Call to Reserve:

• Adventure Birthday Packages • Hayrides • Overnight Lodging • Team Building Ropes Course • Zipline and Climbing Wall

Adams Eden Camp 4812 Cook Rd., LaFayette 677-5121 AdamsEdenCamp.com

Maggie Lamond Simone is an award-winning writer and mother of two living in Baldwinsville. Reach her at maggiesimone@verizon.net. © Scott Griessel | Dreamstime.com

Family Music Classes for Children Ages Birth-Kindergarten

Music and Movement for You & Your Child 10 week Fall Session going on now!

Fayetteville-Syracuse-Clay

478-1236 for a free sample class!

greenlakesmusictogether.com for more information!

At Your Place At Your Place At Your Place Pottery Painting Pottery Painting easy and fun is Painting Pottery Pottery painting is for is easy and fun all ages. is easy and fun creative fun age, We for comeany to you! for all ages. for ofall prices, projects, and programs. anyChoices group, inages. any place!

to you! We come We come Birthday Parties We come to you! Choices of prices, projects, and programs. to you! Choices of prices, projects, programs. Scout and Meetings

Choices of prices, projects, and programs. Storytime for Preschoolers Family Times October 2013 23 Birthday Parties Birthday Parties Neighborhood Camp Scout Meetings

Fall Weekends

s the leaves pile on the ground, so the weekends fill with autumn activities. Upstate New York venues, especially farms, get out the tractors, the hay bales, the animals and the apple treats. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much to do, it would be a shame to miss out on these last weeks to enjoy autumn weather.

Abbott Farms. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; through Oct. 27. Activities include wagon rides, corn maze, shots on the apple cannon or slingshot, super slide and bounce house. 3275 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. 638SPUD. Admission: $7/person (age 3 and up). abbottfarms.com.

Critz Farms Fall Harvest Celebration. Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; through Oct. 27. Pumpkin and apple picking, playgrounds, corn maze, animal area, wagon rides and more. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a haunted barn, a spook-house Halloween activity for kids ages 3-11. Critz Farms, 3.5 miles south of Route 20 on Route 13, Cazenovia. Admission: $7.50/person; $5/seniors; free/under 2; $30/family maximum per car. 662-3355. www.critzfarms.com.

Rohe Farms. Saturdays & Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sept. 29-Oct. 27. Farm animals to pet, corn maze to explore. Pumpkins to pick and buy. Fall foods available for sale. 4207 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. $1/each for various activities. 481-5584.

Sky Rides. Saturdays & Sundays, plus Oct. 14 (Columbus Day), noon-4 p.m. Take a 15-20 minute ride to the summit of Bristol Mountain and there enjoy the views, live music, kids activities and more. Sky Rides: $10/adults; $7/age 65 & older; $6/ages 3-12; free/age 2 & under. Bristol Mountain, 5662 Route 64, Canandaigua. (585) 3746000. www.bristolmountain.com. 24

Family Times October 2013

Springside Farm. Fridays, 1-5 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; through Oct. 27. Flashlight nights: Oct. 25 & 26, 6-9 p.m. Corn maze, ziplines, wagon rides, corn cannon and farm petting area are among the activities. 1850 Route 91, Pompey. Admission: $5/general; free/age 3 & younger. 683-5860. www.springsidefarm.net.

The Wild Animal Park. Saturdays & Sundays, and Oct. 14 (Columbus Day), 10:30 a.m.6 p.m.; through Oct. 27. Bounce houses, live animal shows. Animals include: two Bengal tigers, kangaroos, black bears, bobcats, miniature horse and miniature donkey, peacocks, zebra, gray wolves and more. 7621 Lakeport Road, Chittenango. Admission: $7/person; free/age 2 & under; $5/all-day bounce house bracelet. 7275587. thewildpark.com. Family Times October 2013

michael davis photo

Enchanted Beaver Lake, Oct. 24-27

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

Friday, Sept. 27 Central Square Apple Festival. 6-10 p.m.; through Sept. 29. Friday: rides and food only. Saturday and Sunday, rides, crafters, food, live music and more. Friday: $20/ride all night. Admission: $1/general; free/age 12 & under. centralsquareapplefestival.com.

Saturday, Sept. 28 Central Square Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; through Sept. 29. See Sept. 27 listing.

Liverpool Public Library Book Sale. 9-5

p.m.; also Sept. 29. More than 100,000 books and CDs. Early bird sale, Saturday, 8-9 a.m.; $10 admission. Bag sale, Sunday, noon-3 p.m. Liverpool Elementary School, 910 2nd St., Liverpool. 457-0310. lpl.org.

Family Times October 2013

Exhibit Opening. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Don a hardhat and construction vest and explore the concepts of construction, motion and machines in the exhibit Little Builders, which features more than 20 interactive stations. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13; free/younger than 2. (585) 263-2700. Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical. 11

a.m. & 2 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Dormouse Theatrics presents this play based on the book by actress Julianne Moore, about a girl who wants to get rid of her freckles but learns they make her different and special. $15/age 13 & up; $12/ages 6-12; $10/ age 5 & younger. CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, 441 E. Washington St., Syracuse. 546-3224. www.DormouseTheatrics.org.

Toddlers’ Tango. 11 a.m.; also Oct. 19. Little ones can take part in creative music and dance using props and instruments. Central Library, Galleries of Syracuse, 447 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1900. Sportsmen’s Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; also Sept. 29. Festival is an opportunity for those of all ages

to try outdoor pursuits such as skeet shooting, turkey calling, archery, fly fishing, canoeing and muzzle loading. Demonstrations by woodsmen and displays of local wildlife art. Beaver Lake Nature Center parking lot, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $5/vehicle. 638-2519.

Aladdin. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle Children’s Theatre presents an original, interactive version of the familiar tale. Children in the audience can dress up 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. 449-3823.

Microwave Meals for Tweens. 2-3 p.m.

Kids ages 9-12 can enjoy activities and socializing. Materials provided. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Sunday, Sept. 29 Canine Classic Dog Walk and Festival.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Adoptable dogs parade, alumni (adopted dogs) parade; Canine Classic Walk (2:15

October 2013 p.m.) and fun dog show including a costume category. A fund-raiser for Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association. Jim Marshall Farms Foundation, 1978 New Boston Road, Chittenango. Donations. 6972796.

National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk. 10:30 a.m. (registration at 9:30

a.m.). Individuals with Down syndrome along with their friends and families promote acceptance and advocacy with a two-mile walk; followed by picnic lunch and festivities. The band Flame, a group of Albany-area musicians with disabilities, performs. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Free. 682-4289. dsaofcny.org.

Central Square Apple Festival. Noon-5 p.m. See Sept. 27 listing.

Liverpool Public Library Book Sale. Noon-3 p.m. See Sept. 28 listing.

Jewish Music and Cultural Festival.

Noon-6 p.m. Kosher food, ethnic arts and crafts, Jewish music, dancing and all kinds of activities for children. Jewish Community Center campus, 5655 Thompson Road, DeWitt. Free admission. 682-8489. www.syracusejewishfestival.com.

Exhibit Opening. Noon-5 p.m. See Sept. 28 listing.

Freckleface Strawberry, The Musical. 2 & 4 p.m. See Sept. 28 listing.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

The Final Big Trucks, Oct. 6

Read Sing Play Storytime. 10 a.m.;

Wednesdays. Children ages 2-5 can take part in an interactive storytime with songs, rhymes, action and games. Paine Branch Library, 113 Nichols Ave., Syracuse. Free. 435-5442.

Creation Club Junior.

3:30-5 p.m.; also Oct. 30. Students in grades 3-5 will learn introductory skills for making their own videos, podcasts and 3D models. At the second meeting of the month, participants show their projects. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Dinner P’Arty. 5-8 p.m.; Wednesdays in October. Kids age 8 and younger can do a craft project, have dinner and enjoy some playtime. KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $45/five classes. 695-2211. www. kidzclubfun.com.

Monday, Sept. 30

Multiple Moms Mingle. 6:30 p.m. Monthly meeting of mothers and expectant mothers of multiples. Ruby Tuesday, 3220 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Reserve: 308-0277.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Pokemon. 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays. Kids ages

See Ongoing Events

Creation Club. 3:30-5 p.m.; also Oct. 29.

Students in grades 6-9 will create and edit videos, postcasts and images, and make 3D models using software and hardware at the library. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Monsters and Magical Creatures Weekend on Oct. 5 & 6

7-11, armed with plenty of energy cards, can enjoy this game of strategy. All levels of players are welcome. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Perusing with Pups. 11 a.m.-noon. Children ages 6-10 can read to a dog from Sunshine Friends for 10 minutes. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727. Snow White. 12:30 p.m. The Magic Circle

Children’s Theatre presents an original version of the fairy tale, in which children in the audience help save Snow White from the Queen’s sleeping spell. Children can dress up as fairy tale characters to enhance their fun. Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse. $5. 449-3823.

Star Wars Reads Day at DCL. 2-4 p.m. All ages can come dressed in a Star Wars costume and enjoy themed crafts, games, food and more. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required: 446-3578. Zombie Game Day. 2-4 p.m. Teens in grades

Preschool Storytime. 10:30 a.m.; Thursdays.

7-12 can take part in zombie-themed games of all kinds. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Friday, Oct. 4

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m. Biologist and pilot Wayne Bezner talks about how he flew with trumpeter swans to teach them their migration route. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600.

Thursday, Oct. 3 Children ages 3-5 can hear stories, sing songs and enjoy finger play. Soule Branch Library, 101 Springfield Road, Syracuse. Free. 435-5320.

See Ongoing Events

Saturday, Oct. 5

IMAX Special. 5 p.m.; also Oct. 12. The

documentary Hurricane on the Bayou shows how Hurricane Katrina affected the wetlands around New Orleans, with footage from before, during and after the storm. MOST (Museum of Science & Technology), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $9.50/ adults; $7.50/children & seniors. 425-9068. www.most.org.

Mommy & Me Rummage Sale. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mommy and Me of CNY holds its fall sale, a chance to find deals on maternity, infant and children’s items. There’s also a bake sale to raise money for charity. Liverpool Elks Lodge, 3730 Cold Springs Road, Baldwinsville. Free admission. 558-3480. www.mommynmecny.com.

Sunday, Oct. 6

Book Sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fiction and nonfiction

The Final Big Trucks. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Climb

for adults and children will be for sale at bargain prices. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free admission. 435-5326.

Monsters and Magical Creatures Weekend. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; also Oct. 6. Have

your photo taken with fantastical creatures; meet cartoon artists; make your own monster from pipe cleaners; and take part in more monstrous activities. Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester. Admission: $13; free/ younger than 2. (585) 263-2700.

aboard big trucks and emergency vehicles, listen to music and see magicians perform at this event to benefit the Skaneateles Nursery School. This will be the 20th and final year of the fund-raiser, so seize your chance. Saunders Quarry, Lime Ledge Road, Marcellus. $5/person; free/under age 2. 685-8543. www.skaneatelesnurseryschool.com.

Monsters and Magical Creatures Weekend. Noon-5 p.m. See Oct. 5 listing. continued on page 28

Family Times October 2013

calendar of events continued from page 27

Lou Guilino from NewsChannel 9 talk about their new book on the history of Syracuse television— including The Magic Toy Shop, Baron Daemon and more—and sign copies. Hazard Branch Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

Wednesday, Oct. 9 See Ongoing Events

Thursday, Oct. 10 MOMS Club of Syracuse-East. 9:30 a.m. Gathering for local kids and moms. Manlius United Methodist Church, 111 Wesley St., Manlius. Free. 395-5009. momsclubofcuseeast.webs.com/. Apple Storytime. 10:15 & 11 a.m. Hear apple stories and participate in apple crafts. Get an apple and a cup of cider all day, while supplies last. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration required: 492-1727.

Dance-O-Rama, Oct. 11

Monday, Oct. 7 Design a Plate. 10-11 a.m. & 12:30-1:30 p.m.;

also Oct. 8. Children of all ages can create a drawing using special paper and markers. The drawing is then sent to a manufacturer and molded to a melamine plate. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. $6/plate, payable day of workshop. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Sally’s Storytime. 10:30-11 a.m.; also Oct. 21 & 28. For ages 3-5. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Trail Tales. 1 p.m. A naturalist reads stories to kids ages 3-5, then leads them on a walk. Beaver Lake Nature Center parking lot, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. Admission: $3/vehicle. 638-2519.

Design a Plate. 4-5 p.m. See Oct. 7 listing.

Friday, Oct. 11

Syracuse Television Book Signing. 6 p.m. Authors Christie Casciano Burns, Tim Fox and

Dance-O-Rama. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Family-friendly dance party features a DJ, bubble machine and

Hit the Trail!

Cazenovia Art Trail October 5 & 12 for details and a list of artists, visit:

www.art-trail.org Now ACCEPtiNg APPliCAtioNs

Child Development Laboratory school At syracuse university

Speed. Convenience. Exceptional Care. From broken bones to bronchitis, Five Star Urgent Care can treat all of your non-life threatening ailments and injuries. Open 7 days a week. No appointment necessary. X-rays on-site. Most insurances accepted.

SEEN IN 15 MINUTES OR LESS.

• Provides the most appropriate early learning experience for children 2-5 years old. • Values and encourages parent involvement. • NAEYC Accredited.

For information please call: 443-2471 Hours: 9-noon mon.-fri.

Family Times October 2013

8003 Route 11 Cicero, NY 13039

(315) 288-4006 FiveStarUC.com

October 2013 access to the museum’s exhibits. MOST (Museum of Science & Technology), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $5/general; free/age 2 and younger. 4259068, Ext. 2141. www.most.org.

Education Summit. 6-9 p.m.; also Oct. 12.

Experts from across the state present on topics including Common Core standards; social-emotional learning; state test refusal; and teacher evaluation. Friday: showing of film Race to Nowhere, followed by panel discussion. Saturday: talks and breakout sessions. Storer Auditorium, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. $10/Friday only; $20/Saturday only; $25/both days. Registration recommended: 3820541. www.2013educationsummit.eventzilla.net.

Saturday, Oct. 12 GiGi’s Playhouse Run & Dash for Down Syndrome. 8-9:30 a.m. (registration); 10 a.m. (fun run & walk); 10:10 a.m. (5K). A 5K, a 1-mile fun run and walk, and a dash for Down syndrome to raise money for Gigi’s Playhouse. Saw Mill Creek Pavilion, Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. $15/under 12; $35/adults day of. 288-7529. www.gigisplayhouse.org/syracuse.

Education Summit. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. See Oct. 11 listing.

Pumpkin Pancakes. 9 a.m.-noon. Pumpkin pancakes, sausage and beverage ($2.50-$4.50) for sale. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/vehicle. 638-2519.

LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;

also Oct. 13. Entertainment, food court, pie baking contest, scarecrow contest, pony rides, craft sale, midway rides, apples, apple desserts and cider. Off Tully Farms Road, Tully. $5/person; free/ age 12 and under. www.lafayetteapplefest.org.

Sciencenter Workshop: Rockets. 10 a.m.1 p.m. (build); 2:30 p.m. (launch). Kids age 8 and up, accompanied by an adult, can build their own rocket and watch it lift off. (Rain date for launch: Oct. 27, 10 a.m.) Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $20/person. Registration required: (607) 272-0600. www.sciencenter.org.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk. 10-11:30 a.m. (registration); 11:30 a.m. (walk).

LaFayette Apple Festival, Oct. 12

Support the CNY Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with a walk. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. Donations. 664-0346. www.afsp.org/centralny.

Smart Play. 10:30 a.m.-noon; also Oct. 21.

Children age 5 and under can explore a free-play environment that promotes discovery, creativity and the development of early literacy skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. See Oct. 5 listing. Maxwell Family Movie. 1 p.m. A fam-

ily-friendly movie—with popcorn! Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 Genesee St., Camillus. Free. 672-3661.

Little Makers. 1-2:30 p.m.; also Oct. 15.

Children ages 5-8 can read a story about energy and make a functional circuit in a program that promotes literacy and science, technology, engineering and math skills. Fayetteville Free Library, 300 Orchard St., Fayetteville. Free. Registration required: 637-6374. www.fflib.org.

Education Talk and Signing. 1-4 p.m. Lee

Kronert, author of Don’t Blame the Messenger, a book on the problems with public education, will be available to talk about the book and sign copies. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948. continued on page 30

Family Times October 2013

calendar of events continued from page 29

Family Movie Matinee. 2 p.m. See Disney’s

G-rated The Little Mermaid and go under the sea with Ariel, who longs to be human. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. The American Hock-

ey League team faces the Rochester Americans in the first home game of the season. War Memorial, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. $16-$20, plus applicable processing fees. 473-4444.

Sunday, Oct. 13 LaFayette Apple Festival. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. See Oct. 12 listing.

Syracuse Crunch. 5 p.m. Vs. Wilkes-Barre/

IMAX Special. 5 p.m. See Oct. 5 listing.

Scranton Penguins. See Oct. 12 listing.

Unde O

R Ra Rainbo R i b Rainbow R ib Rainbow R ib Rainbow R i bR Rainbow ib Rainbow R ib Rainbow R ib Spooktacular, Oct. 18, 19, 25 & 26

Monday, Oct. 14 COLUMBUS DAY

Under the C Under theOver Clock The

Columbus Day Activities. 12:30 & 3 p.m.

Live animal talks with a naturalist. At 1:30 p.m., take a hike with a naturalist. Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 E. Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville. $3/ vehicle. 638-2519.

Over The

Make Your Own Comic Strip. 2-3 p.m.

OCT & Ar D BEN

Children ages 9-12 can make their own comic strip using Pixton. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org. Fashion

Under the Clock The Science of the Night. 6:30 p.m. An Over The educator from the MOST (Museum of Science Fashion & Art Show

OCTOBER 26 ver’s Vi TOBERD2ri6, 201

& Technology) teaches kids age 5 and up about animal senses, such as bat echolocation, and other aspects of humans’ relationship to the night. Onondaga Free Library, 4840 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse. Free. Registration preferred: 492-1727. ARTISAN FasE

Driver’s Village Under the Clock Under the ER 26, 2013 BClock O T Over The C O Under the Clock Over Ther’s Village Drive

-9pm pm m 12pl Fashion & Art Show fro us Am Zombie Makeup Demonstration. 7 E LLO DOLLD p.m. Syracuse University stage makeup teacher “A XP E ($1 TISAN 4p R A pm Meggan Camp will demonstrate techniques using -6 m ) BENEFITTING -9pm (FREEFe at from 12pm Fashion Show allll Do BENEFITTING rl ” Gi P U an ic D er E Am LL plusDO “ALL icke Se BENEFITTING 10/t ($ &t)TiFA ER ck NN Participating 4pm-6pmDI er rd O Do 18 5 g in ur pm” ($ at -8 Fe m 6p ow Sponsors: O ion Sh XP

Over The AN E ISsh affle & Ac ARTFa EED) oll R ican(FG Rirl erpm Am-9 Under the Clock Fashion & Art Show fromplus12pm OW HIONatSH unde RU& ” FetAS E P Today ke NN s D DI Fashion &LL Art DO Show E ck LL Ti t) er Ord -8pm ($50/tll “A 288 micket) or caic315-ay 6p/t Over The Gi’s Pl ho Gils 4pm-6pm ($10 t fi ne ol be D ” ds 18 ee oc ur 13 ing 20 all pr 3 nefit

all proceeds be

BENEFITTING

1 ioR 26 0 2Fa ow, Feat 26 n Sh OBE sh O,CT & Activiticles ev oll Raffle un Girl De an derthe ock. ic at Amer y da plusri ag To ill s V et 9) s ck r’ 52 Ti (7 ve W er O AY rd D SH e O N 5-288-PL HIllO31 e2r’0s1V3illag DI v or ca ri D NNSAENREX&POFAS t) ke TI ic /t AR ($) 50 -8pm (FREE 6p-9mpm OCTOBER 26,ARTISAN EX(FPOREE)from 12pm ayhouse ne”fit GiGi’s Pl be ds ee oc UP Fashion & Art Show pr pm l al“ALL DOLLED -9 pm 12 m fro ge 0/ticket) entbrite.com Driver’s Villa UP” 4pm-6pm ($1 lls clock.ev rthe ” Do 18de ingun atyurat Fe da “ALL DOLLED Fa ow To s Sh s et 9) ion itie ck sh tivAY (752 Ti) Ac eret e &8O ffl28 /tirdck PL XP Ra5($10O Dollll 31 2A0N1E3 Gi n ls 4pm-6pm 26 AR,TIS orrlca Dol plu ” ica 18er ) Featur EE insgAm R OW OCTOBER fro (F SH N pm IO -9 ow SH pm Sh FA ities m 12 Fashion ER tiv& Ac l RaffleDI&NN ticket) icUan 6pm-8pm ($50/ e P”Girl Dol g AmEer D la us il pl V LL Gi’s Playhouse s DO r’ e LL ne “A OW eds be fit Gi Driv SHce N pro IOall BER Fashion &T ArtOShow OC

–

swee pho

– PARTICIPATING SPON

ket)& FASH /ticER 10NN .com -6Opm ($DI 4p XP Dol($ls50/ticket) Today at undertheclock.eventbrite sweet magnolia Em ”pm gm18 in -8 ur at ARTISAN 6p ts Fe ) ke photography 29 e ow Tic (75 us r ho deGi n Sh es’s Play iopm 8-PLAY iti (FREE) l Raf Fash-9 t Gi fiOr e &beAc netiv flds or call 315-28 Dalol from 12pm procee irl l G an ic er plus Am ED UP” e.com OW LL ock.eventbrit ON ySH AS HI “ALL DO & t)Fck at underthecl R E da N To N s ke DI et 9) ic /t 52 er Ti ($50/ticket) 5-288-PLAY (7 Ord 4pm-6pm ($10 ls call 31 house sweet magnolia 18” Dolor g pm in-8 urm photography Play Feat6p Gi ow t Gi Sh fi n ne io – PARTICIPATING SPONSORS – iti’ses be sh tiv ds Fa Ac ee & oc e pr fl l af al R l ol D irl G an plus Americ entbrite.com Flower & rtheclock.ev deW unO at SH HI Fancy-Free yN AS daO F To & s et R 9) E ck 52 N Ti N (7 Boutique DIOrder AY PL t) 828 ke sweet magnolia ic ca/tll 315or50 photography 6pm-8pm ($ ayhouse – PARTICIPATING SPONSORS –

THIS PHOTO PR

THIS PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEATHER RODRIG

t GiGi’s Pl oceeds benefi

– PARTICIPATING SPONSORS –

all pr

e.com ock.eventbrit at underthecl y da To s et 9) Order Tick 8-PLAY (752 sweet magnolia or call 315-28 photography

Flower & Fancy-Free Boutique

THIS PHOTO PROVIDED BY HEATHER RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

– PARTICIPATING SPONSORS –

sweet magnolia photography

Family Times October 2013

Flower & Fancy-Free Boutique thiS Photo Provided

by heather rodriguez PhotograPhy

October 2013 drugstore products so you can achieve the zombie look. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Zombie Makeup Demonstration, Oct. 14

Tuesday, Oct. 15 Sneaky Art. 11 a.m.-noon. Kids ages 7-11 can

make playful, eyecatching objects to hide in plain sight, based on the Martha Jocelyn book Sneaky Art. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 ÂŠ Igor Zakowski | Dreamstime.com

Discovery Club. 4-5 p.m. Students ages 8-12

can learn fun facts and engage in awesome activities as part of this club for science seekers. Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip St., Liverpool. Free. Registration required: 457-0310. lpl.org.

Education-Book Signing. 7 p.m. Delores and Hermon Card will talk about and sign copies of their book on education, The Missing Piece. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

Thursday, Oct. 17 Terrific Thursdays. 11:30 a.m. In this session

of the series for homeschooling families, kids in grades K-12 will learn about fire safety and see equipment and the fire truck of the DeWitt Fire Department. Preschoolers in the group can take part in activities in a separate room. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. Registration required (including names and ages of all children attending): 446-3578.

Bravest vs. Finest Basketball. 7 p.m. Members of the Syracuse Police Department (the Bravest) take on players from the Syracuse Fire Department (the Finest) in a basketball game to raise money for the Syracuse Parks Conservancy. Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central, 258 E. Adams St., Syracuse. $2. 374-7634.

Friday, Oct. 18 Toddler Dance Party. 10:30 a.m. Kids ages 18 months-5 years old, with caregivers, can dance with their friends. There will be musical instruments, bubbles and more. DeWitt Community Library, Shoppingtown Mall (below food court), 3649 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 446-3578. Family Fun Halloween Party. 5-8 p.m. Kids can come in costume or borrow one of KidzClubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Facepainting, balloon animals, crafts and a costume contest are included with admission. For age 8 and under. KidzClub Indoor Play and Party Place, 219 Route 57, Phoenix. $12/child. 695-2211. www.kidzclubfun.com. Spooktacular. 6-9 p.m.; also Oct. 19, 25 &

26. At the Pumpkin Patch, kids up to age 16 can take part in activities or take a tour of the Haunted House. Burnet Park (former ice rink), via Coleridge or Avery Avenue entrances, Syracuse. Free admission; nominal fee for some activities. 473-4300.

Howling Hayride. 7-9 p.m.; also Oct. 19, 24, 25 & 26. Enjoy an experience that includes a continued on page 32

Family Times October 2013

calendar of events Family Fun Halloween Party, Oct. 18

continued from page 31

house of horrors, a maze, cider and a doughnut. Maxwell Park, Badgley Road, East Syracuse. $6.50/ advance (before Oct. 18); $8/door; free/age 5 & under. 446-9250, Ext. 9.

Library, 1620 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Free. 435-5326.

p.m. Local graphic novelist displays his sketching talent and signs copies of The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Book 1: Spelling Trouble. Barnes & Noble, 3454 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt. Free. 449-2948.

CureSearch Walk. 11 a.m.-noon (registration); noon (walk). Walk raises awareness and funds for CureSearch for Children’s Cancer. Long Branch Park, Longbranch Road, Liverpool. $10/adults; free/children. (614) 477-9390. www.curesearchwalk.org/syracuse.

Syracuse Crunch. 7 p.m. Vs. Binghamton Senators. See Oct. 12 listing.

listing.

Frank Cammuso Talk and Signing. 7

Saturday, Oct. 19 Junior Café Scientifique. 9:30-11 a.m. Middle school students, accompanied by an adult, can hear Damian Schofield of SUNY Oswego talk about the use of video game technology in the courtroom. MOST (Museum of Science & Technology), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. Free. Reservations requested: jrcafe@tacny.com. The Great Zoo Boo. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; also

Oct. 20, 26 & 27. A bustling Halloween bash with characters and sets for kids to enjoy in a “kooky not spooky” atmosphere. Costumes encouraged! Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Admission included with Zoo Boo activities: $8/adult; $12/age 3 & older; $8/age 2 & younger. 435-8511.

Scavenger Hunt and Crafts. 11 a.m. Kids ages 5-12 can find objects on the library scavenger hunt and then create fossils. Hazard Branch

Snow White. 12:30 p.m. See Oct. 5

Sciencenter Showtime. 2 p.m. Filmmaker Karen Rodriguez talks about Victorian era optical toys and helps participants build their own animation toy. Sciencenter, 601 First St., Ithaca. Admission: $8/adults; $7/seniors; $6/ages 3-17; free/under 3. (607) 272-0600. Blockbuster Movie. 2 p.m. See the PG-13-rated Star Trek: Into Darkness. Betts Branch Library, 2862 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Free. 435-1940. Sensory Friendly Time at the MOST. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Presented by

CNY SPD Parent-Connections, it’s a chance for children with sensory processing disorders to experience the museum. MOST (Museum of Science & Technology), 500 S. Franklin St., Syracuse. $8/ adults; $7/ages 2-11 and senior citizens. 425-9068. www.most.org.

A L E M CRI 2012

VOTED BEST BURGER

2013

V I T C E DET

KIDS LOVE ALE ‘n’ AnguS TOO!

In New York State

2 Years in a Row!

By The New York Beef Industry Council